Product details
Australians aged 55 or over are eligible for a specialised account from the Bank of Melbourne that charges no monthly fees or transaction fees. You can bank in the branch, online, or with a Visa debit card.
Accessing your balance is easy. Get access to a chequebook, ATM card (FreedomCard) and Visa Debit Card.
- Product Name
- Bank of Melbourne Retirement Access Plus
- Monthly Account Fee
- $0
- Debit Card Access
- Visa
- ATM Withdrawal Fee
- $0
- Interest Rate p.a.
- 1.70%
- Details
- Pay no monthly account keeping fees.
- Joint Application
- Yes
- Fee Free Deposit p.m.
- $0
- Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fee
- $5
- Overseas Eftpos Fee
- 3%
- Phone Banking
- Yes
- Fees
- $0
- Internet Banking
- Yes
What are the features of the Bank of Melbourne Retirement Access Plus Transaction Bank Account?
Before deciding on the right account to help handle your retirement finances, you should be comparing the features it provides with those of similar accounts with other financial institutions.
Tiered interest rate.
Interest on this account is tiered. Balances over $41,000 accrue interest at 1.70% p.a.. Interest is calculated daily and paid into the account monthly.
No strings attached
Unlike other savings accounts, there is no condition you need to meet to earn interest. You don’t need to make a certain number of deposits each month and you still earn interest if you make withdrawals.
Unlimited transactions
The Retirement Access Plus Account is a savings account with debit card access. You can make an unlimited number of everyday banking transactions including ATM withdrawals, staff-assisted transactions and EFTPOS transactions. No fees apply when using Westpac Group ATMs. There is no minimum balance requirement for this.
No monthly fees
This account does not charge an application fee or any ongoing monthly account fees.
Unlimited Internet banking
Internet banking lets you view your account balance, make payments to other accounts, pay bills via BPAY and review electronic statements. The online application for this account includes a step to register for Internet banking.
Access free ATM withdrawals
Pay no withdrawal fees when using any Bank of Melbourne, St.George, Bank SA or Westpac branded ATM in Australia. However, you may be charged a fee if you use another third party ATM.
Eligibility
You can apply for this account if you’re over 55 and you’re retired. You can also apply for this account if you’re claiming an aged pension, carers pension, disability pension, widow pension or veterans affairs pension. You will need to show a pension card at a Bank of Melbourne branch if you want to apply for this account and you’re under 55.
Mobile app.
The Bank of Melbourne has developed a free app that can be downloaded onto an iPhone or Android mobile device. This gives you the same accessibility as online banking as well as the ability to withdraw cash without having to use a debit card.
Pros
- $0 account service fee every month
- Unlimited everyday banking transactions
- Wide range of access for your funds
Cons
- For over 55's only
- There is a $5 charge of overseas ATM withdrawal
- 3% international transaction fees apply
How do you apply for the Bank of Melbourne Retirement Access Plus Transaction Bank Account?
Seniors should take great care when choosing an account to help manage a fixed income. If after making comparisons you find that this account has all that you need, you can either call Bank of Melbourne or visit a branch to apply for the account. Before doing so however, you should ensure that you are eligible for this account type:
- Minimum age. You must be 55 years of age or older or be receiving an; age pension, carer’s pension, disability pension, widow pension, or veteran affairs pension.
- Residency requirement. Only Australian residents or citizens can apply for this account.
- Depository requirement. This account can be opened with as little as $1 for an initial deposit.
To help facilitate filling out the application bring along the following documentation:
- Tax file number. Supplying the bank with your tax file number (TFN) or exemption code will ensure that any interest earned is being taxed in the correct bracket.
- Identification. Photo identification will be required in order to complete the application. This could include your Australian passport or driver’s licence.
- Pensioner card. If you are receiving any pension you will need to show your card when filling out the application.
If you are a new Bank of Melbourne customer the bank will first need to verify your identity before they can open the account. Once all of the details have been confirmed you will be given the details of your new account and shown how to take advantage of features such as online banking.
does this account work with Microsoft money
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your question.
Microsoft Money allows you to download statements from financial institutions that provide OFX or QIF downloads. Please contact Bank of Melbourne directly if they provide statements in that format.
Cheers,
Anndy