Yes, but most Australian banks require you to be in the country or already have an Australian address
You can open a bank account in Australia from overseas, but the process depends on which bank you choose and whether you have an Australian address or visa. The major banks—Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB—all offer accounts to people living abroad, but they have different requirements and timelines. Some banks will open an account remotely if you have a valid visa and an Australian address (even a temporary one). Others require you to open the account in person once you arrive.
The fastest route is usually to open an account before you leave your home country if your bank has a partnership with an Australian bank, or to wait until you arrive in Australia and visit a branch in person. Remote opening is possible but slower and comes with more documentation requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both offer remote account opening for people with an Australian address and a valid visa, though the process takes one to two weeks.
- If you do not have an Australian address yet, you will need to open your account in person at a branch after you arrive.
- You will need a valid passport, proof of your visa status, and proof of an Australian address (lease, utility bill, or letter from your employer).
- Some international banks have partnerships with Australian banks that let you transfer money more cheaply before you leave your home country.
- Opening an account remotely is slower than opening in person, so plan ahead if you need the account before a specific date.
Which banks accept remote applications from overseas
Commonwealth Bank and Westpac are the most straightforward options for remote opening. Both will accept applications from people outside Australia if you have a valid Australian visa and an Australian address. The address does not have to be permanent—a hostel, temporary rental, or even a letter from an employer confirming your work address will work. The application is done online, and you upload scans of your passport and visa documents.
ANZ and NAB are more restrictive. ANZ requires you to open an account in person at a branch, though you can start the process online and complete it when you arrive. NAB has similar requirements for most account types. If you are moving to Australia for work, your employer may have a relationship with one of these banks that speeds up the process—ask your HR department before you leave.
Smaller banks and online-only banks like ING and Macquarie also offer accounts, but they have their own rules. ING requires an Australian address and will process applications remotely. Macquarie is stricter and usually requires in-person opening. Check the bank's website for the current requirements, as these change.
What documents you need to prepare
You will need a valid passport and proof of your visa status. For remote applications, the bank will ask you to upload clear scans or photos of both documents. If you are applying for a work visa, student visa, or skilled migration visa, have your visa grant letter or the page of your passport showing the visa stamp ready. A temporary visa or visitor visa may not be accepted by all banks—check before you apply.
You also need proof of an Australian address. This can be a lease agreement, a utility bill in your name, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or a confirmation email from a hostel or temporary accommodation. If you have not yet secured housing, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or a hostel booking confirmation. Do not make up an address or use someone else's—banks verify this information.
Some banks ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you are opening a savings account or applying for a credit card at the same time. Have a recent payslip or employment contract ready. If you are moving for study, a letter from your university confirming your enrolment works instead.
How long remote opening takes and what to expect
Remote applications usually take one to two weeks from the time you submit all documents. Commonwealth Bank and Westpac typically process applications within five to ten business days if your documents are clear and complete. During this time, the bank will verify your identity, check your visa status, and confirm your address. You may receive an email or phone call asking for clarification on any documents.
Once approved, the bank will send you your account details by email or post. If you chose to receive a debit card, it will arrive by post to your Australian address within five to ten business days after approval. This means the total time from application to having a working debit card can be three to four weeks. Plan accordingly if you need the account by a specific date.
If you open your account in person after arriving in Australia, the process is much faster—usually 30 minutes to an hour at a branch. You walk out with a debit card and account details the same day, though the card may not be activated until you set a PIN at an ATM.
Using international transfers to fund your account before arrival
Once your Australian account is open, you can transfer money from your home country using an international bank transfer (also called a SWIFT transfer). This is the most common method, but it is slow and expensive. A typical SWIFT transfer takes three to five business days and costs between $15 and $50 depending on your home bank.
Faster and cheaper alternatives exist. If your home bank has a partnership with an Australian bank, you may be able to set up a direct transfer at a lower cost. Some international money transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer faster transfers at better exchange rates than traditional banks—usually one to two business days and a fee of 1 to 2 percent of the amount transferred. These services are especially useful if you are transferring a large amount.
Before you leave your home country, ask your bank whether they have a partnership with an Australian bank and what the transfer fees are. If the fees are high, open a Wise account before you leave and transfer money that way instead. This saves you money and gets your funds to Australia faster.
What to do if you cannot open a remote account
If the bank you want will not open an account remotely, you have two options: open a basic account in person when you arrive, or use a temporary solution until you can visit a branch.
Many banks offer a basic savings account that you can open in person at any branch with just your passport and proof of address. This takes 30 minutes and gives you a working account immediately. You can then upgrade to a full transaction account or add features like online banking once you have settled in.
If you need to receive money before you arrive, ask your employer or the person sending you money to use a service like Wise or OFX (a money transfer service). These services can send money to an Australian bank account even if you do not have one yet—they hold the money temporarily and deposit it once your account is open. This is slower than having your own account, but it works if you are in a tight spot.
Another option is to open a travel money card before you leave your home country. These are prepaid cards that you load with money in your home currency and use in Australia. They are not a bank account, but they let you withdraw cash and make purchases while you are waiting for your bank account to open. The exchange rates are usually worse than a bank transfer, so use this only as a short-term solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Australian Tax File Number to open a bank account?
No. You can open a bank account without a Tax File Number (TFN). However, if you plan to work in Australia, you will need to apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office. Most employers will ask for your TFN before your first pay, so apply as soon as you arrive or even before if you can do it online from your home country.
Can I open an account with a temporary address like a hostel?
Yes. Banks accept temporary addresses as long as you can prove you will be there (a booking confirmation or hostel email is usually enough). Tell the bank this is temporary when you apply, and you can update your address once you find permanent housing. Some banks let you do this online; others require you to visit a branch.
What if my visa has not been granted yet but I have a visa application pending?
Most banks will not open an account until your visa is approved and you have the grant letter or visa stamp in your passport. If your visa is taking a long time, contact the bank and ask whether they will hold an application or let you apply once you arrive. Do not apply with a pending visa—the application will be rejected.
Can I open a joint account with someone in Australia if I am overseas?
This depends on the bank. Some banks allow joint accounts to be opened remotely if one person is in Australia and one is overseas, but both people must provide identification and sign the application. Contact the bank directly to ask whether this is possible and what documents both people need to provide.
Will opening an Australian bank account affect my home country bank account?
No. Opening an Australian account does not close or affect your home country account. You can keep both open and transfer money between them as needed. However, tell your home country bank that you are moving so they do not flag international transfers as suspicious activity.