Yes, you can open a Commonwealth Bank account online, but the process depends on which type of account you want and whether you're a new customer or existing customer

Commonwealth Bank (CBA) lets you start most savings and transaction accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The entire process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have the right documents ready. However, some account types—particularly investment or business accounts—still require a phone call or in-person visit to complete.

The key requirement is a valid Australian driver's license or passport, a current email address, and a mobile phone number. If you're opening an account as a new customer to the bank, CBA will verify your identity using information from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and other government records. Existing CBA customers can open additional accounts even faster because the bank already has your details on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Commonwealth Bank allows online account opening for most savings and transaction accounts using your driver's license or passport and a mobile phone number.
  • The verification process uses ATO records and takes a few minutes, but you may be asked to provide additional documents if the automated check cannot confirm your identity.
  • New customers can complete the entire process on the CBA website or app, while some account types like investment accounts require a phone call to finish.
  • Your account is usually active within one business day, though you may need to wait for a debit card to arrive by post before you can use it at physical stores.

What documents you need to open an account online

You must have one of these forms of identification: an Australian driver's license, a passport, or a proof of age card. CBA will ask you to enter the document number and expiry date during the online process. The bank uses this information to cross-check records with the ATO and other government agencies to confirm you are who you say you are.

You also need a current mobile phone number and email address. CBA will send a one-time verification code to your phone during sign-up, so the number must be one you can access immediately. Your email becomes your login username, so choose one you use regularly and can remember.

If you're opening a joint account, both account holders must complete the online process separately using their own identification and contact details. CBA will link the accounts once both people have finished their verification.

How the online verification process works

After you enter your personal details and document information, CBA's system checks your information against ATO records and other databases. This automated check usually completes within seconds. If the system confirms your identity, you move straight to choosing your account type and setting up your login details.

If the automated check cannot confirm your identity—which can happen if your details don't match government records exactly, or if you've recently moved—CBA will ask you to upload additional documents. These might include a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, or a bank statement from another bank. You can upload these through the app or website, and CBA typically reviews them within one business day.

In some cases, a CBA staff member may call you to verify information over the phone. This is not common, but it can happen if there are discrepancies in your records or if you're opening certain account types. The bank will use the phone number you provided during sign-up.

Account types you can open online

Commonwealth Bank offers several accounts through their online process. The NetBank Saver is a basic savings account with no monthly fees. The Everyday Account is a transaction account designed for regular deposits and withdrawals, also with no monthly fees. Both can be opened entirely online.

The Progress Saver is a savings account that offers a higher interest rate if you meet certain conditions, such as making a deposit each month or not making withdrawals. This account can also be opened online. CBA also offers accounts for young people under 18, which can be opened online by a parent or guardian using their own identification.

Some accounts—such as investment accounts, business accounts, or accounts linked to specific loan products—cannot be opened entirely online. CBA will tell you during the sign-up process if your chosen account type requires a phone call or branch visit to complete.

What happens after you submit your application

Once you've completed the online form and passed identity verification, your account is usually active within one business day. You'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and login details. You can log in to CBA's website or app immediately to see your account and set up payments.

Your debit card will arrive by post within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still use your account to receive deposits, set up automatic payments, and transfer money using your account number and BSB (Bank State Branch number). You cannot use the account at ATMs or physical stores until your card arrives and you activate it.

If you need to access cash before your card arrives, you can visit any Commonwealth Bank branch and withdraw using your account number and identification. Some branches may also issue a temporary card on the spot, though this varies by location.

When you might need to call or visit a branch instead

If you cannot complete identity verification online—for example, if your details don't match government records or if you don't have a valid Australian driver's license or passport—you'll need to visit a branch or call CBA to finish opening your account. You can call Commonwealth Bank on 13 22 24 (available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm) to arrange this.

If you're opening an account as a non-resident or if you don't have an Australian Tax File Number, the online process may not work. In these cases, you'll need to visit a branch in person or call to discuss your options. CBA has different requirements for non-residents, and a staff member will walk you through what documents you need.

Business accounts and trust accounts also require a phone call or branch visit, as CBA needs to verify additional information about the business structure or trust deed. If you're opening one of these accounts, you'll be directed to call during the online process.

Troubleshooting common problems during sign-up

If your identity verification fails repeatedly, the most common reason is that your personal details don't match government records exactly. Check that you've entered your name, date of birth, and address exactly as they appear on your identification document. If you've recently changed your name or moved, government records may not have updated yet, and you may need to provide additional documents.

If you don't receive the verification code on your mobile phone, check that you've entered the correct number and that your phone has signal. CBA will allow you to request the code again after a short wait. If you still don't receive it, you can choose to verify using email instead, or call CBA to complete the process over the phone.

If the website or app keeps timing out or crashing, try using a different browser or device. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then start again. If the problem continues, call CBA or visit a branch to open your account in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Commonwealth Bank account online?

The online process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if your identity verifies automatically. If CBA needs to review additional documents, the account may take one to two business days to activate. Your debit card arrives by post within 7 to 10 business days after that.

Can I open a Commonwealth Bank account if I don't have an Australian driver's license?

Yes, you can use an Australian passport or proof of age card instead. If you don't have any of these, you'll need to visit a branch or call CBA to discuss other options, as online verification requires one of these three forms of identification.

Do I need to be an Australian citizen to open an account online?

You need to be an Australian resident with a Tax File Number for the online process to work. Non-residents can open accounts, but they must call or visit a branch, as CBA has different verification requirements for people without an Australian address or TFN.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes, you can receive deposits, set up automatic payments, and transfer money using your account number and BSB immediately. You cannot withdraw cash at ATMs or use the account at stores until your debit card arrives and you activate it.

What if I'm opening an account for someone under 18?

A parent or guardian can open a youth account online using their own identification. The young person's details are added during the process, but the parent or guardian must complete the verification step. Some features of the account may be restricted until the young person turns 18.