Non-residents can open a bank account in Australia, but the process is stricter than for residents and depends on which bank you choose and what type of account you need
Most major Australian banks will open accounts for non-residents, but they require more documentation and verification than they do for people living in Australia. The key difference is that banks must confirm your identity and address without being able to visit you in person or check Australian government records. Some banks have streamlined this for certain visa holders or people with Australian employment, while others make it harder. A few smaller banks and online-only institutions have simpler processes for non-residents than the Big Four banks do.
The type of account you want matters. A basic transaction account (checking) is usually easier to open than a savings account with a debit card, because it carries less fraud risk. If you are moving to Australia soon or already have an Australian address, the process becomes much faster. If you are opening from overseas with no Australian ties, expect longer delays and more requests for proof.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Four banks (Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ, NAB) all open accounts for non-residents, but each has different document requirements and processing times that can range from one week to four weeks.
- You will need a valid passport, proof of your overseas address, and proof of identity from your home country; some banks also require a reference from another bank or an Australian contact.
- Online banks and smaller institutions often have faster non-resident processes than major banks, though they may offer fewer branch services.
- If you have an Australian phone number, address, or employment offer, the process is faster because banks can verify you more easily.
- Some banks will not open accounts for residents of certain countries due to international compliance rules, so checking with your specific bank first saves time.
What the Big Four banks require from non-residents
Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB each have a non-resident account opening process, but the documents they ask for are not identical. All four require a valid passport and proof of your current overseas address (a utility bill, rental agreement, or government letter dated within the last three months). They also all require you to prove your identity through your home country's systems — this might mean a national ID card, driver's license, or a document from your government.
Commonwealth Bank asks for a reference from another financial institution you use, or from an Australian contact who has known you for at least two years. Westpac requires similar references but may waive them if you have an Australian employment contract. ANZ and NAB are more flexible on references but ask more detailed questions about the purpose of the account and the source of funds you plan to deposit. Processing time across all four is typically two to four weeks once you submit everything, though it can be faster if you are opening the account in person at a branch while in Australia.
All four banks now offer online application for non-residents, which means you do not have to visit a branch, but you will need to upload scanned or photographed copies of your documents. Make sure your images are clear, show the full document, and are in colour if the document itself is in colour.
Faster alternatives: online banks and smaller institutions
Several Australian banks designed for online-only customers have simpler non-resident processes. Wise (formerly TransferWise) operates a bank account in Australia and opens accounts for non-residents with just a passport and proof of address, usually within three to five business days. ING Australia also opens non-resident accounts online and has a faster turnaround than the Big Four, typically one to two weeks. Macquarie Bank offers non-resident accounts with similar speed, though they focus more on investment and savings products.
The trade-off is that these banks have fewer physical branches, so if you need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person, you will have fewer options. However, if you only need to transfer money, pay bills online, or receive deposits, they work well. Some of these banks also charge lower fees for international transfers, which matters if you plan to move money between Australia and your home country regularly.
Documents you will need to prepare
Gather these documents before you start the application, because banks will ask for them all at once and delays in providing them can push your opening date back by weeks. You will need a valid passport (must not be expired), proof of your overseas address dated within the last three months (utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement, or government letter), and proof of identity from your home country such as a national ID card or driver's license. Some banks also request a bank reference — a letter from your current bank or a statement showing you hold an account there, dated within the last three months.
If you have an Australian job offer letter or a lease agreement for an Australian address, include these as well — they are not required, but they speed up processing significantly. If any document is not in English, you will need a certified English translation. This is not something the bank will do for you, and you will need to pay a translator to do it. Many banks accept translations from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) or from a translator certified by your home country's government.
How to apply online from overseas
Start by visiting the bank's website and looking for "open an account" or "non-resident account" options. Most banks have a dedicated online form for non-residents that asks for your personal details, passport number, overseas address, and the reason you want the account. Fill this out completely and honestly — banks flag incomplete applications and send them back, which adds another week to the process.
After you submit the form, the bank will send you an email with instructions on how to upload your documents. Use a scanner if you have one; phone photos work but must be clear and well-lit. Upload each document separately and label them clearly (for example, "Passport_John_Smith.pdf"). Some banks have a video verification step where you show your passport to a camera and answer questions about your identity — this is normal and takes about five minutes.
Once the bank receives your documents, they will send you a confirmation email. Processing time starts from this point, not from when you first applied. You can usually check the status of your application by logging into the bank's website or calling their non-resident support line, though wait times for phone support can be long.
What happens if your country is on a compliance list
Some countries face additional scrutiny from Australian banks due to international money-laundering and terrorism-financing rules. If you are a resident of Iran, North Korea, Syria, or a few other countries, Australian banks will refuse to open accounts for you. If you are from a country flagged as higher-risk (which includes many countries in Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa), banks may ask for extra documents such as a letter from your employer, proof of the source of your funds, or a reference from your government.
There is no public list of which countries trigger extra scrutiny, so the only way to know is to apply and see what the bank asks for. If a bank refuses you, they will usually tell you it is due to compliance rules, but they will not explain exactly why. You can try a different bank — some are stricter than others — but if multiple banks refuse you, the issue is likely your country of residence, not your individual circumstances.
Opening an account in person while visiting Australia
If you are planning to visit Australia, opening an account in person at a branch is faster and easier than doing it online from overseas. Bring your passport, proof of your overseas address (printed or on your phone), and any other documents the bank asks for. Most branches can open a basic account on the same day, and you will walk out with a debit card or at least a temporary card number you can use immediately.
The downside is that you need to be in Australia to do this, and you need to visit during branch hours. If you are only in the country for a short trip, this may not be practical. However, if you are moving to Australia and will be there for a few weeks before your visa starts or your job begins, opening an account in person during that time is the fastest route.
After your account opens: what to expect
Once the bank confirms your account is open, they will send you login details for online banking and information about how to access your account. If you ordered a physical debit card, it will be mailed to your overseas address — this takes two to four weeks depending on the country. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately for online purchases and contactless payments through your phone.
Your account will be set up as a non-resident account, which means some features may be limited. For example, you might not be able to overdraft, or you might have lower daily transfer limits. These restrictions usually lift once you move to Australia and update your address to an Australian one. When you do move, contact the bank and ask them to change your account status from non-resident to resident — this usually takes a few days and removes most restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Australian phone number or address to open an account?
No, but having either one makes the process faster. If you have an Australian phone number (even a temporary one from a local SIM card), banks can verify you more easily. If you have an Australian address — such as a rental agreement or a letter from your employer — it speeds up processing by one to two weeks. Without either, expect the full processing time of two to four weeks.
Can I open an account if I do not have a job offer yet?
Yes. Banks do not require proof of employment to open a non-resident account. However, if you cannot explain why you want the account or where your money is coming from, some banks may ask more questions or request additional documents. Having a clear reason — such as "I am moving to Australia in three months" — helps.
What if the bank asks for proof of funds?
This means they want to see where the money you plan to deposit comes from. You can provide a letter from your employer, a bank statement showing your salary deposits, or a letter from a family member if they are giving you money. The bank is checking that you are not involved in money laundering, so be honest and provide whatever documents show the legitimate source of your funds.
How long does a debit card take to arrive if I open the account online?
Physical debit cards mailed to overseas addresses typically take two to four weeks, depending on which country you live in. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately for online payments and contactless phone payments. Ask the bank about this option when you open your account.
Can I change my account from non-resident to resident after I move to Australia?
Yes. Once you have an Australian address and update it with the bank, they will usually change your account status within a few business days. This removes restrictions on overdrafts, transfer limits, and some fees. Contact your bank's customer service and ask them to update your residency status.