How to Open an Australian Bank Account Online from the UK
Planning to relocate to Australia? Or maybe you're a UK resident and need an account in AUD for sending or receiving payments from Australia?
If you're relocating you'll be able to get an account with a bank in Australia - but you won't be able to complete the application process until you're about to leave the UK, or even when you actually arrive in Australia. And there's bad news if you're looking for a non-resident account to manage AUD payments. Chances are you'll struggle to open an Australian bank account without a local Australian address.
However, there are some alternative options available. This guide will take a look at the account opening process for Australian banks, and how non-resident accounts from alternatives like Wise or Revolut compare.
Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
Can a foreigner open an account in Australia? | Yes. Foreign residents of Australia can open a bank account easily. As a non resident alternatives like Wise or Revolut may be a better fit. |
Can I open a bank account in Australia without residency? | This is usually not possible. Instead, consider an AUD account from a provider like Wise or Revolut. |
Can I set up an Australian bank account from overseas? | Commbank lets you apply for an account 14 days before you move to Australia, but other banks require you to be a resident already to apply. |
Key points: Online Australian account opening
💡 Key points: Opening a Australian account as a non resident | |
|---|---|
Eligibility | Australian banks require you to be a resident already to apply - Commbank is an exception which lets you apply for an account 14 days before you move to Australia |
Fees | Most Australian bank accounts have monthly fees, which can often be waived by meeting eligibility requirements |
International transfers | Digital transfers with Australian banks often waive transfer fees but there are still exchange costs. Low cost alternatives like Wise or Revolut may be cheaper overall |
Currencies | Standard everyday Australian accounts from banks are in AUD only - check out alternatives like Wise or Revolut if you want multi-currency features |
Can I open an Australian bank account from the UK?
If you're a foreigner and resident in Australia with full local ID documents and a proof of address, you'll have no problem opening a bank account. However, if you're a foreigner moving to Australia you may have a few more hoops to jump through.
If you're a UK citizen moving to Australia, some banks like Commbank do let you start the account application process before you move, and visit a branch once you arrive, to get your debit card and present all your documents.
If you're starting your application online before you move to Australia, you'll need to complete the online form before you leave the UK - usually 14 days or less before your move. On arrival, gather all the paperwork you need, and present proof of your Australian residential address and tax number at a branch.
We recommend you book your appointment in-branch to verify your documents as soon as you can when you arrive. This will mean you can start withdrawing and spending in Australia.
Can I open a bank account in Australia only with my passport
No. You can not open a bank account in Australia with just a passport. You'll also need a set of paperwork showing both your identity and address, a tax number and a valid visa. If you're looking for an easier solution which you can arrange from the UK, an alternative from a provider like Wise or Revolut may be a better option.
Which account is best in Australia for non residents?
You'll have a choice of both major Australian banks, and specialist services, if you want an account you can use to hold, spend and exchange AUD. Specialists like Wise and Revolut let you hold and exchange dollars alongside other currencies, which can make your move more convenient - and is also handy whenever you travel.
Service | Wise | Revolut | ANZ | Westpac | Commbank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Currencies covered | 40+ currencies, including GBP, EUR, USD and AUD Spend and withdraw in 150+ countries | 25+ currencies including GBP, EUR, USD and AUD | Everyday accounts offered in AUD | Everyday accounts offered in AUD | Everyday accounts offered in AUD |
Non-resident accounts available | Yes | Yes | No | No | No - start application 14 days before travel, and complete on arrival |
Open online | Yes | Yes | No | No | No - branch visit required on arrival |
Maintenance fee | Free | Up to £45/month | 5 AUD monthly fee for standard everyday account | 5 AUD monthly fee for standard everyday account | 4 AUD monthly fee for standard everyday account |
International transfers | Low fee, varies by currency | Fee varies by currency and payment value | No transfer fee for digital payments - exchange rate costs and correspondent fees may apply | No transfer fee for digital payments - exchange rate costs and correspondent fees may apply | No transfer fee for digital payments - exchange rate costs and correspondent fees may apply |
*Details correct at time of writing - 14th May 2025
Wise non-resident account
12 million+ million customers from all around the world trust Wise to help them save when they send money overseas, and for cheap and convenient multi-currency accounts. You can open a Wise account using proof of address documents from the UK, to get local AUD bank details and start to receive, send and exchange Australian dollars right away.
In fact, with the Wise Account you can hold and manage 40+ currencies, get a linked international debit card, and account details for 20 currencies including AUD. That means you can get paid easily through local transfers. And to help you save, Wise currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markups.
Wise account | |
|---|---|
Account | Multi currency account from the UK and many other countries |
Eligibility | Online account opening from the UK and many other countries |
Is Wise safe? | Safe to use with 2 factor authentication, manual and automatic anti fraud tools and 24/7 customer service |
Fees | No account opening or maintenance fees, currency conversion fee from 0.48% |
Linked debit card | For spending in AUD, and internationally |
Limits | Sending limits of 1 million GBP from GBP and 1.8 million AUD when sending from AUD Receive up to 1.5 million AUD in a transfer |
Wise is great for: | Wise may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ Set up an AUD account balance before leaving the UK ✅ Low costs on currency conversion to and from AUD ✅ Debit card for spending and withdrawals ✅ Flexible management of many currencies | ❌ You need credit services or loans ❌ You prefer in person banking services |
Download the Wise app or open the Wise desktop site
Click Sign up and create an account with your email, Facebook, Google or Apple ID
Follow the prompts to enter the details needed
Upload a snap of your ID and address documents
Once your account has been verified you're good to go
Revolut non-resident account
Revolut offers a range of accounts you can use to hold, exchange and send 25 currencies including AUD. Different Revolut account tiers are available, including plans with no monthly charges, and options with monthly fees which come with higher levels of no fee transactions and more perks.
Depending on the account you choose you'll be able to get some no fee weekday currency exchange which uses the Revolut exchange rate, and extras like budgeting and savings tools, lounge access and travel perks.
Revolut account | |
|---|---|
Account | Multi currency account from the UK and many other countries |
Eligibility | Online account opening from the UK and many other countries |
Is Revolut safe? | Safe and trusted service which offers products all over the world for 50 million + customers |
Fees | Maintenance fees from 0 GBP to 45 GBP/month, with fair usage and out of hours costs on some currency conversion |
Linked debit card | For spending in AUD, and internationally |
Limits | Variable limits on sending payments, which can depend on your account tier and type |
Revolut is great for: | Revolut may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ Choosing different account plans depending on your preferences ✅ No fee transactions every month ✅ Ways to send and spend in 25+ currencies ✅ Card services with varied options depending on your tier | ❌ You need credit services or loans ❌ You prefer in person banking services |
To open an account with Revolut:
Download the Revolut app
Enter your phone number and set a PIN - you'll get a verification message from Revolut
Use the verification code to access the app and enter the details needed to create your account
Upload the required documents for verification
You can deposit funds and use your account once verified
Westpac non-resident account
Westpac does not allow you to open an account before you move to Australia. Some customers can open an account online, but if the bank can't verify your account digitally, you'll have to go to a branch to show your documents and have someone check everything there.
Westpac standard everyday accounts have a monthly fee but this can be waived by meeting various eligibility criteria, and offer a full suite of services for customers. Most accounts hold AUD only.
Westpac account | |
|---|---|
Account | AUD account |
Eligibility | Open on arrival in Australia |
Is Westpac safe? | Yes. Westpac is safe and trusted with industry level security measures throughout its operations |
Fees | 5 AUD/month maintenance fees, no fee for most international transfers made online, but currency exchange costs apply |
Linked debit card | For spending in AUD, and internationally |
Limits | Sending limits apply which are set to 750 AUD as default but can be changed. Maximum AUD transfer if 2 million AUD, but this requires additional security steps |
Westpac is great for: | Westpac may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅Full suite of services including credit and loans ✅ Some accounts can be opened digitally once you're in Australia ✅ Get an overdraft if you need one ✅ Ways to waive monthly fees offered | ❌ You want to open your account before you travel ❌ You need multi-currency services |
To open an account with Westpac:
Choose the account type you need and check eligibility
Gather the required paperwork
Visit a branch to show your documents and open your account
ANZ non-resident account
ANZ has everyday accounts which you can open once you arrive in Australia. There's a fully digital account with no monthly fee, or you can pay 5 AUD a month for a more comprehensive account option. Fee waivers are available for some customers based on personal circumstances. You can also send payments overseas usually with no upfront transfer fee as long as you use the online system.
ANZ account | |
|---|---|
Account | AUD account |
Eligibility | Open on arrival in Australia |
Is ANZ safe? | Yes. ANZ is safe and trusted everywhere it operates |
Fees | 5 AUD/month maintenance fees, no fee for most international transfers made online, but currency exchange costs apply |
Linked debit card | For spending in AUD, and internationally |
Limits | Send 1,000 AUD a day digitally, increasing to 25,000 AUD if you add in extra security measures |
ANZ is great for: | ANZ may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ Good branch and ATM network ✅ Everyday account services including ones with no monthly fee ✅ Credit and loan options ✅ Broad selection of products to suit different customer profiles | ❌ You want to open your account before you travel ❌ You need multi-currency services |
To open an account with ANZ:
Choose the account type you need and check eligibility
Gather the required paperwork
Visit a branch to show your documents and open your account
Commbank non-resident account
Commbank lets you apply for an account online if you're moving to Australia within the next 14 days. However, you won't have full account access until you arrive in the country and visit a branch to show your documents and get verified. At this point you'll also need to provide an Australian residential address.
Commbank also has a good range of other online resources designed to help people who are relocating to the country.
Commbank account | |
|---|---|
Account | Full range of accounts available, specific accounts recommended for people moving to Australia to work or study are Everyday Account Smart Access and Everyday Account Smart Access for Students |
Eligibility | Customers moving to Australia to work or study within the next 14 days |
Is Commbank safe? | Yes. Commbank is a large and trusted bank. |
Fees | Account opening, and maintenance fees, fall below fee, currency conversion fee |
Linked debit card | For spending in AUD, and internationally |
Limits | Sending limits for digital transfers of 5,000 AUD a day |
Commbank is great for: | Commbank may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ Starting the application before you leave the UK ✅ Card services as standard ✅ Some migrant banking perks and fee waivers offered ✅ Full suite of financial services | ❌ You want to open your account long before travel ❌ You need multi-currency services |
How to open an account with Commbank
Visit the Commbank website
Select the option to sign up on the Moving to Australia page
Pick the account you prefer
- Complete the online form following the prompts
- Visit a branch in person on arrival to show your ID
What documents do I need to supply?
When applying online for an Australian bank account, you'll need to supply documents that prove your identity and right to work in Australia.
In most cases, you will be asked to supply:
Your passport
Your visa
An address in Australia
National Insurance Number or Tax File Number (TFN)
Some banks will ask for your employer details and salary depending on the type of visa you are traveling on.
If you've applied online before moving to Australia, when you visit a branch for your identity check, the bank will verify your documents in person.
How much does it cost to open a bank account in Australia?
There's not usually an upfront fee to apply online for an Australian bank account from the UK. However, it's common for a monthly maintenance fee to apply, and you may also be required to make a minimum opening deposit. Some accounts have ways to have monthly fees waived - usually if you hold a high enough balance. Getting access to other premium services, like a loan or overdraft, may mean paying higher fees, too.
If you want to keep the costs of managing your money low, take a look at alternatives from providers like Wise or Revolut. Both offer some account services with no ongoing fees and a broad suite of services.
Is it possible to open a fee-free account in Australia?
Bank accounts in Australia commonly have monthly fees, although some do have ways to waive or avoid the costs by holding a high minimum balance. However, even if this fee is waived, it's important to remember that transaction fees are pretty much inevitable, and can mount up depending on how you use your account. Read the terms and conditions of your account carefully so there are no surprises.
Some other fees you should consider when choosing who to bank with are ATM and international transfer fees:
ATM fees
ATM fees aren't uncommon in Australia. For the most part, your choice of bank will offer you free withdrawals from their ATM. If you choose one of the big four banks, then you shouldn't find it hard to access an ATM nearby.
If your bank does not offer free ATM withdrawals from other major banks, then you will be charged an owner's fee when withdrawing. This fee is an average of $2 and subject to change depending on the ATM.
Westpac and Commbank are our recommended choices to avoid ATM fees and have the largest ATM networks. They have deals with all other major banks, so you have access to free ATM withdrawals throughout Australia.
International transfer fees
A move abroad usually comes hand in hand with an international transfer, which can come with high costs if you don't do your research.
These days there are a lot of options to transfer your money. Whether you're looking for the best value or the easiest option, it's important that you're aware of the fees involved.
For example, although many banks waive their transfer fees you may still pay correspondent fees and a mark up on the exchange rate. This can push up costs more than you expect.
We recommend using our comparison tool to choose the best option to transfer your cash abroad.
Choosing the right account for you
Whether you're a first timer, frequent traveller or returning back home, moving across the world is a big deal. It's important that your bank is the right choice for your needs.
Unlike the UK, Australia's banking system uses EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer as Point of Sale). The same as a debit card system i.e. linked to your current account, EFTPOS is unique to Australia and New Zealand and doesn't rely on credit payment systems such as Visa or Mastercard.
If you're looking to use your card internationally frequently, then you can choose a Visa debit when applying for each bank. This will usually incur a small annual fee ($10) but will enable you to use your card worldwide without issues. EFTPOS is only accepted in a selected few countries outside of Australia and New Zealand.
Cheque, Savings or Credit?
Although Australia's banking system is similar to that of the UK, this is a question that you're likely going to hear early on in your new life in Australia which you won't have heard before. Essentially, for each transaction the merchant will check with you which account you'd like the money to be taken from.
Cheque – A standard current account. Linked to your EFTPOS or debit card, money will be deducted from your current account.
Savings – A savings account is a great option to put some money aside and can be opened when you have successfully opened a current account. You won't usually choose this option when paying for everyday transactions.
Credit – A credit card will be harder to get in Australia and dependent on more factors than a cheque or savings account. If you do wish to get one, then it will need to be a few months after you've settled in Australia so the bank can monitor your financial trends.
Best option for Working Holiday visa
Most banks in Australia won't accept online applications if you are travelling on a Working Holiday Visa. The only option which allows advance application, as we've seen, is Commbank. Apply in the 2 weeks before you travel, to complete the opening process on arrival in Australia. Or choose an alternative like Wise and Revolut which you can open from the UK to manage your money in AUD easily.
Best option for Expats
If you are relocating with work, with your family or alone, then you might want to explore some of the features of other accounts Australian banks can offer.
A lot of accounts beyond a current account require in-branch discussion, so we would recommend opening a current account with any of the big four, and then looking to open Savings or Credit accounts when you're settled in Australia.
What is a bank account in Australia needed for?
If you're permanently relocating to Australia, a way to hold, send, spend and exchange AUD is pretty much essential. However, it can also be useful in other cases, such as a long holiday ro for people who plan to take a working break in Australia. Here are some of the ways an Australian bank account can help:
Hold AUD to avoid foreign transaction fees when spending in dollars
Get paid by others in AUD
Make convenient transfers to people and businesses in Australia
Cut the costs of currency conversion between pounds and dollars
Benefits of opening a bank account in Australia
Here are a few of the important benefits of having an Australian bank account:
You may get a better exchange rate and lower fees when spending in AUD
You'll be able to receive and hold AUD payments
You'll avoid foreign transaction fees when you spend or withdraw dollars
Can I open a bank account online
You can't usually open a bank account in Australia online without having Australian ID documents. That means this isn't an option if you've got a UK ID or proof of address. In this case, check out alternative services like multi-currency accounts and cards from Wise or Revolut. You'll be able to hold and spend pounds and dollars from the same account, and may also be able to receive dollar payments from others.
How long does it take to open a bank account in Australia
You'll need to visit a branch of the bank you're interested in using, when you arrive in Australia. The staff can check out your documents and verify your application, and then you should be able to get your account number right away. It may take a few days for your card to arrive in the post.
How to transfer money to Australia without a bank account
If you're looking to transfer money to Australia without a bank account, then there are some further options open to you.
For starters, check out our money transfer country guide for the cheapest ways to transfer your GBP to AUD.
Then shop around to find the best option for you - here are some to consider. In this comparison we've modeled a payment of 10,000 GBP to AUD.
Fee | Exchange rate | Transfer speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
Wise | 32.72 GBP | Mid-market rate | 60%+ of transfers are instant, 80%+ arrive within an hour* |
Revolut | Variable fees depending on account | Revolut rate to plan limit, fair usage and out of hours fees may apply | Variable delivery times |
TorFX | No fee | Rate includes a markup | Same day in most cases |
Starling Bank | 45.5 GBP | Rate includes a markup | Variable delivery times |
*Details correct at time of writing - 14th May 2025 (*The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions)
Wise
Send to 140 countries, with low fees from 0.48% and the mid-market rate. Pay using your preferred method including bank transfer and card.
Revolut
Revolut offers international transfers to 150+ countries globally. Fees might vary depending on the account you have and you may also have to pay for currency conversion depending on the transfer details.
TorFX
Send in 40+ currencies, with phone support 24/7. There's no transfer fee but exchange rates can include a markup. TorFX has a reputation for excellent customer support.
Starling Bank
Starrling is a British bank which is easy to use, including for multi-currency spending and money transfers. Starling Bank international transfers can be pretty quick and cheap, so it's worth comparing their costs if you already bank with Starling.
Conclusion: Open a bank account online Australia
You can open a bank account in Australia pretty easily once you've arrived and have a local address and tax information. However, if you're not in Australia yet, or if you're not planning on relocating at all, you won't be able to get an account from an Australian bank. Instead, services like Wise and Revolut are a great alternative. Open your account in the UK but still get ways to hold, receive, send and spend AUD, often with low or no ongoing fees, and great exchange rates.
Open an Australian bank account online FAQs
What are the types of bank accounts in Australia
The most common accounts for daily use are known as everyday accounts in Australia - the equivalent of a current account in the UK. Aside from this, you'll see saving and term deposit accounts and specialist services for kids and students.
How to apply for a bank account online in Australia?
You can usually only apply for a bank account online in Australia if you have an Australian ID document for verification purposes. If not, try an alternative from a provider like Wise or Revolut instead.
Can I open an Australian bank account on a tourist visa?
No, you can usually only apply for a bank account in Australia if you have an Australian visa like a work permit or permanent resident document for verification purposes. If you have a tourist visa for a short time in the country, try an alternative from a provider like Wise or Revolut instead.