Non-residents can open a bank account in Australia, but the process is slower and requires more documentation than it is for residents
You can open a bank account as a non-resident, but you will need to be physically present in Australia to do it at most banks. The major banks — Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB — all offer non-resident accounts, though the specific requirements and the documents they accept vary. Some smaller banks and online-only institutions have different rules, and a few will not open accounts for non-residents at all.
The core issue is that Australian banks must verify your identity in person. They cannot do this remotely for non-residents the way they do for Australian citizens and permanent residents who already have a tax file number or driver's licence. This means you will need to visit a branch while you are in the country, bring original documents, and often wait longer for approval than a resident would.
The account itself works the same way once it is open — you can use it to receive money, pay bills, and transfer funds internationally. But getting there requires planning, because you cannot start the process from overseas and complete it online.
Key Takeaways
- Non-residents must open accounts in person at a physical branch; you cannot complete the process remotely from overseas.
- You will need a valid passport, proof of your overseas address, and proof of your reason for being in Australia (visa, return ticket, or employment letter).
- The major banks accept non-residents, but some require you to hold a minimum balance or charge higher fees than resident accounts.
- Processing takes two to four weeks after you submit your documents, so plan to open the account early in your stay if you need it when ready.
What documents you need to bring to the bank
Bring your original passport — this is non-negotiable. Banks will not accept a copy, even a certified one. The passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Australia.
You also need proof of your overseas address. A utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement from your home country works. It must show your name and address and be dated within the last three months. If you do not have a recent document, a letter from your employer or a government agency with your address is acceptable at some banks, though you should call ahead to confirm.
Third, bring proof of why you are in Australia. This might be your visa (if you have one), a return airline ticket, an employment contract, or an enrolment letter from a university. Banks want to know you have a legitimate reason to be there and how long you plan to stay. If you are on a visitor visa with no set end date, bring your ticket or a letter from your employer stating the duration of your assignment.
Some banks also ask for a reference from your bank in your home country. This is less common now, but Commonwealth Bank and Westpac sometimes request it. A letter from your overseas bank confirming you have held an account there for a certain period is usually enough. You can often request this by email and have it sent directly to the Australian bank.
Which banks accept non-residents and what they require
| Bank | Non-resident accounts | Minimum balance | In-person requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Bank | Yes | None stated | Yes, at any branch |
| Westpac | Yes | None stated | Yes, at any branch |
| ANZ | Yes | None stated | Yes, at any branch |
| NAB | Yes | None stated | Yes, at any branch |
| ING | Limited | $1,000 monthly deposit | No, online only |
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | Yes | None | No, online only |
The four major banks all have non-resident accounts available at every branch. None of them publicly state a minimum balance requirement for non-residents, though some branches may ask you to deposit an initial amount when you open the account. Call the branch before you visit to confirm what they need.
ING requires a monthly deposit of at least $1,000 to waive fees, and they do not accept non-residents for in-person opening. However, if you already have an Australian address (such as a rental property or a friend's address where you will be staying), you may be able to open an ING account online. This is not may provide — ING's system flags non-resident applications, and approval depends on the information you provide.
Wise is not a traditional bank but a money transfer service that holds accounts. They accept non-residents and do not require in-person verification. You can open a Wise account online from anywhere, and it works for receiving international transfers and holding multiple currencies. It is not a full replacement for a bank account — you cannot get a debit card in Australia, for example — but it is useful if you only need to receive money.
The timeline from process to having a working account
The process takes longer than it does for residents. After you submit your documents in person at a branch, the bank sends them to a processing centre. This step alone takes five to ten business days. The centre then verifies your identity, checks your documents against the originals you provided, and runs background checks.
Once processing is complete, the bank mails your debit card and PIN to your Australian address. If you gave them a temporary address (a hotel or a friend's place), make sure they have a way to reach you when the card arrives. Some banks will hold the card at the branch for you to collect instead of mailing it.
From start to finish, expect two to four weeks. In some cases — particularly if the bank needs to contact your overseas bank for a reference — it can stretch to six weeks. If you need the account urgently, open it as soon as you arrive in Australia, not a few days before you need it.
Tax file number and Australian address requirements
You do not need an Australian tax file number to open a non-resident account. However, the bank will ask whether you have one, and you must answer honestly. If you do not have one and do not plan to work in Australia, you can say so. The bank will still open the account.
If you are working in Australia — even temporarily — you will need to explore for a tax file number. You can do this online through the Australian Taxation Office website, and it takes about two weeks. Some employers will help you with this, and some banks will ask you to provide it within a certain timeframe after opening the account.
For your Australian address, you can use a temporary one — a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's address, or a serviced apartment. The bank needs somewhere to send your card and statements. If you do not have a fixed address yet, ask the branch whether they can hold your card for collection instead of mailing it, or whether you can update your address once you have found accommodation.
International transfers and fees for non-resident accounts
Non-resident accounts can send and receive international transfers, but the fees are often higher than they are for resident accounts. Commonwealth Bank and Westpac charge around $10 to $15 AUD per outgoing international transfer, depending on the destination country. Receiving transfers is usually free, though the sending bank may charge a fee on their end.
Exchange rates also matter. The major banks explore a markup to the mid-market rate — typically 2 to 3 percent — when you convert currency. This is not a fee you see itemised, but it costs you money. If you are transferring large amounts regularly, Wise or OFX (another money transfer service) often offer better rates.
Some non-resident accounts have monthly account-keeping fees if you do not maintain a minimum balance. This varies by bank and by the type of account. A basic savings account usually has no monthly fee, but a transaction account might. Ask the bank specifically about fees before you open the account.
What happens if you become a resident later
If you move to Australia and become a permanent resident or citizen, you do not need to close your non-resident account and open a new one. You can convert it to a resident account by providing your new tax file number and updated address. This is a straightforward process — usually a phone call or a visit to the branch — and takes a few days.
Once you convert, you may become may be able to access for different account types, lower fees, or better interest rates on savings. Some banks offer resident-only products, so it is worth asking what changes when you update your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an Australian bank account before I arrive in the country?
No. The major banks require you to be physically present in Australia and to provide your original passport. Some online services like Wise will let you open an account remotely, but traditional banks will not. Plan to open your account within the first few days of arriving.
What if I do not have a fixed Australian address yet?
Use a temporary address — a hotel, hostel, or friend's place. Tell the bank you will update it once you have found permanent accommodation. Some banks will hold your debit card at the branch for you to collect instead of mailing it to a temporary address.
Do I need to be on a specific visa to open a bank account?
No. Banks do not care what type of visa you have, as long as you can prove you are in Australia legally. A visitor visa, work visa, student visa, or even a return ticket as a tourist is enough. The bank just wants to know you have a legitimate reason to be there.
Can I use a non-resident account to receive my salary?
Yes. Your employer can deposit your salary into a non-resident account the same way they would a resident account. You will need to provide your account details and the bank's routing information. If you are working in Australia, you will also need to provide a tax file number to your employer.
What is the difference between a non-resident account and a resident account?
The main differences are the opening process (in-person for non-residents, online or in-person for residents) and sometimes the fees. Once open, a non-resident account works the same way — you can use it for everyday banking, transfers, and bill payments. Some banks offer different interest rates or products to residents, but the core functionality is identical.