How to open an Australian bank account for non-residents
If you’re moving to Australia from overseas, you’ll need an account to manage your finances in Australian dollars. It used to be possible to open an Australian bank account for non-residents before you move, so you could hit the ground running on arrival. This option is now far more limited, with only a few Australian banks supporting non-resident applications.
This guide looks at the key options from Australian banks which allow customers to apply for an account prior to moving to the country. We’ll also cover alternatives like Wise and Revolut which offer flexible accounts to hold and manage AUD, and which can be opened from many countries around the world.
Quick summary: Australian bank account for non-residents
- Most Australian banks offer account services to resident customers only – only a couple allow you to apply for an account before relocating to Australia
- If you’re able to apply for your Australian bank account in advance you’ll only be able to get limited features until you move
- Accounts from Australian banks usually support AUD only, rather than having multi-currency options
- If you don’t plan to move to Australia but want an AUD account to manage your money when you travel, a provider like Wise or Revolut may be able to help
- Australian bank accounts may have monthly fees, and will also use service and transaction charges – if you’d like an account which can be used for AUD with no monthly fee, a provider like Wise may suit you
Can I open an Australian bank account as a non-resident?
Some Australian banks offer account opening options for people who are planning to move to Australia. These allow you to apply for your account up to 14 days before you relocate, and then get verified properly in a branch on arrival to activate full account features. This guide looks at the migrant banking options from a couple of major Australian banks.
Australian banks aren’t the only option if you’d like to manage your money in Australian dollars. Providers like Wise and Revolut offer multi-currency accounts and payment cards which could allow you to hold AUD and your home currency in the same account, alongside many other currencies for day to day use.
Who is a non-resident in Australia?A non-resident in Australia is someone who does not hold legal residency in the country. You may be a non-resident in Australia if you’re visiting, or even staying for a while with a longer term tourist visa.
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How to open an Australian bank account for non-residents
The exact steps to open an Australian bank account for non-residents depend on the specific account you choose, and the bank’s own policies. Here’s an overview, and we’ve got more details in just a moment:
- Choose the account you prefer and check your eligibility
Major Australian banks may only offer non-resident accounts to people who are moving to Australia soon. The features and eligibility rules for these accounts can vary – when you choose the account you prefer you’ll need to double check you’ll be eligible to open it before you apply.
- Gather the required information and documents
If you’re opening an account with an Australian bank which offers migrant services you’ll usually be able to apply online, and visit a branch on arrival in Australia to complete verification. If you apply with a digital provider like Wise or Revolut the process is completed entirely online or in app.
- Apply online or in branch, and get verified
The application process can sometimes be started online, but a standard Australian bank account can only be opened by visiting a physical branch location. Check the account opening processes offered for your preferred account type.
- Fund your account and start to transact
When you’ve arrived in Australia and shown your ID to complete the account opening and verification process you can start to transact. If you’re using a provider like Wise or Revolut the process is even more straightforward – just apply online or in an app, and your card will be mailed to you after verification.
Australian bank account requirements for non-residents
Most Australian banks require you to have an Australian residential address to apply for an account. Some major banks do let you apply if you’re in the process of moving to Australia, but you will only have limited account access until you attend a branch to get verified.
Options like Wise or Revolut offer online application processes, with accounts to hold AUD available to customers in many countries.
What documents do you need to open a non-resident bank account?
The documents you need to open a non-resident bank account depend on the bank you pick. There are different requirements again if you’re opening an account with a provider like Wise. To give an example, here’s what you usually need to open an account through a bank’s migrant banking service:
| Required documents for bank non-resident account |
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What is proof of address for a bank account in Australia?
To open your Australian non-resident account you must prove your Australian address on arrival in the country. It may be helpful to call the bank before your appointment to check which documents are acceptable to show your residence and address, as there’s a pretty broad list of options, to suit different customer needs. You may be able to use a utility bill or a bank account statement for example.
Which Australian banks offer bank accounts for non-residents?
Whether or not you can open an Australian account as a non-resident might depend on whether you intend to move to the country, and the specific account you prefer. For people living elsewhere who are not intending to move to Australian options may be limited with Australian banks, but providers like Wise and Revolut can help instead.
Here are a few alternative providers which you might consider, which offer flexible low cost services for non Australian residents:
| Provider or bank | Eligibility | Supported currencies | Features | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westpac | Apply 14 days prior to moving to Australia, get verified on arrival | AUD | Full range of financial services available for Australian residents | No fee in the first year, 5 AUD after that
Transaction fees apply |
| Commbank | Apply 14 days prior to moving to Australia, get verified on arrival | AUD | Full range of financial services available for Australian residents | 4 AUD/month fee for Smart Access account – may be waived in first year
Transaction fees apply |
| Wise | Available for residents in many countries globally | 40+ currencies available | Card services, international transfers, currency exchange | No monthly fee
Transaction fees apply |
| Revolut | Available in many countries | 25+ currencies available | Card services, international transfers, currency exchange | Monthly fees may apply depending on account selected
Transaction fees apply |
Details correct at time of research – 24th July 2025
Westpac Migrant Banking account
💡Great for: Everyday account has no monthly fee in year 1, and can be opened prior to moving
Westpac recommends its Everyday account for migrants moving to Australia in the next 14 days. They’ll waive your monthly fee in the first year, and there are ways to have that fee waiver continued by holding a minimum balance amount of meeting other criteria. Westpac has the largest network of branches and ATMs in Australia, offering convenience for anyone who likes to manage their money in person.
Westpac has a full suite of financial services including credit cards, loans and mortgages. Everyday accounts support AUD only, but you can send international payments conveniently in the app when you need to.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid Australian visa and be moving to the country in the next 14 days
| Westpac account pros | Westpac account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ No monthly fee in year 1
✅ Large branch network ✅ Full account services available ✅ Well liked mobile banking app |
❌ Only available to people moving to Australia
❌No multi-curerncy options |
How to open a Westpac account as a non-resident
Apply for your account online using your passport and visa information. On arrival in Australia you must attend a branch in person to get verified and activate the account in full.
Commbank Migrant Banking account
💡Great for: Everyday Smart Access account has no monthly fee in year one if you apply online
Commbank recommends the Everyday Smart Access account which also has a student specific option, for people moving to Australia. If you apply online, you won’t pay any monthly fee in the first year. The account comes with physical and virtual debit cards which can be used for easy payments, as well as a full selection of local and international payment options.
Accounts also offer exclusive cashbacks, discounts and offers through CommBank Yello.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid Australian visa and be moving to the country in the next 14 days*
(*)Note that Commbank specifically states they’re unable to accept visitor visas under subclass 600, 601 or 651.
| Commbank account pros | Commbank account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Possible to waive monthly fees
✅Apply 14 days prior to moving ✅ Popular bank with large branch and ATM network ✅ Secure online and mobile banking services |
❌ No multi-currency account option for daily use
❌Only available if you’ll move to Australia |
How to open a Commbank account as a non-resident
Apply for your account online using your passport and visa information. On arrival in Australia you must attend a branch in person to get verified and activate the account in full.
Wise account
💡Great for: AUD and 40+ other currencies supported for holding and exchange
Wise Accounts can be opened by residents of many countries and regions globally, and offer 40+ supported currencies with competitive exchange rates and transparent fee structure. You can get your linked Wise Card to spend online and in person, send international payments with low fees and fast delivery times, and use AUD account information to receive payments conveniently.
In total, the Wise Account offers account information for 20+ currencies which can be used to receive payments with low fees. That makes this a great pick for non residents who need to manage their money across a broad range of currencies.
Eligibility: Available in many countries and regions globally
| Wise account pros | Wise account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ 40+ currencies supported
✅ Open from Australia and many other countries ✅ Low transaction fees and no monthly charges ✅ Fast payment services |
❌ Some transaction fees apply
❌ No branch network |
How to open a Wise account as a non-resident
- Download the Wise app or open the desktop site
- Select the option to Sign Up
- Follow prompts to enter your personal and contact information
- Upload the required documents for verification
- Tap + to open a AUD account from the Wise app
Revolut account
💡Great for: Hold and exchange 25+ currencies in one account
Revolut is available in many countries and allows customers to hold AUD and 25+ other currencies, with a linked debit card for spending and withdrawals. Account options do vary, but in most cases you can choose from different account plans depending on the features you require, including some which have no monthly fees.
Eligibility: Available in many countries and regions – not supported in some countries, including Canada
| Revolut account pros | Revolut account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Choose from different account plans
✅ Some accounts have no monthly fees ✅ All account offer a linked payment card ✅ Some no fee transactions are available on all account plans |
❌ Not globally available
❌ Monthly fees apply to the most feature packed accounts |
How to open a Revolut account as a non-resident
- Download the Revolut app
- Select the option to Sign Up
- Follow prompts to enter your personal and contact information
- Upload the required documents for verification
- Once verified, tap Accounts to open a AUD balance
Is it safe to open a non-resident account online?
Yes. Reputable account providers, and licensed banks, all offer safe ways to open an AUD account. If you choose a bank you’ll need to apply online first, and then verify your identity and address in a branch in person. Fully digital providers have a streamlined process to get verified online or with your phone.
Pros and cons for opening an Australian bank account for non-residents
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✅ Some Australian banks allow you to apply 14 days before you move to Australia
✅ Australian banks offer a full suite of account and card services ✅ You’ll need an Australian bank account for essential services if you relocate there ✅Providers like Wise and Revolut also support non-resident AUD accounts |
❌ Many banks do not allow non-resident account applications
❌ Australian banks usually support AUD holding only ❌ You may pay monthly fees for your Australian bank account |
Can I open a foreign currency account with a bank?
Everyday accounts in Australia are designed to hold AUD only in most cases. However, you might be able to open a dedicated foreign currency account for saving or for travel spend as an additional product. If you’d rather have low cost multi-currency account options, you may prefer digital specialists like Wise and Revolut instead.
Conclusion
Australian banks usually require you to have a local address to open your account. A couple of major banks do offer migrant banking services, which let you apply for an account up to 2 weeks before you move to Australia, but you’ll still need to visit a branch in person to get full account access.
If you’d prefer a more flexible account which supports many currencies and can be opened entirely online or in app, check out providers like Wise and Revolut. Both offer accounts with no monthly fees and linked cards for easy spending and withdrawals in Australia and overseas.
Bank non resident account FAQs
Can a tourist open a bank account?
Tourists can not usually open an Australian bank account. You’ll need a valid long term visa, and you’ll be asked to provide an Australian residential address. For travel purposes, Wise or Revolut might be a better fit.
Can I open a bank account with a passport?
No. You’ll need more than a passport to open an Australian bank account. Usually you’re also required to provide a valid visa and proof of address in Australia. If you’re not moving to Australia, consider Wise or Revolut instead, which accept proof of address documents from many countries.
Can you open a bank account as a foreigner in Australia?
You can open a bank account as a foreigner in Australia as long as you have a valid long term visa and a local Australian residential address.
Can you have an Australian bank account if you live overseas?
It is not usually possible to open an Australian bank account if you live in another country. If you want to manage AUD payments from abroad, try Wise or Revolut instead, which accept proof of address documents from many countries.
Can I open a bank account in Australia without an address?
You can start your account application before you know your Australian address – but you must provide your address and get verified to get full account access.
Which bank does not require an address?
Commbank and Westpac allow you to start the account application process without an Australian address. However, you must provide your address and get verified to get full account access.
