How to open an Australian bank account before you arrive

CBA pre-arrival account

Commonwealth Bank's pre-arrival programme allows you to open a Smart Access transaction account from overseas (CommBank). The process involves completing an online application on CBA's website, providing your passport details and visa information, nominating an Australian address for your debit card, and receiving your account details (BSB and account number) immediately after approval.

Once the account is open, you can transfer funds to it from your overseas bank account. The account is fully functional for receiving transfers — the BSB and account number work for both domestic and international incoming payments.

Your debit card is posted to the Australian address you provide. If you are staying in temporary accommodation initially, you can use that address. CBA also offers the option to collect your card from a branch on arrival.

Within six weeks of arriving in Australia, you must visit a CBA branch with your passport and visa to complete identity verification. Until this is done, the account has limited functionality (you cannot withdraw large amounts or access certain services). The branch visit takes approximately 15–30 minutes.

CBA is Australia's largest bank by branch network and ATM coverage, making it convenient for most new migrants regardless of where they settle.

NAB pre-arrival account

NAB offers a similar pre-arrival programme (NAB). The application process mirrors CBA's: online application, passport and visa details, Australian address for the card, and immediate account details.

NAB's transaction account can be opened from overseas for most eligible visa types. Like CBA, you must visit a NAB branch within a specified period (typically six weeks) after arrival to complete identity verification.

NAB has a smaller branch network than CBA but is still widely accessible in all major cities and many regional centres.

Choosing between CBA and NAB

The choice between CBA and NAB for a pre-arrival account is largely a matter of personal preference and branch proximity. Both offer similar account types, similar functionality, and similar pre-arrival processes. CBA has more branches and ATMs. NAB may offer specific promotions or account features that differ. Neither is significantly cheaper for everyday banking.

Some migrants open pre-arrival accounts with both banks and decide which to keep as their primary account after arriving and experiencing each bank's services. There is no cost to opening the accounts (no account-keeping fees on basic transaction accounts).

Transferring funds before arrival

Once your pre-arrival account is open, you can transfer money to it from overseas. You have the account's BSB and account number, and the bank's SWIFT code (CBA: CTBAAU2S, NAB: NATAAU3303M).

For transferring funds, consider using a specialist provider (Wise, OFX) rather than your overseas bank's SWIFT transfer. The provider converts to AUD at a competitive rate and deposits to your new Australian account. This can save significantly compared to your overseas bank's exchange rate and fees.

You can transfer any amount — there are no limits on incoming transfers. Having AUD in your account when you arrive means immediate access to funds via your debit card, no need to carry large amounts of cash through customs, and no waiting for a conversion to clear.

Other banks

ANZ and Westpac do not offer formal pre-arrival account opening programmes comparable to CBA and NAB. If you specifically want to bank with ANZ or Westpac, you can open an account within the first six weeks of arrival by visiting a branch with your passport (the simplified ID process for new arrivals applies during this period). After six weeks, standard Australian ID requirements (100 points of identification) apply, which can be more difficult for newly arrived migrants.

Some digital banks (Revolut, Up, ING) offer online account opening but may require an Australian mobile number or other Australian-based verification that is not available before arrival.

After arrival: completing verification

Within six weeks of arrival, visit your chosen bank's branch with your passport (with valid visa entry stamp or electronic travel authority), your visa grant notice, and any other identification documents you have (driver's licence, national ID card). The bank verifies your identity, activates full account functionality, and you can set up online banking, mobile banking, and additional services.

After the six-week window, you need 100 points of Australian identification to open a bank account. An Australian driver's licence (40 points) and a Medicare card (25 points) are common items, but these take time to obtain. Opening the account within six weeks avoids this hurdle.

Can I open an account before my visa is granted?

Generally, no. The pre-arrival programmes require a valid visa. You need a visa grant notice to complete the application.

Will my debit card work immediately on arrival?

Yes, for purchases and ATM withdrawals up to the daily limit. Full account functionality (including large withdrawals and additional services) is available after branch verification.

Can I open a savings account as well?

Yes. Both CBA and NAB offer savings accounts that can be opened alongside the transaction account. You can link the accounts for easy transfers between them.

What if I don't have an Australian address yet?

You can use the address of temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb, a friend or family member's address). Update the address once you have a permanent rental.

Are there any fees for the pre-arrival account?

Basic transaction accounts at CBA and NAB do not charge monthly account-keeping fees. Some account types with additional features may have fees — check the specific account terms.