Back to: Migrant banking

 

Open an Australian bank account in 4 easy steps:

Step 1: Read the product information

You can apply for a Westpac Choice account and an optional online savings account, Maxi Direct.

Please read the Personal Accounts Product Disclosure Statement and Terms & Conditions that applies to the above account/s.

Step 2: Complete an application form

Apply online or download an application form (PDF 91Kb) and either fax or post it to:

Westpac Migrant Banking Australia
Level 31, Westpac Place
275 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Fax: + 61 2 82531875

To apply for a Westpac account you must be able to answer yes to all the following conditions:

1. I am planning to relocate to Australia and wish to open a bank account before I depart
2. My relocation will be permanent, or for a minimum of 12 months
3. I am aged 12 years or older
4. I am arriving in Australia and able to complete an identity check at my Westpac branch within 90 days of application.
5. I am able to transfer funds into my new Westpac account within 30 days of application.
6. I have read the Personal Accounts Product Disclosure Statement and Terms & Conditions that applies to the above account/s.

Step 3 : Have your application processed

Once the application has been received an account will be opened for you. Westpac will then advise you by post of your account details and information on how to transfer funds. Please allow up to 15 business days for your details to arrive via post.

Step 4 : Start banking

Funds need to be deposited into your account(s) within 30 days of the account being opened. Failure to do so may result in the account being closed.

All accounts will initially operate on a Post Credit Only basis. This means you can deposit but not withdraw or deal with funds until you have been identified in Australia.

Within 90 days of application, you will need to complete an identity check at a Westpac branch within Australia. If the account is held in joint names, ALL account holders must complete a 100 point ID check at a Westpac branch before funds can be accessed.

To complete formal identification at the branch, all account holders will need to:

• Bring their passports
• Confirm current Australian address
• Request a status change from "non-resident" to "resident".

Once these formalities are completed you will be able to use your account, apply for Telephone or Internet Banking and a Westpac Handycard.

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