Personal identification requirements
When opening a bank account in Australia you're required to provide personal identification (to prove you are who you say you are) such as your drivers licence, passport and credit card. In Australia this is often called the 100 point identification check.
What is the personal identification process?
When you open a bank account in Australia you're required under Australian law to supply sufficient personal identification to prove you are who you say you are. A range of different documents can be used for personal identification. However some documents are considered better proof of identity than others. Westpac requires you to present a number of identification documents for review at one of our branches to complete your personal identification check.
Do I have to complete a personal identification check for my new Westpac bank account?
Yes you do. Your account will remain in a 'Post Credit Only' (PCO) status i.e. you will be able to deposit into the account, but no withdrawals or transfers will be allowed until you have completed the personal identification. If you do not complete a personal identification check within 90 days of account opening, your account may be closed.
How long do I have from opening my Westpac bank account to completing my personal identification check?
You have 90 days, from the date you applied for your Westpac bank account, to complete your personal identification check, in person, at a Westpac branch.
If you visit a Westpac branch within 6 weeks of arriving in Australia you only need your passport and Australian address for yourpersonal identification check. Any later than 6 weeks and you'll need to provide 2 additional forms of identification, such as a drivers licence or overseas credit card.
How do I complete my personal identification check for my new Westpac bank account?
You just have to show documents from this list that add up to a 100 points. Alternatively, you may also complete the personal identification check at one of our offshore offices. If you are unable to visit one of our offshore offices please email us.
What happens if I do not complete a personal identification check?
Your account will remain in a 'Post Credit Only' (PCO) status i.e. you will be able to deposit into the account, but no withdrawals will be allowed until you have completed the personal identification. If you do not complete a personal identification check within 90 days of account opening, your account may be closed.
My account has been opened at a branch that's not easy for met to get to. Can I complete my personal identification check at another Westpac branch?
It is always best to complete your personal identification check at the branch where your account is held because we have specialist Migrant Banking staff at these branches ready to assist you. However, we understand this is not always possible.
If you do visit another branch to complete your personal identification you'll need to have the Welcome letter we send you and allow a little extra time at the branch because they will have to get the bank account application you completed faxed over.
Do I need to make an appointment to complete my personal identification?
Our branches can sometimes be busy, particularly at lunch time. For this reason we recommend you make an appointment. You'll find the number of your branch in the Welcome Letter we send you.
