Can I open a bank account online?
Yes, most Westpac everyday bank accounts and savings accounts can be opened online.
May 2022 – 10 minute read
What you’ll learn
- Compare bank accounts and choose the one that’s best for you
- Check that you can open the account online
- Have your ID ready and apply online (takes less than 3 minutes)
- Register for Online Banking (during your online application)
- Activate your debit card (if opening a transaction account)
1. Compare bank accounts and choose the one that’s best for you
The two most popular types of bank accounts are transaction accounts and savings accounts.
Open a transaction account online
Also known as an everyday bank account, transaction accounts are used to receive your pay and other funds, to withdraw cash from ATMs, and to make payments – including by debit card, online and mobile banking, and automatic debits. You can choose an account that matches your age or circumstances.
Open a savings account online
Savings accounts put your surplus funds to work by paying variable interest on the money you set aside for savings goals or unexpected expenses. An alternative place to save money is in a term deposit, which pays a fixed rate of interest on funds locked securely away for a chosen period.
2. Check that you can open the account online
- No need to visit a branch. Most Westpac accounts can be opened online in as little as 3 minutes.
- To save you time, if you want a transaction account for your everyday banking plus a bank account for your savings, you can open both accounts online in one application.
- When you open a savings account or term deposit online, you’ll also need to open a transaction account to transfer funds in and out of it (if you don’t already have one).
Got the Westpac App?
If you’re already a Westpac customer, open an account in just a few taps.
- Open the app and tap Products then Bank accounts
- Choose the type of account you want
- Check the details and Open now
3. Have your ID ready and apply online
What to have by your side:
- Your mobile phone
- Two types of ID:
- Australian driver licence
- Medicare card
- Passport
- Australian birth certificate
- Your tax file number (TFN) – not compulsory but helpful
- Your foreign tax details (if applicable)
To apply online you’ll need to be at least 12 years old with an Australian residential address.
4. Register for Online Banking
- With Westpac accounts, this step’s included in your online application – so there’s nothing more you have to do.
- You’ll get an email confirming your new account details, including a temporary password for Online Banking.
5. Activate your debit card
- Use the Debit Mastercard you get with a Choice transaction account to make contactless purchases, add to your digital wallet, and withdraw cash from ATMs.
- Activate your card in seconds in Online Banking or using the Westpac App. Learn how to activate your card.
Who gets a Debit Mastercard?
If you’re aged 14 or over with an Australian residential address, you’ll receive a Debit Mastercard with your Choice account. If you're 12 or 13, you can access your account with a Handycard instead, which you can request in branch.
Related links
Feature articles
Things you should know
Read the
Westpac Online Banking Terms and Conditions (PDF 409KB) at
westpac.com.au before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
Mobile and Tablet Banking applications are only available for use by Westpac Australia customers.
Internet connection is needed to access Westpac Mobile Banking app. Normal mobile data charges apply.
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Debit Mastercard®: holders need to be at least 14 years of age, and have an Australian residential address to be eligible for the card. If you're not eligible for a Debit Mastercard, apply for a Handycard to access your account.
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