Opening a Bank Account in Australia as a Newcomer: the 100-Point ID Check
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
Australia runs on a 100-point identity check: to open a bank account you must present documents totalling at least 100 points, including at least one primary document. The good news for new arrivals: if you act quickly, your foreign passport alone can satisfy the whole requirement. Wait too long and you'll need to assemble the full document set — much harder when you've just landed.
The 6-week window: your biggest advantage
If you open your account within 6 weeks (42 days) of arriving in Australia, your foreign passport alone generally satisfies the 100-point check. After that window, the same passport is worth only 70 points and you must top up with another 30 points of Australian documents. This single timing detail is the difference between a 20-minute branch visit and a paperwork hunt.
Many banks also let you start the application online up to 3 months before you arrive (migrant banking programs at the big four and others) — you then activate in-branch after landing, inside the 6-week window.
The points table (what counts)
| Document | Points |
|---|---|
| Foreign or Australian passport (with valid visa) | 70 (100 if within 6 weeks of arrival) |
| Australian photo driver licence | 40 |
| Birth certificate | 70 |
| Medicare card | 35 |
| Foreign driver licence (may need certified translation) | 25 |
| Utility bill with your name and address | 25 |
| Bank statement from another institution | 25 |
| Tenancy/lease agreement | 25 |
| ATO letter with your TFN | 25 |
Only one primary document is needed, and no document type can be counted twice. Banks may also ask about source of funds, occupation, expected activity, and tax residency (Australian vs foreign) as part of anti-money-laundering checks — routine, not personal.
What to bring to the branch
- Valid passport (and visa grant details — most banks check VEVO electronically)
- Australian address — a temporary address (hotel, hostel, friend's place) is usually accepted to start
- Australian mobile number and email
- Tax File Number (TFN) if you have it — optional at opening; a bank cannot refuse to open the account because you don't have one yet (but without it, interest is withheld at the top rate)
Choosing where to bank
- Big four (CommBank, Westpac, ANZ, NAB): dedicated migrant programs, large branch/ATM networks, often fee-free basic accounts for the first year.
- Digital/neobanks (Up, for example): app-first, low fees, but the 100-point check still applies — and without a branch, document verification happens via the app.
- Everyday vs savings: open a transaction account for daily use and a linked high-interest savings account in the same sitting — it takes minutes extra and newcomers often forget the second one.
Newcomer mistakes
- Missing the 6-week window. The single most common and most avoidable error.
- No TFN on file. Not a blocker for opening, but interest withholding at the top rate is real money left on the table.
- Using a foreign address. You need an Australian address to open and activate — sort temporary accommodation first.
- Ignoring fees. Compare monthly account fees and international transfer fees before you commit; newcomer fee waivers expire.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open an account before I arrive?
Yes — most major banks offer migrant accounts you can apply for online from overseas, typically up to 12 weeks before arrival. You verify identity and activate after landing.
Do I need an Australian address if I'm staying in a hostel?
A temporary address is generally accepted for opening. Update it once you have a lease — the bank needs a current address for correspondence and compliance.
What if I don't have a TFN yet?
Open the account anyway and add the TFN later via the app or a branch visit. Just don't leave it indefinitely — the withholding adds up.
Can two newcomers open a joint account?
Yes, both account holders complete the ID check individually.
Are digital banks harder for newcomers?
The ID rules are the same; the difference is process. App-based verification can be smoother (no branch queues) but offers less help if your documents are unusual — bring the passport and use the 6-week window either way.
Sources
- ANZ, Migrant banking: https://www.anz.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/everyday-accounts/migrant-banking/
- Mozo, How to open a bank account in Australia: https://www.mozo.com.au/bank-accounts/guides/how-to-open-a-bank-account
- Migratio, Opening an Australian Bank Account for Migrants (2026 Guide): https://migratio.com.au/blog/opening-australian-bank-account-migrants
This article is general information about opening bank accounts in Australia, not financial advice. Identification rules and account terms change — confirm current requirements with your chosen bank.
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