Open an Australian Bank Account Before Moving to Australia.
Opening an Australian bank account is one of those jobs that’s much easier to organise before you move to Australia — if your chosen bank allows you to do so.
When you first arrive, you’ll already have plenty to sort out: your Tax File Number, somewhere permanent to live, an Australian mobile number, Medicare, work, schools, transport… the list goes on!
Having your Australian banking underway means there’s one less thing to think about. Once you arrive, you can complete any required identification, activate your account and get your Australian debit card.
Tip: Ask your bank to print a statement showing your new Australian address. This can be an incredibly handy proof of address when you’re setting yourself up in Australia and need documents to help establish your identity.
You’ll also have an Australian bank account ready to receive your wages and transfer money from New Zealand when you’re ready.
My advice is simple: don’t wait until you’ve moved to Australia to start thinking about banking. Research your options before you leave New Zealand and, if your chosen bank allows you to open or start setting up your account before you arrive, get it underway.
Editors Note: My husband and I are both with Commonwealth Bank and we love them! Coming from New Zealand, we expect a high level of customer service, and CommBank has exceeded both of our expectations!
I waited until I arrived in Australia to open my account, while my husband opened his online before we left. Bummer for me!
When I went into the branch with my husband, I couldn’t open an account because I didn’t have the paperwork they needed. I ended up leaving the bank and opening my account online, just like my husband had done before we moved. Meanwhile, he walked out of the branch with his debit card and could start using his Australian bank account straight away.
If you wait until you’re in Australia and go directly into a branch to open an account, you may need proof of your Australian address, such as a rental agreement, before you can fully access your account.
If you set up your Australian bank account before you leave New Zealand, the process can be much easier — my husband only needed his passport to complete his identification once we arrived.
Learn from our mistakes and get your Australian bank account set up before you leave!
On this page, you will find the following helpful information:
- Why Open an Australian Bank Account Before You Move?
- Can I Open an Australian Bank Account from New Zealand?
- When Should I Open My Australian Bank Account?
- How Do I Open an Australian Bank Account Before I Move?
- Which Australian Bank Do I Recommend?
- Compare Australian Banks Before You Move
- Do I Need an Australian Address to Open a Bank Account?
- What Documents Will I Need?
- Australian Bank Accounts for New Zealand Citizens
- Opening a Joint Bank Account in Australia
- Getting Paid in Australia
- Transferring Your Money from New Zealand to Australia
- Don’t Close Your New Zealand Bank Account Yet
- What to Do With Your Bank Account After You Arrive in Australia
- My Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions.
Why Open an Australian Bank Account Before You Move?
Your Australian bank account is going to become one of the foundations of your new life in Australia.
Very quickly, you’ll need it for things like:
- receiving your Australian wages
- paying rent and household bills
- setting up direct debits
- everyday spending
- transferring money from New Zealand
- receiving refunds and other Australian payments
- setting up services and accounts in Australia
The first few weeks after an international move can be busy enough without adding jobs you could have started before leaving NZ.
Depending on which bank you choose, you may still need to complete identification or activation requirements once you’re physically in Australia. But having the initial application completed can make the process considerably easier.
Can I Open an Australian Bank Account from New Zealand?
Yes — and it’s easy to get the process underway before you leave New Zealand.
You can set up an Australian bank account through CommBank using this link.
CommBank has been helping make the move easier for New Zealanders for more than 20 years — certainly for as long as I’ve been helping Kiwis move across the Tasman! You can apply shortly before you move, so you can have your Australian banking underway before you even get on the plane.
Open an Australian Bank Account with CommBank.
Other Australian banks also offer options for new arrivals, which I’ve compared below, so you can choose the bank that works best for you.
When Should I Open My Australian Bank Account?
Start researching your banking options a few weeks before you move, but don’t be surprised if you can’t actually submit your application that early.
Some banks have quite specific pre-arrival windows.
For example, CommBank currently allows eligible customers moving to Australia to open an account up to 14 days before arriving.
If you’re following my Countdown to Australia, this is exactly the kind of task I recommend getting sorted before departure rather than adding it to your arrival list.
How Do I Open an Australian Bank Account Before I Move?
Opening an Australian bank account before you move is easy. If you choose CommBank, you can apply online in less than four minutes and have your account set up before you leave New Zealand.
Here’s how:
Apply online for your Australian bank account before you move. You can use your NZ address if you haven’t organised where you will stay when you arrive.
CommBank will send you a Welcome Letter with details about your new account and what you need to do when you arrive.
Once you’re in Australia, visit the CommBank branch specified in your Welcome Letter to confirm your identity.
CommBank will activate your account so you can access your money and all its digital banking features.
Collect your debit card from the branch if eligible, or have it sent to your Australian address.
- Don’t forget to ask for a printout of your statement to use for ID.
Apply online for an Australian bank account.
What Do I Need to Take to the Bank?
When you visit CommBank to confirm your identity, take:
Your current passport — the original document is required.
Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) for each country where you’re a foreign tax resident. For New Zealand, have your IRD number available and take an IRD document showing it.
Your visa documentation, if applicable. For most New Zealand citizens moving to Australia on a New Zealand passport, your passport will be the key document.
What Happens to My Debit Card?
If you open your account within seven days of arriving in Australia, your debit card won’t be available to collect from the branch.
Instead, once CommBank has confirmed your identity, you’ll need to provide the Australian address where you’d like your debit card sent.
Once your identity has been confirmed and your account activated, you’ll be able to access your money and use CommBank’s digital banking services, including NetBank and the CommBank app.
My tip: Get this job done before you leave NZ. You’ll already have plenty to organise when you arrive, and having your Australian bank account underway is one less thing to worry about.
Which Australian Bank Do I Recommend?
There are plenty of Australian banks to choose from, and I’ve included the major options below so you can make your own comparison.
However, if you’re asking which bank I recommend to New Zealanders moving to Australia, it’s CommBank.
CommBank is a Moving to Australia referral partner, so if you open an account through my links, I may receive a referral payment. But they’re also a bank I’m very comfortable recommending based on my own experience.
Editor’s Note: My Experience with CommBank – I personally bank with CommBank in Australia and have had a great experience with them.
Their customer service is fantastic and banking with them is easy. Their app is excellent, managing your money is straightforward, and they have a large branch and ATM network throughout Australia.
When you’re moving countries, there are already so many things to organise. Banking is one of those things you just want to work — but you also want to know you can speak to someone when you need to. CommBank’s systems don’t just work well; their team is there to help when you need them.
That’s why I’m happy to recommend CommBank to Moving to Australia visitors — not simply because they’re a referral partner, but because they’re a bank I actually use and have had such a positive experience with myself.
Disclosure: CommBank is a Moving to Australia referral partner. I may receive a referral payment if you open an account through links on this website. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, and I only promote companies and services that I personally use or have extensively researched.
Compare Australian Banks Before You Move
Australia’s four major banks are Commonwealth Bank (CommBank), ANZ, Westpac and NAB.
There are also smaller and online banks, but if your priority is getting your banking organised around your move from New Zealand, I’d pay particular attention to how and when each bank lets a new arrival open an account.
Please note, Australian and New Zealand banks are separate, even when they share the same name.
Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) – My Recommendation
CommBank currently allows eligible people moving to Australia to apply for an Everyday Smart Access account up to 14 days before arriving in Australia.
Importantly, you don’t need an Australian address to set up the account.
Once you arrive, you’ll need to complete CommBank’s identification and tax residency requirements before you can use your new account.
ANZ
ANZ has a specific Trans-Tasman account-opening process for people moving from New Zealand to Australia.
You can start the process from New Zealand and verify your identity at an ANZ New Zealand branch before completing the Australian account-opening process with ANZ Australia.
This makes ANZ well worth considering if getting as much of your banking organised as possible while you’re still in New Zealand is important to you.
Westpac
Westpac allows eligible customers arriving in Australia within the next 14 days to start setting up a Westpac Choice account and Online Banking before arrival.
Unlike CommBank, Westpac currently asks you to provide an Australian address, even if it’s temporary.
New Zealand customers may also be eligible to verify their identity online using Westpac’s Smart Verify process.
NAB
NAB is another of Australia’s Big Four banks.
Its current new-to-Australia account-opening requirements include an Australian address and Australian mobile number, so it isn’t as useful if your main objective is getting your account organised while you’re still living in New Zealand.
Please note, bank requirements change, so always check the bank’s current eligibility and identification requirements before applying.
Do I Need an Australian Address to Open a Bank Account?
Not necessarily.
This is another reason it’s worth comparing banks before you move.
CommBank currently states that you don’t need an Australian address to set up its migrant Everyday Smart Access account.
Westpac’s new-arrival application, on the other hand, asks for an Australian address, although it can be temporary accommodation.
NAB currently requires an Australian address and mobile number.
If you haven’t secured permanent accommodation yet, check whether your chosen bank accepts your New Zealand address or temporary Australian accommodation.
What Documents Will I Need?
The exact requirements vary between banks, but I’d have the following information and documents available:
- your current New Zealand passport
- your planned Australian arrival date
- your Australian address, if you have one
- your Australian visa details, where applicable
- your New Zealand Tax Identification Number (TIN/IRD number), if requested
- your email address and mobile number
- additional identification if required by your bank
You may also need to complete further identity verification online or in an Australian branch before you can fully use the account.
Australian Bank Accounts for New Zealand Citizens
New Zealand citizens have a slightly different moving experience from many other migrants.
If you’re an eligible New Zealand citizen travelling on a valid New Zealand passport, you generally don’t need to apply for a visa before travelling to Australia. A Special Category Visa (subclass 444) can be granted when you enter Australia, provided you meet the requirements.
This can make some Australian forms confusing when they ask for your visa details.
If you’re asked for visa information while setting up your Australian banking and you’re unsure what to enter, check the bank’s specific instructions for New Zealand citizens rather than guessing.
Opening a Joint Bank Account in Australia
If you’re moving with your partner, you might eventually want a combination of individual accounts and a joint account for household expenses.
However, don’t assume you’ll automatically be able to add your partner to an account you’ve opened before moving.
Banks have their own joint-account and identification requirements, and both account holders generally need to have their identities verified.
Depending on your bank, it may be easier to get your everyday accounts underway first and organise your joint banking once you’re both in Australia.
Getting Paid in Australia
One of the main reasons I recommend getting your Australian bank account sorted early is work.
Your Australian employer will generally need your:
- account name
- BSB
- account number
Your BSB is the six-digit number that identifies your Australian bank/branch for payments.
You’ll also need to deal separately with your Tax File Number (TFN).
Your TFN isn’t your bank account number and you don’t need to wait for your first payday to start thinking about it. Applying for a TFN is another important job to complete once ASAP after arriving in Australia.
Read: Apply for an Australian Tax File Number.
Transferring Your Money from New Zealand to Australia
Opening an Australian bank account and deciding how to transfer your New Zealand dollars into it are two separate decisions.
You don’t have to use your Australian bank — or your New Zealand bank — to transfer your money internationally.
Before transferring a significant amount, compare:
- the NZD/AUD exchange rate you’re actually being offered
- transfer fees
- any receiving fees
- how much AUD will ultimately arrive in your Australian account
This becomes particularly important if you’re transferring a large amount of savings or proceeds from selling a property.
Even a small difference in the exchange rate can make a significant difference to how many Australian dollars you receive.
Read: Transferring Money from New Zealand to Australia.
Don’t Close Your New Zealand Bank Account Yet
I definitely wouldn’t rush to close your New Zealand bank account before you move.
There will often still be loose ends at home after you’ve left.
You may have:
- final bills and direct debits
- refunds coming back to you
- New Zealand income still being paid
- expenses relating to a property you’ve kept
- subscriptions you haven’t moved yet
- payments you’ve simply forgotten about
Keeping your New Zealand account open while you establish yourself in Australia gives you some breathing room.
Before moving, check with your NZ bank about using and maintaining your account while living overseas, and make sure they have your correct contact and tax-residency information where required.
What to Do With Your Bank Account After You Arrive in Australia
Opening or starting your account before you leave doesn’t necessarily mean there’s nothing left to do.
Once you arrive:
- Complete any outstanding identity verification.
- Provide or update your Australian residential address.
- Update your mobile number when you get an Australian one.
- Provide your tax residency information.
- Activate your debit card or digital card.
- Set up and check your banking app and online banking.
- Give your bank details to your employer.
- Set up PayID if you want to use it.
- Start moving bills and direct debits across.
- Compare your options before transferring larger amounts from New Zealand.
Do these jobs early and your Australian account will quickly become your main everyday banking account.
My Tip
Don’t leave opening your Australian bank account until you desperately need an account number for your first pay.
You’re going to have a lot to do when you first arrive in Australia.
Banking is one of the things you can research — and with some banks, start organising — before you leave New Zealand.
Choose your bank before your move, find out exactly when you’re eligible to apply, and put a reminder in your calendar to open the account as soon as that window begins.
You’ll thank yourself when you arrive!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a New Zealander open a bank account in Australia?
Yes. New Zealanders can open Australian bank accounts, subject to the eligibility and identification requirements of their chosen bank.
Can I open an Australian bank account before I move?
Yes, with some banks. CommBank currently allows eligible new arrivals to apply up to 14 days before arrival. Other banks have different requirements.
How early can I open an Australian bank account before moving?
It depends on the bank. Some banks currently use a 14-day pre-arrival window..
I recommend choosing your bank several weeks before your move and then applying as soon as that bank allows you to.
Do I need an Australian address?
Not always. CommBank’s current migrant banking process doesn’t require an Australian address to set up the account. Other banks may require an Australian address, including temporary accommodation.
Do I need a TFN to open an Australian bank account?
Your Tax File Number and Australian bank account are separate.
Banks are required to collect tax-residency information, and you should provide your Australian TFN once you have one. If you’re moving to Australia to work, applying for your TFN should be high on your arrival checklist.
Can I transfer money into my Australian account before I arrive?
Generally no, because of anti-laundering money laws.
Most pre-arrival accounts have restrictions until your identity has been verified, so check exactly what your account allows before transferring money.
Can I have an Australian and New Zealand bank account at the same time?
Yes. You don’t need to close your New Zealand bank account simply because you’ve opened an Australian one.
In fact, I recommend keeping your NZ account open initially while you finish transitioning your finances between the two countries.
Should I use my New Zealand bank’s Australian equivalent?
Not necessarily.
Even when Australian and New Zealand banks have related brands or ownership, your New Zealand account doesn’t simply become an Australian account when you move.
Compare the Australian accounts based on their own fees, features, account-opening requirements and what works best for you.
Which Australian bank is best for New Zealanders moving to Australia?
There isn’t one bank that will suit everyone.
I personally use and recommend CommBank, which is also a Moving to Australia referral partner. It currently allows eligible customers to start opening an account up to 14 days before arriving and doesn’t require an Australian address to set up the account.
Have a look at the options above and choose the bank and account that best suits your circumstances.
You might be interested in…
The below posts might also be of interest to you:
- Transfer money from New Zealand to Australia
- Australian mortgage
- Australian Tax – what you need to know
Still got questions?
If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below and I’ll research the answer for you.
Can I help you find something else?
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
67 comments
Hi JJ,
Nice to ‘virtually’ meet you 🙂
I just have a quick question please: I’ve been told that there’s a difference between opening a bank account from NZ, vs after arriving in AU, as banks apparently want to see proof of AU address when you try and open an account with them. So it looks like I am getting conflicting information, as apparently I’ve also been told that if I open from outside AU, since I won’t be able to show an AU address at the time of opening it (say I open an account online, from NZ, first) then, due to the lack of an AU address, the bank would consider me as an ‘overseas’ account holder…
If you could please spare a minute or two, and let me have a reply, that would be much appreciated, please 🙂
Hi Simone,
Nice to virtually meet you too!
I can understand the confusion, but the good news is that you can open an Australian CommBank account before you leave New Zealand without already having an Australian address.
I actually went through the process of opening an Australian bank account the long way when we moved, but my husband set his up before we left and had it activated on the second day after we’d arrived. It was definitely the easier option!
CommBank has a specific process for people moving to Australia. You can currently open the account online up to 14 days before you arrive in Australia.
You can register for an Australian bank account here.
If you already know the Australian address you’ll initially be staying at, you can use that. If you don’t, CommBank says you can use your New Zealand address when you apply. So you don’t need to worry about being treated as an “overseas account holder” simply because you don’t yet have an Australian residential address.
Once you arrive in Australia, you then visit a CommBank branch to complete the identification process and activate full access to your account. At that point, you will need to give them an Australian residential address. If you’re initially staying in temporary accommodation or with family, you can give them the address where you’re currently living and update it when you move.
When you go into the branch, take:
– your current passport (original document required)
– your Tax Identification Number (TIN) for each country where you’re still considered a tax resident — for New Zealand this is your IRD number (any letter from them)
– your visa details, which is also your passport.
Once they’ve completed your ID and tax residency checks, you will be given your new debt card and have full access to the account.
So in short, I would definitely set it up before you leave NZ. Just wait until you’re within 14 days of your arrival date and then complete the online application.
I hope that clears up the conflicting information!
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
hello there,
What an incredible resource! thanks so very much for saving me a million precious hours of research – appreciate you!
So to be clear – the visa document is just our passport being that we are entering under SCV? Or do we need something extra that states that?
Hi Cassandra,
Thanks for your comment and compliment
All CommBank need to activate your account in branch is your passport and a letter from the IRD (any letter that has your IRD number in it).
As a New Zealander with an SCV your passport is the only proof you need.
Good luck with your move to Australia and I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and 2026!
Hi JJ
I am planning to relocate to Brisbane this month, have a job. Not 100% sure if Aussie is for us. So will be trying it out while the rest of my family stays in NZ. I want to open an bank account, do I need to get a TIN? I read somewhere in your blog saying that for 6 months we don’t have to declare tax in Aussie. I am planning to try out Aussie for 6 months, if it’s the place for us we will all move otherwise stay in NZ.
Hi Rose,
Thanks for your comment.
It’s hard to know if it’s going to be the right move for you and your family, so well done on trying it out first! My husband did the same thing for us.
If you register for a bank account through my link then you do not need a TFN because it is specifically designed for newly arrived resident’s: https://www.commbank.com.au/MAP127.
Here is my post on Australian tax so you know where you stand: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-tax/. You can always get a TFN to save on tax and not use it after 6 months.
Hope the above helps.
Hi JJ Smith.
Thanks for all the information provided, its been really helpful.
Curious to know on how secure the website Xe is with my information, have you had any problems?
Hi Johann,
Thank you for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying.
I’m so pleased you are finding my site helpful.
Myself, my family and thousands of my visitors have been using XE for over 15 years. I have never been informed of any problems regarding data protection. I’d say it would be of the upmost importance to them as without it, who would trust them.
The only issue I have ever had feedback on, was from a client who didn’t receive their funds in time. Unfortunately this was not XE’s fault, the deadline was impossible (immediately).
If you have any particular questions, I would be happy to put you in touch with my XE representative. He’s always willing to answer any questions.
Thanks
Hi
If I have westpac account will that be ok?
Regards
Hi,
You will still need to open a bank account in Australia.
New Zealand and Australia banks, even though they might share the same name, are different companies, they don’t talk to each other or share files, and you’re required to open a new account with an Australian bank.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Thanks
Hi there
Thanks for your reply to my question about a bank account.
If you don’t mind my asking another question. Do we have to apply for the Australian superannuation? I’ll be 66 and a half in September this year and am moving to Perth in June.
Thanks again for your help.
Hi Edel,
You need to apply for the Australian age pension. Have a read of this post as it gives you all the information you require: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-age-pension/.
If you haven’t worked in Australia then you won’t have an Australian Super. Do you have KiwiSaver?
If you leave New Zealand permanently to live in Australia you won’t be able to withdraw your KiwiSaver funds. Instead, you can choose between leaving your funds in your KiwiSaver scheme or transferring it to an Australian superannuation scheme.
If you’re about to become a non-resident of New Zealand for tax purposes (‘officially’ moved to Australia!) or are already living in Australia, you will be taxed at a rate of 28% on the investment earnings in your KiwiSaver each year.
Here are some posts you should read about KiwiSaver and Australian Super:
– Australian Super – https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-super/
– I am emigrating – can I withdraw my KiwiSaver funds early?, Citizens Advice Bureau – https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00001963
– KiwiSaver for your Home Deposit – https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/kiwisaver-for-your-home-deposit/
– Getting my KiwiSaver savings when I move overseas, IRD – https://www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver/kiwisaver-individuals/getting-my-kiwisaver-funds-early/getting-my-kiwisaver-funds-when-i-move-overseas
I hope the above helps answer your question.
Hi JJ, thanks for so much useful information. I am looking to relocate to Sydney, Australia next month. I tried opening an account online with CommBank while in NZ but after submitting the information there seemed to be an error. However, I received an email confirmation for NetBank. Now I am not too sure if my online account has been set up or not. Do you have any useful customer service contacts that could help me out? Any other suggestion would be very useful 🙂
Hi Akshita,
Thank you for your comment.
Netbank is CommBank’s online portal, so you have setup an account successfully!
However, you should have received a welcome letter too, which outlines the next steps to confirm your identification so CommBank can activate your account. You can find further info on this in my Open an Australian Bank Account post: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/open-an-australian-bank-account/.
CommBank have amazing customer service, so you can contact them at any stage and they will be more than happy to help: https://www.commbank.com.au/support/contact-us.html.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Hi JJ,
Thank you for your prompt response. Per your suggestion, I contacted their customer service who did confirm that the account has been set up and that I need to visit their branch once I arrive in Sydney.
Fingers crossed all works out 🙂
Many thanks again for your help and your fabulous website!
Cheers
Hi JJ, I am moving to Australia this weekend. However, I do not have a physical letter from IRD. Can I show them an email or print out a copy of an email from IRD about a student loan? Thanks
Hi Eric,
How exciting for you!
Yes, a print out from the IRD that includes your IRD number should be accepted. Not a lot of physical postage going on these days.
If you log into your myIR you can print out a letter from there: https://myir.ird.govt.nz/_/.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Thanks JJ. Would a print-out need to be certified by a Justice of Peace or similar?
No. If you print out a letter, from the ‘I want to’ section under myIR, it will be on IRD letterhead and that’s enough proof.
You can always login in the branch if they have a problem.
Thanks JJ
Hi, we are planning to move to Australia which depends on me getting a job in Australia before we decide.
My question is regarding medical, confirm that we need to wait 6 months before we are able to receive Aus medical treatment from local GP once we get our medical card?
Is it recommended to get private medical insurance during this 6 month wait?
Hi Clifford,
Have a read of my Medicare Australia post (https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/medicare-australia/) and my Australian Healthcare System post (https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-health-care-system/).
You can enrol in Medicare immediately (recommended a week after you arrive) if you provide proof that you’ll be living in Australia for the next 6 months. You can enrol any time in the 6 months after you first arrive in Australia.
Until you enrol, you can get care under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. This covers essential treatment in a public hospital. You can’t enrol or get a Medicare card until you prove you live in Australia.
The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between New Zealand and Australia provides temporary coverage for medically necessary care in a public hospital and access to prescription medications at a lower price. However, it is important to note that it is only designed as a temporary measure and longer-term treatment may require returning to New Zealand.
Hope the above has answered your questions.
Hi my husband and I are retired and we will be moving to Australia mid 2024 to be closer to our son we have 2 properties to sell and will be buying once we arrive my husband is a little concerned about using foreign exchange company’s to transfer large amounts of money a bit old fashion how safe are these foreign exchange company’s
Thanks
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
Thanks for your comment.
I understand how daunting it can be to use a new online service.
The great thing about XE is you can talk to someone before you commit to the transfer. You can call Simon my contact at XE on 021906855. They have an office in Auckland that you can visit.
You will need to register for an account first so that you are in their system. It’s free to set up an account.
If you are transferring over $100,000 a XE team member will call to discuss your requirements. They do this for security purposes and because they have fantastic customer service.
If you still aren’t sure, do your own research on XE and you’ll see what a large global company they are.
I only promote companies that I use myself and trust.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Help – I cannot find my answer anywhere, including by phoning the bank in Australia!
I want to open a joint account with my partner in New Zealand, before we arrive in Australia. He will arrive in Australia within the required 20 days to be sighted. But I won’t arrive for another few weeks.. possibly a month. What happens then?
1. If we open a joint account, do we both need to be sighted in branch within 20days?
2. If both of us are NOT sighted within 20days, does that mean no-one can use the account? or only one of us can? What happens?
What we are trying to achieve is a joint account that we can both send/receive/use, with my partner arriving before me.
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your comment.
I actually had a comment about a joint account yesterday so I emailed my contact at CommBank.
He has confirmed that the joint account option is not available online anymore. You will need to open 2 individual accounts and request a joint account at a CommBank Branch.
How this would work for you, is your partner would request a new account online and pick up his eftpos card in the CommBank branch when he arrives.
When you are two weeks away from moving, you would request a new account online and when you go to pick up your eftpos card from the CommBank branch, take your partner and they will set up the joint account then.
Hopefully the above answers your question.
Hi,
Thank you for your website – it is amazing!!!
Quick question, my husband and I have a joint bank account in NZ, but it looks like we have to setup separate bank accounts when applying online before we arrive. Is this correct? Or are we able to apply for a joint bank account before we arrive?
Thanks Karly
Hi JJ, love your content! Just wanted to ask, would any Tax Residency letter received from NZ IRD be sufficient? i.e. a letter that states my student loan with my IRD number in the corner? Or is it best for me to email IRD NZ and ask if they can send through an email specifically stating my IRD number – for when I bring it in to present to the designated commonwealth bank that is recommended when I receive the welcome letter.
Hope this question makes sense 🙂
Hi Haylee,
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, any letter from the IRD that includes your IRD number is sufficient
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
We have retired into Australia from New Zealand…
Banking options were easily sorted, but credit cards are not.
If you are funded by overseas income/ pension and not earning with a job in Australia, stops getting credit card. You need to keep your overseas credit cards going to use in Australia.