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?
  • What Do I Need to Take to the Bank?
  • What Happens to My Debit Card?
• 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:

1. 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.

2. CommBank will send you a Welcome Letter with details about your new account and what you need to do when you arrive.

3. Once you’re in Australia, visit the CommBank branch specified in your Welcome Letter to confirm your identity.

4. CommBank will activate your account so you can access your money and all its digital banking features.

5. Collect your debit card from the branch if eligible, or have it sent to your Australian address.

6. 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:

1. Complete any outstanding identity verification.
2. Provide or update your Australian residential address.
3. Update your mobile number when you get an Australian one.
4. Provide your tax residency information.
5. Activate your debit card or digital card.
6. Set up and check your banking app and online banking.
7. Give your bank details to your employer.
8. Set up PayID if you want to use it.
9. Start moving bills and direct debits across.
10. 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.