Banking in Australia

Everyday Bank Accounts

Apply NowManaging your everyday banking will most likely be a priority as you start your new life in Australia. You could also start earning interest on your savings.

It takes less than 10 minutes to apply online for a Westpac Choice and Westpac eSaver account. You can open your new Westpac bank accounts and start transferring your money to your accounts before you arrive. It's one less thing you need to think about.

Westpac Choice

A basic bank account for everyday transactions. You get:

  • No monthly service fee for the first 12 months for new migrant and expat customers, regardless of minimum monthly deposits.
  • Unlimited transactions 1 across Westpac branches and over 2,800 ATMs (cash machines).
  • Online, Telephone and Mobile banking when you are registered for these services.
  • Option to link to a Debit MasterCard® 2 when you arrive in Australia.
  • Ability to make payments and purchases using a linked cheque book, when you arrive in Australia.

For new migrant/expat customers - If you apply for a Westpac Choice account before you arrive, we will waive the monthly service fee for the first 12 months (currently $5 a month). After 12 months, this service fee is waived when you deposit a minimum amount of $2,000 each month.

Westpac eSaver

A high interest online savings account offering electronic access and a higher interest rate to make your money grow faster.

  • No monthly service fee.
  • Earn great interest  - click here for the current rates.
  • No minimum balance, transfers or fixed term.
  • Unlimited Online and automated Telephone Banking transactions once you have completed your identity check and we have received your completed and signed Customer Account Opening form. 3

For more information about the Westpac Choice and Westpac eSaver accounts including any applicable fees and charges, please read the Deposit Accounts for Personal and Self Managed Superannuation Fund Customers - Terms and Conditions.

Ready to apply?

You must be able to answer YES to all the following conditions to be eligible to apply for an Australian Westpac Choice or Australian Westpac eSaver account:

  • I am 12 years or older.
  • I will complete my identity check and arrive in Australia within 12 months of application either.
  • I will make a deposit to my Westpac Choice within 6 months of account opening.
  • I understand that I will not be able to withdraw any funds deposited in to my account until my identity check is completed.
  • I am relocating to Australia for at least 12 months or I am entering Australia on a student visa and I may be relocating for less than 12 months. 
  • I have read and accept the account Terms and Conditions, fees and interest rates.

Note: Within 12 months of opening this account from overseas you should go to a Westpac branch in Australia to confirm your Australian residential address (which cannot be at a Hotel or Hostel) and contact details. If you do not do this your account may be closed and any credit balance will be held by us pending identification of the account holder(s) and confirmation of their payment instructions.

Apply Now

What happens next?

  1. Once your application has been processed, we'll email you the new account details within 3 business days and post a Welcome Pack to your nominated address within 15 business days.
  2. Once you have your account details, find out how to transfer your funds to Australia.
  3. Complete your identity check.

Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 Australian Financial Services Licence 233714 Australian Credit Licence 233714. Conditions and fees apply. MasterCard® and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.  The most recent published financial statements, the annual report and capital adequacy and risk disclosures of Westpac can be obtained free of charge at westpac.com.au/about-westpac

  1. Fees and charges may be payable. See our comparison table for a list of current interest rates and fees. Daily transaction limits apply.
  2. Once you arrive, you can apply for a Debit MasterCard® or HandyCard to be linked to your account. A Debit MasterCard® will only be issued if the customer meets the eligibility criteria. Customers must be 18 years or older and have an Australian residential address. If you're not eligible for a Debit MasterCard®, you'll be offered a HandyCard to access your account.
  3. Fees apply for all other withdrawals.