KAR

Hello,
Can any one please pass on the information if we could open any bank account in any of the banks before landing in AUS from US?

Thanks in Advance!!

KAR

Centurion

Yes you can. National Australia Bank has a great service and with low to no account fees its worth while starting with them initially. They are not just for UK migrants.

http://www.nab.com.au/wps/wcm/connec..._Finance/15/23

KAR

Thanks Centurion.. will give it a shot.

lynetteh

We opened accounts with Westpac before arriving in Oz. Choose them as they had low costs and a good interest rate on the savings which was important to us.
The customer service from them has been excellent. Lets hope that is the case when we get to Oz!

B1K3R

Well, I have also sent a request to CommonWealth bank a week ago and to my surprise they called on my mobile the day after. The lady was really nice and explained everything to me.

In a nut shell, she told me 3 weeks before, I'll send the online application again, then in a few days they will open the account. They'll send me the details and I'll be able to transfer the money.

Please note that you wont be able to touch that money once transfered until you arrive in OZ, go to the bank and sign some papers.

So, guys, which bank you think offers the best overall rates/service etc? I heard CommonWealth are the biggest, but their rates are not that good....

Thanks
B1K3R

paul30

I'd go for NAB I opened an account with them before leaving uk and all along I have had nothing but excellent service from them and now they've got rid of the account fees it's even better

lynetteh

Westpac have a process whereby it is possible to complete the security checks before arriving in Australia and the account is then fully operational. This was hugely helpful for us as we did not have to wait until 3 weeks before leaving and have been sending money over gradually over the last few months optimising exchange rate fluctulations. We are due to leave in 4 weeks and have also been able to use the account already to pay for our temp accommodation etc. As said before their service has been excellent.