Australian bank account
Sep 3rd 2004, 1:53 pm
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Adelaide - South Australia
Posts: 1,820
Re: Australian bank account
Originally Posted by percyp
Don't bother asking the local branches for details most don't have a clue, just use them to sign anything, and do the rest direst with Oz, via internet, or call the international banking number.
Not found any problems with the lack of branches, only used the branch twice in 18 months. good interest and no charges.
Not found any problems with the lack of branches, only used the branch twice in 18 months. good interest and no charges.
Sep 3rd 2004, 3:02 pm
#17
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Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Jacobs Ridge, Gold Coast
Posts: 1,140
Re: Australian bank account
Originally Posted by marco121068
Does it really matter how many braches they have? I do all my banking over the web, and maybe go to a branch 3 or 4 times a year. One thing I've heard though is that if you want a credit card then it's better to get it before you leave.
I agree totally. I've set up an account with HSBC in oz, and I’m sure I won’t find it a problem with there being so few branches. EFTPOS and internet banking will be the way to go.
I know this is a little different, but in the UK, I bank with Smile, and they don’t have any branches anywhere. all banking is done at the post office or on the internet. can’t remember the last time I set foot in a bank.
Sep 3rd 2004, 3:10 pm
#18
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,825
Re: Australian bank account
Originally Posted by sassie
I agree totally. I've set up an account with HSBC in oz, and I’m sure I won’t find it a problem with there being so few branches. EFTPOS and internet banking will be the way to go.
I know this is a little different, but in the UK, I bank with Smile, and they don’t have any branches anywhere. all banking is done at the post office or on the internet. can’t remember the last time I set foot in a bank.
I know this is a little different, but in the UK, I bank with Smile, and they don’t have any branches anywhere. all banking is done at the post office or on the internet. can’t remember the last time I set foot in a bank.
Last edited by Pollyana; Sep 3rd 2004 at 3:12 pm.
Sep 3rd 2004, 3:30 pm
#19
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Jacobs Ridge, Gold Coast
Posts: 1,140
Re: Australian bank account
Originally Posted by Pollyana
Depending on which bank you are with- remember EFTPOS charges (only so many free per month) and ATM withdrawal charges (again only so many are free.) You usually get more free at your own bank but lots of ATMs seem to be only at branches, so a bank with few branches may not turn out to be a good idea.
so if you are careful, bank charges could be kept to a minimum.
Sep 3rd 2004, 11:20 pm
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Australian bank account
And if you need a mortgage with HSBC, you don't need to find a branch, their Mobile Lender comes out to you.
The Post office facility they have is also very good; having two Post offices in my suburb effectively gives me two HSBC branches
Although I only ever use them for deposits.
As has been said before though. Do not rely on UK local branches to know about the Australian HSBC. As with the Commonwealth Bank, it is best to use the department specifically for it.
The Post office facility they have is also very good; having two Post offices in my suburb effectively gives me two HSBC branches
Although I only ever use them for deposits.As has been said before though. Do not rely on UK local branches to know about the Australian HSBC. As with the Commonwealth Bank, it is best to use the department specifically for it.
Sep 3rd 2004, 11:34 pm
#21
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: Australian bank account
Originally Posted by dazzac
We went with Commonwealth Bank - set up in the UK (London Office) . very helpful , they will set up your Aus account so you just pop into the local branch and have access to your money once you've arrived. Also they can hold your money in sterling so you can decide when to change depending on what the rate is doing.
HSBC don't have many branches over here so its hard to get hold of your money.
Just ring directory enquires and ask for Commonwealth Bank of Australia , London. Then once your through ask for migration services , it takes a bout a week to turn around the account. Then just transfer your 60k in to it electronically.
HSBC don't have many branches over here so its hard to get hold of your money.
Just ring directory enquires and ask for Commonwealth Bank of Australia , London. Then once your through ask for migration services , it takes a bout a week to turn around the account. Then just transfer your 60k in to it electronically.
I am lucky having one branch near me and one near my work but I never have to use them considering I have internet banking.
How much does CBA charge a month and what interest do they pay. Currently I earn over $10 a month in interest on mony waiting around to pay bills where as I used to pay 10 a month to Wastepac.
Sep 3rd 2004, 11:44 pm
#22
High in the Dandenongs
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Listening to Puffing Billy
Posts: 9,183
Re: Australian bank account
Originally Posted by bondipom
Did you hear Hevs? You can get your money at the PO or fee free 5 times a month at ANY ATM.
Every time a blimmin bank thread comes up (10 times a week!!) I disclose this nugget of information and still people don't take it in. I reckon i'm about to go off in another huff!!! 
PS. English banks DO NOT have a clue how the banks run over here and vice versa. They may all speak the same language, but obviously banking is spoken in a different dialect
