cool_archie

Hello Everybody,

Which Bank is better to open an account with, before arriving in Australia for the permanent move?

National Australian Bank (NAB) -or- Westpac Bank

Please reply

Regards,

The Bloke

Their all theives.

robos

hi we used anz and couldnt fault them or ask for more
they are very good and we highly reccomend them

jan xx

cool_archie

Hi robos;

Thanks for the reply.

Do they provide migrant banking.

Regards,

Starlite

Hi Cool

We have just opened a bank account with westpac, and we called them direct as they are open 24 hours. we were on the phone for 51 mins but they were very very helpful, and our accounts were all sorted over the phone and they explained everything to us. Apparently, westpac have a good reputation with new migrants.

we were dreading the phone bill direct to them but actually it only cost us £2.30 : we then went to our Nationwide branch and transferred money to westpac bank without any difficulty.

Highly recommend them

Starlite

Dave_Kent

We just opened a migrant account with Westpac via their office in London. Really easy. Very helpful.

Number is 0207 621 7000

D

casper1

we used NAb - did it all on line and they emailed us the details of our new account so we could transfer our funds right into it before we moved over

Barbitana

I'd say CBA, pretty much everywhere you can find an ATM or a brach - more importantly very unusual to line up...

Cheers,
K.

T5Mikka

I used ANZ, didnt have any problems with them, try and make sure the bank you go with has a branch in the town where you live, if your moving to a city them it dont matter.

Dougie

Would i be right in thinking that you can open a migrant Westpac account anytime and deposit but not withdraw untill you are in the country?

would you have to specify a branch or city?

are there any downside that anyone has realised after doing any of the above

TIA

Dougie

AndyR

Do all the banks have a policy where you need to go into an Oz branch within 90 days of opening the account to activate it?

Only submitted my 175 app last night but would love to change my money over now with the exchange rate as it is.

CYGNET

We bought into the aussie rate yesterday with HiFX, they can also set up a WestPac account for you. They will then transfer the funds when you agree a value date.

Dougie

Have not heard of this but could belive it

anyone know?

Dougie

AndyR

So they hold your funds until you agree a date? Any idea how long they will hold it for?

Only thing that worries me is Hifx is currently 2.38 whereas OzForex are 2.62....

CYGNET

Yes, You have to agree a value date. Give the a ring, they may give you a better rate, no obligation. Best to check all options.
Don't go by the rate on their website, best to ring & speak to a dealer.