Banks - Which One Please
 

Hi All

I am currently looking into gathering as much info as poss and I am now looking at banks.

Would love to hear from anyone who is / has migrated and can give me some information on what you thought have found out about who to open an account with, or are they all pretty much the same.

Thanks a bunch

Linda :) :)

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and ANZ Bank seemed for me the easiest in terms of setting up bank accounts before you move, actually yesterday sent my ANZ bank forms, very simple easy and quick.

http://www.migrantbanking.co.uk/

https://ola.anz.com/noah/app/dda/wel...sp?apptype=436

Regards

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Hi,

We've only been here 6wks, however, friends have been here a few years, we took their advice after they spent time researching banks, we've got out accounts with Credit Union Australia (CUA).
We've been really happy with the service with our 2 local branches, staff always smiling, helpful and attentive, we're even on 1st name terms now!

Only our experience, but a good one.

Keebs

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Thanks for that will lookm at them both and investigate more.

Regards

Linda

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Hi Keebs

I must admit not heard of this one but it's worth taking alook at.

Thanks

Linda

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

uk can setup a hsbc bank account in oz from the uk if you bank with them before you go

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Hi Linda,
We opened a Westpac account from the U.K.Go on their website www.westpac.co.au and follow international and migrant links.Download application and follow instructions.Really easy and done in a few days.You can always change banks once you are there.

For comparison of banks I've used this link www.infochoice.com.au/banking/default.aspa and follow comparison links.Shows loads of banks and details of interest and charges.

Hope this is of use

Ian

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Yeah only takes 5 days to setup. They give you a UK account and an Oz account. Use the UK one to transfer monies before you go (unless you use another for better rate) and the UK account closes after 2 years.

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Commonwealth bank were useless, we didn't get a bankcard until two weeks after we arrived and their charges are really high. We changed bank accounts and went with St. George. Really helpful, unlimited transactions and cashcard the same day.

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

National Australia Bank. Excellent.

Then again I must admit to some bias in that I work for them. If I can help in anyway please send me a PM.

Cheers,
Colin

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Here are some example costs that I looked at in June 2005

Based on:
12 - EFTPOS transactions per month
5 - ATM transactions per month
$2,500 ave balance

HSBC Online saver - they pay you $9.90 pm
ANZ Access Advantage - charge you $5.00 pm
ANZ Access Select - charge you $5.50 pm
CBA Streamline account charge you $5.98 pm
Westpac One - charge you $5.00 pm
National Smart Access- charge you $5.00 pm

OR

Based on
20 - EFTPOS per month
10 - ATM per month
$2,500 ave balance

HSBC Online saver - charge you $0.10 pm
ANZ Access Advantage - charge you $5.00 pm
ANZ Access Select - charge you $12.00 pm
CBA Streamline account charge you $12.48 pm
Westpac One - charge you $5.00 pm
National Smart Access - charge you $5.00 pm

Some banks allow unlimited free EFTPOS transactions, others limit the number.
Some pay you interest, others don't.

It can depend a lot on your actual transaction usage.

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

I have to agree as a customer!

Andrew

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

High street banks here generally charge for anything and everything. I avoid them as much as possible, preferring to use enlightened financial institutions like ING Direct, Virgin and Citibank.

Re: Banks - Which One Please
 

Echo with those people who say don't go Commonwealth. They aren't very good and they charge you left, right and centre for the dubious honour of banking with them.