I didn't realise you can do that.

Why do you need it before departure anyway?

Avoid the big 4 banks at all cost. (They will try and slug you with fees.) They are NAB, Commonwealth, Westpac and ANZ.

I have never paid any banking fees and am with a big four bank. Well the only fee I have ever paid is at an ATM when I use one that is not my own bank, that is why I think a big ATM network is good.

Commonwealth was slugging me $5 a month until I threatened to kick them into touch.

Anyway, ATM networks. I never have an issue with the below and fees.

HSBC cardholders can enjoy unlimited ATM transactions without incurring an ATM Operator Fee at over 3,000 ATMs across Australia at the following ATMs:

HSBC
Westpac
St.George
BankSA
Bank of Melbourne

+1

The package I am on with ANZ normally has an annual fee. I informed them that if they want my business then there will be no fees. They duly did this and we have enjoyed a long and happy arrangement

I also bank with HSBC and find them to be very good

So they would have fee'ed you had you not laid down the conditions?

yes

only mugs pay bank fees

On principle ..... never bank with a bank who even thinks about fee's.

If that's what you want to do then cool

I'm just looking for the best deals that I can get

I opened an account with the Commonwealth Bank via their branch in London before I moved to Australia. No fees charged

I might give that go but to he honest I'll just open a bank account on my arrival in Sydney. HSBC seems the best option for me. However im not paying any fees as the other posters mentioned, only mugs pay banking fees.
Im not that desperate to set up the bank account before I leave. Im sure it wont be difficult to set one on when I arrive.


Thanks for your advice everyone. Im I'll be coming back pestering for more advice on other subjects.