touchingcloth

Hi,

I've tempted fate by opening an ANZ bank account from the UK by dialling 613 9683 9999.

I chose the type of account I needed, and the lady I spoke to gave us our account no, swift code over the phone.

Saves all the hassel of filling out forms etc.

All we have to do is turn up at the branch with our passports when we arrive.

Now....all we need is our visa.

TC

baglady

Thanks for that info TC, it's one of the next things on my to do list and you've now made it much easier!

Best of luck for your Visa's imminent arrival!

touchingcloth

Thanks...made the call from my work phone .

Took 15 mins in all. make sure you ask for them to email confirmation.

All the best

TC

kevinbloomfield

Take note, when you open the account you will be liable for $5 per month charges. We made the mistake of opening 3 accounts and it is costing us $15 per month. As we may not be there for 6 months, it is a waste of money.

touchingcloth

Are u 100% sure about this? i.e I though that until you get there and verify your ID...your account isn't technically open.

SunshineGirl

The account is not opened until you get there and verify your details (ie they check visa and arrival stamp). Once that's done, you're liable to $5 per month fees per account. We validated in November, opened the account and put $100 in and now have about half left.

kevinbloomfield

Well we received 3 statements last month with the $5 per account charges.

Are you saying this is incorrect?

SunshineGirl

Hi, I tried to put some money in the account before I got there but they told me I couldn't put in or take out until the account was 'unlocked' which we did by going there with visa, signing all sorts of papers, getting internet access etc.

I applied for the account online back in August/September but the charges didn't start until after we unlocked it in November.

I wonder if it depends what type of bank account you have? Ours is an 'Access Advantage' account.

wmoore

You can put in but not withdraw. I opened my ANZ Access Advantage account from the UK about 2 months before we got here and didn't start paying any fees until I had 'activated' it.

Kev, if you've had a bill already, I'd query it.

SunshineGirl

I did mine all on-line so maybe misunderstood about paying in but they certainly took our cash pretty quickly when we got there!

But isn't that cheeky? Taking your cash but not letting you withdraw any. I know they have money laundering regulations to comply with but that should cover ANY transaction not just withdrawals.

And I agree, if they're taking fees before activation, I'd query it.

kevinbloomfield

I'll query it, robbin' b******s !!

baglady

Am I right: You are saying that the bank charges you for having an account with them, even if you have a healthy balance? Do all banks in Australia have this policy? I think I need to do my research!

SunshineGirl

With this account, yes. It's called an 'account servicing fee'. I only put $100 as we're not going to be there for another 6 weeks but as I activated it in November I've only got $60 left!

If you can find a free one, please let me know.

touchingcloth

http://www.anz.com.au/australia/pers...management.asp

I opened the above account...as it offers 5.25% on balances over $100K. I haven't sent them a penny yet...so I guess the account isn't activated.

The account seems ideal...as it gives decent savings interest rates...but also operates with NO MONTHLY FEE. You also get all the usual stuff like chequebook ($1.50 per issued cheque!), debit card etc. You get 5 free withdrawals a month (then 50c per withdrawal after - from ANZ banks).


TC

SunshineGirl

That's interesting, will have a look at it.