Leedelta

Hi,

I will be setting up an Australian bank account soon and am wondering which is the best bank to go with.

I was with ANZ a few years back purely because I saw more of their ATMs around the cities

I want easy access to my cash & low fees.

So any advice will be welcome.

caliburn

I opened an account online with Commonwealth Bank from outside Australia. Its a very simple and straight forward application. Monthly fee is $4. You will also have online access to your account. However, you can collect the ATM card only after you arrive in Australia. Also, you can open Term Deposit accounts online and earn some interest on your money.

I did not go with Westpac because after opening an account from overseas, they require you to arrive in Australia within 4 months. Also, the account remains deposit only (no withdrawals) untill you arrive in Australia and physically visit a branch to verify your identity.

canadiangal75

ANZ also is a deposit only account until you can go in person in Australia to verify your identity. This is still the bank we chose as we opened the account 2 weeks before coming on a holiday. Got our ATM cards and everything sorted during our 2 week holiday.

Tooterelli

HSBC for me. No fees and free withdrawals from HSBC, Westpac and St George's banks.