fancyfella

HI FOLKS,

Is it possible to open a westpac account over here before we go over.

THANKS FANCYFELLA AND THE TRIBE(VICTORIA BOUND SEPT) :scared:

P.S.YOULL NEVER WALK ALONE

Wendy

I'm not sure, but I know you can open an account with ANZ from here, I was told you either fill in the form you can download online and post it or if you call them and ask for Banking Products, they will open one for you on the telephone.

Link is http://www.anz.com.au/aus/ind/everyday/banking.asp or phone +613
9683 9999 8am - 8pm Mon-Fri Australian time

nicoak

It certainly is. We opened an account the other week. Download some forms and either post or fax back. We faxed back and had an email after a day or so confirming receipt and account was opened after 4 or 5 days. Gave us account details etc by email, just had to tranfer some money in within 21 days.

jwood

How much money do you have to open the account with

nicktork

We have also opened a WestPac account online from over here. Just search the www.westpac.com.au site for "migrant", fill in the forms and fax over some proof of ID.

We made a few £1000 tranzfers when the rate peaked a few weeks ago and I was able to e-mail them to get them to tell me the funds had arrived safely. (They have also taken their first $5 monthly fee from us.)

We can't withdraw or transfer money out of the account until we arrive in Australia (only 20 days to go!) and show them our passports.

Leisa

Think Commonwealth also do a migrant account.

Leisa

hedgehog

Whats the difference between a migrant account and a normal account?
Cheers
mandy

Tiawamutu

On the website it says ' If you retain a minimum balance of $2,500 in your Westpac One transaction account (main account), the $5 monthly fee will be waived.'

That sounds good

Leisa

Not sure - was something I was told about - we are still much to far away from thinking about bank accounts - waiting for our Skills Assessment to come back!

http://www.commbank.com.au/personal/...oAustralia.asp

No good at doing links sorry but hopefully this should help.

Leisa

Tiawamutu

I think it's just called 'Migrant Banking' and it's info about all the options open to you as a migrant. i.e all the accounts that you can open from the U.K. These are not necessarily only accounts for migrants (if you get my meaning)

DianneH68

Unless you really need to open one before you go, I wouldn't worry too much.
Once you're there you can just pop into a branch and open one. Only takes a few minutes and is painless enough. Think you have to wait two or three days for your card, but until then you can draw money out over the counter if you have your account details.

nicktork

A migrant account becomes a normal account once you turn up at any branch and prove your identity.

YoSemite

Yup, we rocked up on the wednesday afternoon with out passports, 3 accounts (2 normal, 1 netsaver) opened 15 minutes later, had the card the following monday! total doddle.

when you open them within 6 weeks of arriving, you only need your passport for ID as well - easy as!!!

hedgehog

Hi who did you open your account up with and did you have a permanent Oz address??
Thanks

hedgehog

Thanks to you and Nicktork for the reply