WHV Guide
The complete guide — which bank, when to apply, and the 6-week rule you can't afford to miss
Last verified: April 2026 · Sources: CommBank, NAB, Westpac, AUSTRAC
The 30-second version
Open a CommBank Everyday Smart Access account. You can pre-apply up to 14 days before arrival at commbank.com.au/moving-to-australia. Within your first 6 weeks in Australia, your passport alone is enough to verify your identity. After 6 weeks, you need 100 points of Australian ID — which is much harder. Don't wait.
The 6-week rule
Within 6 weeks of arrival
Passport only
Walk into a branch, walk out with an account
After 6 weeks
100 points of ID
Need Australian documents you probably don't have yet
Your foreign passport is worth 70 points. After 6 weeks, you'd need additional Australian documents (Medicare card 25pts, employer letter 25pts, utility bill 25pts) to reach 100. Open your account in the first few days.
Australia has four major banks plus digital-only alternatives. Here's how they compare for WHMs:
The most popular choice for WHMs. Pre-apply up to 14 days before arrival. Largest ATM network in Australia (~7,000+ ATMs) — essential if you head regional. No monthly fee if you're under 30, or for the first 12 months. Staff are experienced with WHMs.
No monthly fees ever — no hoops, no minimum deposits, no age requirements. Good app and 4,000+ ATMs. The catch: no pre-arrival account opening. You must be in Australia to apply.
Pre-arrival opening available. No monthly fee for the first 12 months, then waived if under 30 or depositing $2,000+/month. Member of Global ATM Alliance for fee-free withdrawals at partner banks in some countries. Fewer branches than CommBank, especially in regional areas.
$5/month fee, waived for under 25s. Handy if you're planning a New Zealand working holiday next (ANZ operates in both countries). Generally the weakest option for most WHMs due to higher fees and smaller network.
Digital-only neobank with no fees ever. Beautiful app with spending insights, automatic categorisation, and round-up savings. Instant digital card via Apple Pay/Google Pay. Great as a second account alongside CommBank for budgeting and savings. No branches or ATM network — support is app-based only.
Our recommendation: Open CommBank before you arrive as your primary account. Once you're settled, add Up Bank as a digital savings and spending account if you want better budgeting tools.
Go to commbank.com.au/moving-to-australia
Click "Open an account" and select the Everyday Smart Access account
Enter your details — full name (must match passport), date of birth, email, phone, citizenship, visa details, arrival city
Submit the application. You'll get a confirmation with your BSB + account number. The account is in deposit-only mode until you verify in branch
When you arrive, visit any CommBank branch within 20 days with your original passport
The branch will verify your identity and activate full access. Your debit card will be mailed within 5–7 business days
Walk into any CommBank branch — no appointment needed
Tell them you've recently arrived and want to open an Everyday Smart Access account
Present your passport. They'll confirm your arrival date
Your account will be activated immediately. Debit card mailed in 5–7 days
Download the CommBank app — use Cardless Cash at CommBank ATMs before your physical card arrives
Use Wise for the best exchange rate — typically 0.4–0.6% fee vs 2–4% at traditional banks. On a $5,000 transfer, that's $100–200 saved. Set up your Wise account before you leave home, then transfer using your new BSB and account number. Most transfers arrive within minutes via debit card.
Download the CommBank app. Set up PayID (register your phone number for instant transfers — makes splitting bills with housemates effortless). Enable notifications to track every transaction.
When your Tax File Number arrives (up to 28 days from application), add it via the app, NetBank, or at a branch. Without it, the bank withholds tax on any interest at the highest marginal rate.
When you start a job, your employer needs your BSB number (6 digits), account number (typically 8 digits), and account name (your full name). Find these in your banking app.
Contactless payments
Australia is one of the most cashless societies in the world. Almost everywhere accepts tap-and-go. You'll rarely need cash except for some markets, regional businesses, and bond payments.
PayID
Instead of sharing your BSB and account number, register your phone number as your PayID. Anyone can then send you money instantly. Essential for hostel bill-splitting and receiving casual payments.
Cash withdrawals
Free at your own bank's ATMs. $2–3 fee at other banks. Free cashback ("cash out") at most supermarkets when you make a debit card purchase.
Savings accounts
Set up a linked savings account to keep your savings separate. Current interest rates are around 4–5% at the best accounts. CommBank offers NetBank Saver; Up Bank offers multiple Savers with competitive rates.
If you miss the 6-week window, here's what you need:
| Document | Points |
|---|---|
| Foreign passport (primary ID) | 70 |
| Australian driver's licence | 40 |
| Australian bank statement (if you have another account) | 25 |
| Utility bill in your name | 25 |
| Australian Medicare card | 25 |
| Letter from your employer on letterhead | 25 |
Your passport gets you 70 points. You need at least one more document worth 25+ points to reach 100. This is why opening within 6 weeks matters so much — after the window closes, it becomes a paperwork puzzle.
Can I open an account without a TFN?
Yes. Provide your TFN within 28 days of opening to avoid interest tax withholding at the highest rate. You can open the account first and add the TFN later.
Do I need an Australian address?
For CommBank's pre-arrival application, no — they accept overseas addresses. For in-branch opening, you need a mailing address for your debit card. A hostel or friend's address works fine.
What if I miss the 6-week window?
Try Up Bank — their digital verification through the app can be easier than the traditional 100-point check. Otherwise, gather whatever Australian documents you have (Medicare card, employer letter, utility bill) and speak to a branch manager.
Should I keep my home country bank account open?
Yes. You'll need it for Wise transfers, as a backup card, and for when you return home. Don't close it.
Can I open multiple accounts?
Yes, no limit. Many WHMs run CommBank + Up Bank simultaneously — CommBank for getting paid and ATM access, Up for budgeting and savings.
What happens when I leave Australia?
Transfer your remaining balance home via Wise, then close the account. Don't close too early — you may need it for your final pay, ATO tax refund, or DASP super refund. These can take weeks or months after you leave.
| Our recommendation | CommBank Everyday Smart Access |
| Cost | Free to open. $0/month if under 30 or first 12 months |
| 6-week rule | Within 42 days of arrival: passport only. After: 100 points of ID |
| Pre-arrival | CommBank and Westpac — up to 14 days before arrival |
| Best for no fees | NAB (free forever) or Up Bank (free forever, digital only) |
| Best app | Up Bank for budgeting/savings; CommBank for all-round banking |
| ATM network | CommBank (~7,000+) > NAB (~4,000) > Westpac > ANZ |
| TFN required? | No, but add it within 28 days to avoid interest tax withholding |
| Debit card | Mailed to your Australian address within 5–7 days |
| Instant access | Up Bank (digital card immediately) or CommBank Cardless Cash |
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Build your free plan →This guide is for general information only and should not be taken as financial advice. Banking products and fees change regularly — always confirm current terms with your chosen bank. We may earn a commission if you open an account through our links — this doesn't affect our recommendations. Sources: Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, ANZ, Up Bank, AUSTRAC. Last verified April 2026.