Learn open an Australian bank account as a UK resident.
Whether you are planning to move to Australia permanently or temporarily, it is useful to have a bank account. You can open a bank account as a U.K. resident either from the U.K. or when you arrive to Australia. The only requirement to open a bank account within the first six weeks of arriving is a valid passport. If you wait more than six weeks, you will need extra identification, like proof of your current address.
Instructions
1. Open a bank account in the U.K.You can do this by visiting an Australian bank's branch in the U.K. You will be asked for personal information like your name, birthday, marital status, and so on. You will also have to provide proof of identification, like a passport. The Commonwealth Bank, for example, has a team in London that helps U.K. residents relocate to Australia. If you choose this option, you could arrange for your Australian debit cards to be ready to pick up when you arrive.
2. Open a bank account online. Various Australian banks allow online bank account applications. Fill in the online forms and provide proof of identity. Once you arrive to Australia visit the bank and pick up your paperwork. You might be required to sign some forms and provide a valid passport to confirm your ID.
3. Walk into an Australian bank. The requirements to open a bank account are minimal. You will be asked to fill in forms with your personal information and show a valid passport. You do not need to be an Australian resident to open a bank account.
4. Read the terms and conditions. As in any country it is important to check the product information, features and cost of the service.
5. Complete an application form. This can be done online, over the phone or in person. Some banks will verify your personal information without you having to visit a bank branch; others will require you to go in person to activate the account.
6. Start banking. Once your account has been activated, which can take anything from five to 10 days, you are ready to use your new bank account.
Tags: bank account, open bank account, personal information, valid passport, arrive Australia, Australian bank, bank account