Student Bank Accounts in Australia
Compare all major banks and find the best fit for you
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- • Exclusive deals - Partner banks offer special student bonuses
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* Specific offers vary by bank and time. Check the bank's website for current promotions when you click through.
✓ Good News! All major Australian banks offer student accounts with $0 monthly fees. Most allow you to open an account online before arriving in Australia. Compare features below to find your best match.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CBA | ANZ | Westpac | NAB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee (Student) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| ATMs Nationwide | 3,500+ | 2,500+ | 2,000+ | 1,800+ |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Open from Overseas | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| International Transfers | Available | Good | Available | Available |
| Digital Wallet Support | All | All | All | All |
* All data as of December 2025. App ratings from App Store/Google Play. Features subject to eligibility.
Detailed Bank Reviews
Commonwealth Bank (CBA)
Smart Access Student Account
CBA is Australia's largest bank and the most widely chosen by international students. With the most ATMs nationwide and a highly-rated mobile app, it offers convenience across all of Australia.
Key Features
- ✓No monthly account fees for students
- ✓3,500+ ATMs across Australia (most of any bank)
- ✓NetBank app with 4.5/5 rating
- ✓Can open account before arriving in Australia
- ✓Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay supported
- ✓International money transfers available
Good to Know
- •Need to verify student status annually
- •$5 fee for non-CBA ATM withdrawals
- •International transfer fees apply
- •Physical card arrives in 5-10 business days
Best for: Students who want maximum ATM access and a trusted, widely-used bank. If you'll be traveling around Australia or living in regional areas, CBA's extensive ATM network is valuable.
Opens official CBA website in new tab
ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group)
Access Advantage Account
ANZ is known for its highly-rated mobile app (4.7/5) and excellent international student support. Many international students choose ANZ for its user-friendly digital banking and responsive customer service.
Key Features
- ✓No monthly fees for students under 25
- ✓2,500+ ANZ ATMs nationwide
- ✓ANZ Plus app rated 4.7/5 (highest rated)
- ✓Can apply online from overseas
- ✓Strong international banking features
- ✓24/7 customer support for students
Good to Know
- •Age limit: Must be under 25 for student account
- •Fewer ATMs than CBA in regional areas
- •International transfer fees may apply
- •May need to verify enrollment annually
Best for: Tech-savvy students who primarily use mobile banking and value a great app experience. Also ideal if you need strong international support or frequently transfer money home.
Opens official ANZ website in new tab
Westpac
Choice Account
Westpac is one of Australia's "Big Four" banks with a strong reputation for international student services. Known for streamlined overseas account opening and helpful branch staff.
Key Features
- ✓No monthly fees with student status
- ✓2,000+ ATMs across Australia
- ✓Easy online application from overseas
- ✓Westpac app with good ratings (4.3/5)
- ✓International student support team
- ✓All major digital wallets supported
Good to Know
- •Need to maintain student status for fee waiver
- •Fewer ATMs than CBA in some areas
- •Some fees for international transactions
- •May require document verification
Best for: International students who prefer opening their account before arrival and value dedicated international student support. Good balance of features and accessibility.
Opens official Westpac website in new tab
NAB (National Australia Bank)
NAB Classic Banking Account
NAB offers straightforward banking with no monthly fees regardless of student status. A solid choice for students who want simple, no-frills banking without age or enrollment restrictions.
Key Features
- ✓No monthly account fees (no conditions)
- ✓1,800+ NAB ATMs nationwide
- ✓NAB app with solid ratings (4.2/5)
- ✓Can open account from overseas
- ✓No age limit or student verification needed
- ✓Digital wallet support included
Good to Know
- •Fewest ATMs among the Big Four banks
- •Less coverage in regional Australia
- •International transfer fees apply
- •App features slightly less advanced than ANZ
Best for: Students who want guaranteed no-fee banking without worrying about maintaining student status or age limits. Good for those studying in major cities where NAB has good ATM coverage.
Opens official NAB website in new tab
How to Choose Your Bank
If you prioritize...
- Most ATMs: Choose CBA (3,500+)
- Best app experience: Choose ANZ (4.7/5 rating)
- International support: Choose Westpac or ANZ
- Simple no-fee banking: Choose NAB
- Regional travel: Choose CBA (best coverage)
- Urban living only: Any bank works well
Opening Timeline
- From overseas: 1-2 weeks (all banks)
- In Australia (before 6 weeks): Same day with passport only
- In Australia (after 6 weeks): May need extra ID documents
- Card delivery: 5-10 business days
- Instant: Digital card in app (some banks)
"I opened my CommBank account in the first week with just my passport. Super easy! The app is amazing - I use it every day to check my balance and transfer money. Highly recommend opening it early!"
Priya Sharma
India → University of Melbourne
Opened CBA account within 6-week window, uses it for part-time job wages
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Australian bank account?
Yes, you'll need one to receive wages if you work, pay rent, and manage daily expenses. Most employers won't pay into international accounts.
Can I open a bank account before arriving in Australia?
Yes! All major banks (CBA, ANZ, Westpac, NAB) allow international students to open accounts online before arrival. You'll need your passport, visa details, and Australian address (can be temporary).
What's the 6-week rule?
If you open an account within 6 weeks of arriving in Australia, you only need your passport as ID. After 6 weeks, you'll need additional identification (driver's license, student ID, etc.). Open early to keep it simple!
Are there fees for international students?
No monthly account fees for student accounts at all major banks. However, international transfers, currency conversions, and using non-bank ATMs may have fees. Always check the fee schedule.
Can I have accounts with multiple banks?
Yes, absolutely! Many students have accounts with 2 banks - one for daily use and another for savings or international transfers. There's no restriction on how many accounts you can have.
What do I need to open an account?
From overseas: Passport, student visa, CoE (Confirmation of Enrollment), Australian address (can be temporary/university).
In Australia (under 6 weeks): Just your passport!
After 6 weeks: Passport + additional ID (driver's license, student card, etc.)
Which bank is most popular with international students?
CBA (Commonwealth Bank) is the most widely used by international students due to its extensive ATM network and trusted reputation. However, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB are all excellent choices depending on your priorities.
Ready to Open Your Account?
Choose the bank that fits your needs best. All offer excellent service for international students.
💡 Tip: After opening your bank account, don't forget to apply for your TFN (Tax File Number) to avoid high tax rates.Get your TFN here →