Banking for Migrants and International Students

Two Australian banks provide future migrants to Australia and International students with the ability to set up bank accounts prior to their arrival in Australia. Westpac Bank provides the broader service with the Commonwealth limiting its service to migrants from the UK and to a particular form of account.

Westpac Bank

Open a transaction account, transfer funds, apply for a credit card or invest funds in a foreign currency account before arriving in Australia.

Migrant & International Student Banking

Westpac Migrant Banking Australia
Level 31, 275 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Fax: (+612) 8253 1875

Commonwealth Bank

Focussed on UK immigrants to Australia and New Zealand.  Provides for migrants to open a Cash Investment Account prior to arrival in Australia.

Migrant Banking - UK

When it comes to the transfer of funds from overseas into Australia the banks will often not offer the best option - see our page on foreign currency transfer alternatives. For large amounts, such as the proceeds of a house sale, the focus should be on reducing the margin over interbank rates charged by the bank. Contact us for more details.