SETTLING IN · BANKING
Get paid from day one. Start your bank account before you land.
Your employer needs an Australian account to pay you. Some banks let you apply before you arrive — here's the order that avoids waiting for your first pay.
- Apply from overseas
- AUD details on day one
- What to bring to the branch
The gap most people hit
You landDay 0
Bank not active yetAccount ready
A multi-currency account gives you AUD bank details while you wait for the branch visit.
The plan
Four steps, in this order
- Weeks beforeOpen a multi-currency account for AUD details
- Up to 30 days beforeApply online with an Australian bank
- Week oneVerify your ID at a branch to activate
- First payGive your BSB and account to your employer
Step 1 · The bridge
AUD account details before you arrive
A Wise account gives you Australian bank details (BSB and account number) you can use straight away — to receive money, move your savings over and pay in AUD with the card while your bank account gets going.
Partner link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.- BSB + account no.Australian details for receiving AUD
- Debit cardSpend in AUD from day one
- Not a bankKeep it as a bridge or alongside your bank
Step 2
Banks that let you start from overseas
| Bank | Apply before you arrive | To activate | Activate within | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CommBankChecked 15 Oct 2026 | Up to 14 days before | ID check at a branch | Branch ID check within 20 days of opening, or the account closes | Official page for CommBank (opens in a new tab) |
| NABChecked 15 Oct 2026 | Up to 30 days before | ID check at a branch | Branch visit within 30 days of starting the application | Official page for NAB (opens in a new tab) |
- CommBankChecked 15 Oct 2026
- Apply before you arrive
- Up to 14 days before
- To activate
- ID check at a branch
- Activate within
- Branch ID check within 20 days of opening, or the account closes
- NABChecked 15 Oct 2026
- Apply before you arrive
- Up to 30 days before
- To activate
- ID check at a branch
- Activate within
- Branch visit within 30 days of starting the application
Listed A–Z. We don't rank banks or earn anything from them. Fees and newcomer offers change — check the monthly fee and when any fee waiver ends.
General information, not financial advice. Partner links may earn us a commission.
Step 3 · Bring to the branch
- Passport
- Visa grant notice
- Tax ID number from your home country (CommBank asks for it)
- Your Australian address (temporary is fine)
- Your Australian mobile number NAB requires it — get one in week one
Step 4 · Before your first pay
- BSB and account number to your employer
- Your Tax File Number (TFN) — apply free on the ATO website (opens in a new tab)
- Your super fund details