Open a bank account before you arrive in Australia | NAB - NAB

Banking you can trust

A trusted Australian bank

We’re one of Australia’s ‘big 4’ banks, serving over 8 million customers.

Products to suit you

Get started with a bank account that charges no monthly account fee. We have credit cards, loans and more to help you set up your life in Australia.

Always here to help

Use the NAB app to access your money 24 hours a day, seven days a week, visit us in person at a branch or call us - we have interpreter services available.

Security first

Enjoy peace of mind that you can call us 24/7 with any security concerns about your account.

Bank accounts NAB Classic Banking Account

Everyday banking made simple. Enjoy easy access to your money and track your spending in the NAB app.

Monthly account fee

$0

Overdrawn fee

$0

Features

  • Freedom of no minimum deposits

  • No Australian transaction fee (international transaction and transfer fees may apply)

  • After in‑branch activation, you can use your digital card while you wait for your physical card

  • Shopping protection with NAB Defence

  • Enjoy personalised cash back offers with NAB Goodies

Things to consider

Eligibility Moving to Australia

  • You’re 14 years or older 
    -If you’re under 14, visit a NAB branch with your parent or guardian

  • You’re planning to stay in Australia for at least 6 months

  •  You hold a valid passport and Australian visa
    -Both must be valid for at least 6 months from when you visit us in branch
    -Most visa types are eligible, except for tourist or visitor visas

  • You have arrived within 12 months or are arriving in Australia within the next 30 days 
    -Please note, you can start the application online, however, accounts are not opened until you arrive in Australia and visit a branch

  • You’re not applying online from a sanctioned country

If you want to apply for a joint account, please visit a NAB branch when you arrive in Australia

Getting started Start online, finish in branch when you arrive.

Step 1

Start your application online

Before you start, make sure you have the following ready:

  • Valid passport and Australian visa

  • Tax Identification Number (or similar)

  • Home country address

  • International or Australian mobile number

Step 2

Finish your application in branch

Visit a NAB branch within 30 days of starting your online application to verify your identity and activate your account.

You’ll need to bring a:

  • Valid passport (the one linked to your Australian visa)

  • Valid visa and related documents

  • Australian residential address

  • Australian mobile number

Please note: If your passport information page isn't in English, you'll need to bring an English translation prepared by a translator accredited with NAATI.

Why do I need to visit a branch?

We require you to verify your identity in person. This ensures your security and helps us to comply with our obligations.

Web

NAB Goodies is our way of thanking you for banking with us.

We’ve teamed up with some of Australia’s favourite brands to bring you exclusive offers, everyday savings, and more with an eligible NAB card.

Seamless banking at your fingertips

The NAB app thinks about money, so that you don't have to.

  • Track your spending and visualise where your money is going

  • Create a savings goal and track your progress

  • View and manage cards, PIN, and payments

  • Open an additional banking or savings account in minutes

Frequently asked questions

  • Your application will expire, but you can start a new application any time.

  • No. You’ll need to visit a branch in Australia to finish your application, open your account and get online banking access. When we’ve verified your ID in person, your account will be ready for you to use.

  • Yes. After your account is activated in a branch, you can log in to the NAB app and access it. Once you've added money, you can use your digital Visa Debit card for online and contactless payments while your physical card is on the way.

  • If your visa changes or you get a new one, bring evidence with you when you visit a branch to finish your application.

Helpful tools and resources

Calling Australia home

Get in touch

Contact us

Visit our contact page for how-to guides and FAQs.

Visit a NAB branch

Our bankers can help you in person at any branch in Australia.

Find an interpreter

Ask for an interpreter to help with your banking.

Terms and Conditions

This information is intended for people moving to Australia. Accounts are not opened until you arrive in Australia and finish your application in a NAB branch. Deposits are taken by National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) in Australia and not by any of its branches in other countries. NAB is not offering banking to or soliciting deposits from people resident outside Australia. 

NAB is incorporated in Australia and is regulated as an Authorised Deposit-Taking Institution by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and as a financial services and credit licensee by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Prudential information about NAB is available in its published regulatory disclosures. Personal NAB customers have access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and deposits may be covered by the Financial Claims Scheme. 

Consider the NAB Internet Banking terms and conditions which apply when using NAB Internet Banking and the NAB app. The NAB app is compatible with Android™ and iOS, minimum platform requirements apply. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. Apple, the Apple logo, and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play Logo are registered trademarks of Google LLC.

Any advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any advice, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and view the Personal Transaction and Savings Accounts Terms and Conditions. Target Market Determinations for these products are available at nab.com.au/TMD. NAB products issued by NAB. 

See our personal banking fees and charges and indicator rates for deposit products