How to open a bank account in Australia

Revolut is not a bank in Australia. However, our personal and business accounts are provided under an Australian Financial Services Licence (no. 517589). Information provided is accurate as of 10 February 2026.

If you're in Australia, whether for work, study, or family, and need to manage your money, you'll likely be looking to set up a bank account to handle daily expenses, receive your salary, and set aside your savings.

If you're looking for an alternative to a traditional bank account with a fast set-up and versatile money management tools, you might consider signing up for Revolut. We're easy to join, simple to use, and offer a range of different accounts to suit your needs, including a multi-currency account with features designed for spending and sending money globally.

Managing your finances can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Read on to learn all about how to set up an account and why you should do it with us.

Discover our Personal account and manage your money on a modern and intuitive app.

T&Cs apply.

How to open a bank account in Australia: a quick guide

If you're looking to get your finances sorted right now, here's a quick summary of the process:

1. Choose your provider: decide between a traditional bank or a digital non-bank alternative like us
2. Gather your ID: you'll need your passport and potentially an Australian visa or driving licence
3. Submit your application: many providers allow you to start this online before you even arrive in Australia, but in some cases you might have to visit a branch
4. Complete the 100-point check: this is a standard Australian identity verification process
5. Activate your card: once verified, you can start spending and managing your money

How to open a Revolut account

Ready to manage your money with a smart and versatile app? You can set up your account with us in minutes. Follow these simple steps to start using our services in Australia:

1. Download the Revolut app: find us on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Enter your details: provide your personal information, including your name, Australian address, and email.
3. Verify your identity: take a clear photo of your ID (like your passport) and a selfie in-app. Once we've reviewed and confirmed your application, your account's ready to use.
4. Start managing your money: tap Add money to transfer money into your account, or Cards to order your physical debit card or create a virtual card to spend right away. Delivery fees may apply.

Can I open a bank account online?

Yes, you can open a bank account or digital non-bank online in Australia. Most major Australian banks and non-bank digital account providers allow you to start the application process through their website or mobile app.

You can open a Revolut account entirely online, generally in minutes. We don't have physical branches, so our entire sign-up process process is ‌seamless and digital, allowing you to get more from your money without the paperwork.

Can I open a bank account in Australia as a non-resident?

Yes, some banks allow foreigners to open an account in Australia, depending on their eligibility criteria. While the process is usually more straightforward for residents, non-residents may need to provide additional documentation. This usually includes a valid visa (such as a Working Holiday or Student visa) and proof of a permanent Australian address.

Some banks allow you to start opening an account from overseas up to 3–12 months before you land. However, you may need to visit a branch in person with your passport to verify your identity.

If you want to get your money fast, we let you open a non-bank digital account as a non-resident under certain conditions. For example, you must provide a valid government-issued document like a visa and ‌proof of address in Australia.

If you’re planning to relocate and want to have an account in Australia, you can open a Revolut account when you land. Since it usually only takes a few minutes to open your account, you can wait until you arrive and have your Australian documents ready.

What documents do I need to open a bank account in Australia?

To open a bank account as a resident in Australia, you usually need to pass an identification check to meet regulatory requirements and to prevent fraud. You may need one or more documents to complete this check. Check with the account provider to confirm what they need. Examples of these documents are listed below.

Primary documents

• Passport: a valid international passport
• Birth certificate: an original or certified copy
• Australian driving licence: a current licence issued in an Australian state or territory

Secondary documents

These may need to be combined with primary documents to meet identification requirements.

• Medicare card: a current Australian healthcare card
• Utility bills: a recent gas, electricity, or water bill with your Australian address on it
• Bank statement: a statement from another Australian financial institution
• Council rates: if you own a property in Australia

If you’re not a resident, you might need other documents, like your visa grant letter, proof of enrolment from your university if you're a student, or your employment contract.

Opening a Revolut account: a streamlined process

We believe that opening an account in Australia should be fast and simple. Although we’re not a bank in Australia, we do offer a digital account that lets you manage your money and daily spending.

The process of opening a Revolut account generally only takes a few minutes. These are the documents you'll need:

• A valid mobile phone number.
• A valid email address.
• Personal information, including — but not limited to — your current address, date of birth, full name, and citizenship(s).
• A valid government-issued document for identity verification.
• A selfie for account security.
• You may also be asked a few questions about yourself and the purpose of your account. These questions won't impact your eligibility.

What type of account should I choose?

Choosing the right type of account depends on your financial habits and goals. These are the most common options available in Australia:

• Transaction account: this is your everyday account. It's helpful for receiving your salary, paying bills, and using a debit card for daily shopping. Most of these come with a contactless debit card.
• Savings account: these offer interest on your deposits and are suitable for building an emergency fund or saving for a specific goal. In Australia, some savings accounts require you to make a minimum monthly deposit or meet other requirements to earn the highest interest rate.
• Foreign currency account: designed for expats or frequent travellers, these allow you to hold and exchange multiple currencies, like AUD, USD, or GBP. Our multi-currency accounts are built for this, offering clear rates without the high fees often found at traditional banks.
• Revolut account: we’re not a bank in Australia. However, we do offer a flexible and versatile account to manage your money, spend with a debit card, send money quickly, and handle 30+ currencies, all in one intuitive app.

Currency exchange in 30+ currencies with the Revolut exchange rate. Fair usage limits and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.

The Revolut account advantage

With us, you can:

• pay bills and manage daily spending with ease
• make fast international transfers at competitive rates
• hold and exchange over 30 currencies in a single app
• use a travel money card for secure payments abroad
• set up recurring payments and manage subscriptions
• track your spending with smart budgeting tools and real-time notifications

While we aren't a bank in Australia, we do offer a versatile account that provides flexibility. If you're looking for a modern way to manage your finances, you might love Revolut.

¹The electronic money in your Revolut Account is protected by a bank guarantee (the Bank Guarantee). The Bank Guarantee is issued by an Australian authorised deposit-taking institution (the Issuer) in favour of Global Loan Agency Services Australia Nominees Pty Ltd (the Trustee or GLAS) who holds the benefit of the Bank Guarantee on trust for all Revolut Account holders.

Any advice given does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for your circumstances.