Opening Bank Account

[cbsquirrel]

Honestly, I don't know. I planned on moving to Sydney from the start, so it wasn't an issue for me. I think probably you need to know what city you're moving to, because they sent me an e-mail telling me which branch to go to in Sydney (there's one main one handling immigrant accounts).

Since the application is online, you could always give it a go and then cancel if you need to put info you don't have. I only applied for a bank account a week or two before I arrived, so you really don't need to do it very far in advance.

P.S. If you apply online with NAB, select "student" in the beginning when they determine what application you need. This sets you up with the bank account that doesn't have checking fees. If you select migrant or PR or whatever the other option is, they try to set you up with an account that charges checking account fees. In the end, they don't care what your status is as long as you have money, so it really doesn't matter.

[The Brit in Aus]

Originally Posted by RishiRiddhi

Btw, are these account works city specific / branch specific or you can operate from any branch and city? We are yet in the process to finalise the city. Any advise is appreciated.

Rushi

Bank accounts are national. You just change branch if needed.
eg: We banked with one bank in NSW, but moved to QLD. We kept the same accounts, but changed local branch.

I still have one account based in NSW, but access it via Internet banking, so never need to go to the branch.

The bank will need to know which branch to send the cards etc to, and for you to identify yourself, but I am sure that can be changed if you change destination.

[RishiRiddhi]

Originally Posted by cbsquirrel

Honestly, I don't know. I planned on moving to Sydney from the start, so it wasn't an issue for me. I think probably you need to know what city you're moving to, because they sent me an e-mail telling me which branch to go to in Sydney (there's one main one handling immigrant accounts).

Since the application is online, you could always give it a go and then cancel if you need to put info you don't have. I only applied for a bank account a week or two before I arrived, so you really don't need to do it very far in advance.

P.S. If you apply online with NAB, select "student" in the beginning when they determine what application you need. This sets you up with the bank account that doesn't have checking fees. If you select migrant or PR or whatever the other option is, they try to set you up with an account that charges checking account fees. In the end, they don't care what your status is as long as you have money, so it really doesn't matter.

Thanks cbsquirrel for a nice hint!

You are right, I will need to finalise the city first! but its a relief to know that process wont take much time.

Originally Posted by The Brit in Aus

Bank accounts are national. You just change branch if needed.
eg: We banked with one bank in NSW, but moved to QLD. We kept the same accounts, but changed local branch.

I still have one account based in NSW, but access it via Internet banking, so never need to go to the branch.

The bank will need to know which branch to send the cards etc to, and for you to identify yourself, but I am sure that can be changed if you change destination.

Thanks Brit for the prompt one! I handle my bank account in India quite samewise no matter where I am in need to use bank - I can go to any of the branch and ask for help / any service. But to open an account they ask me to provide residence in perticular city!!

Thanks for the guidance.

Rushi