Can I open a bank account online?

Yes, most Westpac everyday bank accounts and savings accounts can be opened online.

May 2022 – 10 minute read

What you’ll learn

• Compare bank accounts and choose the one that’s best for you
• Check that you can open the account online
• Have your ID ready and apply online (takes less than 3 minutes)
• Register for Online Banking (during your online application)
• Activate your debit card (if opening a transaction account)

1. Compare bank accounts and choose the one that’s best for you

The two most popular types of bank accounts are transaction accounts and savings accounts.

Open a transaction account online

Also known as an everyday bank account, transaction accounts are used to receive your pay and other funds, to withdraw cash from ATMs, and to make payments – including by debit card, online and mobile banking, and automatic debits. You can choose an account that matches your age or circumstances.

• For everyone: Westpac Choice
• Under 30
• Full time tertiary student
• 55+ and retired
• Concession card holder
• Joint bank account
• New/moving to Australia

Open a savings account online

Savings accounts put your surplus funds to work by paying variable interest on the money you set aside for savings goals or unexpected expenses. An alternative place to save money is in a term deposit, which pays a fixed rate of interest on funds locked securely away for a chosen period.

• For regular savers: Westpac Life
• For short term savers: Westpac eSaver
• For kids and teens: Bump Savings
• Term Deposit (Online opening for existing customers only)
• Compare accounts and interest rates
• Transaction account plus savings account

2. Check that you can open the account online

• No need to visit a branch. Most Westpac accounts can be opened online in as little as 3 minutes.
• To save you time, if you want a transaction account for your everyday banking plus a bank account for your savings, you can open both accounts online in one application.
• When you open a savings account or term deposit online, you’ll also need to open a transaction account to transfer funds in and out of it (if you don’t already have one).

Got the Westpac App?

If you’re already a Westpac customer, open an account in just a few taps.

1. Open the app and tap Products then Bank accounts
2. Choose the type of account you want
3. Check the details and Open now
   

3. Have your ID ready and apply online

To apply online you’ll need to be at least 14 years old with an Australian residential address.

What to have by your side:

• Your mobile phone
• Two types of ID:
  - Australian driver licence
  - Medicare card
  - Passport
  - Australian birth certificate
  
• Your tax file number (TFN) – not compulsory but helpful
  
• Your foreign tax details (if applicable)
  

For a list of documents that we accept, refer to Identification Checklist. (PDF 657KB)

4. Register for Online Banking

• With Westpac accounts, this step’s included in your online application – so there’s nothing more you have to do.
• You’ll get an email confirming your new account details, including a temporary password for Online Banking.

5. Activate your debit card

• Use the Debit Mastercard you get with a Choice transaction account to make contactless purchases, add to your digital wallet, and withdraw cash from ATMs.
• Activate your card in seconds in Online Banking or using the Westpac App. Learn how to activate your card.
  

Who gets a Debit Mastercard?

If you’re aged 8 or over with an Australian residential address, you can order a Debit Mastercard to link to your Choice account.

Find a branch

Visit your local branch

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Related links

• Debit Mastercard®
• Budget planner
• Compare everyday bank accounts
• Compare business accounts
• Accounts for new arrivals

Feature articles

• How to land your first job
• Setting up a budget
• Developing good money habits
• Five tips for fine-tuning your finances

More options

• Savings accounts
• Term Deposits
• All bank accounts

Things you should know

Read the Westpac Online Banking Terms and Conditions (PDF 547KB) at westpac.com.au before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

Mobile and Tablet Banking applications are only available for use by Westpac Australia customers.

Internet connection is needed to access Westpac Mobile Banking app. Normal mobile data charges apply.

Our site and your details are secure. For more information, read our information on security.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Debit Mastercard®: Westpac Choice Youth account, the eligible card age is 8. For any other transaction account, the eligible card age is 14. You must have an Australian residential address.

Mastercard® is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Apple, the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Samsung and Samsung Pay are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

PayID® and PayTo® are registered trademark of NPP Australia Limited.

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For Westpac issued products, conditions, fees and charges apply. These may change or we may introduce new ones in the future. Full details are available on request. Lending criteria apply to approval of credit products. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors before acting on it. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Terms and Conditions, before deciding. Target Market Determinations for the products are available. Unless otherwise specified, the products and services described on this website are available only in Australia from © Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.