Moving to a new country means sorting a hundred little things. One of the most important is making sure you have an Australian bank account ready for rent, bills and your first pay. Westpac is one of Australia’s “big four” banks that offers a dedicated New-to-Australia service and account features targeted at migrants and new arrivals. This guide explains the Westpac options, the step-by-step process to open an account (including pre-arrival setup), practical tips, and where Westpac stands compared with other banks. Link this article from your pillar page Migrant Banking in Australia Complete Guide 2025 so readers can jump between broad strategy and bank-specific detail
Why consider Westpac as a new arrival?
Westpac’s migrant offering is designed to reduce early friction. Key benefits for new arrivals include a pre-arrival account setup option, a fee-free first year on its everyday account for eligible new customers, multilingual support and helpful “Moving to Australia” resources. Westpac also promotes easy online international transfers in foreign currencies with no Westpac transfer fee when done through the app or online banking (other FX margins still apply). These features make Westpac a strong contender if you want an account ready quickly and access to both branch support and digital tools
Why consider Westpac as a new arrival?
Westpac’s migrant offering is designed to reduce early friction. Key benefits for new arrivals include a pre-arrival account setup option, a fee-free first year on its everyday account for eligible new customers, multilingual support and helpful “Moving to Australia” resources. Westpac also promotes easy online international transfers in foreign currencies with no Westpac transfer fee when done through the app or online banking (other FX margins still apply). These features make Westpac a strong contender if you want an account ready quickly and access to both branch support and digital tools.
What Westpac account is geared toward migrants?
The main product to look for is Westpac Choice the “New to Australia” version (often called Westpac Choice for new arrivals). Highlights:
Open the account before arrival (if you’ll be in Australia within 14 days you may be able to start setup from overseas and get your Customer ID and online banking profile ready).
$0 monthly account fee for the first 12 months for new arrivals (open within 12 months of arriving). After the promotional period, normal fees apply unless you meet waiver criteria.
Full mobile banking, PayID and cards once identity is verified in branch.
These basics mean you can have an account number and online access ready on day one useful for getting paid, paying rent and setting up utilities.
Step-by-step: open a Westpac account as a migrant
- Check eligibility & prepare documents
Typical requirements: passport, visa details, an Australian residential address (you can use a temporary address for setup), and a mobile number. Westpac provides an ID checklist and a migrant FAQ to help you gather the right documents. - Apply online (pre-arrival option)
If you’re arriving soon (within the timeframe Westpac allows), you can start the process overseas to get your Customer ID and online profile — arrive and verify identity to fully activate cards and withdrawing. This shortens the time between landing and accessing funds. - Fund the account
Make an initial deposit by international transfer or deposit once you’re in Australia. Westpac also offers Foreign Currency / Multi-Currency accounts so you can hold certain currencies and choose when to convert to AUD. This can help manage timing and conversion costs. - Verify identity in-branch after arrival
To get your card and full transaction access you’ll generally need a branch visit for final verification — Westpac branches and ATMs are widely available, which helps when you first land. - Set up PayID, salary payments and super
Link PayID for easy transfers, give your employer your BSB and account number, and remember to register or update your TFN (Tax File Number) to avoid extra tax withholding. Westpac’s migrant tax and super guides are helpful here.
Westpac Branch Network and Hours
NAB has 400+ branches across all major Australian cities and regional areas.
To find the one closest to you, visit the NAB Branch Locator.
Typical branch hours are:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended hours)
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Most ATMs and the NAB App are available 24/7 for deposits and withdrawals.
NAB App and Online Banking
NAB offers a simple and secure way to manage your money online.
You can:
- Check balances, transfer money, and pay bills
- Set savings goals and track spending
- Use Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Freeze or unfreeze your card instantly
The NAB App is available on iOS and Android devices.
It’s also useful for international students or workers who prefer managing money digitally without visiting a branch.
Download the app directly from NAB App Page.
Language & Customer Support
NAB knows that not everyone speaks fluent English when they arrive.
To help, NAB provides interpreter services in 14 languages, including Hindi, Mandarin, Arabic, and Vietnamese. You can request a translator at a branch or when you call the customer service line.
This service helps migrants manage their money confidently from day one.
Quick NAB Resources
For a full comparison of NAB and other leading banks, read our Migrant Banking Complete Guide 2025
Disclaimer : All information in this article including account features, fees, and interest rates is based on publicly available NAB resources as of September 2025.
Please confirm the latest details directly on the official NAB website before applying and refer the TMB (Target Market Determination)
