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Australian Banking - National Australia Bank

Travelling to Australia as a working holiday maker or permanent migrant? If so, then it's advisable to arrange an Australian bank account before you leave the UK, with the National Australia Bank making the process easy with their online form.

The National Australia Bank (NAB) is one of Australia's largest banks, and by using their online form, you can open an account prior to leaving the UK.

Opening an account 

The first step to take is going to the NAB website.  Click on 'Australia', and you will then be taken directly to their migrant banking portal. Once there, simply click the link titled 'Apply now' below the section of the page titled 'Opening an account', and you'll be taken to the online form.

Once there, it's important that you select the appropriate visa type from the drop-down menu at the top of the form (i.e. if you are travelling to Australia on a working holiday visa, you would select the 'working holiday' option).  Additionally, you should make sure that you have the following information before completing the form:

• The address where you will be staying on your arrival in Australia (if available) and/or your overseas address
• Your current contact telephone number and mailing address.

Once you have completed and submitted your online application, a confirmation page will be displayed confirming your application has been processed. You will also receive an email (within two weeks), containing your new account number, a letter of confirmation and some information about the account.

Once you have your account number you can transfer money straight into your account. The information pack will explain what you need to do once you arrive in Australia, before you can access your money.

Banking conditions

When opening an account, you should allow up to a week (after it has been received) for your application to be processed, although the timespan can be as short as 48 hours.  Also, while you can open a bank account up to 12 months in advance, it's important to note that you must activate your account within 12 months of opening it, otherwise it will be closed.  For further information, read the NAB Investment Cash Manager PDS including Terms and Conditions.