Banks

[countdown1975]

Hi Everyone,

My hubby and I are moving over in August on a permanent 176 visa. We were thinking of opening a bank account before we moved and I know you have to physically go into the bank no later than 3 months of opening it. Is Westpac any good or do you think we would be better off getting a money order and paying it into a bank when we arrive. Which banks would you recommend.
I have a UK and and Irish credit card at the moment which I am keeping.
Thanks for any advice
Vicki :-)

[DianeJ]

We opened our Westpac account outside the 90 day rule when the dollar was high in Oct last. We just had to show id to Westpac which we did at the Leeds expo. Our account was activated in Feb and have no complaints with them so far. Andrew Davison in London helped with the paperwork and we saw him at the expo.

Diane

[Hansonhouse]

We opened two accounts with Westpac prior to coming and then activated when we got here. We have had no problems as long as you remember that they will charge you $5 if your account balance drops below a certain amount and you get charged if you use another bank's ATM. They charge for direct debits which is a bit of a problem if you want to set them up for fortnightly rent etc but all in all we are still with them 6 months later and like everything else, it's just different and you get used to it.

[Trakki]

We didn't set up an account until we got here as we wanted to go into the banks personnally. Settled on Commonwealth Bank and have found them very efficient and helpful so far.

HTH

[brandyslad]

We didn't set up an account until we got here as we wanted to go into the banks personnally. Settled on Commonwealth Bank and have found them very efficient and helpful so far.

HTH

Do Commonwealth charge for direct debits?

[kangomik]

Morag at commonwealth is superb.

[brandyslad]

Morag at commonwealth is superb.

Yep I am planning to go to see her when we arrive, spoke to her via PM and she seemed pretty clued up and have heard good things about Commonwealth so we are thinking of them.

[UzinOz]

I opened my Westpac account from the Uk and when I arrived here they were extremely helpful even with things not concerning banking like driv lic, TFN, medicare etc, the girl I spoke to is a migrant as well so had been in the same position.

I now work for them and would still recommend them.

If you are being charged on your account you should speak to someone about reviewing the account, might save yourself some money, not trying to sell you accounts, just trying to save you.

Any questions PM me, more than happy to answer.

Jackie

[DianeJ]

We opened two accounts with Westpac prior to coming and then activated when we got here. We have had no problems as long as you remember that they will charge you $5 if your account balance drops below a certain amount and you get charged if you use another bank's ATM. They charge for direct debits which is a bit of a problem if you want to set them up for fortnightly rent etc but all in all we are still with them 6 months later and like everything else, it's just different and you get used to it.

Hi Hansonhouse,
Was in Westpac branch today in Reynella and was told there is no fee for direct debits only if you pay someone ( standing order in UK ). Was worried as have direct debit for school fees! We have a choice account and currently pay the $5 charge but when hubby gets a job and pays in more than $2500 a month then we won't be charged.

Diane

[Hansonhouse]

Thanks for that, and also the response from the lady who works in Westpac, I will pop in and have a chat with someone and maybe as you say, save me some dollars.