Bank Accounts Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I set up a bank account online?
Most Australia-based lenders will allow you to set up a bank account online. Requirements vary from lender to lender, but you will probably need to provide a passport or birth certificate, as well as a driver’s licence, Medicare card or another form of secondary ID.
Do you need a bank account to sell on eBay?
You don’t need a bank account to sell on eBay. But if you don’t have a bank account, you must provide either a credit card or debit card.
Can you open a bank account at 16?
Yes, you can open a bank account at 16, or even younger. If you’re 13 or under, you will probably need a parent to accompany you to a branch.
How do I open a bank account for a baby?
If you’ve just welcome a new baby into the world, congratulations. Opening a bank account for your child can be a wonderful first gift.
Before you can open your child an account, you’ll need to have a birth certificate or passport for your baby.
As the parent or guardian, you’ll also be listed as a joint holder on the account. This means you’ll need to have proof of your identification and address (a driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate or Medicare Card).
Many banks and credit unions offer baby banks accounts. Usually, you can apply online; otherwise you can head into a local branch or office with your documents.
How do I open a bank account if I'm under 18?
The good news for savvy young folks like you wanting to take charge of your finances is that there are many bank accounts available for under-18s.
For bank accounts that require you to be 18 or older, you’ll have to rope in a parent or guardian to open the account for you.
Otherwise, you can apply by yourself online or at the branch of the bank, credit union or building society that has the account you would like to open.
If applying online, you might be asked for a form of identification. For under-18s, this could be a Medicare card you’re listed on, your birth certificate and/or your current home address.
In most cases, you can verify your identity online (at the time of applying) or at the branch afterwards.
Can Centrelink access your bank account?
Yes, Centrelink can access your bank account, but only if you give them a reason to. Centrelink uses data-matching software with other federal government agencies to help it crack down on welfare cheats.
This is why it’s important to give true and matching information to all government agencies.
For example, if you report to Centrelink your annual income is $25,000, but at tax time you report your income as $50,000 with the ATO, it’s likely you’ll be ‘red flagged’.
At this point, Centrelink can legally request that your bank hand over your personal bank account details, to review your finances.
In most cases, Centrelink does not have the authority to take money out of your account. You will usually be given written notice to repay the debt.
However, Centrelink can also reduce your benefits until you’ve paid back what you owe. In extreme cases, Centrelink can garnish your wages and assets (including money in your bank account) until your debt is repaid.
How do I close a bank account?
Closing a bank account is one of those tasks that’s easy to put in the too-hard basket. There are quite a few steps involved, some which may require you to hang on the phone for a while.
Here’s a handy checklist of items to tick off, so the job gets done quicker. If you don’t do your banking online, the following steps can also be done at a branch.
- Cancel any scheduled or recurring payments
- Update your direct debit details (such as loan repayments) with creditors
- Export your payee address book (to keep a record of saved third-party bank account details)
- Transfer the balance of your account (to the new bank account)
- Close your account online, or by calling the bank or visiting a branch
How can I close a Commonwealth Bank account?
You can close your Commonwealth Bank account at any branch, provided you have appropriate identification. You can also close your account over the phone, by calling 132 221, 24 hours a day.
Can I link a bank account to Paypal?
Paypal is a safe and convenient way to pay online without the need to share your financial details. You can send and receive money or accept credit and debit cards as a seller using Paypal.
It’s easy to link your bank account to a Paypal account and start making transactions within minutes.
To start, you first need a Paypal account (it’s free to join). When setting up your Paypal account, you will be prompted to link a credit card or bank account (or both if you wish).
PayPal works without a balance; you can use Paypal to shop or send money when your balance is zero.
When your Paypal balance is zero, Paypal will ask you to choose your preferred payment method at the checkout.
This could be either your linked bank account or credit card. Your bank details can be updated if you change banks or credit cards.
Can the government take your money from your bank account?
There are some instances when the government can take money from your bank account. This generally occurs in situations where you have an outstanding government debt.
Before it can take money from your bank account, the government authority owed money would first need to issue a garnishee notice.
A garnishee notice is issued by the government agency (such as Centrelink or the ATO) to a third party that holds money for you or owes you money.
To take money from your bank account, your bank would be issued with the garnishee notice requiring it to pay ‘your money’ to the requesting agency to satisfy the debt.
