Banks and Money – Choosing A Bank

The main banks in Australia are often referred to as the “Big Four”, and comprise National Australia Bank (NAB), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ), Commonwealth Bank and Westpac. There are also many building societies, credit unions and regional banks. The Big Four banks’ Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are also accessible to customers of building societies, credit unions and regional banks through mutual agreements.

Most banks and building societies allow a certain number of free withdrawals per month from machines within their own network. However, when using an ATM belonging to another bank there’s usually a charge to the customer of around $2.50 per transaction. On top of that, there is so much to consider; service fees, deposit rates, interest rates, transfer fees, minimum account balances, overdraft fees, late payment fees, debit card transaction fees and more. You should do your own research when deciding whom to bank with.

The Big Four Banks:

NAB

Tel. 13 22 65

Mon-Fri 8am-7pm (Sydney/Melbourne time).

WA customers until 7pm WA time (or 6pm WA time during day light savings)

Sat-Sun 9am-6pm (Sydney/Melbourne time)

ANZ

Tel. 13 13 14

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Commonwealth Bank

Tel. 13 22 21

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Westpac

Tel. 13 20 32

Mon-Sun 8am-8pm.

Other well known banks:

  • AMP Bank Limited
  • Bank of Melbourne – a subsidiary of Westpac
  • Bank of Queensland
  • Banks SA – a subsidiary of Westpac
  • Bank of Western Australia (Bank West) – a subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank
  • Macquarie Bank
  • George Bank – a subsidiary of Westpac

Employees of certain industries such as police, nurses and teachers are offered special services, rates and deals from some building societies and credit unions that offer banking services. You should check with your employer for more information.