Banking
Australia — Banking: Required Documents
Australian banks verify new customers using the '100-point identification check': you present original identification documents that together add up to at least 100 points, combining 'primary' documents (e.g. a passport, worth up to 70 points) with 'secondary' documents (e.g. a Medicare card or utility bill, worth 25-40 points each). Exact accepted documents and point values vary by bank, so it's worth confirming with the specific institution.
VerifiedFinder and Wise guides to Australia's 100-point identification check for opening a bank accountLast reviewed: 2026-08-31
Key facts
- Australian banks use a '100-point identification check': primary government-issued photo ID (e.g. a passport) is generally worth 70 points, and secondary documents (e.g. a Medicare card, utility bill, or bank statement) are worth 25-40 points each, combined to reach 100
- A valid foreign passport alone is widely accepted as strong primary ID by Australian banks and, for new arrivals applying within 6 weeks of arrival, can effectively cover the full 100-point requirement on its own
- There is no single universal document list — each bank sets its own accepted combination of primary and secondary documents, so it's worth checking directly with the chosen bank
- A visa is not itself a required identity document for the 100-point check, but banks offering non-resident or temporary-resident accounts may ask for visa details as part of eligibility screening
Steps
- Gather required documents — Assemble original identification documents that together reach 100 points — typically a passport (70 points) plus one or two secondary documents (e.g. a driver's licence, Medicare card, or utility bill). Check the bank's website or contact them directly to confirm their specific accepted list and point values.
- Choose a bank and apply — Select a bank that meets your needs and apply for an account online, in-branch, or through a mobile app. Be prepared to provide the required documents and, for many providers, to complete the check without needing to visit a branch if opening online.
Required documents
- Valid passport (primary ID, typically worth 70 of the 100 required points)
- One or more secondary documents to reach 100 points (e.g. driver's licence, Medicare card, or a utility bill/bank statement showing proof of address)
- Visa details, where relevant, for banks offering accounts to temporary residents or new migrants
Common mistakes
- Not checking with the bank for its specific accepted document list and point values, since these vary by institution
- Providing documents that are expired or not original, which most banks will not accept
- Assuming a visa is mandatory identification — it's the passport and secondary ID that make up the 100-point check, though a visa may be requested separately for eligibility