How to Open a Bank Account as a Teenager in Australia

Before you start your first job, you need somewhere for your employer to send your pay. Australian employers pay wages electronically, so you'll need a bank account with a BSB and account number to give to your employer. The good news is that youth bank accounts are free, and opening one is straightforward. Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Facts

Minimum age:: No minimum - accounts available at any age
Under 16:: Parent or guardian must help open account
What you need for work:: BSB and account number
Cost:: Free for youth accounts

Age Requirements for Opening a Bank Account

There's no minimum age to have a bank account in Australia. Parents can open accounts for their children from birth, and many families do this to start saving early. However, how much control you have over your account depends on your age.

Your Age	What You Can Do	Parent Involvement
Under 12	Account in your name, limited access	Parent manages the account
12-15	Can operate account with some restrictions	Parent helps open account, may have oversight
16-17	Can open and fully operate account independently	Not required (but can help with ID)

If you're 14 or 15 and getting your first job, you'll likely need a parent to help you open an account or adjust an existing one. Most banks are flexible about this since they know teenagers need accounts for work. The process is usually quick, especially if you already have a childhood savings account that can be upgraded.

Youth Accounts from Major Australian Banks

All the major banks offer dedicated accounts for young Australians. These accounts are designed specifically for teenagers and young adults, with features like no fees, easy mobile banking, and sometimes savings incentives. Here's what each of the Big Four banks offers.

Commonwealth Bank (CommBank)

CommBank offers the Youthsaver account for under-18s, which can be paired with a Smart Access transaction account for everyday spending. The Youthsaver earns bonus interest if you deposit at least $200 per month and make no withdrawals. For spending, the Smart Access account comes with a debit card and full access through the CommBank app. CommBank has the largest ATM network in Australia, which is handy for cash withdrawals.

Westpac

Westpac's Bump Savings account is for customers under 21 and offers bonus interest rates. Pair it with a Choice account for everyday transactions. Westpac's mobile app is well-designed for young users, and they offer budgeting tools to help you track spending. Westpac also owns St.George, Bank of Melbourne, and BankSA, so their ATMs are widely available.

NAB (National Australia Bank)

NAB offers a fee-free Classic Banking account for everyday use. There's no specific youth-branded account, but customers under 21 pay no account fees and get free ATM withdrawals at NAB and rediATMs. NAB's mobile banking app includes features like instant card lock if you lose your card, and easy money transfers to friends.

ANZ

ANZ's Access Advantage account is fee-free for under-25s. It comes with a Visa debit card and full mobile banking access. ANZ offers joint accounts with parental oversight if that's preferred, or individual accounts for teens 14 and over. Their app includes spending insights and savings goal features.

Which Bank Should You Choose?

Honestly, for a first job, any of the major banks will do the job. They all offer fee-free accounts for young people, decent mobile apps, and widespread ATM access. Consider which bank your parents use, as it might be easier to transfer money between accounts at the same bank. You might also check which bank has ATMs near your home, school, or future workplace.

Don't stress too much about choosing the "perfect" bank. You can always switch banks later if you're not happy. What matters now is having an account ready before you start work.

What ID Documents Do You Need?

Banks need to verify your identity before opening an account. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. The exact documents needed vary by bank and whether you're opening in person or online, but here's what you should prepare.

Primary ID (Usually Need One)

Australian birth certificate (original or certified copy)
Australian passport (current or recently expired)
Foreign passport with valid Australian visa
Australian citizenship certificate

Secondary ID (May Need One or More)

Medicare card (showing your name)
School ID or student card
Photo ID from school or sports club
Birth certificate (if using passport as primary ID)

If Opening With a Parent

When a parent helps you open an account (required for under-16s), they'll also need their own ID. The bank needs to verify both of you. Your parent will typically need their driver's licence or passport, plus something showing their address like a utility bill.

If you're missing documents, don't panic. Talk to your bank about what alternatives they accept. Some banks are more flexible than others, especially for young customers opening their first account.

How to Open an Account: Step by Step

Opening a bank account is easier than you might think. You have two main options: open online or visit a branch. Here's how each works.

Option 1: Open Online

Most banks let you start an application online, though there are some limitations for younger applicants. If you're 16 or over with valid ID, you can often complete the entire process online. Younger applicants may need to start online but finish in a branch.

Go to your chosen bank's website and find their youth or everyday account section
Click "Open an account" or "Apply now"
Fill in your personal details: name, date of birth, address, contact details
Verify your identity by uploading photos of your ID documents or linking to myGovID
Wait for approval (usually instant to a few hours for straightforward applications)
Download the bank's mobile app and log in to access your new account
Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5-10 business days

Option 2: Visit a Branch

If you're under 16 or prefer face-to-face help, visiting a branch is the way to go. You can also visit a branch if you already have a childhood account you want to upgrade for work purposes.

Find your nearest branch online and check their opening hours
Bring your ID documents (and your parent with their ID if you're under 16)
Tell the staff you want to open a youth account for receiving wages
They'll guide you through the paperwork and verify your ID on the spot
You'll get your BSB and account number immediately
You may get a temporary debit card that day, or it will arrive by mail
Download the mobile app before you leave so staff can help you set it up

The in-branch process typically takes 20-30 minutes. If you have a job offer and need your banking details quickly, visiting a branch gets you your BSB and account number on the spot.

Understanding BSB and Account Numbers for Payroll

When you start a job, your employer will ask for your banking details so they can pay you. They need two pieces of information: your BSB and your account number. Together, these identify your specific bank account.

What is a BSB?

BSB stands for Bank State Branch. It's a 6-digit number formatted as XXX-XXX that identifies which bank and branch your account is with. For example, Commonwealth Bank BSBs usually start with 06, Westpac with 03, NAB with 08, and ANZ with 01. The BSB tells the payment system where to route your money.

What is an Account Number?

Your account number is a unique identifier for your specific account at that branch. It's usually 6 to 10 digits long. No two accounts at the same BSB have the same account number. Combined with your BSB, your account number creates a unique address for your money.

How to Find Your BSB and Account Number

Once you have an account, you can find these details in several places. The easiest way is through your bank's mobile app, where they're usually displayed on your account summary screen. You can also find them on bank statements, on your welcome letter when you opened the account, or by logging into internet banking on a computer.

Your employer will typically give you a form to fill in, or ask you to enter these details into an online system. Double-check the numbers before submitting. If you enter wrong details, your pay could go to the wrong account or get rejected and delayed.

Example of What You'll Give Your Employer

Field	Example	Notes
BSB	062-000	6 digits, may be shown with or without hyphen
Account Number	12345678	6-10 digits depending on your bank
Account Name	Your Full Name	Must match the name on your account

Your employer might also ask for your account name, which is your name as it appears on the account. This helps verify the payment is going to the right person. Make sure you write it exactly as it appears on your account, not a nickname.

Setting Up for Success

Once your account is open, there are a few things worth doing to manage your money well from the start.

Download the Mobile App

Every major bank has a mobile app, and it's the easiest way to check your balance, see when your pay arrives, and transfer money. Set up the app as soon as you open your account. Enable notifications so you get alerts when money is deposited or spent.

Consider a Separate Savings Account

Many people find it easier to save money when it's in a separate account. You could set up an automatic transfer to move a portion of each pay into savings. Even small amounts add up. Youth savings accounts often offer bonus interest rates as an incentive to save regularly.

Know Your Balance Before Spending

Get in the habit of checking your balance before making purchases. Running your account into negative territory (called an overdraw) can result in declined transactions or fees. The mobile app makes this easy with instant balance checks.

Keep Your Card Details Safe

Never share your card number, PIN, or online banking password with anyone. If someone asks for these details claiming to be from your bank, it's a scam. Real banks never ask for your full password or PIN. If your card is lost or stolen, lock it immediately through your app and order a replacement.

Common Questions from Parents

If you're a parent helping your teenager set up banking, here are some things you might be wondering about.

Should I Be Listed on the Account?

For under-16s, you'll typically need to be involved in opening the account. Whether you stay on as a joint holder or just help with the initial setup is up to you and your teen. Being listed gives you oversight of transactions, which some parents prefer. Others feel that once their teen is working, they should start managing money independently.

Can I Set Spending Limits?

Some banks offer parental controls on youth accounts, including daily spending limits or restrictions on certain transaction types. Ask your bank about available controls when opening the account. As your teen demonstrates good money management, you can relax these limits.

What About Online and Card Security?

Youth accounts have the same security features as adult accounts. Cards can be locked instantly through the app if lost. Online banking uses two-factor authentication. You might want to sit down with your teen and go through basic security practices, like not sharing passwords and recognising scam messages.

Getting Started Checklist

Ready to open your first bank account? Here's what to do:

1.Gather your ID documents - Find your birth certificate or passport, plus Medicare card or school ID. If you're under 16, make sure your parent has their ID ready too.
2.Choose a bank - Pick one of the major banks (or the one your parents use for easier transfers). All youth accounts are fee-free, so choose based on convenience and app quality.
3.Open the account - Apply online if you're 16+, or visit a branch with your parent if you're younger. Bring your ID documents.
4.Note your BSB and account number - You'll need these for your employer. Find them in the mobile app or on your account welcome letter.
5.Download the mobile app - Set up login, enable notifications, and familiarise yourself with how to check your balance and transfer money.
6.Wait for your debit card - It usually arrives by mail within 5-10 business days. Activate it through the app or by making an ATM transaction.
7.Give your banking details to your employer - When you start your job, provide your BSB, account number, and account name so they can set up your pay.

Next Steps

With your bank account ready, you're one step closer to starting work. Here's what else you might need to do:

Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) - Without one, nearly half your pay will be withheld for tax.
Learn about superannuation - Find out if you'll get super and how to check it.
Write your first resume - If you haven't already applied for jobs, get your resume ready.
Check your state's rules on the homepage - Some states require work permits for teenagers under certain ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

There's no minimum age to have a bank account in Australia. Parents can open accounts for children from birth. However, if you're under 16, you'll need a parent or guardian to help you open the account. Once you're 16, most banks let you open an account independently with valid ID.

Yes. Australian employers pay wages electronically into bank accounts. When you start a job, your employer will ask for your BSB and account number so they can deposit your pay. Cash payments are rare and often illegal if used to avoid tax obligations.

A BSB (Bank State Branch) is a 6-digit number that identifies your bank and branch. An account number is your unique account identifier, usually 6-10 digits. Together, these two numbers tell your employer exactly where to send your pay. Both are shown on your bank app and statements.

No. All major Australian banks offer fee-free accounts for customers under 18. These youth accounts have no monthly fees, no ATM fees at the bank's own ATMs, and no minimum balance requirements. Some fees may apply once you turn 18, so check with your bank about transitioning to an adult account.

It depends on the account setup. If your parent opened the account and is listed as a joint account holder, they can see all transactions. Some banks offer teenager-only accounts from age 14+ where parents can't see transactions. Ask your bank about privacy options when opening your account.

A debit card is useful but not essential for receiving wages. Your employer only needs your BSB and account number to pay you. However, a debit card lets you access your money at ATMs and make purchases, so most teenagers want one. Youth accounts typically include a free debit card.

You can receive wages into either type of account. However, savings accounts may limit how many withdrawals you can make per month. Transaction accounts are designed for everyday spending with unlimited access to your money. Many teens have both: wages go into a transaction account, then they transfer some to savings.

You'll need at least some form of identification. If you don't have a birth certificate or passport, talk to your parent about getting these documents. A Medicare card and school ID can work as secondary ID. Your parent's identification also helps when opening an account as a minor.

Last updated: December 2025. Youth banking products and features may change. Check with your chosen bank for current offerings and requirements. This guide provides general information for Australian teenagers and their families. For specific advice about your situation, speak to your bank directly.