To get a better understanding about how to open NAB accounts, take a look at the frequently asked questions below. If your question isn’t covered, please call us on 13 13 12 from 8am - 9pm EST, 7 days a week. We'll be happy to help.
Call 13 13 12 from 8am to 9pm EST, 7 days a week
Hearing impaired customers with telephone typewriters can contact us on 13 36 77 from 8am to 8pm EST, Monday to Friday.
How do I apply for a NAB account?
Applying for a NAB account is easy. You can apply online for a NAB eBanking, NAB Classic Banking, NAB Gold Banking, NAB iSaver, NAB Investment Cash Manager and NAB Smart Reward Saver accounts.
For all other accounts, simply drop into any NAB branch or give us a call on 13 13 12, 8am - 9pm EST, 7 days a week.
What identification do I need to show?
The Anti-Money Laundering & Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006 requires NAB to obtain 100 points of identification from customers when opening new accounts. Existing NAB customers, who have already fulfilled this requirement will automatically qualify for the 100 point requirement.
New customers will need to provide identification in order to qualify. Examples of suitable identification include, passport or birth certificate or drivers licence (70 points), plus Medicare card (30 points). For a complete list of identification and their points value, call 13 13 12, 8am - 9pm EST, 7 days a week or visit any NAB branch.
Can I set up joint accounts online?
Joint accounts can be set up for NAB eBanking, NAB Classic Banking, NAB Gold Banking, NAB iSaver, NAB Smart Reward Saver and NAB Investment Cash Manager when you apply online.
To set up joint accounts on other account types, you will need to go into a NAB branch.
Why can't I apply for some accounts online? For some accounts, proof of eligibility is required, which you can bring along when you apply at a NAB branch. Due to Government legislation, NAB cannot open accounts for customers aged under eighteen via the Internet, therefore accounts like the NAB Smart Junior Saver cannot be opened online. These accounts can be opened by visiting any NAB branch or by calling 13 13 12, 8am - 9pm EST, 7 days a week. Find your nearest NAB branch
What happens after I apply online? You will be contacted by NAB via an automatic email receipt within 60 seconds of applying online. This email will advise of the next steps you need to take. If you are a new customer you will need to complete the process by visiting a NAB branch and showing 100 points of identification. You may also be required to provide a specimen signature. Once your account has been opened you will receive a Welcome Pack in the mail that will contain more information including Your Guide to Fees and Charges and Terms and Conditions and other information about NAB.
If I'm already a NAB customer do I need to come into a branch?
Some accounts may be opened online, and we may send out the paperwork to be completed and returned (via mail or by going to a NAB branch). Some customers may be required to go to your nominated branch to finalise the opening of their new account.
How do I know which account is right for my needs? Have a think about your banking style - how do you prefer to access your money, whether you need cheque or branch access, how rapidly you need access to your money, whether earning a strong interest rate is important to you and how comfortable you are with electronic banking.
Use our account comparison tool and product overview to help you select the product that best suits your banking or savings style.
When will my account be set up? When can I start to deposit and withdraw? This will differ depending on the type of account and how you opened the account. Information about the account you are opening will be provided at the time of application. For existing NAB customers you will generally be able to transact once you have completed and returned an account authority form. For new customers, you will generally be able to deposit into your account once you have received your account details, but will need to go to a NAB branch and complete your 100 point ID check to withdraw funds. You may also be required to provide a specimen signature.
Can I use any of the accounts for business purposes?
The NAB everyday banking, savings and investment accounts are for personal use only, and cannot be used for business purposes - with the exception of the NAB Term Deposit.
Can I open an account from outside Australia?
For NAB Term Deposits, NAB Investment Cash Manager and National Australia Trustees At Call Common Fund A1, investors must live in Australia at the time of the account opening. However International students located outside of Australian can apply online for a NAB Classic Banking account.
When do I receive my debit card (also known as an ATM card) (if applicable)? This will depend on the account you open, and how and where you open it. If you apply online or via the phone, you may be required to go to a NAB branch to complete the process, and lodge a card request. If you apply in a NAB branch, generally a card request will be completed and lodged for you. For some accounts you will need to lodge a card request when you return your completed and signed account opening forms at a branch.
In general, your debit card will will be mailed to you within 5 working days of attending a branch to complete the account opening process.
When do I receive my cheque book (if applicable)? This will depend on the account you open, and where you open it. If you apply in a NAB branch, and request a cheque book the request will be completed and lodged for you. For some accounts you will need to lodge a request when you return your completed and signed account opening forms at a branch.
In general, your cheque book will will be mailed to you upon your request within 5 working days of attending a branch and completing the account opening process.
Will I receive a statement for my account? Yes, a statement will be issued on most accounts, excluding NAB Term Deposits and accounts with a passbook. For most accounts statements are issued every six months, however you can request a reprinted statement in a branch or over the phone by calling 13 13 12 (a charge applies for reprinted statements). Statements for the NAB Investment Cash Manager are issued quarterly. For NAB Term Deposits you can request a confirmation of investment letter on request, but this cannot be reprinted in branch.
Why should I consolidate my accounts? Spreading your money over a number of accounts means you may incur monthly service fees, or not be maximising interest. Consolidating your everyday bank accounts into a NAB eBanking, NAB Classic Banking or NAB Gold Banking account could save on these fees.
Plus, if you have more than $35,000 in deposits or lending (called 'footings') in other accounts with NAB, your NAB Smart Access or NAB Smart Direct account is exempt from service fees. (Some product exclusions apply - visit a branch or call 13 13 12 for more details). Or if you deposit a minimum amount into your NAB eBanking, NAB Classic Banking or NAB Gold Banking, you could avoid the monthly service fee.
What is the minimum amount required to open an account ? NAB everyday banking and savings accounts do not have a minimum opening balance, so you can start your banking straight away.
The NAB Investment Cash Manager account has a minimum of $10,000. NAB Term Deposits require a minimum of $1,000 or $5,000 if you want a term of less than 30 days, and the National Australia Trustees At Call Common Fund A1 has a minimum investment of $2,000.
Do any of your accounts require a minimum ongoing balance ? NAB transaction (everyday banking) and savings accounts to do not have a minimum ongoing balance. However, if the balance of your NAB Investment Cash Manager drops below $10,000 at any time during the month, a service fee will apply for that month. The National Australia Trustees At Call Common Fund A1 has a minimum ongoing balance of $2,000.
