Accounts

Application FAQs

General questions

 

Application FAQs

Find the answer to some of our most frequently asked questions below:

• What do I need to apply?
• Am I eligible to apply online?
• Once I log in to NetBank, how do I apply?
• How do I register for NetBank?
• What accounts can I apply for online?
  
  

Q. What do I need to apply?
A. Please make sure you have Your Tax File Number (TFN) or TFN Exemption. It’s not an offence to withhold your TFN for the deposit account. However, if you don’t quote it, the Bank is required by law to deduct tax from any interest earned on the deposit account, above a certain threshold.

You may also need (if applicable):

• Existing Commonwealth Bank deposit account number(s)
• Existing Commonwealth Bank debit/credit account number(s)
• Pension type (Pensioner Security Accounts only)
• Pension number (Pensioner Security Accounts only)
  
  

Q. Am I eligible to apply online?
A. If you can meet the following criteria:

• All accounts must maintain an Australian residential address
• The account must be in personal names (no Company or Trading Accounts)
• Applications for accounts where funds are held in trust cannot be accepted online. If you wish to open a trust account, please apply at any branch of the Bank
• Joint accounts (where applicable) can include up to a maximum of two account holders
  
  

Q. Once I log in to NetBank, how do I apply?
A. Simply log on to NetBank, go to the ‘Offers &Apply’ tab and select ‘Accounts’…it’s that easy.

Q. How do I register for NetBank?
A. If you are a Commonwealth Bank personal account customer and have either a credit card or keycard and a telephone banking password, you can register online, which should take no more than 5 minutes.

Personal account customers can register online now for immediate access or register at any branch.

You can also register over the phone by contacting the NetBank Help Desk on 13 2221 (option 4), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you call from overseas, telephone +61 13 2221. International charges will apply.

Q. What accounts can I apply for online?
A. You can apply online for the following accounts:

• NetBank Saver
• Debit MasterCard transaction accounts (Smart Access or Complete Access)
• Youthsaver
• Cash Investment Account
• Pensioner Security Account
• GoalSaver

 

General questions

 

Q. What is a basic bank account?
A. Generally speaking, a basic bank account is an everyday transaction account with no account keeping fees and some fee-free transactions.

Q. What is a current account?
A. An account with easy access to your money and which allows you to pay bills, get cash from ATMs and set up overdrafts if necessary.

Q. Where can I find my account number?
A. You will be notified of your account number after you have opened your account. It can also be found on your cheque book and statements.

Q. How do I withdraw funds from my account?
A. You can withdraw money at an ATM, across the counter at any branch or by asking for cashback when using EFTPOS.

Q. How do I provide my identification if I want to open an account?
A. If you're not currently a Commonwealth Bank customer you must provide satisfactory identification so we know you are who you say you are. After you have applied for your account online, we will send you a letter requiring proof of identification. You will need to have copies of your identification certified by a prescribed person such as a Justice of the Peace or a Notary Public and mail them back to us. Alternatively you may present your identification documents to your most convenient branch.
For a full list of prescribed persons download our Certified Copies Identification form.

Q. How often will I receive a statement?
A. Statements will be sent to you at least every 6 months. Please refer to Terms and Conditions for your account/s for the standard statement frequency that applies.

Q. How do I check my balance?
A. From your statement, from an ATM, in any Commonwealth Bank branch, on the internet or over the telephone. You may be asked some security questions before details will be released.

Q. What should I do if I lose my card?
A. You need to contact us straight away so that the card can be stopped.

Q. Can I access money as soon as it has been paid into my account?
A. If it is not paid in as cash then it may require up to five days to clear before it is available.

Q. What is the general information number for the bank?
A. For general enquiries, please call 13 2221, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q. Which branches are open on the weekend?
A. Our Locate us tool will advise you which branches are open on the weekend.

Q. What number should I call to speak to a financial planner?
A. Simply complete an Appointment Request and an appropriate Commonwealth Financial Planner can contact you.