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Support / Third party access

What is third-party access?

  • Third-party access allows an account holder to authorise another person to transact on nominated bank accounts. Unlike Power of Attorney, access is limited to the accounts you choose, and the third party cannot open accounts or apply for credit. 

    Before you allow someone to manage your banking, you might want to seek legal advice from a specialist like a lawyer or solicitor. 

    Giving someone access to your accounts can increase your exposure to the risk of financial abuse and fraud, so it’s important to choose someone you trust and review your account access regularly. For more on financial abuse and the signs to look out for, as well as who to contact if you feel you’ve been a victim of financial abuse, read through the FAQs or view the guides found in Tools & Support.

    You can view who has authority over your accounts at any time in NetBank. Select Settings, then Account authorities.

I’m giving someone access

When to consider third-party access

Third-party access can be given to allow someone you trust to manage day-to-day banking transactions on your behalf, such as:

  • If you’re in hospital or otherwise unwell and temporarily unable to manage your accounts
  • While you’re travelling for an extended period
  • To allow a financial advisor or accountant to make financial transactions or investments on your behalf
  • You want to provide someone with access but keep control over which accounts you give access to and be able to revoke access quickly and easily

What you can do:

  • Add one or more people to access your accounts
  • Choose which accounts they can access
  • Continue to use and manage your own accounts as normal
  • View or remove access at any time in NetBank or by contacting us

Keep in mind

  • Only give access to someone you trust completely. Once granted, a third-party can withdraw all or some of your money. Giving account access may increase your exposure to financial abuse
  • The third-party cannot open new accounts or apply for credit on your behalf
  • Once access is no longer needed, remove it promptly. The simplest way to do this is through NetBank. Log on to NetBank, go to Settings, then Account Authorities, find the access you want to remove, then select Remove and complete the online form. Or contact us and we’ll remove it for you
  • If a Financial Management Order is issued, any existing third-party access will be cancelled
  • You can have both third-party access and a Power of Attorney on accounts at the same time, however, third-party access ends if you lose the capacity to make decisions. If you think you may need ongoing support in the future, an Enduring Power of Attorney may better protect your interests 

I've been given access

  • Having access to someone else's accounts comes with significant responsibilities and obligations. You must:

    • Act in the account holder's best interest, avoiding any conflicts of interest between the account holder's finances and your own personal gain
    • Understand you will only have access to the accounts the account holder specifies
    • Understand your access can be revoked at any time by the account holder
    • Avoid breaching your duties. If you do, you may be removed
    • Tell us immediately if the account holder loses the capacity to manage their financial affairs or passes away

What a third-party can and can’t do

What a third-party can do
What a third-party can’t do
Close accounts, withdraw and deposit cash and make transfers and payments
Open accounts
View balances, statements, and full transaction history
Apply for loans, credit cards, or other lending products in the account holder’s name
View the authorised accounts through your online banking and access these accounts via your debit card (if set up)
Change the account holder’s contact or mailing details
Raise disputes for transactions made using your own card or online banking
Use the account holder’s online banking logins, passwords, or cards
Request to stop or amend direct debits
Order, manage, or cancel a card in the account holder's name, including changing a pin

How to set up in branch

  • How to set up in branch

    Only the account holder can set up third-party access.

    To give a third-party access to your account, you’ll need to: 

     

    What you'll need

    • Your proof of identity e.g. driver's license or passport
    • Proof of identity from each person you're providing account access to

Ending third-party access

    • You can remove access anytime. The simplest way to do this is through NetBank. Log on to NetBank, go to Settings, then Account authorities, find the access you want to remove, then select Remove and complete the online form. You can also visit a CommBank Branch or call us on 13 2221.
    • Once you remove access, the third-party will lose access to your accounts, including any linked cards and access to your accounts through online banking
    • Access will also be removed if you lose financial decision-making capacity, if a court or tribunal issues a Financial Management Order, or if the account holder passes away

FAQs

Financial abuse occurs when money is used to gain power and control over another person. It can include someone pressuring you, restricting access, or controlling your money in a way you do not agree to.

  • You feel pressured to sign documents or give access quickly
  • Someone insists on controlling conversations with the bank
  • Transactions or withdrawals don’t look right
  • You’re being asked for passwords, PINs, or NetBank login details

If you’re worried

If it’s safe, contact us for private help. In an emergency, call 000.

  • If it’s safe, remove access in NetBank. Go to Settings, then Account authorities, find the access you want to remove, then select Remove and complete the online form
  • Contact us and tell us you’re concerned about possible misuse or financial abuse
  • Gather what you can (Dates, transactions and messages)
  • Get independent support. For more info, view the FAQ, “Are there other support services I can access?”

The information on this page is general. For guidance specific to your circumstances, a range of external support services are available to help you understand third-party access and authorities and managing your financial affairs. 

Tools and support

Other authorities and account access

We’re here to help

Things you should know

  • This information is general guidance only.