RDD Posted April 1, 2015 Report Share Posted April 1, 2015 Hi All.Which bank offers the best package and best service for South Africans opening an account before moving over?Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titus Posted April 1, 2015 Report Share Posted April 1, 2015 This is obviously one of those topics where opinions will very drastically....I originally went to Commonwealth Bank because they had a simple sign up form... Were easily contactable via their local RSA number and call centre...I know 5 or 6 people that have also given them a go and had no issue.Ultimately, it doesn't matter where you go.... After banking in RSA you'll be thrilled with the service at any Aussie bank... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDD Posted April 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2015 Hi TitusI realise that the opinions will differ. Always nice to read the reviews given to help in the decision.Thanks for your response regarding CWB though. Definitely helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BronPreston Posted April 1, 2015 Report Share Posted April 1, 2015 (edited) When opening an account before moving, I would recommend Commonwealth Bank.They always offer great service when assisting our clients Edited April 1, 2015 by TaraLawrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouiseMark Posted April 1, 2015 Report Share Posted April 1, 2015 We went with Westpac. Was quick and easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDD Posted April 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2015 Was thinking about using CWB, but can only open an account 3 months before wanting to go over. For those who opened their CWB accounts earlier, how did you get around the 3 month rule? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OubaasDik Posted April 5, 2015 Report Share Posted April 5, 2015 Westpac have "immigrant advice centres" in some of their branches (I may have the name wrong). I haven't seen any other banks offering the same thing, but I don't know whether these centres actually give anything worthwhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyTimeNow Posted April 5, 2015 Report Share Posted April 5, 2015 NAB also have a migrant service. I've been with them and had no issues. Nice to not pay any bank charges too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TanyaVDWesthuizen Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 Hi all,Also look at ANZ Bank, great service and products, especially for migrants moving to Australia and New Zealand:http://movingtoaustralia.anz.com/global/en/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) Unfortunately, you aren't in the best position to sign up for the most advantageous bank in Australia.The bank with the lowest interest rates on home loans (bonds) and personal loans, also credit cards (if you really believe that credit is best???) is Member's Equity Bank . . . or ME for shorthttp://www.mebank.com.auYou need to be in the Australian workforce, joined up with an "Industry" Superannuation Fund to become a customer of ME Bank. . . . . sounds complicated, I know, but it is easy once in Australia and working.http://www.industrysuper.com/?gclid=CIfxt72e8sQCFYyXvQodblsAJQIt will pay you handsomely to belong to one of these super funds, in order to save for your retirement in Australia.These "Industry" super funds offer the best returns over the long term, in comparison to commercial super funds that the banks have.In regards to which bank to open an account, you can open one up at any of the big 4 banks in Australia, but they don't offer the best rates on home loans or personal loans for cars, etc.They make more and more profit each financial year, giving worthwhile dividends to their shareholders each year . . . . I know because of shares held in National Australia Bank (NAB) and Bendigo Bank. . . . but these nice dividends are paid for by ordinary Australians, such as yourself, paying moreOnce in Australia, and working, you can open an account with ME Bank.As an Australian who has now retired, is investing money, studies the market, has two kids who are in the workforce and are owning mortgages, I can't recommend ME Bank highly enough, compared to the other banks. Do your homework, and compare the various banks and what their fees and charges are . . . . or pay the difference in higher interest rates over the years. Edited April 13, 2015 by Bob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mongoose Posted April 15, 2015 Report Share Posted April 15, 2015 Hi Reece,We also went with CWB as per referral from E4F. I emailed the Relationship Manager and he was happy to open the accounts (4 months before arrival), they helped me to open our transactional account, savings account and an account for our kids savings.They seem to happy to open the account longer than 3 months (not sure how much longer in advance) as long as you deposit money into the account as soon as possible to keep the account open.He then sent me the paperwork to go have myself identified at the Australian consulate in Pretoria (at a cost of R900), and since then we have made transfers to pay for our temporary accommodation, etc. all from the online banking platform.The reason for the identification part was so that I could transact on the account without first identifying myself once we arrive.Hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDD Posted April 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2015 Thanks Mongoose.That is very helpful.We are 6 months away from moving over, so will let everyone know if we have any issues... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greggle Posted April 15, 2015 Report Share Posted April 15, 2015 Unfortunately, you aren't in the best position to sign up for the most advantageous bank in Australia.The bank with the lowest interest rates on home loans (bonds) and personal loans, also credit cards (if you really believe that credit is best???) is Member's Equity Bank . . . or ME for shortThanks for the tip Bob ... sounds appealing and I'll definitely keep this in mind when I land!Is ME quite accessible i.e. do they have adequate ATM's, internet banking, branches (not that I go into a branch if I can avoid it). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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