If you’re starting life in Australia or thinking about moving down under, we want to help make your arrival and establishment in Australia as smooth and enjoyable as possible. It’s all about how we can help you – with banking, advice and information on ‘things in Australia’ you may not know about or understand.

More than one in three Australians already has a banking relationship with Westpac. You will find Westpac in Australia and around the world. We are an Australasian company with an extensive international network of knowledge and expertise. We are also proudly local having been part of Australia since 1817. We know how things work around here. We are delighted to pass our knowledge on, so that you too can enjoy life and living in your new country.

Westpac have many years of experience working with new immigrants to Australia. This is important, as the needs of new arrivals are quite different to the established populace. We have a Migrant Banking team to assist you to find the most appropriate banking and financial solutions. Many of our staff are immigrants themselves and as such can understand and empathize with your situation as you are finding your feet.

If you are planning to move to Australia in the near future, you can organize your banking with us before moving. Specifically, you can do the following from overseas:

1. Open a transaction account
By opening Westpac One package of accounts, you can transfer fund safely and cost effectively to Australia.

2. Apply for Altitude MasterCard/ Altitude American Express® credit cards
You can apply for Altitude credit cards and if your application is approved, we will organize the credit cards for you to collect at a branch when you arrive in Australia.

3. Apply for a home loan to purchase your home.
This is a unique service offered by Westpac’s Migrant Banking as new migrants have traditionally found it difficult to obtain credit until they have established a track record of employment and financial stability in Australia. We assess all credit applications in accordance with normal credit requirements but will take into consideration the special credit strengths of a number of categories of new migrants. Please email us or contact us by phone for more information on whether your migration visa falls within the accepted categories to apply for a home loan prior to coming to Australia.

As Mobile Mortgage Managers for Westpac we provide a flexible approach to your banking needs. We are not bound by normal working hours and are happy to correspond via e-mail, phone or fax. We are also “Mobile” and are able to visit you in your home (in Australia) at a time that suits you, so please, if you are thinking of taking that next big step and purchasing a home, call us, we are more than happy to answer your queries, provide general information, and, of course arrange your application for Westpac Home Loan!

We look forward to helping you make Australia home!

Craig McDonald
Business Development Manager
Migrant & Multicultural Banking | Westpac Banking Corporation

0407 261 867 or +61 2 8254 9315
cbmcdonald@westpac.com.au