1. The Numbers: ATM Network Size (2026)
According to the latest 2026 APRA data, Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) is the clear winner in terms of physical footprint.
| Bank | Owned & Operated ATMs (Approx.) | Student Account Fee-Free Access |
| CommBank | 1,800+ | All Big Four ATMs ($0) |
| ANZ | 850+ | All Big Four ATMs ($0) |
The Strategy: While you can use an ANZ card at a CommBank ATM for free (and vice versa), CommBank’s larger fleet means you are more likely to find a machine in suburban shopping centers, regional towns, and directly on university campuses.
2. Beyond the Machine: App-Based Cash Access
In 2026, “Cardless Cash” has become a deciding factor for students who often forget their physical wallet.
- CommBank “QR Cardless”: Allows you to withdraw up to $500 per day using just your phone. CommBank’s app has been rated #1 for digital experience for 16 consecutive years as of 2026.
- ANZ Plus: ANZ’s digital-first platform is sleek and modern, but their cardless cash functionality is often restricted to their own specific “Smart ATMs,” which are fewer in number than CommBank’s.
3. Student Account Comparison
| Feature | CommBank Smart Access | ANZ Access Advantage |
| Monthly Fee | $0 (if under 30 or student) | $0 (if under 25 or student) |
| Verification | App-based or In-branch | In-branch student ID required |
| Special Perk | “Yello” Cashback (Coles, Myer) | ANZ Plus high-interest savings |
| Pre-arrival | Open 14 days before flying | Open via app from overseas |
4. The “Big Four” Fee-Free Agreement
It is important to remember that since late 2017, the major banks stopped charging “exit fees” for each other’s customers.
- If you are a CommBank student: You can walk up to an ANZ, Westpac, or NAB machine and withdraw for $0.
- If you are an ANZ student: You can use a CommBank machine for $0.
The Catch: This only applies to standard cash withdrawals. If you need to deposit cash or checks, you almost always have to use your own bank’s specific machine. Because CommBank has nearly double the number of machines, they are significantly more convenient for deposits.
5. Verdict: Which is Better for You?
- Choose CommBank if: You prioritize convenience and want the highest chance of finding a fee-free ATM or branch within walking distance of your campus or apartment. Their Cardless Cash is the most reliable in the country.
- Choose ANZ if: You prefer a “digital-first” banking experience via the ANZ Plus app, which offers some of the best built-in budgeting tools for 2026.
