1. Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) – Every Day Account Student

The Commonwealth Bank Town Hall Sydney Branch is a primary hub for students, reflecting the bank’s status as having the largest physical and ATM presence in Australia. Their student account is a “set-and-forget” option that prioritizes accessibility.

• $0 Monthly Fees: Automatically waived for students (including international students) with no minimum deposit required.

• Cardless Cash: A life-saving feature in the CommBank app that allows you to withdraw money from a CBA ATM using just your phone if you forget your wallet.
• Smart Features: The app includes “Spend Tracker” and “Bill Sense” to help you categorize your grocery, rent, and entertainment spending automatically.

2. Westpac – Choice Student Account

Westpac’s student offering, often managed at central locations like Westpac 44 Market St, is particularly popular for students under 30 who want a blend of traditional reliability and high-interest savings options.

• Under 30s Bonus: In 2026, Westpac continues to offer one of the highest “Spend & Save” interest rates for young adults, rewarding you for making five monthly purchases.
• Global ATM Alliance: Provides fee-free withdrawals at partner banks worldwide (like Barclays in the UK or Bank of America in the USA), which is ideal for students traveling home during breaks.
• Fraud Money Back Guarantee: Enhanced security features that provide a total refund for unauthorized transactions if you report them promptly.

3. NAB (National Australia Bank) – Classic Banking

While other banks require “Student Status” to waive fees, NAB offers a “no monthly fee” account to everyone. This is perfect for students who want a simple account that won’t suddenly start charging them the moment they graduate.

• No Monthly Fees Ever: There is no “expiry date” on your fee-free status; it remains $0 regardless of your student or employment status.

• Extensive Free ATM Access: You can use any NAB ATM, plus any CBA, ANZ, or Westpac ATM in Australia, without paying a provider fee.
• No Overdrawn Fees: NAB has removed many “nuisance fees,” meaning they won’t charge you a penalty if a small direct debit accidentally puts your account into a negative balance.

2026 Student Banking Comparison