Studying

Q. Do you have fee-free banking for students?

Yes, as part of our Student Options package full time tertiary students can have a Streamline account free from the monthly account keeping fee*. To find out more on our Student Options package go to www.commbank.com.au/freebee.

Q. How do I prove to the Bank that I'm a student?

All you need to do is visit any Commonwealth Bank branch with your Student ID or letter of offer from your university or TAFE as well as details of your course expiry date and course type.

Q. Do you offer loans for students?

Yes, as part of our Student Options package full-time students can apply for a Commonwealth Bank personal loan free of upfront establishment fees. Find out more about our Student Options package.

Or, find out more about our student loans.

Q. Do you offer student credit cards?

Yes, as part of our Student Options package, full-time students can apply for a Commonwealth Bank credit card with no annual fee. To apply for a Commonwealth Bank Credit Card with Student Options (no annual fee), please print and complete the application form at: www.commbank.com.au/Guides/cards/TBC-Download.htm

Once completed, just return the application to any Commonwealth Bank branch. Further information can be found at: www.commbank.com.au/personal/Youth/Tertiary.asp

Q. I will be moving to Australia to study, how can I open an account?

To open a Commonwealth Bank Streamline account just visit any of our branches across Australia. When you visit the branch for the first time, bring your passport and proof of enrolment in your study course.

Alternatively, apply online or click here for further information.

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Travelling

Q. Can I access my accounts overseas?

The short answer is yes, but all the information you need about using your Commonwealth Bank Keycard, Visa and MasterCard overseas is available in the "Accessing your Account Overseas" brochure. You can also download this brochure online.

Q. What are the fees charged to access my account overseas?

Fees on transactions on your Commonwealth Bank cards whilst you are overseas are as follows:

MasterCard & Visa
Overseas terminal cash advance charge $4.00 or 1.25% whichever is greater
Overseas terminal balance enquiry $1.25
Foreign currency conversion fee (charged on our processing of each request) 1.5%

Keycard
Overseas terminal withdrawal $5.00, plus 2.00% of the transaction value
Overseas terminal balance enquiry $2.00
EFTPOS purchase $1.00, plus 2.00% of the transaction value

Also, remember that cash advances incur interest from the date of the cash advance.

Q. Can you please provide a letter of reference to assist with opening a new account overseas?

Unfortunately, the Commonwealth Bank does not have any affiliations with any overseas banks which would make opening an account easier. We can only suggest that you contact the Bank of your choice to ascertain their requirements.

Before leaving Australia a "Letter of Introduction" can be requested from your local Commonwealth Bank branch which may provide you with some assistance when opening an account overseas.

Q. Will my PIN work overseas?

Yes.

Please note that some countries in Europe will require a six-digit pin number. If your PIN consists of only four digits, please add two zeros at the end.

Q. If I lose my credit card/keycard whilst overseas, what do I do?

For lost or stolen Visa cards, you can call the following numbers.

If you are outside the USA (reverse charges) call:

1 410 581 6685 or 1 410 581 7931

or contact the local telephone operator and request a reverse charge/collect call to Australia and quote 61 2 9521 3704.

For lost or stolen MasterCard's you can:

If you are in any other country contact the local telephone operator and request a reverse charge/collect call to the USA and quote 1 314 542 7111.

For keycards, please contact +61 13 2221.

Q. I'm going overseas and want to access my account whilst I am away. Can I access NetBank whilst I am away and is it safe?

It's possible to login to NetBank from anywhere with Internet access, but it's important to remember that using computers in public places (e.g. internet cafes) is not risk free.

NetBank's "Additional Logins" service allows you to create extra login names for yourself with different access levels. For example, you can set up an additional login for when you're travelling and you just want to check your account balances, without wanting to do any transactions (therefore removing the ability to transfer money and pay bills).

You can set up and change Additional Logins on NetBank's "My Details" page.

Q. Can I get a personal loan to fund my holiday?

Personal loans can be used for any reasonable personal purpose including travel. If you are successful in your loan application you can put your funds towards travelling.

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Buying a car

Q. If I apply for a loan to purchase a car, will I need a guarantor?

A guarantor is not compulsory. However, using a guarantor does strengthen your loan application and can increase the possibility of your loan being approved.

Check out our section on guarantors or contact our personal loan hotline on 13 1431 between 8am and 8pm, seven days and a representative will be able to assist you if you wish to apply for a loan with a guarantor.

Q. Can I insure my car through the Commonwealth Bank?

The Commonwealth Bank Group offers a range of insurance products including car insurance.

For more information on what insurance options are available through the Commonwealth Bank Group, visit www.commbank.com.au/personal/insurance/car-insurance/default.aspx or call 13 24 23.

Q. If I want to borrow money to purchase a car, do I need to have any of my own money saved?

No.

However, using some savings towards the purchase of your car helps to lower the amount you need to borrow and therefore reduce the amount of interest payments on your loan.

Q. How much money can I borrow to buy a car?

The amount of money that you can borrow is determined by how much you earn and spend each month. Usually, the more disposable or "spare" income you have, the more you are able to borrow.

You can get an idea of how much you'll be able to borrow by using our Personal Loans Calculator.

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Work

Q. How can you assist me with my savings goals?

The Commonwealth Bank offers a range of different savings accounts to help you achieve your savings goals. For information on these different accounts, click here.

Q. I've just started working and want to get my salary credited to my account- how do I do this?

You should supply your account number and BSB (the six numbers preceding your account number), to your employer as your payroll instructions and then your employer should be able to credit your salary to your nominated account.

Q. How do I set up regular payments from my transaction account to my savings account?

If you have NetBank access, you can easily set up regular transfers. You can schedule a funds transfer to occur on a future specified date, or dates, rather than the 'Transfer now' option, which provides an on-the-spot transfer.

For more information, including how to set up a scheduled transfer, see the Scheduling demo.

You can transfer to any account linked to your NetBank service. You can also transfer to other Australian financial institutions. You will need the BSB number and account number to make these transfers.

You can also transfer funds to credit cards as long as the account is accessible via BPAY®. Use the Pay Bill page in NetBank to make these transfers.

Alternatively, you may wish to set up a Regular Savings Plan if you have an AwardSaver account. Set up a Regular Savings Plan online or visit any branch.

Q. I've managed to save some spare cash, and would now like to begin investing in shares. How do I do this?

You can invest in shares through Commsec. Opening an account with Commsec is free. You can open an account by visiting www.commsec.com.au and clicking on Join Now.

Learn more about getting started in shares.

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Moving-out

Q. How do I set up a direct debit to pay my rent?

You can do this via NetBank. You can schedule a funds transfer to occur on a future specified date, or dates, rather than the "Transfer now" option, which provides an on-the-spot transfer.

For more information, including how to set up a scheduled transfer, see the Scheduling demo.

Note: Scheduled Transfers do not replace any existing Direct Debit repayments that you may have established.

Q. Can I pay my bills online?

Yes, you can pay your bills using Netbank via BPAY using your transaction account or credit card. Find out more about BPAY.

Q. I've just moved out and need to take out insurance. What is the difference between contents and home insurance?

Home insurance insures your home (the building) in the event that it is destroyed or damaged.

Contents insurance insures the items within your home. Furniture, CDs, clothing, and electrical goods are examples of some of the items contents insurance provides cover for.

To investigate the range of insurance options available, visit www.commbank.com.au/personal/insurance/home-insurance/default.aspx or call 13 24 23.

Important information.
*Access fees apply to all transactions (including balance enquiries) using non-Commonwealth Bank ATMs, ASB Bank in New Zealand, and the Maestro, Cirrus and Visa/Plus networks in Australia and overseas and EFTPOS terminals overseas.

Applications for finance are subject to the Commonwealth Bank's normal credit approval. Full terms and conditions will be included in our loan offer. Fees and charges apply.

As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. General Information and Terms and Conditions for Streamline Accounts and Electronic Banking are available by calling 13 2221, 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, by visiting our web site commbank.com.au or from any branch of the Commonwealth Bank. If you have a complaint, the Bank's dispute resolution process can be accessed on 13 2221.