Bank Fees in Australia: Monthly Account and ATM Fees and How to Avoid Them

Australian bank fees can quietly drain hundreds of dollars a year, yet almost all of them are avoidable once you know how they work. Between monthly account-keeping fees, ATM charges, overdraw penalties and international transaction fees, the gap between the most and least expensive everyday accounts is real money. The good news: many banks now charge nothing for a basic transaction account, and a few simple habits eliminate the rest. This guide compares fees across ten banks that operate in Australia and shows exactly how to avoid every common charge.

You will find a full fee comparison table, charts of monthly and international fees, a breakdown of the seven most common bank fees, and a clear plan to pay as little as possible, ideally zero.

Fees and conditions change and vary by account; figures here are indicative for 2026. Always confirm current fees on the bank’s website before opening an account.

TL;DR: Bank Fees in Australia

You should not be paying ongoing bank fees in Australia. Most digital banks, Macquarie, ubank, Up and HSBC, charge $0 monthly, $0 international transaction fees and no overseas ATM fees from their side (Bankwest’s Easy Transaction Account also lists none, so check its terms). Among the big four, NAB is the only one with no standard monthly fee (but it charges 3.5% on overseas purchases), while CommBank, Westpac and ANZ charge around $4 to $5 a month, waived if you meet conditions such as being a young customer or full-time student, or depositing about $2,000 a month. All four big banks let you use their own ATMs free; the cost comes from independent ATMs and going overseas. Pick a no-fee account and the rest is easy.

The Full Comparison: 10 Banks

Here is how everyday transaction accounts compare across ten banks operating in Australia, on the fees that matter most.

*Big-bank monthly fees are typically waived on conditions that differ by bank: CommBank if you are under 30 or deposit $2,000 a month; Westpac if you are under 41, a full-time tertiary student or deposit $2,000 a month; ANZ if you are a full-time student or deposit $2,000 a month, among other criteria. †ING rebates its own international transaction fee and overseas ATM fee if you meet its monthly conditions (a set deposit plus a number of card purchases, check ING for the current amounts), but not the fees charged by ATM operators. Independent or non-network ATM operators may charge their own fee regardless of your bank.

Monthly Account Fees Compared

The clearest split is between the older big-bank accounts that still charge a monthly fee and the digital banks that charge nothing. Note that NAB has joined the no-fee camp among the big four.

International Transaction Fees Compared

If you shop online from overseas retailers or travel, the international transaction fee is where the big banks quietly cost you 3 to 3.5% on every foreign purchase. Several banks charge nothing at all.

The 7 Most Common Bank Fees

How to Avoid Every Bank Fee

If you are choosing an account, our guides to the best student bank accounts and setting up PayID will help, and remember you will need a Tax File Number to avoid extra tax on any interest.

Which Account Is Best for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

In 2026 there is little reason to pay ongoing bank fees in Australia. Digital banks like Macquarie, ubank, Up and HSBC offer genuinely fee-free everyday banking, including overseas, and NAB has made no monthly fees standard among the big four. If you prefer a major bank for its branches and ATMs, simply meet the fee waiver. Match your account to how you live, especially if you travel or shop internationally, keep a small buffer to avoid overdraw and dishonour fees, and stick to your bank’s ATMs. Do that and your everyday banking can cost you nothing at all.