We’re working on setting up the ability to spend money easily in Australia. We’re looking at Wise for transfers and starting to live in Aus. As we roll into collecting pay, are there any banks or credit unions that are recommended or actively discouraged from using?
My wife is also an immigrant. Welcome! It’s a fine country.
Immigrants are overwhelmingly welcome, as that is the bulk of the country if you go back only a handful of generations.
Most banks are assholes like anywhere in the world. Try building societies, or smaller banks.
Which state are you immigrating to? That could help.
We’re going be calling Queensland/Brisbane home. Still sussing out which suburbs will fit our educational and proximity to work needs.
So far general consensus says look more into the credit unions. That would be an easier jump for us, since we’ve been with one for a lifetime here.
We’ve seen recommendations for Commonwealth Bank of Australia as a way to get started easily and then possibly move to a more permanent provider.