Opening a joint account with the Bank of Melbourne is a practical way for couples, family members, or housemates to manage shared expenses and streamline daily banking. The bank offers several options suitable for two or more individuals, including the popular Complete Freedom transaction account and various savings accounts.
Whether you want to combine savings goals or simplify household bill payments, a joint account can centralize shared finances Below are the typical steps, requirements, and troubleshooting tips to help you open and activate a joint account.
Requirements Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Both applicants are generally required to be at least 14 years old and provide an Australian residential address; additional conditions may apply for applicants under 18. |
| Required Documents | Both applicants must provide acceptable identification, typically including a passport or Australian driver licence; additional documents may be required to complete identity verification. |
| Account Types | Complete Freedom (Transaction), Incentive Saver, or Maxi Saver. |
| Promotions Note | Sign-up cashback offers (like the standard $50 bonus) often exclude joint accounts. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Joint Account
Follow this exact sequence of actions from official Bank of Melbourne procedures to establish your joint banking access:
- Step 1: Choose Your Account – Navigate to the Bank of Melbourne website, switch to Bank&Save, then - Everyday accounts, choose Everybody and select the account you wish to open (e.g., Complete Freedom). Click the Open now button.
- Step 2: Start the Application – Select that you want to open a Joint account when prompted at the beginning of the online form.
- Step 3: Primary Applicant Details – The first applicant must enter their personal details, contact information, and complete the online identity verification using their Australian ID.
- Step 4: Invite the Second Applicant – You will be prompted to enter the second applicant's details. They will receive a unique link or reference number to complete their portion of the application.
- Step 5: Second Applicant Verification – The second party logs in or uses the provided link to submit their details and verify their ID online.
- Step 6: Setup Internet Banking & Cards – Once both parties are verified, the account is activated. Both users can register for Internet Banking and order their linked Visa Debit cards.
Pro-Tip: If either applicant is already a Bank of Melbourne customer, log in to Internet Banking first and apply from the dashboard. This pre-fills your personal information and skips the first ID verification step!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Delays: If SMS codes aren't arriving during the setup phase, ensure your phone isn't blocking shortcodes. Alternatively, use the Mobile Banking App to authenticate if you already have an existing profile.
- Browser Errors During Application: The joint application involves multiple sessions across different devices. If the invite link for the second applicant returns an error, clear your browser cache and cookies, or try opening the link in an incognito or private browsing window.
- Locked ID Verification: If the automated system fails to verify your driver's licence or passport after multiple attempts, your profile will be locked for security. You must bring your physical ID documents to a local Bank of Melbourne branch to finalize the setup.
Our Top Efficiency Hack
To finalize your shared banking setup faster, skip the manual ID data entry. Have both applicants download the Bank of Melbourne App before starting. If both individuals have their physical IDs ready and use the mobile camera to scan their documents during the flow, the system processes optical character recognition (OCR) instantly, cutting application time significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we limit access on a Bank of Melbourne joint account?
You may request different operating rules (such as requiring multiple approvals for certain transactions), although availability and functionality can vary and may require in-branch setup.
Will we both receive a Visa Debit card?
Yes. As long as you both meet the age requirement (14 years or older) and select the Complete Freedom transaction account, you will each receive a linked Visa Debit card issued in your own name.
