3,122 reviews
As of the 17th of August 2015, Mecu rebranded to Bank Australia.
AI reviews summary
Overall sentiment is highly positive, driven by exceptional in-person branch service and a strong alignment with the bank's ethical and environmental values. However, a significant divide exists between the "white-glove" branch experience and the digital/phone experience, where recurring issues with long wait times and rigid fraud security measures cause notable frustration.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Bank Australia is an excellent choice for consumers prioritising ethical banking and those who value high-quality, face-to-face service at physical branches. However, potential customers should be prepared for significant delays when seeking phone support and a highly sensitive security system that can lead to inconvenient account freezes.
Reviews with attachments
Massive thanks to Dhiraj at Bank Australia for performing absolute magic and getting my home loan approved and settled. I came in with questions, nerves, and mild panic. he handled all of it like a pro. Dhiraj knows his stuff, explains things in human language (not scary bank jargon), and somehow made the whole process smooth, calm, and almost…… Read more · 1
enjoyable? Wild.
If you’re looking for a home loan specialist who’s sharp, patient, and can save you from a financial meltdown, Dhiraj is 100% the one. Would trust him again without hesitation!
Leila Gomes was very helpful! Very easy to get set up with a business bank account.
Exceptional Service and Unwavering Support – I recently finalised a home loan with Bank Australia and would like to convey my sincere appreciation for the outstanding assistance provided by Dhiraj, his managers, and the wider team. Throughout a complex and time-sensitive process—encompassing the Victorian Homebuyer Fund, multiple valuation delays, and strict finance clause deadlines—they… Read more
consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care.
Dhiraj kept me fully informed at every stage, ensuring I always understood the situation and what was required next. When unexpected issues arose, he and his colleagues proactively found solutions before they could escalate, significantly reducing any potential stress. Their clear, accurate guidance enabled me to achieve final approval without unnecessary delays or repeated extensions.
The combination of expert knowledge, strong communication, and collaborative problem-solving transformed what could have been a stressful experience into a much more manageable one. I am truly grateful for their unwavering support and wholeheartedly recommend Bank Australia, along with Dhiraj, his managers, and the entire team, to anyone seeking both expertise and exceptional customer service.
Buying a Classic Car – After deciding to take the plunge and purchase an Australia Historical Motor Vehicle, I approached Bank Australia for a very sizable loan. Sean Bayzand (Lending Team) was my liaison and did a fantastic job of helping me to navigate the process. As I have been with Bank Australia through its many iterations since the late 1980's, I had some high… Read more
expectations - all of which were met or exceeded by Sean. The financial impact of the decision to take this loan was minimised, for me, where possible. Sean even made direct contact with the car dealer to ensure a smooth transition for the sale. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you Sean!!! Thank you Bank Australia!!!
A wonderful banking experience – After awful experiences with both Rabo and Bendigo banks it was a breath of fresh air to receive the wonderful service provided by Amanda at the Ballarat branch, even phoned my disabled wife to help her through installing the app on her phone. I honestly cannot speak highly enough about the personal approach that Bank Australia delivers. Show details
BANK AUSTRALIA DISGRACEFULLY LINKS MANDATORY GOOGLE™ ACCOUNT & IT'S DATA HARVESTING GOOGLE PLAY™ SERVICE FOR ONLINE ACCOUNT CREATION IDENTITY VERIFICATION AND ON-GOING APP USE. Unsuccessful online 'onboarding' attempts in opening a Bank Australia Account recently had me phoning Bank Australia Customer Support. Drearily, I was first… Read more
greeted with that tedious and all too familiar recorded preamble that they were 'experiencing unusually high call volumes'. Indeed the 3 calls I ended up making involved waiting times of between 20 and 30 minutes each.
But in an even bigger waste of time, over stretched staff claimed to be not aware of any problem with their 'onboarding' server or even having any record of my futile efforts at their end. This despite my multiple ‘onboarding’ attempts via their Bank Australia portal. Two even made on a different device having made it laboriously through right to the very end only to annoyingly, inexplicably and irretrievably wipe the data having been already uploaded to the Bank Australia Server.
It would seem devotion to Bank Australia's proclaimed ‘award winning’ banking App via Google Play™ Store is a prerequisite for Bank Australia online 'onboarding' to complete successfully.
Google™ and app free Desktop Web based ‘onboarding’ is not an option with Bank Australia sending a Quick Release (QR) code instructing smart phone connection in such circumstances. Circumventing the use of desktops and mandating connection with only the direct use of a smart phone, its camera and motion sensors etc. Also applicants downloading an Android coded Bank Australia App from a source, as did I, other than the Play Store™ itself will find no ultimate functionality outside of Google Play™ Services. Additional software framework dependencies trojanized by Google Play™ onto a users device as part of a 'Sign in with Google' seemingly necessary for the Bank Australia binary to function correctly and 'talk' successfully with the Bank Australia onboarding server.
iPhone's™ 'Walled Garden' software ecosystem where an Apple™ ID is needed to provide an iPhone™ user access to Apple's™ App Store℠ fairs no better. Where once in, a user must then ultimately surrender to Google’s™ terms of service to provide Google™ privileged access to hardware of that Apple™ branded device. Allowing Google™ your IP address, geopositioning and other data not immediately transparent in Google’s™ ‘Terms of Service’.
Of course Bank Australia will be quick to point out that data collected in the actual Bank Australia app is not linked to your identity, which well might be true.
NOT NECESSARILY SO A DEVISE LINKED TO A 'SIGN IN WITH GOOGLE'. Be aware of what data collection a user of these ‘free’ services must agree to Google™ surreptitiously collecting.
Prove me wrong Bank Australia, lets see if your server software can play nicely without applicants being sneakingly marketed to by being required to agree also to Google's™ terms of service. And the necessity of having to install Google Play™ spyware on an applicants devise. Or are you happy for your brand and for your customers to remain used and covertly monetized by Google’s™ ‘free’ services?
So far the silence from Bank Australia has been deafening. Perhaps pandering to the number of degoogled deviants like myself is not worth their attention. If so I think a rename from Bank Australia to Google Bank (Trade marked of course) might be more transparent.
One of the accompanying screen shots shows the culmination of my online attempts at 'onboarding' without the all knowing Google™. Bank Australia’s server suddenly spat the dummy, refusing further of my IP’s traffic. Unconvincingly announcing it was 'Down for Maintenance' . . . Perhaps it was just merely coincidence? Only Google™ might know. Hail Google™!
WORK AROUND HACK FOR THOSE UNWILLING THE ENTRAPMENT OF GOOGLE™
1/. Easy Method: Sign with another Bank who's app is not dependent on third-party 'services' for functionality. They do exist.
2/. Alternatively for the bloody minded: The Bank Australia 'App' is necessary initially only for online account identity verification. When that invariable fails for degoogled applicant's, Bank Australia give alternatives to visit the only branch (in my case) in the whole of Queensland, print the forms yourself or have forms Posted out via snail mail. Your Drivers licence or Passport etc witnessed by a JP or the likes and posted/emailed back. Excessively laborious and time consuming for any recalcitrant not already or unwilling to 'Sign up with Google'.
3/. The Bank Australia 'App' is NOT NECESSARY to operate an account via a smart phone ONCE AN ACCOUNT HAS BEEN CREATED. Simply adding the Bank Australia web login URL
https://digital.bankaust.com.au
opened from a smart phones browser as a short cut to the Home screen will provide quick assess to app like functionality. But annoyingly, the same screen will also prompt you with a pop up every time, (see screen shot) intimidatingly insistent you download the Bank Australia app. Which of course is best avoided. Lest even short cut functionality then be broken. But only for those like myself, missing that Orwellian Google™ identity.
Oh . . . and needless to say . . . don’t even think about getting Google Pay™ ‘tap to pay’ to work ! !
Written 28th February 2026
I do not have time to be 98 th in que to talk to someone to transfer funds, I do not have a branch in Perth to talk to someone, normally there pretty good but my confidence is dwindling I emailed over 48 hours ago no return correspondence!! Show details
Latest follow-ups
Opened new account – Great efficient and very friendly service at Doveton St Ballarat branch. Thank you Show details
Follow-up · Well the Doveton St Branch is now closed which is a nuisance…. so now I go to the Sturt St Branch. But the staff are always friendly and helpful. It’s been awhile since I set up that account but from memory it was quick and easy and the staff member understood what I wanted. It’s a cosy little branch.
too busy trying to look cool with their sustainability pledges, just deliver bank related customer service, customers are often too busy ringing in, its an inconvenience as it is, to get the wait times and wanky soundscapes is a sign of a bank with… Read more
no feel for customer relations, shopped around through 5 lending consultants was a joke for a recent loan application, closed my accounts now.
Follow-up · Cancelled my accounts and went to ANZ
Hi Damien, thanks for sharing your feedback - I'm… Read more
NO-FEE CREDIT CARD and HIGH INTEREST RATES – I closed my account at one of the 4 big banks because of their $8/month account fee, on top of their annual $96 fee. And half a year ago, I joined BankAust because of their NO-FEE CREDIT CARD and the HIGH INTEREST RATES they pay on term deposits… Read more
(currently 5.0% and 3.95% on funds in my online saver). Best I could find. Since joining, I've discovered various automations they provide including autopaying my monthly credit card total from my saving account on the due date so there's no chance of failing to pay and getting hit with an interest bill. Recommended!
Follow-up · Two years later, we're still with BankAust. NEGATIVES: I would point out that if you use ATMs to get cash out regularly, check with the bank about which ATMs they're using. Not many, if I recall. I stopped getting cash out from this card when shopping at Woolies, for example, because there was a FEE for doing so. Still is, I imagine. I dont like… Read more
Positive reviews
Sharon (Melb CBD) served me twice last year. Exceptional service. Clear explanations that helped me understand the procedures. Georgia (Collins St, Melbourne) served me last week. Again, excellent service that answered my questions and more. I don’t have any evidence to prove this is a genuine review as I went into the branch to discuss my issues. Nothing in writing. Show details
I recently switched my banking to Bank Australia and have been pleasantly surprised by the level of service. The team has been professional, responsive, and easy to deal with throughout the process. Any questions I had were answered promptly, and the application and onboarding experience was straightforward and hassle-free. A special mention to… Read more
Alana Bremner (Alana Bremner- Lending)for providing outstanding customer service. Alana was knowledgeable, helpful, and kept me informed every step of the way, making what could have been a complicated process feel simple and stress-free. It's refreshing to deal with a bank that genuinely values its customers and provides personal service. Based on my experience so far, I would happily recommend Bank Australia to anyone looking for a customer-focused banking experience.
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I came to the bank (Melbourne branch) to open an account. The customer relations carer ANNIE is the most helpful n considerate person I have ever met. I wish her all the best in her career with Bank Australia. She is a person with talent n compassionate. Show details · 1
Negative reviews
Tried to open an account. Failed! First online attempt wouldn’t recognise gov’t photo ID. Tried to call, couldn’t get on to anybody. Tried different ID, succeeded, then failed as I already had an account, which I didn’t! Tried to call and got onto somebody who said I’d have to fill out a form & email. Did that only to be told that form had to be… Read more
posted with JP certified copies of ID….too many hurdles, too hard, taking my money elsewhere….hopeless, took 3 days to realise. Hope this review saves you time….
Hi Michael, We’re really sorry to hear about your… Read more
I chose Bank Australia because they seemed like a reputable, values-driven lender, but my experience trying to get a Green Car Loan was incredibly frustrating due to a total lack of communication. I submitted my application on May 31st. After hearing absolutely nothing for over two weeks, I decided to follow up. The first agent I spoke with… Read more
couldn't explain why my application hadn't even been picked up by the lending team yet, but assured me someone would contact me either that day or the next.
That didn't happen. I had to call again the following afternoon. This second agent informed me that the application was finally with the senior lending team and promised to escalate it for urgent contact. By the time the senior lending team actually reached out to me, it was too late, the radio silence forced me to take my business elsewhere and arrange finance with a different lender who could actually move within a reasonable timeframe.
Throughout the entire process, no one could give me a clear reason for the massive delay, nor was it ever communicated if they were waiting on specific documentation from my end to progress the application.
Hi Freemady, We’re really sorry to hear about your… Read more
I really wanted to like this bank. I love their ethical approach to banking. I gave them so many opportunities to just behave like a normal bank. Not the trials of Hercules, just open a savings account and let me deposit some money into it. But creating an online savings account failed and said I had to call up. Calling up couldn't fix my… Read more
problem, and I had to go to a branch. Going to a branch and creating a completely new account from scratch, still didn't give me an operational savings account that I could access. I was assured that IT were looking into it and would email me in a couple of days.
Well they did, and three days later emailed me to welcome me to my new mortgage loan account (details pending)... If this miraculous failure actually delivered me a house's value worth of money, maybe I could deal with that. But opening a savings account has apparently landed me with a mortgage without delivering any associated money.
If this is the truly monumental level of stuff-ups they are able to produce just creating a savings account, I'd hardly trust them as a safe place to stash my loot.
Even my gobsmacks are gobsmacked...
Thank you for sharing this important feedback and… Read more
Recent reviews
I have banked with BankAustralia (and its predecessor MECU) for over 35 years and they have always been outstanding. My needs have not been complex, mostly online, and their services have suited me perfectly. I don't need complex multi verification logon, or persistent bots offering 'help', or constant warnings about my safety. BA delivers ease… Read more
of use yet I always feel that my accounts and data are well protected - and BA has contacted me on a couple of occasions when they have needed to provide protection, e.g. when a range of credit card numbers were compromised. I feel BA is paying attention, knows me, knows the type of transaction I do and doesn't need to apply generic warnings just so they can tick their legal check boxes rather than take care of me personally. I also appreciate BA's ethical investment history and competitive savings rates.
I visited Bank Australia branch at 356 Collins Street, Melbourne on 7 July 2026. I am a new customer, having transitioned from Australian Unity Bank to BA in 2025. I had issues with two accounts that had been set up in my name following the transition. I had to change the name of one of the accounts from my casual name (Judy) to my official name… Read more
(Judith).
I met Adhieu who was extremely pleasant, calm, methodical, practical and got the job done efficiently. She is a very impressive operator. She had a team meeting to discuss the options which required the "Judy" account to be closed, the funds transferred to the "Judith" account.
Adhieu made sure that everything was sorted before I left, encouraging me to withdraw $20 to ensure all was in order. It was.
Please pass on my thanks for her.
Regards, Judy Ryan
One to one face to face – Personalise assistance from Vic a lifesaver. Would have given up with online stuff without him. With bank since 1992. Online makes everything much more difficult and one to one face to face is invaluable Show details
Every service, both by phone and online, was very accurate and smooth during my application for refinancing home loan and credit card. Compared to other lenders, Bank Australia's process is fast and reliable. The online platform is also easy to use and easy to understand. In particular, Alana Bremner, the lending specialist, was very kind and helpful. Thank you so much for your support. I am completely satisfied with Bank Australia's service. Show details
I have visited the York Street, Sydney branch on several occasions for a variety of issues from mortgage to credit limits etc. Relaxed friendly and efficient vibe. Highly recommended! Show details · 1
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I couldn't make the app work on my new phone despite several attempts. I kept getting a message saying to try again in 10 minutes. When I went to a branch ( long drive now) it took the staff about 25 minutes to discover what the problem was. The staff were polite, thoughtful and kind. Top marks there! You could improve your app by telling the… Read more
client they need to visit a branch AND noting what the problem is on the staff system so that they would know how to help and not waste so much time. I have been a customer for nearly 40 years! Generally the service is reliable although not many physical branches when an issue like this arises.
Hi Sue, thanks for reaching out and sharing this… Read more (+3 replies)
I would like to thank Loyd Lapinig for his time and patience in helping my have my visa card application processed, very much appreciated and loyd made it all possible quickly with his knowledge. thank you
Quick review on a recent credit card application with Bank Australia. Changing over from a different bank, I chose Bank Australia mainly due to the BCorp status and good customer reviews. Bank of Australia's system for communication and upload documents was so easy to use. Simple & plain UI which is something most companies seem to forget these… Read more
days. Once case assigned it was great communication, clear requests and simple updates to their system. Alana Bremner from Lending was great to deal with and did a fantastic job! Highly recommended and will probably end up moving all my banking/loans over to them.
Staff were very friendly helpful with an emergency situation regarding password/account access via a missing phone. While i was being assisted, two other customers came in and were helped with similar card/account access issues - all three of us had the sort of problem which only an in-person physical branch could help with, so I'm glad they still exist. Show details
I so appreciate all the staff at the Brunswick street Fitzroy branch. Customer service is wonderful. I do a lot of my banking on line but when l have a problem (e.g like recently with an overseas trip) they couldn’t do enough. Fantastic. Honestly my life would be much ‘poorer’ without that branch! Show details
Excellent service from Tate, who was friendly and efficient. Going in to the branch was an effective way to do everything we wanted and get answers to our questions. A good experience!
Tate helped us with our financial tasks and was fabulous. He demonstrated great interpersonal skills and was a thoroughly pleasant young person. His expertise was outstanding. Show details
I was fortunate enough to be assisted by a lovely lady in the Traralgon branch a couple of days ago by the name of Hayley. Hayley went above and beyond to assist me. Her product knowledge was excellent, her friendly helpful manor and smiling face brightened my day. I always have a great experience with all staff at this bank, I have been a member… Read more
here since this bank was known as the S.E.C credit union. Well done to all at Bank Australia, with a very special thank you to Hayley. Looking forward to seeing your smiling face again.
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HI Brov, We’re really sorry for the long wait… Read more