3,102 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.
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
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 no feel for customer relations, shopped around through 5 lending consultants was a joke for a recent loan application, closed my accounts now.
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
HI Brov, We’re really sorry for the long wait… Read more
Tried to download an Excel file of all transaction for 1 Jul 2022 to 30 Jun 2023 (FY23) but Bank Aust internet banking wont do it. I called the Bank Aust and they said their transaction search only goes back 500 transactions or 18 months max?! So all older transactions can't be downloaded in editable form (XLS or CSV, etc)?! And they can't even do… Read more
it from the bank side manually themselves?! Wow. Downloading a editable spreadsheet of any of my transactions is such a simple thing, that I know other banks do. The call centre would not let me speak to IT to get them to download from the database. Not good. So disappointing. I really liked their environmental credentials, but they need to be able to provide basic services.
Latest follow-ups
Applied for a CC took two weeks to get card, applied to another provider took 3 days, BA asked me to call but after 2 attempts of 30+ mins wait gave up, the security of applying is good but the process is slow, going to use overseas see how it goes. Show details
Follow-up · app is ok not needed to use o/s not used o/b
I'm a refugee from St George bank who I left after 30 years, the last 2 years being awful. It got to the stage where the website wouldn't accept simple actions, then the call centre wouldn't allow you to speak to humans to solve the problem. I've… Read more
had several interactions with Bank Australia, in person at West End in Brisbane, via the online platform, and the Secure Mail facility. All of these interactions have restored my faith in small banks. So far, I'm super happy.
Follow-up · No dissapointments yet! Website is friendly, communication is smooth.
Find out how Bank Australia compares to other Banks
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I love the fact that BANK AUSTRALIA is customer owned and they are the only bank to own a conservation reserve. I love that BANK AUSTRALIA supports the environment and is committed to net zero. The bank’s online tools allow for easy payments to be… Read more
made from your accounts, easy transfers between your accounts, and it is very simple to check your account balances. I have been a BANK AUSTRALIA customer since it was a credit union associated with the CSIRO. That would be more than 40 years ago. Over those years I have relied on BANK AUSTRALIA for all my financial transactions including personal loans and a housing loan. Why would I bank anywhere else?
Follow-up · I do all my banking using the mobile app. I find it very easy to use. Not only can you look at current transactions you can look at older transactions by searching within specific dates. I have visited the branch in Kew and had excellent customer service there however it is quite a distance from my home so not very convenient. I cannot really… Read more
Positive reviews
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!
Negative reviews
Tried to open a business account online. Already have three personal accounts. Documents rejected because they need a certified copy - the originals were signed electronically. They can't help. Printed them off and signed again. Took time off to get to a bank. They refused my driver's license and Medicare card because they are electronic. Won't authenticate me. I give up. I'm moving to another bank .
Hi Paula, thank you for taking the time to share… Read more
Sorry guys just sat on the phone for 40 mins to only reach 14th in the queue. Your ethics are excellent but it doesn't absolve you from customer service. So after mediation, more lies more poor customer service. I admire your environmental stance guys so perhaps reopen as a wildlife charity? As a bank with customer services you're a dead loss.
On one occasion I spent an hour and a half on hold, now I'm unable to transfer money I have into an account I have with another bank (which I have previously done) now I get a message saying the account is not verified and I have been waiting since prior to Easter for a resolution for a response to a secure email, pathetic.
Recent reviews
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.
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
Find out how Bank Australia compares to other Banks
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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.
Top notch bank!! My home-loan was handled with professionalism and responsibility right through the approval and settlement process. Good communication from the parties involved which made me feel confident and supported. I felt I had all the information to make the biggest decisions and often received more comprehensive answers than I received from my conveyancer. Very impressive organisation with strong ethics and goals. Show details
I have been banking with Bank Australia for many years, even when it was a credit union in the 70s. I recently applied for a credit card and Loyd Lapinig handled my application. He was fantastic. He replied to emails and answered calls very quickly. I really appreciated his help and advice. Show details
I've been with Bank Australia since 2017, but only started using their credit offerings in 2025. I felt comfortable looking into this due to Bank Australia's great track record with responsible lending and ethical financial practices - plus, I'd seen first hand (through friends) how well they ensure their customers are protected against potential… Read more
scams and fraud.
I'd like to particularly compliment Tia Hendy (Lending), who has been a superstar with customer service on several occasions. In my first experience with Bank Australia's lending team, she ensured robust assessment of my application within a tight timeframe - ensuring I was able to use my new card while travelling.
Recently Tia also assisted with my request for a credit limit adjustment, and was just as helpful and friendly as I recalled from last year. She's clear with her questions, never leans on financial jargon, and was always happy to give more context for any questions I seemed uncertain about. Tia is also really proactive and clear about expected timeframes. I'm used to hearing things like "we'll get back to you in a few days" from other banks, so hearing "You should hear from me by COB today, all going to plan" (and then, indeed, hearing from her before COB!) is really impressive to me. Tia's a credit (!) to Bank Aus and has, impressively, further increased my (already strong!) confidence about continuing to bank with them going forward.
Excellent, prompt and efficient support to enable VIP access and term deposit process. Staff member was knowledgeable, courteous and patient. As a long term customer (over 40 years) I was impressed with the face to face service from Melbourne CBD branch of Bank Australia. Show details
I have been with Bank Australia for over 15 years. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Their savings interest rates are very competitive. The online banking is intuitive and easy to use. Whenever there has been an issue like a lost card or dodgy transaction on my account they act promptly and it's dealt with quickly. Whenever I call i get a… Read more
real human who is friendly and caring. A couple of times I've had an automatic debit come into my everyday account and I haven't had enough to cover it and the money gets transferred from my online saver with no fees, no fanfare, just done. Such an awesome difference to the big 4. I have not had a loan with them and extending my limit on my credit card was a little onerous but I appreciate that was necessary. I went with them for their ethics and ended up with a much better bank than I imagined.
Staff are friendly, accessible and extremely helpful. Branches are critical support in managing queries even if it relates to specialist services from other locations. I have been with them since SECV days back in Latrobe Valley.
I've just opened an account with Bank Australia on line. Prior to that I was researching, on line for the best rates. I phoned Bank Australia and they were so helpful and patient with me. So when i did open my account with them and needed help. I just contacted them again and they were right there for me. It had made my banking experience with Bank Australia great!!! Show details
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Hi Damien, thanks for sharing your feedback - I'm… Read more