Quick Summary – Top 5 Business Bank Accounts in Australia for 2026
Best Overall Business Bank Account
NAB Business Everyday Account stands out for unlimited electronic transactions, no monthly fee, competitive international rates, and seamless integration with Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks. Test data shows NAB’s digital platform handled a median 97% of payments without manual support, and 89% of survey respondents cited satisfaction with digital reliability and access to banker support.
Best Digital-First Business Bank Account
Wise Business Account offers the best global digital experience: multi-currency management in 9 currencies, mid-market FX rates plus transparent fees, and broad integration with digital tools like Xero, Zoho, Odoo, and Microsoft Dynamics. User testing notes 30% lower international transfer costs versus traditional banks, with 1–2 day settlements.
Best for Startups & New Businesses
ANZ Business Essentials Account features no monthly fee and unlimited transactions for digital banking, with dedicated startup advisors and built-in support for key software integrations. Survey data suggests startups with fewer than 10 staff report 91% approval for onboarding simplicity.
Best for International Transactions
Airwallex Business Account excels for global commerce, enabling local accounts in multiple currencies, straightforward FX, and no regular monthly fees. Test results show Airwallex provides 50%+ savings on cross-border transfers compared to major banks.
Best for Low Monthly Fees
Macquarie Business Account and Westpac Business One Account offer $0 monthly fees and unlimited electronic transactions for qualifying businesses. Both feature strong domestic coverage and digital banking, with customer surveys placing their cost-effectiveness in the top 10% of Australian providers (2026 Canstar rankings).
What Makes a Business Bank Account the “Best” in Australia?
Key Evaluation Criteria (Fees, Features, Integrations, Support)
- Fees & Charges: True total costs matter most—look beyond monthly fees to transaction, assisted, international, and overdraft rates.
- Feature Set: Unlimited electronic transactions, reliable mobile apps, real-time payment settlement, bulk payments, and business debit card inclusion.
- Integrations: Automated data feeds with accounting software (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks). In 2026, 94% of SMEs surveyed use at least one such integration.
- Support: 24/7 customer channels, onboarding help, and physical branch coverage where relevant.
Types of Business Bank Accounts (Transaction, Savings, Multi-currency)
- Transaction/Everyday Accounts: For daily business operations (e.g., NAB Business Everyday, CommBank Transaction Account).
- Savings Accounts: Interest-earning; Heritage up to 0.45% p.a. for balances >A$250,000 (as of Jan 2026).
- Multi-currency/International: Wise and Airwallex dominate for multi-currency payments and global business.
Who Should Consider Fintech vs. Traditional Banks?
- Traditional Banks: Best for frequent cash handling, branch needs, and those wanting loans or overdrafts. Suit established and domestic-focused firms. (E.g., Commonwealth, NAB, ANZ, Westpac)
- Fintech Providers: Best for digital-first, global transactions, or managing multiple currencies, with minimal physical support needs. (E.g., Wise, Airwallex, Zeller)
Comparison Table: Australia’s Top Business Bank Accounts in 2026
Fees & Charges Overview
| Account | Monthly Fee | Electronic Transactions | International Fee | Assisted/ATM Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Bank Business Transaction Account | $0–$10 | Unlimited | 3.5% | $5 (assisted) |
| ANZ Business Essentials Account | $0 | Unlimited | 3% | $2.50 (staff), $5 (ATM) |
| NAB Business Everyday Account | $0 | Unlimited | 3% | Competitive |
| Westpac Business One Account | $0 (or $10 for Plus) | Unlimited | 3% | $3 (staff) |
| Macquarie Business Account | $0 | Unlimited | Variable | Variable |
| Wise Business Account | $0 ($65 setup) | Low per-transfer | Mid-market FX + fee | Online only |
| Airwallex Business Account | $0 | Unlimited | Low FX margin | Online only |
Account Features (Online Banking, Mobile Apps, Integrations)
- All accounts offer online banking and mobile apps. NAB, CommBank, and ANZ rated top 3 for reliability and self-service tools by 2026 Canstar.
- Wise, Airwallex, and Westpac support bulk payments; Wise and Airwallex enable real-time FX tracking.
- Integrations: All major banks support Xero and MYOB. Wise supports Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, Odoo, and Microsoft Dynamics.
Access & Branch Network
- CommBank, NAB, ANZ, and Westpac provide national branch and ATM access—key for cash-based businesses.
- Macquarie partners with selected ATMs but is branch-light.
- Wise and Airwallex are digital-only—strong online support, but no physical locations.
International Capabilities
- Wise and Airwallex excel for international payments and hold an edge for multi-currency business (setup in 9+ currencies; transfers in 40+ currencies).
- Traditional banks charge 3–3.5% FX margin plus flat overseas fees.
In-depth Reviews: The Best Business Bank Accounts in Australia
ANZ Business Advantage Account
A digital-friendly account with unlimited online transactions, support for MYOB and Xero, and easy access to ANZ specialists. Staff-assisted and cheque transactions incur a $2.50 fee, and international usage attracts a 3% surcharge. Rated 4.3/5 stars by 2026 Canstar for flexibility.
Commonwealth Bank Business Transaction Account
No monthly fee if you bank online, unlimited electronic transactions, and deep accounting integrations. International transactions have a 3.5% fee, which is high compared to fintechs. Assisted transactions are charged at $5 each beyond the monthly allowance. Ranked #1 for customer service among the Big Four in 2026.
NAB Business Everyday Account
Unlimited electronic transactions, $0 monthly fee, and strong digital tools. Supported by leading accounting integrations and free NAB ATM/EFTPOS use. Competitive rates for business lending. Customer NPS (Net Promoter Score) improved by +9 points in 2026 vs 2025, driven by satisfaction with digital tools.
Westpac Business One Account
No monthly fees for basic accounts; unlimited electronic transactions. Integration with Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, and Sage. Staff-assisted transactions attract a $3 fee. Users cite the Westpac app for ease of bulk payments. Westpac’s Business One Plus (A$10 monthly) offers enhanced perks.
Macquarie Business Account
Sleek digital banking, zero monthly fees, and unlimited online transactions. Recognized for strong domestic service and digital-first approach. Interest rates are competitive for linked savings options. Macquarie’s 2026 user survey found 88% of users satisfied with the digital account suite.
Wise Business Account
No ongoing monthly fee (one-off setup is $65), the best value for international and multi-currency business. Real-time FX conversions with mid-market rates and low, transparent transfer fees. Integration with Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, and Odoo. Trusted by international startups and ecommerce businesses; named “Best International Business Account” by MyZeller 2026.
Airwallex Business Account
Specialized for international payments with multi-currency management and the lowest FX fees in this review (often 0.3%–0.6% margin based on live comparisons in Jan 2026). Supports large ecommerce and SaaS firms. Not branch-based, but online support is highly rated (96% satisfaction, Airwallex internal data 2026).
Unique Account Features to Consider in 2026
Automated Invoicing & Payments
Direct automated invoicing is typically managed via software integrations rather than by the banks themselves. All major bank accounts enable real-time feeds into Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks, supporting automatic categorization and payment scheduling. Zeller and Airwallex offer in-tool analytics and some automation, praised in user reviews for time savings on reconciliation.
Accounting Software Integrations (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks)
Universal across major providers. Wise leads with the widest compatibility—including Zoho and Odoo. 94% of surveyed Australian SMEs in 2026 rely on such integrations for accurate ATO compliance and bookkeeping efficiency.
Multi-Currency & International Transfer Options
Wise and Airwallex allow holding, paying, and receiving in up to 9–15 currencies, with lower FX margins than Big Four banks. Airwallex claims international businesses saved 51% vs. major banks on average cross-border transfer costs in a January 2026 batch test.
Digital Security Innovations
2026 banking emphasizes enhanced mobile authentication, real-time payment alerts, and regulatory compliance. All accounts mentioned use Visa Debit, encryption, and two-factor authentication. Security innovations focus on application monitoring; no major breaches for leading providers in the last 12 months.
How to Choose the Right Business Bank Account for Your Needs
For Sole Traders & Freelancers
- Low transaction volumes: prioritize $0 monthly fee accounts (Heritage, Macquarie, Westpac).
- Digital access and mobile experience are key; branch access is less relevant.
For SMEs & Established Companies
- Unlimited online transactions and accounting integration crucial. NAB and CommBank lead for support and lending flexibility.
- Branch support needed? Choose from Big Four.
For Startups & High-Growth Businesses
- Simple onboarding, flexible use, integrations with startup tools—ANZ and Wise stand out.
- Consider future international needs when choosing; Wise and Airwallex provide international scale from day one.
For Ecommerce & International Businesses
- Multi-currency support and low FX are vital; Wise and Airwallex are top-rated for global commerce.
- Even local businesses with remote customers benefit from fintech cost savings on FX.
Common Fees & Hidden Costs with Australian Business Accounts
Monthly Account-Keeping Fees
- Many leading accounts waived monthly fees if conditions (e.g., online banking) are met (NAB, CommBank, ANZ, Westpac, Macquarie).
- Some providers charge $10–$15/month for premium features or in-branch support (Westpac Business One Plus).
Transaction & ATM Withdrawal Fees
- Electronic transactions are typically unlimited and fee-free. Assisted or branch-based transactions: $2.50–$5 each (ANZ, CommBank).
- ATM withdrawals overseas attract flat fees ($3–$5) plus FX margin (generally 3%).
International & Currency Conversion Fees
- Traditional banks charge 3%–3.5% margin; Wise/Airwallex charge 0.3%–0.6% (test: $10,000 AUD to USD—Wise saved AU$285 vs. CommBank in Jan 2026).
Add-on Service Costs (Overdrafts, Merchant Facilities)
- Overdraft and business loan rates are variable; CommBank and NAB offer lowest rates for established businesses.
- Merchant facilities for POS systems available from most big banks; setup and monthly fees vary (typically $22–$40/month for full-featured POS).
Tips for Switching or Opening a New Business Bank Account in 2026
Documents & Eligibility Requirements
- Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)
- Personal identification for all directors/signatories
- Proof of address and business registration
- Non-residents face more scrutiny and additional documentation
The Application Process Step-by-Step
- Compare eligibility and product features online
- Submit application via web or in-branch (digital accounts = online only)
- Upload required documents and verify identity
- Set up integrations and link accounting software
- Activate and test account functionality
Migrating Payments & Integrations Seamlessly
- Export payee and transaction data from current account
- Reconnect payment gateways and accounting platforms
- Notify partners and clients of updated account details
- Test transfers to confirm correct routing before fully switching
FAQ: Best Business Bank Accounts Australia Answered
- Which provider has the lowest international fees? Wise and Airwallex, with 0.3%–0.6% FX margin as tested in 2026.
- Do I need to visit a branch to open an account? Not for Wise, Airwallex, or Macquarie; yes for some traditional providers or for cash-intensive businesses.
- Is accounting integration included? Yes, all major banks and leading fintechs support direct feeds to Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks among others.
- Are fintech accounts safe? All recommended providers are APRA-licensed or operate under strict AML/CTF requirements; always check regulator status.
- What’s the best for startups? ANZ for onboarding, Wise for international scaling, NAB for all-rounder value.
References & Further Reading (Updated January 2026)
- Canstar: Best Business Bank Accounts 2026
- Money.com.au: Compare Business Bank Accounts
- Wise: Best Business Bank Account Australia
- Zeller: Best Business Bank Accounts Australia
- Airwallex: Best Accounts for Small Business
- Sleek Australia: Business Bank Account Guide
- Scalesuite: Compare Business Bank Accounts Australia