Key points
- CommBank is the first Australian bank where customers can open an account in its app using secure Near Field Communication (NFC) passport chip scanning for identity verification
- NFC allows information to be read securely from the encrypted chip inside an ePassport, similar to the way passports are checked at airport gates
- Identity is verified using a customer's government-issued ePassport and a biometric face scan helping remove friction for customers while strengthening protection against identity fraud
- Currently customers using this technology to open new accounts must be physically based in Australia
- Capability will later this year be extended to support migrants and international students before arriving in Australia
New CommBank customers can now open a bank account using a single scan of their ePassport in the CommBank app, making it faster and easier to get started with the bank using a government‑recognised and trusted identity document.
Using the same technology trusted at airport gates, customers can verify their identity digitally using only their ePassport and a biometric face scan, removing the need for multiple identify verification documents or a visit to a branch. In‑branch support remains available for customers who don't have an NFC-enabled passport or compatible device, or for those who prefer face‑to‑face assistance.
CommBank is the first Australian bank to introduce in‑app onboarding that uses the encrypted chip inside government issued ePassports to verify a customer's identity directly with the issuing government.
With around 700,000 new customers joining CommBank each year and 99 per cent of customer interactions now taking place digitally , removing friction from the process has become increasingly important.
Built on technology customers already use and trust
CommBank General Manager for Customer Identity and Digital Security, Sascha Thiel, said the new capability builds on technology customers already rely on in everyday life.
"Using a government-issued ePassport enables customers to verify their identity using a secure, encrypted chip issued and authenticated by governments, providing a faster, more accurate and fraud-resistant onboarding experience with a document they already have and trust," Ms Thiel said.
"Inspired by the secure identity checks used at international airport gates, we're applying a familiar, trusted technology in an innovative way to help customers verify their identity digitally and open an account using just one form of ID."
Strengthening security from the very first interaction
The new onboarding capability strengthens CommBank's multi‑layered approach to fraud prevention, and builds on CommBank's more than $1 billion investment in protecting customers from scams, fraud, cyber threats and financial crime, helping customers bank with confidence as threats become more sophisticated.
CommBank's ongoing investment in digital capability has been recognised by RFI Global with 17 customer‑led banking awards, and by Canstar, which has named CommBank Digital Bank of the Year for 16 consecutive years.
Supporting customers before they arrive in Australia
Later this year, CommBank plans to extend NFC passport verification to support customers onboarding from overseas, allowing migrants and international students to set up their banking before they arrive in Australia.
"For people moving to Australia, there's already a lot to organise before they arrive," Ms Thiel said.
"Being able to open a bank account using a passport before landing will help remove one more task from the list, giving customers more time to focus on settling into life in a new country."
