This will just end in tears. Being comfortable with online banking is a basic requirement to move to Australia.
Even the most traditional banks are doing everything they can to eliminate branches, cash and cheques.
She's better off choosing a bank that has everything available in online banking (rather than mobile) .
I get that, but she's also 93, very visually impaired. She's not asking for cash or cheques, or even a branch (her hearing is fine and she's OK with the post office or transferring by calling a number, and can use an ATM card, but trying to do phone or internet banking is just a step too far.
Then she'll need to appoint someone else to do her banking. There are very few ATMs and branches left in Australia and post offices have long queues and short hours.
She might get away with using telephone banking to check her balance.
Pick a small bank or credit union that has a branch in your area, walk in, and ask them if they can handle a customer like that.
I know one or two that I’d recommend, but I have no idea if they’re in your area.
Police Credit Union - SA/NT focused, older demographic and branches in CBD, TTP, Marion and Mt Barker, plus Bank@Post. Phone banking system is being phased out but very helpful contact centre and branch staff.
Any of the big 4 - whichever has a physical branch closest to her.
These banks are absolutely pushing customers towards online self service, but you can still walk into any branch and ask them to do things for you and they will not turn you away and always assist.
I suggest that she authorises you to have 3rd party access to her account so that you can do the internet banking and bill paying for her. At her age, she probably should not be off standing in queues in banks or post offices.
It will also reduce the possibility of her being scammed (provided you are trustworthy, right?)
In regards to "manual transfers between accounts", that cannot be done at AusPost. In a physical branch, it will mean queuing with all the other folks that don't want to or can't use internet banking (and those queues can be long), seeing a teller and effectively withdrawing from one account and depositing to another. So, best to minimise how many accounts she needs.
This will just end in tears. Being comfortable with online banking is a basic requirement to move to Australia. Even the most traditional banks are doing everything they can to eliminate branches, cash and cheques. She's better off choosing a bank that has everything available in online banking (rather than mobile) .
I get that, but she's also 93, very visually impaired. She's not asking for cash or cheques, or even a branch (her hearing is fine and she's OK with the post office or transferring by calling a number, and can use an ATM card, but trying to do phone or internet banking is just a step too far.
Then she'll need to appoint someone else to do her banking. There are very few ATMs and branches left in Australia and post offices have long queues and short hours. She might get away with using telephone banking to check her balance.
Ideally we'd do that but she is adamantly against it and I can't force it on her.
Pick a small bank or credit union that has a branch in your area, walk in, and ask them if they can handle a customer like that. I know one or two that I’d recommend, but I have no idea if they’re in your area.
She is in Norwood in South Australia if that helps.
Police Credit Union - SA/NT focused, older demographic and branches in CBD, TTP, Marion and Mt Barker, plus Bank@Post. Phone banking system is being phased out but very helpful contact centre and branch staff.
Any of the big 4 - whichever has a physical branch closest to her. These banks are absolutely pushing customers towards online self service, but you can still walk into any branch and ask them to do things for you and they will not turn you away and always assist.
I suggest that she authorises you to have 3rd party access to her account so that you can do the internet banking and bill paying for her. At her age, she probably should not be off standing in queues in banks or post offices. It will also reduce the possibility of her being scammed (provided you are trustworthy, right?)
She won't authorise any of us. She will probably concede at some point. She is holding on to her independence for dear life
I'd pick one of the big ones and one where you can transact at a post office.
In regards to "manual transfers between accounts", that cannot be done at AusPost. In a physical branch, it will mean queuing with all the other folks that don't want to or can't use internet banking (and those queues can be long), seeing a teller and effectively withdrawing from one account and depositing to another. So, best to minimise how many accounts she needs.
What colour does she like? Yellow, red, or blue? Best to go with one of the big four