Manuel Garrido
Due to its small geographic footprint in the South Pacific and limited economy, banks in Nauru offer basic services, and the banking infrastructure is modest at best. That being said, the Nauruan government has begun establishing banking operations geared toward global investors, positioning the country as an attractive destination for foreign investment. This guide provides insights into Nauru’s banking system.
List of the Best Banks in Nauru
The Republic of Nauru is a small microstate. As most services are government-controlled, including banking, the island offers limited banking options and access to trade with other Pacific island countries and the global financial system. This has led to historical challenges with international banking compliance. The government improved the country’s banking infrastructure by outsourcing its banking services and establishing correspondent banking relationships with Australian banks.
Bank | Description |
Bendigo Bank | Bendigo Bank has operated in Nauru since 2015. It is a subsidiary of the Australian Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited. It operates in Nauru as a basic service provider through the Nauru Post Office under Bendigo Bank Agency, offering services like savings and checking accounts. The bank has two branches located in Ronave and Boe. Bendigo Bank will cease its operations in Nauru in June 2025. |
CommBank | The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) will launch its operations in June 2025, assuming control of Bendigo Bank's activities. The bank will open a branch in Boe, and its services will include personal and business accounts as well as debit and credit services. Customers will be able to access their accounts and perform transactions through the NetBank or CommBank mobile app. |
How to Open a Bank Account in Nauru
With Bendigo Bank (Bendigo and Adelaide Bank) winding down its operations, opening a new account with them is no longer possible. You can open a bank account in Nauru with CommBank (Commonwealth Bank), and the process is relatively straightforward.
Only Nauru citizens can open accounts, which you can become by investing in the country’s economic development through the Nauru citizenship by investment program.
Complete a bank account application form for the type of account you want to open:
- Discover Streamline Basic
- Discover NetBank Saver
- Business Transaction Account
- Visit the CommBank Agency in Boe and submit the application form and proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or Nauru passport.
Business owners or signatories to a business account must complete a paper-based business application form inside the Agency.
Once the account is active, a CommBank representative from the bank’s Civic Centre Agency will contact you.
Take a look at our Nauru Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Nauru Banking Services Available
Banking services in Nauru are basic but functional for all financial activities on the island. Available services typically include:
- Personal and business current accounts
- Savings accounts
- Domestic money transfers
- Mobile banking
- Limited international remittance services
- Cash deposits and withdrawals from the Agency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nauru Banks
How many banks are there in Nauru?
Bendigo Bank (Bendigo and Adelaide Bank) is the only bank operating in the Republic of Nauru in cooperation with the Nauru Department of Finance. In June 2025, CommBank will assume its activities.
How to do offshore banking in Nauru?
Nauru stopped offering offshore banking services in 2001 due to international pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the World Bank, and the United States over money laundering concerns in its financial institutions.
Can a foreigner open an offshore banking account in Nauru?
Foreign nationals cannot open bank accounts in Nauru as the country does not offer offshore banking services. However, a lawyer for Nauru citizenship by investment can help foreigners gain dual citizenship and open accounts in Nauru’s local banks.
How do I transfer money internationally from Nauru?
CommBank will offer international money transfers to and from Nauru, and Western Union also offers international transfer services in Nauru.
What currency is used in Nauru?
Nauru uses the Australian Dollar (AUD) as its official currency, and all transactions are made in AUD.
Are there ATMs in Nauru?
Bendigo Bank has two ATMs in Nauru, located in the Capelle and Partner shopping mall in Ronave and in Boe, close to the Nauru International Airport.
