Claim money from bank accounts and bank dividends

Bank accounts and other money from banks

If you have found your name on ASIC's unclaimed money search and the money is from a bank account, here's how you can claim the money. We also explain what bank account money ASIC holds and how far back our database goes.

How to claim bank account money
What bank account money is held by ASIC

How to claim bank account money

If you have found your name on ASIC's unclaimed money search and the money is from a bank account, you will need to approach the relevant financial institution. They are responsible for assessing the rightful owner of the funds.

If your claim is successful, the bank will notify ASIC. ASIC will then release the funds to the bank so the bank can then pay you.

How long will your claim take?

You will need to check with the bank to find out how long it will take to process your claim. Generally, ASIC will take up to 28 days from the time the bank lodges the claim with us then we will release the funds to the bank so they can pay you.

The claims process

Step 1	Record your Original Transaction Number (OTN) If you found your name on ASIC's unclaimed money search, then you would also have seen a unique Original Transaction Number (OTN) relating to your claim. Please note down your OTN. You will need your OTN to make a claim.
Step 2	Confirm bank details Check our list of banks, building societies and credit unions to find out which one you need to contact to claim on your old bank account. For a complete list of banks, building societies and credit unions that are authorise to operate in Australia, see the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's list of Authorised Deposit taking Institutions.
Step 3	Contact the bank Speak to their 'unclaimed money officer' to begin the claims process. They will tell you what proof of claim documents you need to give them (driver's licence, passport, bank statements, passbook) to prove who you are and your right to the money. The proof will vary from case to case and the bank will decide what it requires.
Step 4	Bank processes your claim Once your claim is approved by the bank and they have contacted ASIC, it usually takes 28 days to release the funds to the bank so they can pay you.

What bank account money is held by ASIC

ASIC holds money from bank, credit union and building society accounts that have not been used in 7 years and contain a balance of $500 or more. On 31 December 2015 this changed from 3 years. To find out more see changes to unclaimed money laws on the ASIC website.

With savings bank accounts, ASIC's unclaimed monies online search database goes back to 1989. Trading bank accounts go back to 1959. With credit union and building society accounts, our database goes back to 1992.

If you think the account you are looking for was last accessed before 1992, you should contact the state or territory government's office of state revenue or state treasury where the bank, credit union or building society was originally registered. For example, if the credit union or building society was registered in NSW, you will need to go to Revenue NSW. If you are unsure where the bank was registered you should contact them to find out.

ACT - Public Trustee for the ACT
NSW - Revenue NSW
Northern Territory - NT Department of Treasury and Finance
Queensland - Public Trustee Queensland
South Australia - SA Department of Treasury and Finance
Tasmania - Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance
Victoria - State Revenue Office Victoria
Western Australia - WA Department of Treasury

Australia's unclaimed money

See our unclaimed money infographic to find out:

how much is waiting to be claimed in each state, and
how people lose track of their money.