As the only Bankwest branch in SA, the service is personal. They get to know you a bit and you never have to wait long. It hasn't really been an inconvenience to only have one branch; if you work, study or live in the CBD, I suspect it wouldn't be an inconvenience for you either.
Not for everyone though...
-If you're an international student or on a working visa they won't give you a debit card (works like a credit card). Other banks will.
-If you ever need to wire money internationally, their system is terrible. It involves a cringe-worthy process of printing, handwriting, visiting the branch, faxing...
The iPhone app is magic and web banking is OK too.
I've been with Bankwest since the "old days" when the branch was on the fifth floor in an office building on Pirie. They've come along way... taking a lift to see a bank teller was bizarro.
For future reference: the Bankwest SWIFT code is BKWAAU6P read more