How to send money internationally from Australia

Whether you're sending money to family overseas, paying an international supplier, or supporting a cause abroad, transferring money internationally from Australia doesn't have to be complicated — or expensive.

While traditional banks have long been the default, modern technology has introduced new ways to move your money across borders.

Read on to learn all about the process, the costs, and the best services to help you manage your global finances with confidence. And, when you're done, explore international transfers with Revolut.

Need to make an international transfer?Read our guide to the best ways to send money overseas.

What you need to know before you send money overseas from Australia

Before you make your transfer, it's important to understand that an international payment involves more moving parts than a quick transfer to a friend in Melbourne. Planning ahead can help you avoid delays and unexpected charges. Here's what you need to know:

Essential recipient details

To make sure your money reaches the right destination, you'll generally need to ask your recipient for the following information:

• Full legal name and address: this must match the details held by their bank
• Account number or International Bank Account Number (IBAN): most European and Middle Eastern countries use an IBAN
• BIC/SWIFT code: this 8 or 11-character code identifies the specific provider and branch
• BSB and account number: required for transfers to other Australian accounts, though ‌the IBAN is more common for international payments

Comparing international money transfer methods in Australia

There are 2 main ways to send money abroad: through a traditional bank or via a dedicated online transfer app like ours.

International bank transfers

Most Australians are familiar with an International Money Transfer (IMT) through big banks like CommBank or NAB. These typically use the SWIFT network, a global messaging system. This network relies on intermediary banks to act as bridges between financial institutions, helping your money reach its destination. While these banks assist with the transfer, they usually charge a handling fee that's deducted from the total amount your recipient receives.

• The pros: familiarity and a high level of security.
• The cons: banks may charge an exchange rate markup and may take 3–5 business days to process the payment. You might also encounter intermediary fees where other banks take a cut of your money along its way.

International transfer apps

Digital providers like Revolut have changed the landscape by using local payment networks. Whenever possible, we use local networks in the destination country to deliver your money faster. This allows us to skip the long chain of banks, and avoid added time and costs.

• The pros: competitive exchange rates, low fees, and often near-immediate delivery.
• The cons: primarily digital-only, meaning you can't visit a physical branch for help. However, we do offer online help 24/7 in-app.

Costs of sending money from Australia

The total cost of your transfer is not just the fee you see on the screen. To find the best international transfer method, you need to look at 3 key areas.

Transfer fees

This is a flat fee or a percentage of the total amount. Many banks in Australia now waive this fee if you send money in a foreign currency via their app, but this doesn't mean the transfer costs nothing.

Exchange rates

This is the most significant cost. Most providers, including us, take the mid-market rate (the one you see on Google), then add a margin on top. For example, if the mid-market rate for 1 AUD is 0.65 USD, a bank might only give you 0.62 USD. That 3-cent difference is what you're paying for the transfer.

At Revolut, we offer a competitive exchange rate. You can check our live rates anytime to see how much your Australian dollars are worth in other currencies.

Intermediary and correspondent bank fees

As we mentioned above, your money may pass through several banks when you send it through the SWIFT network. Each of these banks may deduct a fee from the total amount. This is why a recipient sometimes ends up with less than what you sent them.

How long does an international money transfer take?

Transfer speed depends on the destination and the network used by your provider. Here's what you can expect for most international destinations:

SWIFT transfers

These usually take 3–5 business days to arrive, since they must pass through multiple banks along their way.

Local payment networks

These often arrive within minutes or up to 2 business days.

Note that weekend transfers (after 5pm on Friday) and those made on public holidays may experience delays as banks generally don't process payments during these times.

Revolut-to-Revolut

These are immediate. If you send money to another Revolut customer, it arrives in seconds, regardless of the country.

Why Revolut is a good choice for your global transfers

We've built a financial ecosystem that goes beyond simple transfers. When you use us to send money overseas from Australia, you get the following:

• Competitive currency exchange rates: we use our own Revolut exchange rate with no hidden surprises. Just note that a fee applies for exchanges made over the weekend.
• No-fee allowance: depending on your plan, you can exchange money up to a certain limit every month without paying a currency exchange fee on weekdays.
• Global reach: send money to 160+ countries in 70+ currencies.
• Security you can count on: we use two-factor authentication to make sure you're the only one who can log in to your account, and we'll send you anti-fraud warnings in-app if we suspect that a transfer may be a scam. We also protect your personal data with our always-on security systems.

How to send your first international transfer with Revolut

Ready to get started? We've made the process as simple as sending a text message. Here's how it works:

1. Download the app: find the Revolut app on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up for Revolut: enter your phone number and follow the prompts to create your account. You'll need to provide your Australian address and verify your identity with a photo of your ID (like a passport or driver's licence).
3. Add money: you can add money to your account via a bank transfer or by linking a debit card.
4. Start your transfer: tap on Transfer, then the + symbol in the top-right corner. Select International and choose the destination country and currency.
5. Enter details: type in the amount you want to send, then your recipient's details (IBAN or account number and BIC/SWIFT).
6. Review and send: we'll show you the exchange rate, any applicable fees, and the estimated arrival time. When you're ready, tap Send.

Exchange and remittance fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply. Exchange rates and fees shown are for illustration only.

The information provided is accurate as of 5 May 2026.