How to send money to a bank account in Australia

Sending money to a bank account in Australia is usually a quick and easy process — but if it's your first time, knowing what details to provide and which method to use can make all the difference.

Whether you're paying a bill, sending money to a friend, or managing your own accounts, getting the details right helps your money arrive safely.

Here's everything you need to know about how to send money to bank account in Australia.

Bank transfers in Australia

The Australian banking system is highly integrated, allowing for various ways to move money between institutions. Most domestic transfers occur through the New Payments Platform (NPP), which enables real-time payments between participating banks. This system supports both traditional account details and simpler identifiers like PayID.

When you send money to a bank account in Australia, you're essentially instructing your financial institution to move credit from your balance to another. While the process is digital, it relies on specific codes to ensure the money reaches the correct destination. Understanding these codes is the first step to a successful transfer.

Information required for an Australian bank transfer

To complete a bank transfer in Australia, you generally need 2 main pieces of information: the Bank State Branch (BSB) number and the account number. Alternatively, you can use a PayID if the other person has one registered.

What is a BSB account number?

A BSB is a 6-digit code used to identify a specific branch of an Australian financial institution. The first 2 digits identify the bank or financial institution. The third digit indicates the state where the branch is located, and the remaining 3 digits identify the specific branch.

When you enter a BSB, the system automatically recognises the bank name. It's important to double-check this number, as an incorrect BSB could lead to your money being sent to the wrong provider or rejected entirely.

Find an Australian BSB number.

Account numbers and recipient names

The account number is the unique identifier for the specific account within the bank. In Australia, account numbers are usually 6–9 digits long. While you're often asked for the recipient's name, most Australian banks don't‌ verify the name against the account number during the automated processing of the transfer. This means the BSB and account number need to be 100% accurate.

Using PayID for simpler transfers

PayID is a relatively new feature that allows you to link an easy-to-remember identifier — such as a mobile number, email address, or Australian Business Number (ABN) — to your account.

If your recipient has a PayID, they can simply give you that, instead of sharing a BSB and account number. When you enter a PayID in your app, the system should display the registered name of the recipient before you confirm the payment. This provides an extra layer of security, as you can verify you're sending money to the right person.

Methods for sending money to a bank account

There are several ways to initiate a transfer. Most customers prefer digital methods due to their speed and convenience.

Using an app

Mobile apps like ours are one of the most common ways to handle a bank transfer in Australia. They allow you to save recipient details for future use, scan QR codes for payments, and track the status of your transfer in real-time.

Learn more about sending money with Revolut.

Online banking platforms

For larger transfers or business payments, online banking via a web browser often offers higher payment limits and provides a comprehensive view of your transaction history. The steps are similar to a mobile app but may require additional security hardware or SMS codes for verification.

In-branch transfers

While less common, you can still visit a physical bank branch to send money. This method is often used for very large sums, such as a deposit for a house, where you may need to provide physical ID and sign papers.

How long does a bank transfer take in Australia?

The time it takes for money to arrive depends on the payment network used by the banks involved.

Most modern transfers use Osko, which is a service built on the NPP. Osko payments are typically delivered in under a minute, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays.

If one of the banks involved doesn't support NPP or Osko, the transfer will go through the older Direct Entry system. These transfers are usually processed in batches and can take up to 2 business days to arrive. Transfers made on a Friday afternoon or over a weekend might not arrive until the following Tuesday.

Transfer limits and costs

Most banks impose a daily limit on the amount of money you can send to external accounts. These limits are a security measure designed to protect your money in case the wrong person gets hold of your details.

Standard limits often range from $1,000–20,000 per day. If you need to send a larger amount, you can usually increase your limit temporarily within your app or by calling your bank's customer service team.

Domestic transfers between Australian accounts generally cost nothing. However, some specialised accounts or business accounts may carry transaction fees. Always check your specific plan's T&Cs.

Sending money to Australia from overseas

If you're sending money to a bank account in Australia from another country, the process involves a few extra steps. You'll need the recipient's BIC or SWIFT code in addition to their BSB and account number.

International transfers can be more expensive due to exchange rate markups and intermediary bank fees. It's often helpful to use a currency converter like ours to understand the real-time value of the money you're sending.

Why choose Revolut for your Australian transfers?

At Revolut, we provide an alternative to traditional banking. We focus on speed, clarity, and ease of use. Our app allows you to manage your Australian dollars alongside 40+ other currencies, making it an ideal choice for both domestic and international payments.

We support NPP and Osko, meaning most of your transfers within Australia will happen almost immediately. We also provide clear notifications the moment your money is sent and when it arrives.

How to transfer money with Revolut

Whether you're sending to a fellow Revolut customer or a traditional bank account, the process takes only a few taps. Here's how it works:

1. Download the Revolut app: find it on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Start your transfer: tap Payments, then the + symbol in the top-right corner.
3. Enter recipient details: select your transfer method and enter the BSB and account number of the person you're paying. If it's someone overseas, you'll need to enter their SWIFT code.
4. Enter the amount: type in how much you want to send. We'll show you any applicable fees and the estimated arrival time upfront.
5. Review the transfer: double-check the recipient details on the summary screen.
6. Complete the payment: tap Send to finalise the transaction.

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.