How to send money from Australia to New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand share close ties, and money regularly flows between the countries for family support, business, and travel. But fees on these transfers can be surprisingly high. To find the cheapest AUD to NZD transfer, compare providers and methods to ensure you're getting the best value.

With some planning and preparation, you can keep your costs down while still making sure your money arrives in New Zealand quickly and safely.

Read on to learn explore your options for sending money across the Tasman.

Need to move money in the opposite direction? Check out our guide to sending money to Australia from New Zealand.

Best methods for sending money to New Zealand

There are several different ways to move your money from Australia to New Zealand. The right choice depends on your priorities regarding speed, cost, and convenience.

Bank transfers

Most major Australian banks allow you to send money to New Zealand through their online portals. While familiar, this is rarely the best-value option. Banks normally use the SWIFT network. When money travels via the SWIFT network, it may pass through multiple institutions. Each one can charge a fee, meaning your recipient might receive less than you intended.

Money transfer apps

Digital providers and apps like ours prioritise fast and simple international transfers. Rather than relying solely on the SWIFT network, which can be slow and expensive, we use local payment networks whenever possible. This speeds up the transfer process and allows your money to avoid ‌intermediary banks that take a cut along the way.

Cash pickup services

If your recipient doesn't have a bank account, cash pickup services are a useful option. However, these are generally the most expensive way to send money to New Zealand from Australia due to high service fees and less favourable exchange rates.

What do you need to send money to New Zealand from Australia?

New Zealand bank account numbers follow a specific format that's different from the Australian BSB and account number system. Getting these details right is the best way to avoid delays.

For a transfer to New Zealand, you'll generally need the following:

• Recipient's full name: this must match the name on their bank account
• Bank account number: NZ account numbers are 15 or 16 digits long
• BIC/SWIFT code: this identifies the specific bank in New Zealand

Understanding the New Zealand account format

A New Zealand account number is broken down into 4 parts:

1. Bank code (2 digits): identifies the bank (e.g. 01 for ANZ, 02 for BNZ)
2. Branch code (4 digits): identifies the specific branch where the account was opened
3. Account base number (7 digits): the unique number for the customer
4. Suffix (2 or 3 digits): identifies the type of account (e.g. savings or checking)

Costs and transfer fees

When you send money, the upfront fee is only half the story. To find the cheapest transfer, you should consider the following 3 factors:

1. The exchange rate

Most providers don't offer the mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google). Instead, they apply a percentage-based markup to that rate. Even a 2% markup on a $5,000 transfer means you're paying an additional $100 before any upfront fees are applied.

It's important to check the exchange rate offered before you confirm your transfer.

Use our currency converter to check our rates and see how many New Zealand dollars you can get from your money with us.

2. Transfer fees

This is the fee you see upfront. While some banks might waive this fee for premium customers or advertise zero transfer fees, the exchange rate markup usually remains.

3. Intermediary and receiving bank fees

If your provider uses the SWIFT network, you might lose some of the money you're transferring. As we mentioned above, SWIFT can involve intermediary banks that take their own cut of your money as it passes through.

At Revolut, we use local payment networks whenever possible to bypass these extra charges.

Learn more about sending money abroad with us.

How long does an AUD to NZD transfer take?

The speed of your transfer depends on the payment network used. Let's break it down:

• SWIFT transfers: these typically take 3–5 business days
• Local payment networks: these can often be completed within hours or up to one business day
• Revolut-to-Revolut: if you send money to another Revolut customer, the transfer happens in real-time, 24/7, 365 days a year, and carries no transfer fees, regardless of where in the world either of you are

Learn more about our methods for sending money to New Zealand.

Use a global account for your AUD to NZD transfers

If you often move money between Australia and New Zealand, a global account can simplify your life. It lets you hold both AUD and NZD in one place, so you can exchange money when the rate's in your favour and hold it until you need to send or spend it.

If you're visiting New Zealand, you can also use our travel money card to spend like a local. This helps you avoid carrying large amounts of cash and protects you from the high currency transaction fees charged by traditional credit cards.

Rules and safety for your transfers

Both Australia and New Zealand have strict financial regulations to protect customers and prevent financial crime. In Australia, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) monitors cross-border payments.

When you send a large amount, you might be asked to provide additional information, such as the source of the money or the purpose of the transfer. This is a standard procedure designed to keep the financial system safe. We use high-level encryption and 2-step verification to ensure your money and data are always safe.

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for the following errors which could prevent or slow down your transfer, or even add unnecessary costs:

• Using the wrong account suffix: if you send money to the wrong suffix (e.g. a savings account instead of a checking account), the bank might reject the transfer.
• Forgetting the weekend: most banks don't process international transfers on weekends or public holidays. If you need money to arrive by Monday, it's normally best to send it by Thursday.
• Not comparing the total cost: always double-check how much the recipient will get in New Zealand dollars after all fees and exchange rate adjustments. When you make a transfer with us, we break down any costs or fees in-app before you confirm the payment, making this step easy.

How to sign up for Revolut and start sending money to New Zealand

If you're ready to join millions of people managing their money more clearly, here's how to get started:

1. Download the app: find us on the App Store or Google Play and sign up in minutes.
2. Verify your identity: follow the prompts to take a photo of your ID. This helps us keep your account and the wider community safe.
3. Add money: use an Australian debit card or ‌bank transfer to add AUD to your account. We support transfers via Osko, so you can start moving money right away.
4. Select New Zealand: tap Payments, then +, and International.
5. Enter the details: fill in your recipient's name and their NZ bank account number.
6. Review and send: we'll show you the exchange rate and any applicable fees before you confirm your transfer. Once you hit Send, you can track your money's journey in-app.

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.