How to receive money from abroad in Australia

If someone overseas is about to send you money, you'll need to give them the right details — and the process isn't always obvious.

Getting your money should be a simple experience. Whether it's a gift from family in the UK or a payment for freelance work from a client in the US, knowing the right steps can help you avoid unnecessary delays and high costs.

This guide walks you through everything you need to receive money from abroad in Australia.

How to receive an international money transfer ‌in Australia

Receiving money from another country is essentially a 2-step process. First, you provide your bank details to the person or business sending the money. Second, you wait for the money to be processed and land in your account.

While it sounds straightforward, international payments often travel through a network known as the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT). Think of SWIFT like a series of connecting flights for your money. Because the money might pass through several intermediary banks before reaching your Australian account, the journey can take longer than a local transfer.

At Revolut, we aim to make our international transfer process as efficient as possible. By providing clear details and using modern payment networks, we help ensure your money arrives where it belongs without the friction of traditional banking.

What details do I need to receive money from overseas in Australia?

To ensure money reaches you safely from abroad, accuracy is vital. Australian banks don't check the name on the account against the account number during the automated phase of the transfer, so a single-digit error could lead to the money being sent to the wrong person.

The importance of the BSB and account number

In Australia, every bank account is identified by a Bank State Branch (BSB) number and an account number:

• BSB number: a 6-digit code that identifies the specific institution and branch
• Account number: your unique internal number within that bank

You must provide both to the sender for them to direct the money to the right place. If you're a Revolut customer, you can find these by opening our app, going to your AUD balance, and selecting Details.

Understanding SWIFT for transfers to Australia

For international transfers, a BSB and account number are rarely enough. The sender’s bank will also ask for a SWIFT code (also known as a BIC). This is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies your bank on the global stage. It ensures the money knows where to go once it lands in Australia.

In addition to the codes mentioned above, you should provide:

• your full legal name as it appears on your account
• the residential or business address linked to your account
• the bank’s name and the address of its headquarters

Why Australia doesn't use IBANs

If your sender is in Europe or the UK, they might ask for your International Bank Account Number (IBAN). It's important to explain to them that Australia doesn't use the IBAN system. Instead, we rely on the combination of the SWIFT/BIC, BSB, and account number. Providing an IBAN from a different country for an Australian account will cause the transfer to fail.

Common fees for receiving money from abroad

One of the most frustrating aspects of receiving money from abroad is seeing a smaller amount land in your account than you expected. This usually happens because of 3 types of costs. Let's break them down.

Receiving fees from your bank

Many traditional Australian banks charge a flat fee for processing an incoming international payment. These fees can range from $10–30 per transaction. Even if the sender has paid the sending fee on their end, your bank might still deduct a fee for handling the incoming money.

Exchange rate markups

If the money is sent in a foreign currency (like USD or EUR) and your account only holds AUD, your bank will convert the money for you automatically.

Most banks don't use the mid-market exchange rate. This means that, when they convert your incoming transfer into AUD, they apply a markup. This can be anywhere from 2–5% of the transfer's total value.

Intermediary bank fees

Because international money often moves through intermediary banks, these banks may take a cut of the money as it passes through. This is why ‌you might end up with less in your account than you expected, even if you're aware of your own bank's fees.

How long does it take to receive an incoming wire transfer in Australia?

How long it takes for the money to arrive in your account depends on the method used by the sender and the countries involved. Here's what you need to know:

• SWIFT transfers: these typically take 3–5 business days. This timeframe accounts for time zone differences and the various checks each bank must perform.
• Revolut-to-Revolut: if you're receiving money from New Zealand and various other locations, and the sender is also a Revolut customer, the money arrives in seconds.
• Local routes: when available, digital providers like us are able to use local payment networks to speed up the process to just a few hours or a single business day.

We'll always send you a notification the moment the money hits your Revolut account, so you don't have to keep checking your balance.

Receiving money in foreign currencies

A major benefit of using a multi-currency account like ours is the ability to hold money in different currencies. If you're expecting US dollars, you can provide the sender with your USD-specific details.

By receiving the money in its original currency, you avoid the automatic and often expensive conversion performed by traditional banks. You can then choose to keep the money as USD for future travel or convert it to AUD whenever you're happy with the exchange rate.

How to track a missing international payment

If the expected timeframe has passed and your money hasn't arrived yet, here are some steps you can take:

• Request a transfer receipt: ask the sender for a 'SWIFT message' or a receipt that includes a Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference (UETR).
• Verify the details: double-check the BSB, account number, and SWIFT code on the receipt against your actual details.
• Check for intermediary delays: sometimes money is held by an intermediary bank for routine compliance checks. This is a standard part of global banking.
• Contact support: if you have the UETR and the details are correct, our support team can help investigate where your money is in the network.

Why Revolut is a clever way to receive money from abroad

We believe that managing your global finances should be as easy as managing your local ones. Here's why millions of customers choose us:.

• Clarity on costs: we show you the exchange rates and any applicable fees clearly in-app — there are no surprises when the money arrives.
• Seamless conversion: exchange between 30+ currencies at competitive rates with just a few taps.
• Global reach: whether you're receiving money in Australia from India or sending a gift to family in the UK, our network is designed for speed.

How to get started with Revolut in Australia

If you're ready to experience a better way to manage your international money, joining us is simple. You can set up your account in minutes right from your phone. Here's how it works:

1. Download the app: find Revolut on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up for Revolut: enter your mobile number and verify it with the code we send you.
3. Enter your details: provide your name, date of birth, and address.
4. Verify your identity: you'll need to take a quick photo of your ID (like a passport or driver's licence) and a selfie. This helps us keep your account secure.
5. Add money: once verified, you can add money to your account via bank transfer or card to get started.
6. Find your details: tap on the currency you want to receive, then tap Details to share your info with the sender.

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.