How to Send Money Internationally From Australia in 2026

Sending money overseas is part of everyday business for many Australian companies. Whether you’re paying a supplier in China, buying inventory from an overseas manufacturer, or working with an international contractor, knowing how to send money internationally can help you choose the right payment method and avoid unnecessary costs.

Australia recorded A$665.2 billion in exports and A$658.3 billion in imports in 2025, showing just how much business happens across borders. But international payments aren’t always straightforward. Exchange rates, transfer fees, payment methods, and processing times can all affect the cost and speed of a payment.

In this guide, we’ll cover the main ways to send money internationally, what you’ll need before making a transfer, how to manage the costs, and what to consider when choosing a provider for your business.

Key Takeaways

• Send money internationally from Australia by choosing the right transfer method, comparing the total cost, and checking the recipient and payment details before confirming the transfer.

• There are several ways to send money internationally, including local payment networks, SWIFT, online providers, multi-currency accounts, and traditional banks.
• Total cost goes beyond the transfer fee, with exchange rates, intermediary charges, and recipient fees affecting what the payment ultimately costs.
• Large transfers may require additional checks, supporting documents, transfer limits, and careful consideration of exchange rates and delivery times.
• Avoid common mistakes by checking recipient details, currency, fees, payment references, and transfer limits before confirming the payment.
• WorldFirst can help businesses send money internationally with multi-currency accounts, supplier payments, local/SWIFT routes, and FX tools.

What Is an International Money Transfer?

An international money transfer is a payment sent from one country to another, usually by moving funds from the sender’s bank or payment account to the recipient’s account overseas. For businesses, this could mean paying a supplier in China, settling an invoice with a UK-based service provider, or sending funds to an overseas contractor.

The payment may involve converting one currency into another. For example, an Australian business might send AUD and have the recipient receive CNY, USD, or another foreign currency. The total cost can depend on the exchange rate, transfer fees, and any charges from banks involved in processing the payment.

The way the payment is sent also matters. Businesses can use traditional bank transfers, telegraphic or SWIFT payments, online money transfer providers, or multi-currency business accounts, depending on their needs.

How Does an International Money Transfer Work?

International money transfers move funds between countries through banks, payment providers, and payment networks. The process usually involves verifying the recipient and payment details, converting currencies where needed, and processing the payment through the relevant network.

For Australian businesses, the payment may use a local payment system or an international network such as SWIFT. The route can affect the transfer speed and cost. SWIFT payments may also involve intermediary banks, depending on the destination and payment route.

Once the payment reaches the recipient’s bank, the bank credits the funds to the recipient’s account. Processing times vary based on the currency, destination, payment method, cut-off times, and any required checks.

What Are the Main Ways to Send Money Internationally From Australia?

Australian businesses have several options for sending money overseas, and each comes with different costs, speeds, and payment routes. The right choice depends on the destination, currency, and type of payment. Here’s a quick comparison of the main ways to send money internationally from Australia:

Local payment rails

Local payment rails allow funds to be sent through the recipient country’s domestic payment network rather than an international banking route. Where available, they can be a practical option for regular supplier, contractor or other business payments.

Availability depends on the destination, currency and provider, so businesses should check which payment routes are supported before sending money.

SWIFT and international bank transfers

SWIFT enables financial institutions to exchange payment instructions across borders. Telegraphic transfers (TTs) are a common way for businesses to make international bank payments, and the payment may involve the sending bank, receiving bank and, depending on the route, intermediary banks.

These transfers can be suitable for large or specialist payments, but businesses should consider the exchange rate, transfer fees, potential intermediary charges and expected delivery time.

Online international money transfer providers

Online money transfer providers offer a digital way to arrange international payments. Depending on the provider, businesses may be able to manage recipients, convert currencies, review exchange rates and track payments online.

They can be useful for businesses making regular international payments, but costs, supported currencies, payment routes and delivery times vary between providers.

Multi-currency business accounts

A multi-currency business account allows a company to hold and manage funds in different currencies. Instead of converting money every time an international payment is made, a business can use an existing balance in the required currency where supported.

This can be useful for businesses that regularly pay overseas suppliers, contractors or service providers.

Traditional bank transfers

Businesses can also send international payments directly through an Australian bank. This can be convenient for companies that already have a banking relationship and prefer to manage payments through their existing account.

Before sending money, compare the bank’s exchange rate, transfer fee, processing time, and any additional charges that could apply to the payment.

Money transfer operators

Money transfer operators specialise in sending money between countries and may offer options such as cash pickup or digital-wallet transfers. They are commonly used for personal remittances, although some services may support other types of international payments.

For businesses, the suitability of this option depends on the recipient, payment purpose, destination, and available payment method.

How Much Does It Cost to Send Money Internationally?

The total cost of an international money transfer can include more than the upfront transfer fee. Businesses should consider:

• Transfer fees: Some providers charge a fixed or variable fee based on the currency, destination, or transfer amount.
• Exchange-rate costs: The exchange rate offered by a provider may include a margin, which can affect the total amount you pay.
• Intermediary bank fees: Some international payments pass through intermediary banks that may charge additional fees.
• Recipient bank fees: The recipient’s bank may charge for receiving an international payment.
• Total amount received: Compare how much the recipient will actually receive, rather than looking only at the transfer fee.

Tip: Compare the total cost of the payment, including the exchange rate and all applicable charges, before sending money internationally.

How to Transfer Money Overseas Without Fees

Sending money overseas with absolutely no cost can be difficult, even when a provider advertises a $0 transfer fee. Exchange-rate margins, intermediary bank fees, or other charges may still apply. However, businesses can take steps to reduce international transfer costs:

• Look for zero-transfer-fee options: Some providers waive the transfer fee for certain currencies, payment routes, or account types. Check whether other costs still apply before sending.
• Use local payment networks where available: Local payment routes can avoid some of the intermediary banking costs associated with traditional international transfers.
• Pay from an existing currency balance: If you already hold the currency you need in a multi-currency account, paying directly from that balance may help you avoid an additional currency conversion.
• Avoid unnecessary currency conversions: Where possible, receive, hold, and pay in the same currency rather than converting funds multiple times.
• Compare the exchange rate as well as the fee: A $0 transfer fee doesn’t necessarily make one provider cheaper if the exchange rate results in a higher overall cost.
• Check for intermediary charges: Before using SWIFT or another international banking route, check whether intermediary or recipient-bank fees could apply.
• Compare the final amount received: The most useful comparison is often how much your recipient will receive after the exchange rate and applicable charges are taken into account.

How to Send Money Internationally From Australia

Businesses need to choose the right payment method, check the total cost, and confirm the recipient’s details before sending money overseas. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to send money internationally from Australia.

1. Gather the Recipient’s Details

Make sure you have the correct payment details before starting the transfer. Collect the information required for the destination country and payment method:

• Full legal name: Enter the recipient’s name exactly as provided.
• Bank name: Check the recipient’s bank details carefully.
• Account number or IBAN: The required account identifier depends on the destination country.
• SWIFT/BIC code: Required for many international bank transfers.
• Local banking details: Some countries require details such as a BSB, sort code, or routing number.
• Recipient address: Some payment routes may require the recipient’s address.
• Payment reference: Add an invoice number or other reference where required.

Double-check the details before continuing, as incorrect information can delay or prevent a payment from reaching the recipient.

2. Choose Your Transfer Method

Choose a payment method based on where you’re sending the money, the currency, transfer amount, and how quickly the recipient needs the funds. Consider options such as:

• Online money transfer providers: Digital providers can let you arrange international payments online and may offer currency conversion, payment tracking, and different payment routes.
• Traditional Australian banks: Banks such as CommBank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB allow customers to make international payments through their banking platforms.
• SWIFT or international bank transfers: These can be suitable for larger or specialist business payments and may involve intermediary banks.
• Multi-currency business accounts: Businesses that regularly make overseas payments can hold and manage multiple currencies. WorldFirst, Airwallex, and Wise Business offer multi-currency accounts, with features and fees varying by provider.
• Money transfer operators: Services such as Western Union and MoneyGram can support international transfers, including some cash-pickup and digital-wallet options.

Compare the available payment routes, expected delivery time, and total cost before choosing a method.

3. Set Up and Verify Your Account

If you’re using a new bank or money transfer provider, you may need to create an account and complete identity or business verification. Depending on the provider, you may need to provide:

• Personal identification: Such as an Australian passport or driver’s licence.
• Proof of address: Some providers may request additional documentation.
• Business information: Businesses may need to provide company details, ownership information, or other documents.
• Payment purpose: Additional information may be required for certain transfers or larger amounts.

The exact requirements vary by provider and transfer type, so check what you need before starting the payment.

4. Fund the Transfer in AUD

Once your account is set up, fund the transfer using an available payment method. Depending on your provider, you may be able to use:

• Bank transfer: Transfer AUD from your Australian bank account to your provider or payment account.
• PayID or other local payment methods: Some providers support Australian payment methods for funding an account.
• Direct debit: Available with some providers for eligible transfers.
• Debit or credit card: Some services allow card payments, although additional fees or restrictions may apply.

Make sure you understand when your funds will be available for the international payment to be processed.

5. Review the Exchange Rate and Confirm

Before sending the payment, review the exchange rate and total cost. Check:

1. Exchange rate: See how much of the destination currency you’ll receive for your AUD.
2. Transfer fee: Check any upfront fee charged by your bank or provider.
3. Additional charges: Look for intermediary or recipient-bank fees where applicable.
4. Recipient amount: Confirm how much the recipient is expected to receive.
5. Payment details: Recheck the recipient’s account and banking information.

Once you’ve reviewed the payment details and total cost, authorise the transfer and keep the confirmation for your records.

How to Send Large Amounts of Money Overseas From Australia

Large international transfers need more attention to cost, exchange rates, transfer limits, and delivery times. When you’re sending a significant amount overseas, even a small difference in the exchange rate or fees can have a noticeable impact on the total cost.

Before making a high-value international payment, consider these factors:

• Exchange rate: Compare the rate offered and check how much the recipient will receive. Even a small FX difference can affect a large transfer.
• Fees: Check transfer fees, exchange-rate costs, and any intermediary or recipient-bank charges.
• Transfer limits: Confirm that your bank or provider supports the amount you need to send.
• Verification: Larger transfers may require additional identity, business, or payment checks.
• Supporting documents: For business payments, you may need an invoice, contract, or other information about the transaction.
• Delivery time: Check processing times and cut-off times, particularly if the payment needs to arrive by a specific date.
• Recipient details: Verify the recipient’s name, account number or IBAN, SWIFT/BIC code, and other required banking details before confirming the payment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Money Internationally

Avoid these common mistakes when sending money overseas from Australia:

• Entering incorrect recipient details: Check the recipient’s name, account number or IBAN, SWIFT/BIC code, and other required banking details before sending.
• Looking only at the transfer fee: A low transfer fee does not always mean a lower overall cost. Compare the exchange rate and other applicable charges.
• Ignoring intermediary or recipient-bank fees: Some international payments may involve additional charges that aren’t included in the upfront transfer fee.
• Sending the wrong currency: Confirm the currency the recipient needs before making the payment to avoid unnecessary conversions or delays.
• Exceeding transfer limits: Check your bank or provider’s transaction and daily limits, particularly for large payments.
• Delaying verification: Additional checks may be required for larger or unusual transactions. Complete them before the payment deadline where possible.
• Forgetting a payment reference: Include an invoice number, purchase order, or other reference if the recipient requires one.
• Not checking the payment confirmation: Review the final amount, recipient details, fees, and expected delivery time before authorising the transfer.

Why Choose WorldFirst for Sending Money Internationally From Australia?

Sending money overseas can involve managing different currencies, payment routes, exchange rates, and payment records. WorldFirst gives Australian businesses tools to manage these through one account. With more than 1.5 million customers served globally and over US$500B+ in transaction volume processed, WorldFirst has experience supporting international payments at scale.

With WorldFirst, businesses can:

• Hold multiple currencies: Hold and manage 20+ currencies through the World Account and use available balances for international payments where supported.
• Pay overseas suppliers: Send payments to overseas suppliers and other business partners in supported currencies and destinations.
• Use local payment networks or SWIFT: Choose the available payment route based on the destination and currency. WorldFirst states that 80% of payments arrive on the same day.
• Manage foreign exchange: Use spot contracts, forward contracts, and firm orders to manage currency conversions based on your payment needs.
• Connect accounting software: Integrate WorldFirst with supported accounting platforms to help manage and reconcile international payment activity.

Whether you’re paying overseas suppliers, managing multiple currencies, or making regular international transfers, WorldFirst gives your business the tools to manage payments in one place.

Ready to send money internationally from Australia? Open a World Account and start managing your overseas payments with WorldFirst.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to send money internationally from Australia?

The best option depends on the payment amount, destination, currency, transfer speed, and total cost. Businesses can use bank transfers, SWIFT, online money transfer providers, local payment networks, or multi-currency accounts.

2. How much does it cost to send money internationally from Australia?

Costs can include transfer fees, exchange-rate costs, intermediary bank charges, and recipient bank fees. Compare the total amount you pay and the amount the recipient receives rather than looking at the transfer fee alone.

3. How long does an international money transfer take from Australia?

Transfer times vary by payment method, destination, currency, and provider. Some payments can arrive within hours, while international bank or SWIFT transfers may take several business days.

4. What is the fastest way to send money internationally?

The fastest option depends on the destination, currency, payment route, and provider. WorldFirst uses local payment networks or SWIFT for supported payments, with 80% of payments arriving on the same day.

5. What information do I need to send money internationally from Australia?

You’ll typically need the recipient’s name, bank details, SWIFT/BIC or local banking details, payment reference, and the amount and currency you’re sending. Additional verification or business documents may be required for some transfers.

Sources:

1. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/international-trade/international-trade-supplementary-information-calendar-year/2025
2. https://www.worldfirst.com/au/
3. https://www.worldfirst.com/au/pricing/