How to send money to Australia
Get more money to loved ones in Oz with the right money transfer service.
Last updated:
Depending on the method you need to send or receive money in Australia, you have the convenience of many options — cash, bank deposit, or peer-to-peer apps.
If you don’t need cash right away (such as through a service like Western Union or MoneyGram), there are online services available that can get your transfer to its destination in 1-5 days, with no fees and great exchange rates.
Compare services that send money to Australia from the UK
Banks vs. money transfer specialists
The familiarity and security offered by banks make them appealing to some. But banks typically offer weak exchange rates and high fees to send money to Australia.
For the majority of your international money transfers, you’re better off using an independent money transfer specialist.
Case study: Sending £1,000 to Australia
The Davenports need to send £1,000 for books and living expenses to their daughter studying in Sydney. While they appreciate the convenience of running down to their local bank, at their daughter’s nudging they’ve decided to compare their bank’s rates and fees to a popular online money transfer specialist.
| Major bank | Online money transfer company | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 GBP = 1.54 AUD | 1 GBP = 1.69 AUD |
| Transfer fee | £35 | £5 |
| Transfer method | Bank deposit | Bank deposit |
| Transfer speed | Up to 7 days | 1–2 days |
| Total amount received in AUD for £1,000 | 1,540 AUD | 1,690 AUD |
The Davenports are blown away: Not only can they save £30 in fees by sending money with a money transfer company, but their daughter will also receive 150 more Australian dollars — and in only a few days.
Get a better deal when sending money to Australia
By comparing just a few elements of your transfer, you can ensure that you get the cheapest deal for your needs:
- Exchange rates. Compare the rate you’re offered to the mid-market rate and look for the smallest margin between them.
- Fees. Generally, you’ll pay either a flat fee (for example, £5 for transfers up to £5,000 — or a percentage of your total transaction (such as 1% of your transfer amount).
- Transfer methods. Banks and other services offer transactions online, by phone or in person. Each option carries different fees.
- Transfer options. Independent transfer services like OFX and TransferWise offer competitive exchange rates and fees. But if your recipient needs to pick up cash, compare options like WorldRemit.
- Transfer speed. If it needs to be there fast, companies like Western Union and MoneyGram allow for quick cash pickups, often in minutes. If you’ve more time, you’ll get better rates and fees with an independent provider.
- Transfer amounts. Your best option might depend on how much you want to send. For large transfers, weigh the best exchange rate — especially since providers encourage large transfers by offering low fees. For smaller amounts, consider the fees you’ll pay on top of the exchange rate.
- Customer service. Most companies offer customer service by Internet chat, phone, in person or by email. Make sure help will be available if you need it.
What is the mid-market rate?
The mid-market rate is what your money’s actually worth on the global market compared to another currency. It’s the midpoint between worldwide supply and demand for that currency — and the rate banks and transfer services use when they trade among themselves.
Use the mid-market rate as a baseline to compare against the rates provided by your bank or transfer service. With it, you’ll discover which companies offer the best rates.
Best GBP to AUD exchange rates
Emergency cash transfers to Australia
Sometimes in life emergencies require faster delivery to friends, family and businesses in Australia. If you need to initiate a money transfer quickly, consider the exchange rate you’re offered against the transfer fees you’ll pay.
Although time is crucial, taking a few extra steps before confirming your transaction could save you a lot of money — and prevent any nasty surprises down the road.
What will I need to send a money transfer to Australia?
In general, to initiate an international money transfer, you’ll need to provide:
- Your full name and contact information.
- Government-issued ID, such as your driver’s licence or passport.
- Your recipient’s full name and contact information.
- How you’re sending the money, whether for cash pickup at an agent location or for deposit to your recipient’s bank account.
- If a bank transfer, your recipient’s bank name, routing and account numbers and SWIFT code.
- Accepted method of payment.
What is a SWIFT code?
Short for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, a SWIFT code is an international bank code used for incoming transfers. Overseas banks each have a unique SWIFT code that identifies which bank to send money to.
Bottom line
Overseas money transfers are easy, no matter which method you choose. But knowing how to compare your options gives you a leg up in terms of cost, rates and transfer speeds. An informed choice is your better choice.
Back to topFrequently asked questions
Cash pickup locations in Australia
Global Reach
WorldRemit
Currencies Direct
TransferWise
Ask an Expert