Find the best way to send money overseas from Australia

Moving money across borders from Australia often involves navigating a complex landscape of fees, fluctuating exchange rates, and varying delivery times. Finding the best way to send money overseas requires a balance of cost-efficiency and convenience, particularly when you're supporting family, paying international bills, or managing a property purchase.

In the Australian market, modern digital tools like ours have introduced competitive rates and fast processing times. We believe you should have a simple way to manage your money. That's why we focus on providing a service that's clear and fast.

Discover Revolut payment options and services and start sending money overseas.

Exchange and transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 13 January 2026.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.

What's the best way to send money overseas from Australia?

The best way to send money from Australia depends on your needs. Digital platforms like ours offer a strong combination of value and convenience.

• For speed and daily use: a digital money app is an effective choice. For instance, transfers between our customers arrive in minutes and carry no transfer fees, regardless of the country (exchange fees may apply).
• For sending money to an account overseas: modern online providers like us use local payment networks to bypass traditional systems when possible, often resulting in lower costs and faster arrivals.
• For large, one-off transactions: while specialist brokers are an option for large transfers, digital apps like ours provide competitive rates with the added benefit of managing everything from your phone.

How to compare international money transfer providers

In its 2024 report, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found significant price differences across providers. Let's break it down.

The exchange rate

The mid-market rate is the real-time exchange rate. It's the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of 2 currencies on the global market. This is the rate financial institutions use when trading with each other. Most providers in Australia, including us, add a mark-up to this rate. We provide you with the competitive Revolut rate, and we’ll always show you the rates you’ll get in-app before you hit Send.

Fair usage limits and weekend fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

Upfront fees vs exchange rate mark-ups

Providers generally charge in 2 ways:

• Direct transfer fee: a visible, upfront charge for the service
• Exchange rate mark-up: a mark-up embedded in the conversion rate, as we described above

Speed and delivery times

Finding the best way to send money abroad also involves considering the transfer time frame. How quickly you need the money to arrive will influence your choice. Same-day or next-day services often cost more than those that take 3–5 business days.

With us, transfers to other Revolut customers or through mobile wallet partners such as PayID and AliPay generally allow you to send money in a matter of seconds.

Security and regulations (ASIC and AUSTRAC)

It's vital to check if your provider's regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and has an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Additionally, providers must comply with AUSTRAC regulations to prevent money laundering and ensure the safety of your money.

Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (Revolut Australia) (ABN 21 634 823 180) is a company registered in Australia and is authorised by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (AFSL & Australian Credit Licence number 517589).

Learn more about how we protect your money.

Transfers with Revolut: how we send money overseas

We've built a platform that simplifies the process of sending money from Australia to over 160 countries. Whether you're sending money to a friend in the UK, a business in the USA, or family in China, we provide the tools to do it with ease.

Avoiding SWIFT when possible for faster and lower-cost transfers

Digital apps like ours have been designed to fix the problems associated with older money management systems.

We use technology to access local payment rails, which helps us to avoid the slow and expensive SWIFT network where possible. This allows us to provide faster transfers and avoid intermediary fees for many destinations.

Send money to a bank account overseas

Sending money directly to a bank account is a common action. In our app, you can enter the recipient's account details and see exactly how much they'll receive in their local currency before you confirm the payment.

We offer clear fees and competitive exchange rates, making it a reliable way to manage international payments.

Fast transfers with PayID

We've made it simple for you to move money using PayID. This method's particularly useful because it works fast, often within minutes, allowing you to get your money moving across borders without delays. Even if your contact is currently abroad, you can still use PayID to facilitate your global payments.

Fast transfers to China via Alipay

Sending money to China has been complicated in the past. To address this, we've enabled our customers to send money via Alipay. This allows you to make a payment from Australia directly to a recipient's Alipay ID. It's a fast and convenient way to reach friends and family in China, bypassing the need for complex bank details.

Revolut-to-Revolut transfers

For fast global payments, you can send money directly to other customers on our platform. These transfers are completed in seconds and processed without fees, no matter where your contact is on the globe. Currency exchange fees may still apply.

How to keep your costs down on international transfers

To ensure you're getting the best deal, consider these tips:

• Compare the total amount: ignore the "zero fee" marketing and look at how much currency will arrive at the destination.
• Be aware of weekend mark-ups: some providers, including ourselves, apply a small mark-up during these times to account for market volatility. Always consider your plan's limits and fees.
• Use local payment rails: look for a provider like us that allows you to bypass the slower SWIFT network when possible.
• Based on your habits, look for premium plans: compare our plans to discover higher limits and lower international fees, and select the one that best fits your needs. Paid Plan Terms apply.

Start sending money overseas with Revolut

We've simplified the international transfer processes to give you more control over your money. Signing up for Revolut in Australia's a quick process, and you can manage your entire international financial life from one app.

Here's how to get started:

1. Download the Revolut app and sign up in a matter of minutes.
2. Add money to your account right away via another account, a debit card, or even PayID.
3. Go to the Transfer tab and select Send.
4. Choose a recipient or add a new one by entering their details.
5. Enter the amount and currency you wish to send. We'll show you the exchange rate and fee upfront.
6. Confirm the transfer. You can track its progress directly in-app at any time.