What details do I need for an international money transfer?

Here’s our guide to the information you need to provide when sending or receiving an international money transfer.

Updated Nov 18, 2020

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Thanks to modern technology and the rise of online banking, it’s quicker and easier than ever before to send money overseas. From banks to specialist online transfer providers, there are plenty of options to choose from when you need to transfer funds across international borders.

But do you know what information you need to provide to ensure that your funds arrive in the right account straight away? This guide explains all the bank account details you need to supply to safely send or receive an international money transfer.

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Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
GBP 0	1 - 2 days	AUD 1.99	0.767	USD 7,668	Special offer: $40 off when you transfer more than $250+ with code AUFIND40, conditions apply. Azimo sends money directly to a bank account or over 280,000 cash pick-up points. It also has fast transfers to 50+ countries.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 0.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options One off payments Customer service Chat, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BYR, BZD, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ERN, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MNT, MOP, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SRD, STD, SZL, THB, TJS, TMT, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, XPF, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review
AUD 250	1 - 2 days	AUD 0.00	0.769	USD 7,691	$0 transfer fees for Finder customers. OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 250.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, AZN, BGN, BND, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, FJD, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JPY, KRW, KWD, LKR, MAD, MGA, MXN, MYR, NOK, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, RUB, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, THB, TOP, TRY, TWD, TZS, USD, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XOF, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.77	USD 7,700	TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate. Conditions apply. TorFX sends money overseas in 30+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.769	USD 7,692	Send guarantees to match any competitor’s exchange rate. T&Cs apply. Fee-free transfers in 30+ currencies to over 200 countries.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, BGN, BHD, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JPY, KES, KWD, MXN, MYR, NOK, NZD, OMR, PHP, PLN, QAR, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.769	USD 7,693	Better exchange rates for Finder customers. WorldFirst sends 60+ currencies at competitive rates. If you find a better eligible quote, WorldFirst will beat it.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, BBD, BGN, BHD, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, FJD, GBP, HKD, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, LKR, MAD, MUR, MXN, MYR, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, QAR, RON, RUB, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TND, TRY, TTD, TZS, UGX, USD, VND, XCD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	1 day	N/A	N/A	N/A	Pay no fees on your first two transfers, up to $3,000. SingX offers the real exchange rate every time you make a transfer and can help you send money across the world.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AUD, EUR, GBP Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	1 day	AUD 52.00	0.768	USD 7,645	Pay no fees on your first two transfers, up to $3,000. SingX offers the real exchange rate every time you make a transfer and can help you send money across the world.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AUD, CAD, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, IDR, INR, JPY, KRW, LKR, MYR, NPR, NZD, PHP, SGD, THB, USD, VND, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 10	Within an hour	AUD 2.99	0.764	USD 7,636	Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers. Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 10.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies ARS, AUD, BDT, BGN, BOB, BRL, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DOP, EGP, ETB, GHS, GTQ, GYD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, INR, JMD, KES, KMF, KRW, LKR, MAD, MXN, MYR, NIO, NPR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RWF, THB, TND, TRY, TZS, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, XAF, XOF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	Same day	AUD 0.00	0.768	USD 7,685	XE has fast transfers with no fees and a range of foreign currency tools.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options One off payments, Market orders Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AMD, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BND, BRL, BSD, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, KZT, LKR, LSL, MAD, MKD, MUR, MWK, MXN, MYR, NAD, NOK, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SZL, THB, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UGX, USD, VUV, WST, XCD, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 200	1 - 2 days	AUD 50.00	0.772	USD 7,678	Exclusive: Use code FINDER10 to receive US$10 off your first transaction. InstaReM offers simple transfers with a flat 0.5% transfer fee for most transfers. Zero-margin rates on some currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 200.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AUD, BDT, CAD, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, IDR, INR, KRW, LKR, MYR, NPR, PHP, PKR, SGD, THB, USD, VND Go to site Read the full review
AUD 5	1 - 2 days	EUR 3.00	0.765	USD 7,644	Special offer: Zero fees on your first 10 transfers. CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 5.00 Transfer methods Online Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, NOK, NZD, PHP, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	Same day	AUD 3.99	0.763	USD 7,628	Use promo code 3FREE to send your first 3 transfers with no fee. Conditions apply. WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RUB, RWF, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SOS, SRD, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
AUD 1	1 - 2 days	AUD 45.00	0.772	USD 7,689	Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AED, ARS, AUD, BDT, BGN, BRL, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, GBP, GEL, GHS, HKD, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JPY, KES, KRW, LKR, MAD, MXN, MYR, NGN, NOK, NPR, NZD, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, RON, RUB, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, XOF, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review

Compare up to 4 providers

Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.

Sending an international money transfer online

Regardless of whether you choose to send a transfer through your Internet banking account or using a specialist online transfer company such as WorldFirst, the details you need to provide remain the same.

You must supply:

The recipient’s name
The account name
The recipient’s home address (supplying this information is optional with some providers)
The recipient’s account number

Based on the country you are transferring funds to, you will also need to supply one of the following:

IBAN (International bank account number)
ABA (American Bankers Association) routing number
Bank and branch
IFSC (Indian Financial System Code)
SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) or BIC (Bank Identifier Code)

For example, the ABA routing number is used to identify banks in the United States and you will need to provide it or a SWIFT for transfers to that country, while if you’re sending a transfer to Europe you will need the IBAN and the SWIFT of the recipient’s bank. Your bank or money transfer provider will be able to provide specific information about the bank details you need to supply during the transfer process.

What details do I need for an international money transfer

How to send money overseas with St.George

Apart from your recipient’s bank account details, you will also need to provide some specific details about the transfer, including:

The currency you wish to send
The amount you are sending
The purpose of the transfer

You can see what details you need from your recipient in the UK below.

How to send money with CommBank

Sending an international cash transfer in person

This service is offered by providers such as Western Union and MoneyGram, allowing you to send fast cash transfers to hundreds of thousands of pickup locations around the world. The details you need to provide when sending a cash transfer are a little different, as you will typically need to supply:

Photo identification for yourself (a passport or driver’s licence will do)
Your recipient’s full name (this must match the recipient’s name as it appears on their ID)
Your recipient’s address
Money to complete the transaction

It’s also worth remembering that you will need to be at least 18 years of age to send a transfer overseas.

The latest in foreign exchange

Receiving an online international money transfer

If someone wants to transfer money to you from an overseas bank account, you’ll need to make sure they have all the relevant details needed to complete the transaction. These include:

Your name
The name of your bank
Your bank’s BIC/SWIFT code
Your bank’s BSB (Bank State Branch) number
Your account number
Your address

IBANs are not used in Australia, but banks and transfer providers in some countries will require an IBAN to be provided before the transfer can be processed. If this is the case, you can combine your BSB and account number.

It’s also worth pointing out that you may be charged a fee by your bank for receiving an international transfer. For example, Commonwealth Bank charges customers up to $11 for transfers received into AUD accounts.

Receiving an international cash transfer

If you’re visiting a transfer provider’s branch to collect a cash transfer, you will need to provide:

Photo ID, for example your driver’s licence or passport
The reference number quoted to you by the person who sent the transfer

Depending on the size of the transfer, you may need to phone ahead to confirm that the agent has sufficient cash to complete the transaction. This is also useful if you need to check a branch’s location or opening hours.

Top tips for sending or receiving an international money transfer

Check details carefully

It’s your responsibility to ensure that the bank account details you provide for your recipient are correct. If you make a mistake and the funds are sent to the wrong account, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to recover those funds.

Check the exchange rate

Exchange rates vary from one transfer provider to the next, and even a minor variation in rates can make a big difference to the affordability of a transfer. Search for a provider that consistently offers competitive exchange rates.

Be aware of transfer fees

Make sure you’re aware of the fee the bank or money transfer provider charges for handling the transfer, and check whether the receiving bank will take a cut by imposing its own fees.

Use a reputable transfer provider

Make sure that any transfer provider you choose is reputable and trustworthy before handing over any bank details or money. The last thing you want to do is disclose your own or your recipient’s account information to a dodgy company.

Follow up questions about your documentation

What information do I need to provide when I send or receive an international money transfer via PayPal?

When sending money via PayPal, you’ll need to provide the email address or mobile phone number of your recipient, as well as the details of the bank account or credit card used to fund the transaction. As for receiving payments, you will need to provide your name, address, phone number and email address to open a free PayPal account.

Can I pay for an international money transfer using my credit card?

Yes, this option is available with some transfer providers, but typically only with companies that offer cash pickup transfers.

Will I need to sign up for an account before I send a transfer?

Yes, if using an online transfer company you will need to register for an account before you can send any money. Signing up is usually free.

Should I send a transfer via my bank or a specialist transfer company?

That’s entirely up to you. The advantage of using your bank is that it’s convenient, as you will most likely already have an account established from which you can transfer funds. However, in most cases, the better exchange rates and lower fees charged by online transfer companies mean that they are often a more affordable option.

What recipient bank account details will I need to provide when sending funds to India?

You will need to supply a SWIFT and an IFSC number for your recipient’s bank, as well as a reason for your transfer.

What recipient bank account details will I need to provide when sending funds to China?

You will need to provide a SWIFT for your recipient’s bank.

Thank you for your feedback!

Tim Falk

Tim Falk is a writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.

Compare international money transfer charges How long does it take to send money overseas?

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Azimo International Money Transfers

Special offer: $40 off when you transfer more than $250+ with code AUFIND40, conditions apply.
Azimo sends money directly to a bank account or over 280,000 cash pick-up points. It also has fast transfers to 50+ countries.

More info

OFX (Ozforex) International Money Transfers

$0 transfer fees for Finder customers.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.

More info

TorFX International Money Transfers

TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate. Conditions apply.
TorFX sends money overseas in 30+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.

More info

Send International Money Transfers

Send guarantees to match any competitor’s exchange rate. T&Cs apply.
Fee-free transfers in 30+ currencies to over 200 countries.

More info

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2 Responses

HengAugust 1, 2019

if sending money internationally using Telegraphic Transfer (TT) via Swift -Outward remittances, do we need to pay for activation for this type of payment? This type of payment instrument require INSURANCE PREMIUM BOND CERTIFICATRE (IBC)?

NikkiAugust 2, 2019

Hi Heng!

Thanks for your inquiry. The exact details of how a TT payment works are dependent on the banks involved. It would be best to refer to the money transfer service you choose before moving sending funds via wire transfer.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Nikki

What details do I need for an international money transfer?

Here’s our guide to the information you need to provide when sending or receiving an international money transfer.

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Search and compare international money transfers

Compare up to 4 providers

Sending an international money transfer online

Sending an international cash transfer in person

Receiving an online international money transfer

Receiving an international cash transfer

Top tips for sending or receiving an international money transfer

Check details carefully

Check the exchange rate

Be aware of transfer fees

Use a reputable transfer provider

Follow up questions about your documentation

What information do I need to provide when I send or receive an international money transfer via PayPal?

Can I pay for an international money transfer using my credit card?

Will I need to sign up for an account before I send a transfer?

Should I send a transfer via my bank or a specialist transfer company?

What recipient bank account details will I need to provide when sending funds to India?

What recipient bank account details will I need to provide when sending funds to China?

Tim Falk

More guides on Finder

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Azimo International Money Transfers

OFX (Ozforex) International Money Transfers

TorFX International Money Transfers

Send International Money Transfers

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