CommBank international money transfers

Take advantage of safe transfers when you send or receive money overseas with Commonwealth Bank (CBA).

Updated Jul 29, 2020

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The Commonwealth Bank is one of Australia’s leading providers of financial and banking services. With almost $800 million in assets and some 1,100 branches around the country, the Commonwealth Bank is one of Australia’s leading "big four" banks.

As part of its wide range of products and services, CBA allows its customers to make international money transfers. Using the bank’s services, you can transfer funds to more than 200 countries and in over 30 currencies. Some payments take just 24 hours to be processed, while another advantage of using a big bank is that you can enjoy the security of knowing that your transfer will be conducted through the international banking system.

CBA exchange rates

As one of Australia’s "big four" banks, Commonwealth Bank’s exchange rates are usually very similar to those offered by the other big banks. In fact, a comparison across the board between CommBank, ANZ, NAB and Westpac, and you’ll find little difference. CBA allows you to transfer money in more than 30 currencies, from common currencies like the Euro through to more exotic offerings like the Czech Koruna.

Bank rates are updated multiple times a day to reflect prevailing market conditions.

Find today's exchange rate here

It’s also worth noting that if you lodge a transfer via your local branch, you can request that any fees imposed by intermediary or receiving banks will be paid by you rather than the recipient. As an example, if you transfer money to the USA, you’ll have to pay an extra $30 fee in addition to the charge imposed from the table above.

Minimum transfer amount and available countries

There is no minimum payment amount for an international money transfer with CBA. While the standard amount you can send overseas at any one time through NetBank is $2,000, you can apply to have this limit raised to up to $50,000.

CBA allows you to transfer money into more than 30 currencies and to over 200 countries. While there’s no list available that outlines the countries you are unable to transfer to through CBA, transfers to countries such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Somalia are not available.

CBA allows transfers in the following currencies:

CAD	CNY	CZK	DKK
EUR	FJD	GBP	HKD
HUF	INR	IDR	ILS
JPY	KWD	LBP	MUR
XPF	NZD	NOK	OMR
PGK	PHP	PLN	SAR
SGD	SBD	ZAR	KRW
LKR	SEK	CHF	THB
TRY	AED	USD	VUV
VND	WST	TOP	TWD

What types of transfers can you carry out with CBA?

Internet banking. You can lodge an international money transfer through your NetBank account.
In-branch banking. You can lodge a transfer by visiting a branch, but you’ll be charged more for the transaction than if done online.
Phone banking. It’s also possible to complete transactions via phone banking.
Forward contracts. CBA allows you to lock in an exchange rate now for a transfer you want to make in the future.
One-off transfers. You can lodge a one-off transfer with CBA.
Regular transfers. You can also set up regular scheduled transfers to automatically send funds overseas.

If you ever need assistance when conducting a CBA international money transfer, there are plenty of customer service options available. As well as seeking help in branch, you can search the bank’s online help resources, ask a question on the CBA community, or even phone for assistance.

How to receive money to your CBA account

The registration and transfer process

Screenshot 2015-10-01 15.45.33 You’ll need to be a CBA customer in order to use its money transfer services. You can open an account at a CBA branch by supplying appropriate identification and your contact details. If you wish to sign up for NetBank in order to perform your transactions, you can do this online by supplying details of your Commonwealth Bank debit card, credit card or keycard, plus your mobile phone number.

The first time you lodge an international money transfer via NetBank, you’ll have to click on "Increase Your Limit Now" to set your international money transfer limit.

Once that’s done, select "Transfers and BPAY" and click on "International Money Transfer". Enter the country you’re transferring money to and the recipient’s bank code.

Next, type in the recipient’s bank details and select the account you would like to transfer the funds from.

Finally, enter the amount and currency, and then click "Next" to confirm your transfer.

Most transfers are processed within two to five business days.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

Secure. Using a trusted provider like CBA means your transfer is conducted through the secure SWIFT international banking system.
Range of options. You can lodge your transfer online, over the phone or in a branch.
Range of currencies. With more than 30 currencies available, CBA allows you to send funds to over 200 countries.

Cons

Fees apply. Fees apply to any international money transfer conducted through CBA.
Exchange rates. You’ll typically be able to find better exchange rates from dedicated international money transfer companies.

What other products and services does CommBank offer?

Foreign currency accounts. You can choose from 15 major global currencies and send and receive payments to and from overseas without having to repeatedly convert currencies.
Travel money cards. A travel money card from CBA allows you to load up to 13 currencies onto your card, which is accepted at more than 35 million locations worldwide. No transaction fees apply to purchases.
Travellers’ cheques. The bank offers American Express travellers’ cheques in US Dollars, Euros, Great British Pounds, Canadian Dollars and Japanese Yen.
International bank drafts. CBA provides bank drafts in 14 currencies across 19 countries. Drafts are treated as local cheques, allowing recipients to access their money quicker.

Find cheaper alternatives to CommBank

Sending money overseas with the Commonwealth Bank often involves high fees and less competitive exchange rates. You also may be hit with correspondant bank fees along the way. For cheaper options, check out the table below.

I want to send

Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
GBP 0	1 - 2 days	AUD 1.99	0.766	USD 7,656	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, 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, 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 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.768	USD 7,680	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	0.768	USD 7,680	SendFX 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	0.768	USD 7,680	Better exchange rates for Finder customers. WorldFirst sends 60+ currencies at competitive rates with no fees. 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 250	1 - 2 days	AUD 0.00	0.768	USD 7,680	$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 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	0.767	USD 7,633	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, 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	0.763	USD 7,624	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	0.767	USD 7,672	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, 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	0.770	USD 7,664	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	0.763	USD 7,632	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	0.762	USD 7,615	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	0.771	USD 7,676	TransferWise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ 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.

FAQs about CommBank overseas transfers

Do I need to be an Australian resident?

Not necessarily. Holders of 457 visas may be able to open a CBA account.

Do I need to be a CBA customer to transfer funds?

Yes, you’ll need to hold an account with CBA before you can use the bank’s international money transfer services.

Is this service available for small businesses?

Yes, small business can use CBA’s services to send money overseas.

How long do transfers take?

Most transfers take between two and five business days to be processed.

CBA offers a quick and easy option when you’re looking to transfer money overseas. However, make sure you compare the rates and fees of CBA with other banks and money transfer services so that you end up using the provider that gives you the best possible deal.

Commonwealth Bank (CBA) offers an easy solution when you’re looking to make an international money transfer. CBA offers transfers into more than 30 currencies and to over 200 countries around the world.

What's Next?

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Shirley Liu

Shirley Liu is Finder's global program manager. She was previously the publisher for banking and investments and has also written comparisons for energy, money transfers, Uber Eats and many other topics. Shirley has a Master of Commerce and a Bachelor of Media, Journalism and Communications from the University of New South Wales. She is passionate about helping people find the best deal for their needs.

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Azimo International Money Transfers

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

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

SendFX International Money Transfers

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

More info

WorldFirst International Money Transfers

Better exchange rates for Finder customers.
WorldFirst sends 60+ currencies at competitive rates with no fees. If you find a better eligible quote, WorldFirst will beat it.

More info

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CommBank international money transfers

Take advantage of safe transfers when you send or receive money overseas with Commonwealth Bank (CBA).

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