Online money transfer companies offer a secure way to send money across borders almost instantly — but a tighter time frame usually means higher fees.
What are same-day international money transfers?
A same-day money transfer allows you to send funds abroad that will arrive with your beneficiary within 24 hours. It's the same as any other overseas money transfer, but quicker. Also, some providers offer instant transfers.
Providers such as Wise, WorldRemit and Western Union offer quick and near instant money transfers. Also, if your bank offers PayID and uses the Osko network then you can make real-time transfers from a provider to your bank account.
What are my options for same-day overseas transfers?
Three main ways exist to transfer money overseas on the same day:
Digital money transfer services
Companies like OFX and TorFX specialise in foreign currencies, making them some of the most cost-effective transfers. These services are found online and typically have no physical offices.
You'll need to visit a provider's site and initiate the transfer online using a debit card, credit card or bank account.
To use this option, visit your nearest agent location to start your transfer. The funds can then be collected by your recipient at a branch in their country of residence.
Bank transfers
Major Australian banks make it possible to send international money transfers. However, while transfers within 24 hours are possible to certain countries and currencies, funds sent to other destinations could take as long as five days to arrive.
Visit your local bank branch or the bank's website to initiate a transfer, just be sure to check the processing time.
Finder survey: On average, how long do Australians in different states say their international money transfer takes?
Response
WA
VIC
SA
QLD
NSW
Same day
5.41%
2.74%
1.23%
1.82%
2.23%
1 business day
1.8%
3.42%
1.23%
0.91%
1.95%
3-5 business days
0.9%
2.4%
1.36%
1.39%
Unsure
0.9%
0.68%
2.47%
1.82%
2 business days
1.37%
1.23%
1.36%
1.67%
5+ business days
1.23%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1110 Australians, December 2023 Data for ACT, NT, TAS not shown due to insufficient sample size. Some other states may also be excluded for this reason.
Exchange rates. Look for the strongest rates you can find but be wary of high fees that may be attached.
Fees. Most providers either charge a set fee or a percentage of your transaction. Some providers waive their fee when you transfer a large amount.
Transfer options. If sending your funds for cash pickup overseas, compare how many agent locations are near your recipient.
Transfer methods. Can you initiate the transfer, or will you need to visit a branch?
Pickup methods. While some companies offer fast cash pickup, others deposit your funds directly into your recipient's bank account.
Customer support. Look for a company with a solid reputation for providing professional and friendly customer support. Do they offer help by phone, email or live chat — and are the hours convenient?
"When you are looking to send money and need it delivered on the same day it's important to consider the receiving method you are sending the money to, and depending on this, what time you are making the transaction too. I realised this when sending money to Colombia to a Nequi account. For the person to receive it they had to provide additional information to Nequi in Colombia (nothing to do with my provider). Also, if the money is sent during night time in Colombia it can still take a whole day to arrive, as someone will have to process the transaction."
Juan Peña
Finder crew member
Does PayPal offer same-day international money transfers?
Yes. You can use your established PayPal account to send personal payments in minutes to friends and family abroad. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can set one up in minutes if you have online access to your bank statements. This is because PayPal deposits small amounts into your account, and you're required to verify your account based on the deposits.
Pros
Fast. Same-day international transfers allow you to get funds to loved ones and businesses overseas as quickly as possible.
Convenient. Initiate a transfer online, through an agent location or at your bank.
Cons
Potentially costly. Same-day transfers typically attract higher fees and weaker exchange rates than regular transfers, so prepare to pay extra to send your funds.
Potential delays. The funds will typically be delivered to your recipient's PayPal instantly after sending, but to get the money to their bank account could take up to 5 business days.
What should I look out for with same-day transfers?
You'll typically receive a weaker exchange rate and pay higher transfer fees with same-day transfers, so carefully review the full details of your transfer before handing over any money. Be aware that some transfer providers — for example, your bank — will not always be able to offer a same-day transfer to your destinations.
Bottom line
Using a transfer provider that offers cash pickup is the most reliable way to send funds overseas almost instantly. But if you have a little extra time, you should be able to get a better deal by sending a bank-to-bank transfer. Be sure to compare money transfer services to find out more about which provider will work best for you.
Frequently asked questions
The two largest providers for same-day international money transfers are Western Union with more than 525,000 locations and MoneyGram with over 350,000 locations.
Fees vary widely depending on where you're sending your money, the currency, how much you're transferring and the provider you choose. Fees range from $0 to more than $80. You'll also want to factor in the exchange rate when choosing a provider, especially if you're sending a large transfer.
Yes. You'll be provided with a receipt or transaction reference number to monitor the progress of your funds, in most cases online.
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. See full bio
You can actually use the calculator above the comparison table and set the currencies and the amount you wish to transfer. You can also use the “sort by” drop-down to arrange the results of your preference. It will show that WorldRemit will be the fastest as they can transfer within an hour. I set the transfer amount to $250 and it shows that InstaReM will have the lowest online fee at AUD 1.25. The value on our page is approximate and may change depending on the amount that you will transfer.
Hope this helps! 😊
Kind Regards,
Mai
MargaretNovember 22, 2017
I want to do a personal transfer to Pakistan
Finder
JoanneNovember 22, 2017Finder
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for visiting Finder.
We do have a list of money transfer service providers that can help you send money to Pakistan. The page will also give you additional information on the process, the things you will need to consider before making the transfer, and other ways of sending funds to Pakistan.
Best Regards,
Joanne
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I want to send money from Australia to China every day for business and they receive the same day. Who is the best and the most cost effective?
Hi Rod,
Thank you for reaching out.
You may refer to our list of money remitting services from Australia to China.
You can actually use the calculator above the comparison table and set the currencies and the amount you wish to transfer. You can also use the “sort by” drop-down to arrange the results of your preference. It will show that WorldRemit will be the fastest as they can transfer within an hour. I set the transfer amount to $250 and it shows that InstaReM will have the lowest online fee at AUD 1.25. The value on our page is approximate and may change depending on the amount that you will transfer.
Hope this helps! 😊
Kind Regards,
Mai
I want to do a personal transfer to Pakistan
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for visiting Finder.
We do have a list of money transfer service providers that can help you send money to Pakistan. The page will also give you additional information on the process, the things you will need to consider before making the transfer, and other ways of sending funds to Pakistan.
Best Regards,
Joanne