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Same-day money transfers

Send money to another country within 24 hours from the comfort of your home.

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:

Blue icon representing money transfers Image: Infogram

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.

Picture not described: BlueCoinsCashIcon_Infogram_94x62.png Image: Infogram

Cash transfers

MoneyGram, Western Union and WorldRemit offer cash pickups. Your money is typically available for pickup within 15 minutes at hundreds of thousands of locations around the world.

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.

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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?

ResponseWAVICSAQLDNSW
Same day5.41%2.74%1.23%1.82%2.23%
1 business day1.8%3.42%1.23%0.91%1.95%
3-5 business days0.9%2.4%1.36%1.39%
Unsure0.9%0.68%2.47%1.82%
2 business days1.37%1.23%1.36%1.67%
5+ business days1.23%
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.

Compare international money transfer services

1 - 10 of 10
Name Product AUFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Airwallex
Within minutes
$0
Earn 10% cashback on your first $1,000 USD equivalent in eligible international card spend with Airwallex.
Streamline global payments across 150+ countries with fast settlements and competitive rates in over 60 currencies.
Xe Business Transfers
Within minutes
$0

Xe has fast transfers, low fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Send money to 200 countries in 100 currencies.
TorFX Business Transfers
24 hours
$0
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.
Wise (TransferWise)
Best Rated Brand
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.43%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $1.99
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Revolut Business
Within minutes
$0
Revolut allows your business to move money around the world quickly and cheaply with 25+ currencies and no maximum limit transfers. Plan fees apply.
WorldFirst
24 hours
From $0
Open bank accounts in Australia, the UK, US, Canada, Japan and Europe. Send and receive funds with zero fees for large sums, including same-currency supplier payments.
Send business
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
Western Union
Within minutes
From $0
Get Western Union's best exchange rate and $0 fee on your first online transfer.
Western Union sends money online to 200+ countries, with competitive rates for new customers.
Ria Money Transfers
Within minutes
$2.89
$0 fee for new customers with code ‘HelloRia’. T&Cs apply.
Ria lets you send money to 165+ countries with cash pick-up at 507,000 locations.
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How do I compare same-day money transfers?

  • 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?

Compare money transfer services

Juan Peña's headshot

"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

Shirley Liu's headshot
Written by

Publisher

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

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4 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    RodApril 14, 2019

    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?

      AvatarFinder
      MaiApril 15, 2019Finder

      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

    Default Gravatar
    MargaretNovember 22, 2017

    I want to do a personal transfer to Pakistan

      AvatarFinder
      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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