Compare online money transfers for the cheapest way to send money online from Australia to the US.
For a cost-effective way to send money to the United States, it’s best to keep an eye out for services offering:
- Zero transfer fees. You can’t get lower than that.
- The best rates. Investigate brands that guarantee to beat any competitor’s exchange rate.
We’ve assembled a list of these services so you can compare the cheapest method to send money from Australia to the USA.
Compare your options to transfer funds to the USA
*The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products finder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms "Best" and "Top" are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your personal financial circumstances when comparing products.
Watch our video to learn how money transfers work
How to send money to the US from Australia
There are generally three different transfer methods:
- Money transfer services. These offer some of the most cost-effective transfers as they only trade in foreign currencies.
- Australian banks. The USD is one of the most popular currencies so it’s safe to assume that any major bank will offer it. Certain products like the Citibank Plus and the HSBC Multi-Currency Account have more competitive terms.
- Cash transfers. Services such as Western Union allow you to send cash transfers for immediate pick-up by the recipient. While it’s a fast way to send money, it generally won’t match the rates or fees of dedicated money transfer services.
Case study: Banks vs money transfer services
For example, Michael travels to Australia for work purposes while his family remains in the USA. He needs to send money to his wife but discovers bank transfer fees are high and the exchange rates aren’t competitive.
The following table compares rates from one of Australia’s big banks with a real money transfer service as of June 2017.
| Bank | Money transfer service | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 0.714 USD for 1 AUD | 0.753 USD for 1 AUD |
| Transfer fee | AUD$22 to the senderThere is also AUD$11 charged to the receiver | AUD$0 |
| Transfer speed | 2-4 business days | 2 business days |
| Transfer options | Australian bank account to US account | Australian bank account to US account |
| USD received for AUD$5000 | US$3539 | US$3763 |
| Difference in funds received | +US$224 |
What's the difference?
By using a money transfer service Michael has saved $224 USD. Note, this example is fictional.
How do I compare transfer companies when transferring money to the US?
Comparing transfer companies and banks could save you money, when you consider:
- Competitive exchange rates. Small differences in the exchange rate can have a big impact when transferring large amounts of money.
- Minimal fees. Fees may vary depending on the institution and the currency involved.
- A range of transfer methods. Both banks and transfer companies offer online transfers using a bank account or credit card. However, some may advise you visit an agent and start the transfer in person.
- Convenient pick-up methods. Whether it’s a personal or business transfer, it’s important to consider the circumstance of your primary recipient.
- Reliable customer service.The accessibility of a customer service representative is also worth considering in the event that something goes wrong.
Need an emergency cash transfer in the USA?
If you misplace your wallet or cash while travelling in the USA, there are several ways to receive more money and finish your vacation:
- Transfer service company. A friend or relative in Australia can send you emergency money through a transfer company, but you must provide photo identification.
- Bank transfers. Your Australian bank may be able to do an internal transfer to a US bank account, but fees will apply for this emergency service.
- Credit card. Some credit card companies offer complimentary travel insurance as a card feature. Contact your provider if your insurance policy has been activated and use that insurance to replace your lost cash.
- Travel Insurance. Depending on the extent of your coverage the lost or stolen money could be replaced.
Tips for picking up cash in the US
When travelling to the US from Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises that you maintain normal safety precautions. You should always be on alert when picking up funds at an agency and travel to the location with someone you trust.
What documentation do I need?
A bank to bank transfer is ideal if you’re regularly sending money to the US to cover bills and investments. However, if you need to send money quickly it’s worth considering a cash transfer agency and making note of the following:
- The recipient's full name. The beneficiary of a cash transfer will need to show photo identification, so make sure the name on the order is the same as the ID.
- Your full name. As an additional security measure the agent may ask for the full name of the sender, be sure that the recipient knows your complete name.
- Your recipient's contact information and bank details. Both the sender and the recipient must have each other's address and contact details.
- The tracking number. Keep the tracking number given to you upon sending the transfer, as the recipient must provide this to the agent before the cash can be released.
Save all paperwork in case there’s a problem with the transfer, this serves as proof that the money was sent and will make it easier to recover.
While Australia and the US are on opposite sides of the globe, they still maintain strong ties in their expat community and trade relations. When preparing your move, research the best ways to transfer money for both convenience and a competitive price.
I compared options a few weeks ago and Sable came up as the best option.
Now it is not coming up at all – why is this?
Hi Naomi,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
If you wish to know more about Sable, you may refer to this page.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
If I send money to China by using citibank plus account, how much total cost would expect?Citibank doesn’t charge but receiving bank or intermediary bank charge for the service. Say, Today I send money US$1000 to Bank of China. How much I have to send AU$ to receiver side to get US1000?
Hi Wolfgang,
Thank you for reaching out.
Please visit our send money to China page to find information regarding sending funds from AU to China including fees and exchange rates for multiple exchange services.
Regards
Jodie