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Review: TransferWise money transfers – October 2019

Rosie Russell
Rosie Russell
Last updated:  

Save money with the mid-market rate and a transparent fee structure.

  • Good for transparent fees and no margin on the exchange rate.
  • Not so great if you need to transfer to less-popular currencies.

TransferWise exchange rates and fees

TransferWise is one of the few services that offers its customers the mid-market rate. This is the rate you can see on Google or Reuters and it's what your money's actually worth on the global market, compared to another currency.

While you might see that the quoted exchange rate from other money transfer services is different to the mid-market rate, this won't happen with TransferWise. Other services make their money from this margin added on to the exchange rate, but TransferWise only charges a fee.

TransferWise's fee is usually a combination of a percentage and a fixed flat-fee of a few dollars.

See if there are any TransferWise promo codes available at the moment.

Available currencies

TransferWise offers money transfers to over 45 different currencies. You can check out the full list of the currencies above, but some of the more popular ones include:

  • CNY Chinese yuan
  • EUR Euro
  • GBP British pound
  • INR Indian rupee
  • LKR Sri Lankan rupee
  • PHP Philippine peso
  • USD US dollar
  • VND Vietnamese dong

What types of transfers can you make with TransferWise?

With TransferWise, you'll only be able to make transfers to a bank account, so you can't send to a cash pick-up location or mobile wallet just yet.

TransferWise also doesn't offer some of the forex products its competitors do, like forwards contracts and limit orders, but there is a service specifically for business. You can read more about it in our full review.

Which payment methods does TransferWise accept?

You can pay for your transfer a few ways, including:

  • Bank transfer
  • Debit card
  • Credit card
  • Apple or Android Pay

Keep in mind that a bank transfer will usually cost you the least. Paying by credit card ends up adding a percentage fee on top.

How long does a transfer with TransferWise take?

Transfer time depends on what currency you're sending.

As a general rule, it'll be anywhere between one and two business days. But if you're sending to the UK, for example, your money should arrive in minutes.

On the other hand, sending to USD will take around two business days.

Transfers typically takeClock icon for transfer speed

1 - 2 days

Is TransferWise safe to use?

  • Security and regulation: Government-regulated, two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Established: 2011
  • Number of customers: Over 4 million*.
  • Reviews: TrustPilot gives TransferWise a score of 9.2 out of 10, based on over 55,000 reviews*
  • Investors: Virgin Group, JP Morgan, LHV Ventures, NatWest Bank

According to TransferWise and Trustpilot on 16 January 2019.

TransferWise uses 2FA, meaning that when you log in, you'll need to go through two levels of verification to access your account. This gives you extra protection for your account. Since TransferWise is government-regulated, it keeps its clients' money separate from its own funds. This means if TransferWise runs into financial hardship, your money will be safe.

How to register an account and send your first transfer

What is TransferWise?

TransferWise was founded in 2011 when two friends, Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Käärmann, devised a way to transfer funds overseas without losing any of their money. TransferWise now has 11 offices, including the headquarters in London and other offices in New York, Sydney and Singapore.

In a nutshell

Pros
  • Offers the mid-market rate. This is the fairest exchange rate you'll be able to find.
  • Transparent fee structure. You can find out exactly what fees you'll be paying without having to sign up for an account.
  • Fast registration. The verification process is incredibly quick, so you can sign up and make your first transfer within 10 minutes.
  • Very low minimum transfer limit.The smallest amount you can send is $1, making it super accessible.
Cons
  • Fees can add up. Since most of the fees come from a percentage of the transaction, you'll find they may add up if you're sending a lot of money. Compare your other options for large transfers.
  • Receiver has to have a bank account. You won't be able to send to a cash pick-up location or mobile wallet.

How does TransferWise compare to other services?

Min. Transfer Amount Transfer Speed Online Transfer Fee Rate Amount Received Description CTA Details
ANZ International Money Transfer
AUD 1 2 days AUD 9.00 0.662 USD
6,610
 Transfer to over 99 countries via online banking, phone banking or through an ANZ bank branch. Go to site Show details
TorFX International Money Transfers
AUD 2,000 1 day AUD 0.00 0.68 USD
6,802
 TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate. Conditions apply.
Send money overseas in 30+ currencies with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000. 		Go to site Show details
Global Reach (formerly FC Exchange) International Money Transfers
AUD 3,000 1 day GBP 20.00 0.68 USD
6,793
 Global Reach will match any competitor's exchange rates. Conditions apply.
No transfer fee when transferring more than £10,000 or equivalent. Send money in over 130 currencies. No maximum transfer amount. 		Go to site Show details
WorldFirst International Money Transfers
AUD 2,000 1 day AUD 0.00 0.68 USD
6,802
 Better exchange rates for Finder customers.
Send 60+ currencies at competitive rates and no fees. If you find a better eligible quote, WorldFirst will beat it. 		Go to site Show details
SendFX International Money Transfers
AUD 2,000 1 day AUD 0.00 0.68 USD
6,802
 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 Show details
OFX (Ozforex) International Money Transfers
AUD 250 1 - 2 days AUD 0.00 0.68 USD
6,802
 $0 transfer fees for Finder customers.
No-maximum limit transfers with competitive exchange rates for 100+ currencies. No transfer fee over AUD$10,000. 		Go to site Show details
BFX International Money Transfers
AUD 2,000 1 day AUD 0.00 0.68 USD
6,802
 BFX can help you send fee-free transfers to 30+ currencies. Go to site Show details
CurrencyFair International Money Transfers
AUD 5 1 - 2 days EUR 3.00 0.676 USD
6,760
 Special offer: Pay zero fees on your first 5 transfers.
Get bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies. 		Go to site Show details
WorldRemit International Money Transfers
AUD 1 Within an hour AUD 3.99 0.675 USD
6,745
 An online money transfer service with cash pickup, bank account to bank account and airtime transfers available. Go to site Show details
FlashFX International Money Transfers
AUD 200 1 day AUD 0.00 0.677 USD
6,775
 Low minimum transfer amount of just AU$200, with no set-up fees or transfer fees. Go to site Show details

Compare up to 4 providers

The "Rate" and "Amount Received" displayed are indicative rates that have been supplied by each brand or gathered by Finder.

Exchange rates are volatile and change often. As a result, the exchange rate listed on Finder may vary to the actual exchange rate quoted for the brand. Please confirm the actual exchange rate and mention "Finder" before you commit to a brand.

Frequently asked questions

International Money Transfer Offers

Important Information*
Logo for ANZ International Money Transfer
ANZ International Money Transfer

Transfer to over 99 countries via online banking, phone banking or through an ANZ bank branch.

More info
Logo for TorFX International Money Transfers
TorFX International Money Transfers

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

More info
Logo for Global Reach (formerly FC Exchange) International Money Transfers
Global Reach (formerly FC Exchange) International Money Transfers

Global Reach will match any competitor's exchange rates. Conditions apply.
No transfer fee when transferring more than £10,000 or equivalent. Send money in over 130 currencies. No maximum transfer amount.

More info
Logo for WorldFirst International Money Transfers
WorldFirst International Money Transfers

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

More info

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46 Comments

  1. Default Gravatar
    tammy
    July 15, 2019

    If an expat sends money from a Vietnam to Australia do i need to know the bank swift code. I am trying to work out how this works. So i would from a Vietnamese bank account transfer money in to a Transferwise account and then on send that money to an australian account.

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Nikki
      July 17, 2019

      Hi Tammy,

      Thanks for getting in touch!

      A bank’s swift code is needed when a sender transfers money to the receiver’s bank account. TransferWise offers a multi-currency account where you can hold over 25 currencies. You’ll also get local bank account details for if you want to send or receive money in EUR, AUD, USD and GBP. You can find out more about it in our review page here.

      Now, when you are sending money to an Australian bank account, you would need a bank swift code to send the funds to Australia.

      Hope this helps! For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us again, we’re here to help.

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar

    September 5, 2018

    Can you send money to Ghana?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Jhez
      September 5, 2018

      Hello,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, TransferWise can let you send money to Ghana. To start, just click the Go to Site button above to be redirected to their website and start the sending process.

      Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    Raf
    February 12, 2018

    Hi, I want to send 1000 AUD to my friend who lives in Thailand into her bank account. Do I have to know the SWIFT code of the recipient bank? Or just straightforward the way we transfer money in Australia in between two bank account? Thank you

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Rench
      March 4, 2018

      Hi Raf,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      With TransferWise, there’s no need for SWIFT code to transfer money to Thailand. You can transfer money to the recipient’s bank directly.
      You will only need to use SWIFT code if you will send JPY or ZAR using TransferWise.

      Alternatively, you can also check this page for other money transfer service options that you can compare to send money to Thailand.

      Best regards,
      Rench

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    Margaret
    December 12, 2017

    Hi I would like to send AUD to USA. The account I will be transferring to has an Account Number and a CHASUS** number. Is this ok.?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Rench
      December 13, 2017

      HI Margaret,

      Thanks for your inquiry. Please note that we are not affiliated with TransferWise or any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.

      If you are referring to TransferWise, all you have to do is enter the amount you want to send, a destination and whether you want a debit card or bank transfer (Poli pay is also available). Then you can fill in your details and upload your money. You can also send money to an email address.

      Once that’s done, TransferWise converts the funds to your currency of choice using the mid-market exchange rate. The money is then paid to the recipient in your nominated currency, with the whole process taking just one to four working days.

      Please click on the green ‘Go to Site’ button on this page to direct you to TransferWise official site.

      Cheers,
      Rench

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    steve
    July 27, 2017

    hi, i want to transfer +10K to Thailand. ( 1 bank acc to another ) are there any tax implications ?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Harold
      July 28, 2017

      Hi Steve,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      TransferWise does not levy any tax on its transfer fee. This means you will not be charged Value Added Tax (VAT), Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other indirect tax. TransferWise will pay out the agreed amount to the recipient and will not withhold any taxes on money transferred. Depending on the nature of a transfer the payee and/or the recipient may have their own obligation to declare and pay tax. TransferWise cannot advise whether tax applies to your transfer and recommends you ask a financial advisor and/or the relevant tax authority.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

      Reply
  6. Default Gravatar
    Rob
    July 8, 2017

    Is a transfer of 400 000 Canadian to Australia possible

    And do I have to let government authorities know I am transferring money?

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      Arnold
      July 9, 2017

      Hi Rob,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      Yes, the transfer is possible and there is no need to inform authorities regarding the transfer as well. Please note that the transfer may last 1-4 banking days.

      Hope this information helped.

      Cheers,
      Arnold

      Reply
  7. Default Gravatar
    Ram
    November 20, 2016

    How long does it takes…is this 24/7 online service…if I send money now to Philippines how much time do they need to wait? Cheers

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Dee
      November 21, 2016

      Hi there,

      Thanks for reaching out.

      If you are transferring money through TransferWise, the whole process could take 1-4 working days to be completed. This depends on the currencies involved, the payment method you chose as well as bank holidays and non-working days in both the sending and receiving countries.

      Please Note that TransferWise can only send or receive your money during regular banking hours.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

      Reply
  8. Default Gravatar
    jorge
    November 10, 2016

    Hi there,

    Wanna send aud to gbp

    What need to get verified?

    What need to get verified gbp to eur?

    Talking amounts $10,000+

    Thanks

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Harold
      November 11, 2016

      Hello Jorge,

      Thank you for your question.

      There are 5 Things you need to know before transferring and these are:
      1. Send money from your own bank account or card
      2. Sending your money
      3. Account verification
      4. Use correct details in your profile
      5. No cash or cheque

      To view the full details please follow this process
      1. On this page click the “go to site” button.
      2. Now click the “Help” tab at the upper right part of their platform.
      3. Using the search box please type-in “5 Things to Know Before Transferring”
      4. Then click the link and it will redirect you to the full details of the article.

      I hope this has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

      Reply
  9. Default Gravatar
    Kim
    September 29, 2016

    I’m in Australia and I’d like to send either USD or Ukrainian currency to my friend in Ukraine. What are my options please?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Clarizza
      September 29, 2016

      Hi Kim,

      Thanks for your question.

      If you’re considering using TransferWise to send money to Ukraine, you would be sending money online. You can use the calculator and table on this page to find out the exchange rate. Or you can explore other services and compare exchange rates on our Money Transfers page. There is also a form that you can complete to speak to a foreign exchange expert should you want to discuss your situation in further detail.

      Regards
      Clarizza

      Reply
  10. Default Gravatar
    Kim
    September 29, 2016

    Hi,

    I’m in Australia and I’d like to transfer USD to a friend in Ukraine. Or if I can’t do that, would it be possible to send him the Ukrainian currency?.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Dee
      October 5, 2016

      Hi Kim,

      Thanks for your question.

      With TransferWise, you should be able to send money from Australia to Ukraine. You can also visit this page to check your other options. Your friend should be able to claim the money in the currency of the country where it is received.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

      Reply
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