WorldFirst vs PayPal

Find out which money transfer service offers the best value when you next send money overseas.

Updated Feb 11, 2020

Fact checked

If you need to send money overseas, WorldFirst and PayPal both offer more-affordable international transfers than the major banks. In this guide, we'll compare the fees, exchange rates and transaction speeds of WorldFirst and PayPal to find out which one is the best choice for your international transfer needs.

The fees and rates used in this comparison are accurate as of 15 March 2019.

Quick verdict

Lower fees:
WorldFirst

Exchange rates:
WorldFirst

Fast transfers:
Tie

I want to send

	Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
	AUD 1	1 day	AUD 5.99	0.683	USD 6,822	Send money overseas to more than 20 countries. Rate last updated on 17/08/2018 at 1:30 pm.		Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options N/A Customer service Email Available currencies AUD, BRL, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, MXN, MYR, NOK, NZD, PHP, PLN, RUB, SEK, SGD, THB, TWD, USD Read the full review
	AUD 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.709	USD 7,087	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	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

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.

Which has lower fees?

WorldFirst

WorldFirst doesn't charge any fees on international money transfers. However, it's worth remembering that your beneficiary's bank may charge a receiving fee.

PayPal

PayPal's fee structure is much more complicated. The size of the fee you pay varies depending on your transfer amount and how you pay for the transaction.

If the transaction is funded from your PayPal balance or bank account:
- Transfers of $0 to $49.99: $0.99 fee.
- Transfers of $50 to $99.99: $2.99 fee.
- Transfers of $100+: $5.99 fee.
If the transaction is funded from your credit or debit card:
- Transfers of $0 to $49.99: $0.99 fee + 2.6% of the portion funded + fixed fee based on the currency.
- Transfers of $50 to $99.99: $2.99 fee + 2.6% of the portion funded + fixed fee based on the currency.
- Transfers of $100+: $5.99 fee + 2.6% of the portion funded + fixed fee based on the currency.

Trophy icon
Winner: WorldFirst

With zero fees, WorldFirst takes the win in this category. However, please note this doesn't necessarily mean your transfer will be cheaper with WorldFirst. You'll also need to factor in the exchange rate, which we'll explain below.

Let's crunch the numbers: Sending $2,000 to the UK

How do WorldFirst and PayPal compare in a real-life situation? Let's look at what would happen if you wanted to send $2,000 from Australia to the UK. Because of PayPal's confusing fee structure, let's assume the PayPal transaction will be funded from your bank account rather than from a credit/debit card.

Sending $1,000 to the UK

	WorldFirst	PayPal
Transfer fee	$$0	$5.99
Exchange rate	1 AUD = 0.530862 GBP	1 AUD = 0.5060 GBP
Transfer speed	1 working day	Instant
Total British pounds received	£1,061.72	£1,012
Receiver gets	£49.72 more	£49.72 less

As you can see, not only will WorldFirst save you $5.99 in transfer fees compared to PayPal, but it will also allow you to send £49.72 more to your recipient.

Which offers better exchange rates?

WorldFirst

WorldFirst adds a margin on top of the mid-market exchange rate. This margin varies depending on the currency you send, but is generally between 0.5% and 1%. For example, if you're sending AUD to USD:

If the mid-market rate is 1 AUD = 0.706550 USD
The WorldFirst rate might be 1 AUD = 0.702819 USD

PayPal

PayPal also imposes a margin on top of the mid-market exchange rate. This margin is usually smaller than that imposed by major banks, but typically falls between 3% and 4%. Using the same AUD to USD example:

If the mid-market rate is 1 AUD = 0.706550 USD
PayPal's rate might be 1 AUD = 0.6803 USD

Trophy icon
Winner: WorldFirst

WorldFirst consistently offers better exchange rates than PayPal. This means that more of the money you send will arrive in your recipient's bank account.

Which is faster?

WorldFirst

WorldFirst processing times vary depending on the currency you transfer, the amount you send and your bank. Transfers to major currencies, such as USD, GBP and EUR, are usually completed the same day. However, if you're sending to another currency, expect your transaction to take 1–4 working days.

PayPal

Your recipient should be able to access the funds you send to their PayPal account within seconds. However, please note that if your recipient then wants to withdraw that money to their bank account, this could take several business days.

Trophy icon
Winner: Tie

PayPal can do instant transfers within PayPal accounts, but it will take significantly longer if your recipient wants to withdraw the money from their PayPal account to their bank account. On equivalent transfers between two bank accounts, both WorldFirst and PayPal transfers can take several days.

General features

	Payment methods	Receiving options	Max and min	Transfer speeds	Currencies
WorldFirst	Bank transfer	Bank account	Minimum: $2,000 Maximum: No limit	1 day	55+ currencies
PayPal	Bank transfer, credit or debit card, PayPal Credit	PayPal account transfer	Minimum: $1 Maximum: $60,000	1 day	20+ currencies

WorldFirst

WorldFirst offers an online transfer service and allows you to send transactions of $2,000 or more in over 50 currencies. To send a transfer, you'll first need to register for a free online account. You can then choose the currency and amount you want to send and enter your recipient's bank account details. WorldFirst also offers a smartphone app for convenient transfers on the go.

PayPal

You'll need a PayPal account if you want to send money overseas with PayPal and you can pay for your transaction using your bank account, credit/debit card or PayPal account balance. Your recipient will also need their own PayPal account to access the money you send.

Learn more: WorldFirst
Learn more: PayPal

Bottom line

If you need to send a quick transfer or you only need to send a small amount of money, PayPal is worth considering. But if you're sending $2,000 or more and you want the best exchange rate and lowest fee, WorldFirst is the clear winner.

Before deciding how to send your money overseas, make sure you compare a range of international money transfer services to find one that's right for you.

Looking for more options?

Want to compare WorldFirst and PayPal with the competition? Use our calculator below to compare fees, exchange rates and transfer speeds across a range of money transfer services.

I want to send

Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
AUD 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.709	USD 7,087	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	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	0.709	USD 7,087	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 250	1 - 2 days	AUD 0.00	0.709	USD 7,087	$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	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 2,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.709	USD 7,087	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	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
GBP 3,000	1 day	AUD 0.00	0.709	USD 7,087	Global Reach will match any competitor's exchange rates. Conditions apply. Get no fees for both business and personal transfers when you send your money overseas with Global Reach.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 3,000.00 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, Branch Available currencies AED, AUD, BBD, BGN, BHD, BSD, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, GHS, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, INR, JPY, KES, KWD, KYD, MUR, MXN, NOK, NZD, PHP, PLN, RON, RUB, SDG, SEK, THB, TRY, UGX, USD, XCD, 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	0.712	USD 7,079	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 0	Same day	AUD 2.99	0.704	USD 7,035	Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers. Quick, affordable transfers around the world with both express and economy options.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount AUD 0.00 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, NGN, 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	0.708	USD 7,080	Get 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, 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	0.711	USD 7,072	Exclusive: Use code FINDER10 to receive US$10 off your first transaction. Quick and simple international money 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	0.704	USD 7,043	Special offer: Zero fees on your first 10 transfers. Get 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, 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	0.703	USD 7,028	Use promo code 3FREE to send your first 3 transfers with no fee. Conditions apply. An online money transfer service with cash pick-up, bank account to bank account and airtime transfers available.	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

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.

Thank you for your feedback!

Tim Falk

Tim Falk is a writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.

Suncorp exchange rates Opening a UK bank account from Australia

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

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

OFX (Ozforex) International Money Transfers

$0 transfer fees for Finder customers.
No-maximum limit transfers with competitive exchange rates for 100+ currencies. No transfer fee over AUD$10,000.

More info

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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WorldFirst vs PayPal

Find out which money transfer service offers the best value when you next send money overseas.

Quick verdict

Compare up to 4 providers

Which has lower fees?

WorldFirst

PayPal

PayPal's fee structure

Let's crunch the numbers: Sending $2,000 to the UK

Sending $1,000 to the UK

Which offers better exchange rates?

WorldFirst

PayPal

What's the mid-market rate?

Which is faster?

WorldFirst

PayPal

General features

WorldFirst

PayPal

Bottom line

Looking for more options?

Compare up to 4 providers

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