Best ways to send money internationally from Australia in 2025

Key takeaways:

• International transfers through local payment rails provide the fastest and lowest‑cost way to send money overseas.

• SWIFT transfers span 220+ countries, though fees and intermediary deductions can impact the total received.

• Airwallex offers both international transfers via local rails and SWIFT transfers with transparent FX and no hidden fees, helping Australian businesses save on fast, cross‑border transfers.

Finding the best way to send money internationally is essential for businesses of every type. From start‑ups and e‑commerce stores paying overseas manufacturers to agencies managing global freelancers and large enterprises running payroll, all face the same challenge: how to send funds quickly and affordably. According to the ABS, company gross operating profits fell 2.4% in the June 2025 quarter while wages rose nearly 6% year‑on‑year.¹ With margins under pressure, reducing unnecessary costs like high transfer fees and FX markups has become a priority. Paying via SWIFT can stack up fees fast, making it an expensive and sometimes slower option for frequent cross‑border payments.

Adopting fintech solutions can help your business ease financial pressures and stay resilient. In this article, we’ll cover the best ways to send money internationally for businesses, and how to save money on transfer fees. We'll also show how Airwallex can help solve the biggest problems of cross‑border payments through our complete payment platform designed for businesses.

What is an international money transfer?

An international money transfer moves money between countries and currencies, allowing businesses or individuals to send funds across banking systems. This usually requires converting one currency into another, with banks, financial institutions or fintech platforms facilitating the process. Transfers are regulated and designed to be safe and secure.

The most common method of this is the international wire transfer, typically sent via the SWIFT network. These payments pass through intermediary banks, which can increase cost and processing time. Other options include transfers made through debit or credit cards, and payments handled by online money transfer services. Each method differs in cost, speed, and convenience, making it important for businesses to choose the right solution for their needs.

How do international transfers work?

International transfers operate through networks of banks, payment providers, and clearing systems that communicate securely to move funds between countries. Every transfer involves verifying recipient details, running AML/CTF compliance checks, and converting currencies using agreed FX rates. 

In Australia, the main technical paths are local payment rails, which settle quickly and at low cost through domestic banking systems, and the SWIFT network, which connects to more than 150 countries but often includes intermediary banks that add time and fees.

Details usually required for international transfers:

• Recipient’s full name and address

• Recipient’s bank name and address

• Bank SWIFT/BIC code

• Recipient’s IBAN or local account number (depending on destination)

• Payment purpose (required in some countries)

Best 5 ways to transfer money overseas from Australia

There are several different ways for Australian businesses to transfer money overseas, and each method comes with trade‑offs in cost, speed, and convenience. Options include local payment rails, SWIFT international wire transfers, and online money transfer platforms. The key is choosing the right solution that matches your business needs and priorities.

Local payment rails

Fastest and lowest fees, local payment rails are ideal for regular supplier or payroll payments when the recipient can receive funds via local bank details. With Airwallex, 95% of these transfers arrive on the same day.

SWIFT/international wire transfers

These have the broadest reach, covering 220+ countries, and are best for large or specialist payments. Fees and intermediary banks can reduce the final amount received, but they remain essential for certain destinations.

Money transfer operators 

Money transfer operators (MTOs) are useful for cash pickup or wallet delivery, though they are often geared towards consumer remittances rather than business payments. Examples of MTOs include Western Union and MoneyGram.

Online money transfer services

Fintech platforms like Airwallex stand out by combining low‑cost international transfers, competitive FX rates, and user‑friendly digital tools. These solutions give SMEs scalability, transparency, and seamless integrations while avoiding the higher costs and slower processes common with traditional providers.

Bank transfers

Traditional banks such as NAB and ANZ can handle very large transactions and may be preferred by some businesses. However, they often involve higher costs and slower processing than fintech platforms.

Best ways to send large sums of money abroad from Australia

For businesses handling higher‑value transfers, the key factors are cost, speed, and reliability:

• Fees: Traditional SWIFT transfers can carry high fees, while Airwallex’s local payment rails offer zero fee transfers to 120+ countries.

• Speed of transfer: Local rails allow same‑day delivery for 95% of payments, while SWIFT may take 1–5 business days depending on intermediaries.

• Exchange rates and markup: Airwallex provides competitive, transparent FX rates, helping businesses avoid the hidden markups banks often charge.

• Transfer limits: Some providers cap transaction sizes. Airwallex supports high‑value transfers, making it easier to pay overseas suppliers or employees without restrictions.

• Batch transfers: Airwallex enables up to 1,000 payments in one go, cutting manual work and reducing the risk of errors.

Comparison of international money transfer providers in Australia

Here’s a quick comparison of how the different international money transfer providers in Australia stack up.

The cheapest way to send money internationally from Australia

International transfers often come with hidden costs, from currency conversion fees to deductions by intermediary banks. The most affordable way for businesses to send money overseas is to use local rails wherever possible. Airwallex offers:

• Zero transfer fees for local payments to 120+ countries.

• Transparent FX rates with no hidden charges.

• 95% of transfers delivered on the same day.

SWIFT transfers remain necessary for certain countries (150+ supported), but they may include bank fees or slower delivery times. By combining local rails with multi‑currency accounts, Airwallex helps Australian businesses save significantly compared to traditional providers.

Compare costs of providers to send an international money transfer

Pricing correct as of September 2025

The fastest way to transfer money internationally

Speed is often critical for Australian businesses managing payroll or supplier invoices. Each transfer route has different strengths and trade-offs.

• Local payment rails: Typically the fastest and most cost-effective, with many transfers clearing in hours. With Airwallex, 95% of these transfers arrive the same day. This makes them ideal for urgent supplier payments or employee wages.

• SWIFT transfers: Provide broad reach and reliability for large sums or countries not covered by local rails. They usually take 1–3 business days and include bank fees that reduce the final amount.

• Money transfer operators: Useful for consumer cash pickups or mobile wallets, often near-instant, but they are less practical for business payments.

Funding method and bank cut-off times also affect speed. Airwallex minimises these delays by combining access to both local rails and the SWIFT network.

How to send money internationally: step-by-step guide

Sending money overseas with Airwallex is straightforward. Once your business account is verified, you can choose two main paths:

Path 1: Send via local payout (zero fees)

1. Create a Global Account and top it up in the chosen currency.

2. Select your recipient from existing contacts or add a new one.

3. Enter the amount and choose local payout. These transfers typically arrive the same day and carry zero or close to zero fees.

4. Add transfer details such as date, purpose, and reference.

5. Review and confirm, or submit for approval if required.

Path 2: Send via SWIFT

1. Create or use your Global Account in the sending currency.

2. Select your recipient with their SWIFT/BIC and bank details.

3. Enter the amount and choose SWIFT. Expect fees to apply and delivery to take 1–5 business days depending on intermediaries.

4. Add transfer details and purpose.

5. Review and confirm, or submit for approval if required.

Airwallex also offers mobile approvals, making it simple for finance leaders to greenlight payments on the go.

How secure are international money transfers?

Security is a top concern for any business sending money overseas. International transfers are regulated by financial authorities and monitored to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other risks. In Australia, providers must comply with Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) requirements, which enforce strict anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) standards.

With Airwallex, businesses benefit from multi-layered security measures, including encryption, two-factor authentication, and built-in compliance checks. These safeguards protect sensitive data and ensure transfers meet regulatory obligations. Just as importantly, Airwallex provides full visibility with real-time tracking so businesses know exactly where their money is at every stage of the process.

How to avoid common international money transfers mistakes

International payments can be delayed or cost more than expected if errors occur. Common mistakes include:

• Incorrect recipient details. Mistakes and typos in account numbers or SWIFT codes can result in failed or delayed payments.

• Ignoring transfer limits. Different providers have different caps, so confirm before sending large sums.

• Overlooking time zones. Transfers may be delayed if initiated outside banking hours or during public holidays.

• Not specifying purpose. Some countries require transfer reasons, and omitting these can slow processing.

Airwallex helps businesses avoid these pitfalls with built‑in compliance checks and transparent workflows.

How to save money on international transfer fees

Saving on fees requires smart planning and the right provider. Businesses can:

• Use multi‑currency accounts: Hold and pay in the same currency to avoid constant conversions.

• Choose alternatives to SWIFT: Airwallex’s local rails mean zero transfer fees to 120+ countries.

• Negotiate for volume: High‑volume transfers may qualify for reduced rates.

• Manage FX risk: Lock in favourable exchange rates through Airwallex’s FX tools.

Why choose Airwallex for cost-effective international money transfers?

Paying overseas suppliers or managing global payroll can be time‑consuming and costly. Manual entry of payment details increases the risk of errors, while high transaction fees cut into margins. Airwallex addresses these challenges by streamlining both supplier and payroll payments, cutting costs, and offering businesses clear visibility and control over every transfer.

With Airwallex, businesses can:

• Send zero‑fee local transfers to 120+ countries, with 95% arriving the same day.

• Access transparent FX with no hidden markups, helping protect your bottom line.

• Hold and pay in 60+ currencies through multi‑currency accounts.

• Make up to 1,000 payments in one batch to suppliers or employees.

• Sync payments directly with accounting tools like Xero, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Sage, and Odoo.

More than 150,000 businesses worldwide use Airwallex to simplify cross‑border payments and improve cash flow.

Get started with Airwallex international transfers today

Ready to simplify your cross-border payments? Open an Airwallex business account and start sending money to over 150 countries with transparent FX, zero local transfer fees, and same-day delivery for 95% of transactions. 

International transfers: frequently asked questions

What are the best money transfer services for businesses?

The best services offer multi‑currency accounts, high‑speed local payouts, and SWIFT access when needed. Look for platforms with transparent FX, batch transfer functionality, and accounting integrations. Airwallex offers all of these features with same‑day delivery for 95% of local transfers.

How do exchange rates impact the amount received?

Exchange rates determine how much your recipient gets in their local currency. Even small differences can significantly impact the final amount. Airwallex provides competitive FX rates with no hidden markups, so businesses know exactly what they’re paying.

Are there limits on how much money I can send overseas?

Limits vary by provider and currency. Airwallex supports high‑value transfers with high limits for SWIFT transactions and generous thresholds for local rails. Transfer limits are always displayed upfront in the dashboard.

What documents are required to send money internationally?

No additional documents are required once your Airwallex account is verified. All compliance checks are handled during onboarding, making ongoing transfers seamless.

What is the fastest way to send money internationally?

The fastest method is via local payment rails, which can deliver funds in hours. With Airwallex, 95% of these transfers arrive the same day. SWIFT transfers take longer but are essential for certain destinations.

How can I send money internationally?

To send money overseas, you can use fintech providers, banks, or money transfer operators. The most cost-effective option for Australian businesses is a multi-currency account with access to local payment rails. With Airwallex, you can send funds to 120+ countries with zero transfer fees and 95% of transfers arriving the same day.

Sources:

1. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/business-indicators/business-indicators-australia/latest-release

2. https://www.airwallex.com/au/business-account/transfers

3. https://wise.com/au/send-money/

4. https://www.westernunion.com/au/en/international-bank-transfer.html

5. https://www.ofx.com/en-au/business/international-payments/

6. https://www.ofx.com/en-au/business/international-payments/

7. https://www.nab.com.au/business/international-and-foreign-exchange/international-money-transfers

8. https://www.anz.com.au/personal/travel-international/international-payments/

9. https://wise.com/au/pricing/business

10. https://www.ofx.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Fee-Schedule-GCA-Online-Seller.pdf

11. https://www.nab.com.au/content/dam/nab/documents/rates-and-fees/banking/nab-business-banking-guide-to-fees-charges.pdf

12. https://www.anz.com.au/content/dam/anzcomau/documents/pdf/anz-business-general-service-fees-charges.pdf