Key takeaways:
The top international money transfer services for New Zealand in 2026 are Airwallex, Wise, OFX, TorFX, and XE.
Prioritise providers that offer the mid-market exchange rate and local payment rails. This helps you bypass high transfer fees and longer transfer times with SWIFT.
Airwallex provides a comprehensive platform for Kiwi businesses looking to transfer funds globally, with local payment rails, same-day transfers, and transparent pricing.
Running a business from New Zealand can sometimes feel geographically isolating from the global marketplace. But while the distance does exist, this does not mean fees for sending money internationally should be high.
Finding the best way to transfer money from New Zealand is about understanding how to navigate your options. In this guide we will walk you through the best international money transfer services for businesses in New Zealand so you can choose the platform that will work for you.
How to choose an international money transfer service
Choosing a platform to move your money across borders requires looking past the marketing slogans. Understanding the mechanics of how your funds are converted and delivered will help you choose the right service. Transparency is the most critical factor here; if a provider isn't clear about their costs, those costs are likely hidden in the exchange rate.
Exchange rate markups
Most people check the "interbank" or "mid-market" rate when searching. This is the real-time rate at which banks trade with each other. However, many providers add a "markup" to this rate. This is the difference between the rate they give you and the actual market rate. Check what rate you’re being offered and if a markup is applied, and how transparent the platform is about this markup.
Transfer fees
While some transfer services advertise "zero fees," they often make their profit through the aforementioned markups. Conversely, some charge a flat fee or a percentage of the total. You must also be wary of "intermediary fees." When money moves via the SWIFT network, third-party banks often take a "cut" of the transfer along the way, meaning your recipient gets less than you sent.
Local payment rails
Traditional international transfers rely on SWIFT, a legacy system that can take three to five business days. Modern platforms also use "local payment rails." This means the provider has local bank accounts in both the sending and receiving countries. When you send money, you pay into their NZ account, and they pay your recipient from their local account in the target country. This process is significantly faster and avoids the "middleman" fees of the SWIFT network.
The best international money transfers in New Zealand
To help you decide, we have compared the top providers available to New Zealanders in 2026, focusing on their costs, speed, and suitability for businesses.
Provider | Typical fees | Transfer speed | Transfer tools | Global accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Airwallex | Interbank rates + 0.5%–1% | Almost half arrive instantly; 93% arrive same day | Batch transfers, multi-layer approvals, APIs |
|
Wise | Interbank + fees from 0.25% | Fast, often same day | Batch payments, volume discounts, APIs |
|
XE | No transfer fees, margin applied | 90% arrive in minutes | Forward contracts, limit orders, APIs |
|
TorFX | No transfer fees, margin applied | 1–2 business days | Spot and forward contracts, market orders |
|
OFX | Margin applied; NZ$12 for transfers <NZ$10,000 | 1–2 business days | Rate alerts, limit orders, regular payments |
|
In-depth: Features of the best providers
Airwallex
Airwallex is an all-in-one financial platform designed for NZ businesses to operate globally without barriers. As well as seamless international money transfers, you’ll also have a multi-currency Global Account to bank like a local, multi-currency Corporate Cards, and global reach to 200+ countries.
Fees
Account tiers start at NZ$0 and local transfers are free to 120 countries. For FX, you get interbank rates with transparent margins starting at 0.5% for major currencies and 1% for others.
Pros
Global Account with local banking details for 21 countries and receive 70+ currencies
Multi-currency Corporate Cards issuing via API to 60+ markets
High-speed transfers, with 93% arriving the same day
Advanced business tools: FX rate alerts, batch transfers, and automated FX transactions.
Cons
Focused strictly on business users; the platform is not suitable for personal use.
Wise
Wise is well-known for its global payment services to both individuals and businesses. Their products include cards, accounts and transfers.
Fees
It is free to register for an account and hold a balance. There is a NZ$40 one-time fee to set up local banking details. Sending fees vary by currency starting from 0.25%.
Pros
Free to register and hold money in a Wise account
Local banking details in 24 currencies can help you save on exchange costs
Volume discounts for large transfers
Cons
Limited advanced money transfer tools, such as forward contracts
Dedicated account managers not generally available
Xe
Xe is a veteran in the foreign exchange world, offering money transfer services for 30 years, They offer transfer services to business and consumers and let you transfer to 190+ countries.
Fees
Xe advertises NZ$0 fees for international payments. It is important to note that while there is no "fee," they apply a margin to the exchange rate.
Pros
Zero-fee transfers to over 190 countries and 130+ countries
No upper limit on payment amounts
A strong range of transfer tools including forward contracts and limit orders.
Cons
The multi-currency account does not provide local banking details
Intermediary bank fees may still apply if the money is sent via SWIFT.
TorFX
If you prefer a provider focused on FX, TorFX is a contender. The TorFX platform services both individuals and businesses and offers a range of transfer solutions.
Fees
They charge no upfront transfer fees. However, because they use a quote-based system, your business needs to request a specific quote to see the exchange rate margin they will apply.
Pros
A focus on customer service with dedicated account managers
Offers flexible transfer options like spot contracts for immediate needs and forward contracts to lock in rates
Regulated and secure for large-scale transfers
Cons
Does not offer a multi-currency account to hold funds
Pricing not as transparent as some competitors (you need to request a quote)
OFX
OFX is another established player that bridges the gap between a digital platform and a traditional brokerage service.
Fees
They apply a margin to the market rate. For transfers under NZ$10,000, they typically charge a NZ$12 fee, while transfers above this amount are often fee-free.
Pros
24/7 phone support
Tools like limit orders, limit orders and and regular payments
Highly reliable for large, complex business transfers.
Cons
Does not offer a comprehensive global account with local details
Flat fee for smaller transfers
Features to look for in a transfer platform
Beyond the immediate cost, the right provider should offer tools that help you manage financial risk and improve operational efficiency.
Money transfer tools
Forward contracts: This allows you to lock in an exchange rate for a future date (for example, up to 12 months). This is a great option for businesses that want to protect their profit margins from currency volatility.
Rate tracking: Set alerts so you are notified when a currency hits your target rate.
Batch transfers: If you have multiple international staff or suppliers, the ability to send up to 1,000 payments in one go is a massive time-saver.
APIs: For tech-forward companies, an API allows you to integrate international payments directly into your own software or website.
Multi-currency accounts
A true global account allows you to hold funds in major currencies like AUD, USD, or GBP. This is a game-changer because it allows you to avoid "forced conversions." If a US client pays you in US$, you can keep it in US$ to pay a US supplier later, rather than converting it to NZ$ and back again. Having local banking details (an account number in the target country) also makes it easier and cheaper for your international clients to pay you.
Security and regulation
Never use a provider that isn't properly regulated. In New Zealand, reputable providers should be registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR). This ensures they meet strict standards for capital requirements and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.
Why businesses choose Airwallex for money transfers
Airwallex is built to be more than a transfer service; it is a platform for your global growth. We focus on removing the friction that traditionally slows down New Zealand companies.
Faster payouts: By using local payment rails, 90% of our transfers arrive in hours, not days.
Interbank rates: We provide access to interbank rates for over 90 currencies, ensuring your FX costs remain transparent and low.
Global reach: You can pay out to 200+ countries and receive funds in 70+ currencies.
Operating like a local, globally: We provide local bank details for over 20 currencies instantly, allowing you to establish a global presence without leaving Auckland or Wellington.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the cheapest way to send money overseas?
Don't just look at the transfer fee. You must compare the total cost, which is the sum of the upfront fee plus the exchange rate markup. Some "no fee" services are actually more expensive because they hide their costs in a poor exchange rate.
Is it safe to use a non-bank provider?
Yes. Platforms like Airwallex are heavily regulated by financial authorities in every market they operate in.
What information do I need to send money from NZ?
Typically, you will need the recipient's full name, their bank name, their account number (or IBAN for Europe), and their SWIFT/BIC code. If your provider uses local rails, you might only need their local bank details, which can simplify the process significantly.
Sources
https://wise.com/nz/pricing/business
https://www.xe.com/en-nz/business/send-money/
https://help.xe.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360019472317-What-are-the-fees-for-sending-money
https://help.xe.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360019472397-Why-did-less-money-arrive-than-I-sent-was-a-fee-taken
https://www.ofx.com/en-nz/business/
https://www.ofx.com/en-nz/money-transfer/forward-contracts/
https://www.ofx.com/en-nz/money-transfer/
https://www.torfx.co.nz/business/
https://www.torfx.co.nz/business/risk-management.php
The information in this article is based on our own online research. Airwallex was not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. This research is reviewed annually. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. Airwallex (New Zealand) Limited is registered with the New Zealand Financial Service Provider Register (FSP No. 1001602) to provide a range of financial services in New Zealand.
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The Airwallex Editorial Team
Airwallex’s Editorial Team is a global collective of business finance and fintech writers based in Australia, Asia, North America, and Europe. With deep expertise spanning finance, technology, payments, startups, and SMEs, the team collaborates closely with experts, including the Airwallex Product team and industry leaders to produce this content.
