4 Cheaper Ways to Transfer Money from United States to Australia

How to avoid high fees and bad exchange rates.

Whether you're sending money to Australia for the first time, or if you're doing it frequently - it pays to know the cheaper options.

At The Currency Shop we help you compare money transfer providers to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees right now. Leaving you more time and energy to conquer the world.

Compare the Best Money Transfer Rates to Australia from the United States

How to send money from the United States to Australia using a money transfer provider

  • Step 1
    SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT
    Thankfully, you only have to do this once. You'll have to register your details like name, address email and provide some identification.
  • Step 2
    MAKE YOUR TRANSFER
    You'll need to enter the bank account details of the person you are transferring the money to. This is also when you lock in the exchange rate.
  • Step 3
    PAY FOR YOUR TRANSFER
    Before the money is transferred overseas, you'll need to pay for it. All companies offer their bank account details for a direct bank transfer. Most companies offer Bpay and some even allow you to pay using a debit or credit card.
4 Tips for Making an International Money Transfer 4m 08s

So, what is the best way to transfer money to Australia?

The best way to send money to Australia can depend on your goal. Choose from the options below or compare exchange rates to find the best deals.

Sending money to family and friends

It can be hard living away from your family, especially if you're spending extended periods of time away from home. This is especially true when it comes to missing important events with your friends and family. If you're looking to send a small amount of money home, you want to be careful of any fees you're being charged. And if you're sending a large amount, it's even more important to take into account the exchange rate you're offered for the transfer.

This is the main reason why you should search for providers that suit your needs, and compare all your options before making a transfer.

When sending money family and friends, consider using TransferWise.

Why?

TransferWise offers you the wholesale exchange rate that you see on Google. They then charge you a percentage based fee, which can be reduced when you're transferring more than $10,000.

Related Review: Learn more about TransferWise here.

Pros

  • Clear and transparent exchange rates fees.
  • The online experience is first class.
  • Registration number with FinCEN is 31000065314305.
  • The banks they use are covered by the FDIC.
  • Their Borderless Account is like a foreign currency account.

Cons

  • There are currently a number of global currencies they do not support.
  • Limited support based in the United States.
  • Percentage based fee can add up on very large transfers.

Transferring a large sum of money

If you're sending a large amount of money between Australia and the USA, the most important things to consider are:

1.   The safety and security of your money
2.  The exchange rate being offered
3.  Any extra fees

When transferring a large amount of money, consider using OFX.

Why?

OFX is the largest Australian owned money transfer company. They have an easy to use website and access to 24 hour customer support if you need it when making your transfer. They are an excellent option for safe regular transfers, and usually have much better rates than the banks.

OFX normally charge a fee for smaller transfers, if you use The Currency Shop's link this will be waived. Meaning you only have to look at the exchange rate.

Related Review: Learn more about OFX here.

Pros

  • Better exchange rates when compared to the banks.
  • Highly safe and secure transfers.
  • 1 - 2 days transfer times for most countries.
  • Quick response time and good customer service.

Cons

  • Credit cards, cheques and cash are not accepted.
  • Have to sign up to get an accurate quote.
  • Can take a while to set up an account as they have very strict ID verification processes.
  • They are not licensed to provide financial advice.

Transfer money without a fee

Sometimes it feels like you get charged for everything.  Unfortunately, international money transfers are no different. American banks can charge you anywhere from $10 to $30 to transfer money overseas. But it's not all bad news. There are money transfer companies that let you do it without charging a fixed fee.

If you want to transfer money without a fee, consider using OFX.

Why?

OFX normally charge a fee for smaller transfers, if you use The Currency Shop's link this will be waived. Meaning you only have to look at the exchange rate.

OFX is the largest Australian owned money transfer company. They have an easy to use website and access to 24 hour customer support if you need it when making your transfer.

Related Review: Learn more about OFX here.

Pros

  • Better exchange rates when compared to the banks.
  • Highly safe and secure transfers.
  • 1 - 2 days transfer times for most countries.
  • Quick response time and good customer service.

Cons

  • Credit cards, cheques and cash are not accepted.
  • Have to sign up to get an accurate quote.
  • Can take a while to set up an account as they have very strict ID verification processes.
  • They are not licensed to provide financial advice.

Living overseas

If you’re an living overseas and transferring money internationally, every dollar counts.

The most important things to consider are the rate and fees. But you also want to use a company that is both licensed in the country you're sending money from and in the United States.

When transferring money to and from the United States, consider using TransferWise.

Why?

We like TransferWise for anyone living overseas, because of their Borderless Account which comes with a debit card. It's a multi-currency account with a debit card attached which is particularly useful if you are living overseas or travelling a lot.

It's also great option if you want to transfer money to and from Australia. Their pricing is always transparent and clear, and you can easily get a quote for your transfer without even signing up.

Related Review: Learn more about TransferWise here.

Pros

  • Clear and transparent exchange rates fees.
  • The online experience is first class.
  • Registration number with FinCEN is 31000065314305.
  • The banks they use are covered by the FDIC.
  • Their Borderless Account is like a foreign currency account.

Cons

  • There are currently a number of global currencies they do not support.
  • Limited support based in Australia.
  • Percentage based fee can add up on very large transfers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to send money to Australia?

Paypal and Western Union (cash pick-up) are the fastest options. The transfer can be done in minutes.
If you're sending the money to a bank account, it will take 1-2 days if you use a bank.
Or 2-3 days if you're using a money transfer company.

What information do I need to make a transfer?

To send money overseas, you’ll need the following information of the bank account you're sending the money to:

Beneficiary or Recipient Details

  1. The Account Name of your Recipient (person/business you're paying)
  2. Their address
  3. The SWIFT Code of their bank

Is it safe to use The Currency Shop to compare?

Yes. The Currency Shop holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (462269) and is a member of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We closely vet our providers and only partner with the largest, safest and most trusted money transfer companies in the world. That just makes sense.

How does The Currency Shop make money?

The Currency Shop does not charge you. Instead, we receive a referral fee from the banks and money transfer companies that we are partnered with. This does not affect the price you pay.

Your currency knowledge centre

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