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What details do I need for an international money transfer?

Here’s our guide to the information you need to provide when sending or receiving an international money transfer.

Thanks to modern technology and the rise of online banking, it’s quicker and easier than ever before to send money overseas. From banks to specialist online transfer providers, there are plenty of options to choose from when you need to transfer funds across international borders.

But do you know what information you need to provide to ensure that your funds arrive in the right account straight away? This guide explains all the bank account details you need to supply to safely send or receive an international money transfer.

Sending an international money transfer online

Regardless of whether you choose to send a transfer through your Internet banking account or using a specialist online transfer company such as OFX, the details you need to provide remain the same.

You must supply:

  • The recipient’s name
  • The account name
  • The recipient’s home address (supplying this information is optional with some providers)
  • The recipient’s account number

Based on the country you are transferring funds to, you will also need to supply one of the following:

  • IBAN (International bank account number)
  • ABA (American Bankers Association) routing number
  • Bank and branch
  • IFSC (Indian Financial System Code)
  • SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) or BIC (Bank Identifier Code)

For example, the ABA routing number is used to identify banks in the United States and you will need to provide it or a SWIFT for transfers to that country, while if you’re sending a transfer to Europe you will need the IBAN and the SWIFT of the recipient’s bank. Your bank or money transfer provider will be able to provide specific information about the bank details you need to supply during the transfer process.

What details do I need for an international money transfer

How to send money overseas with St.George

Apart from your recipient’s bank account details, you will also need to provide some specific details about the transfer, including:

  • The currency you wish to send
  • The amount you are sending
  • The purpose of the transfer

You can see what details you need from your recipient in the UK below.

commbank-money-transfer-screenshot

How to send money with CommBank

Search and compare international money transfers

1 - 23 of 23
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
TorFX
24 hours
$0
TorFX sends money overseas in 40+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.
Xe Large Transfers
24 hours
$0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
Send Payments
24 hours
$0

Send provides fee-free transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
Revolut
Within minutes
$0
Sign up and get a AUD$15 top-up. For new customers only. T&Cs apply.
Send money with great rates and low fees in 30+ currencies.
Xe Money Transfers
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
Instarem
Within minutes
From 0%
50% off first transaction fee from any country in APAC (outside India).
Minimum transfer of $250 and max transfer of $500,000
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.43%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
TorFX
24 hours
$0
TorFX sends money overseas in 40+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Rocket Remit
Within minutes
From $0 to $5
Send money instantly to friends and family in over 45 countries using just your mobile number.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $1.99
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
SingX
Within minutes
From 0.5%
SingX offers the real exchange rate every time you make a transfer and can help you send money across the world.
CurrencyFair
Within minutes
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
Send Payments
Send Payments
24 hours
$0
Send provides fee-free transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
MasterRemit
Within minutes
From $0
Get your 1st and 2nd money transfer for free with promo codes FIRSTFREE and MASTERFINDER!.
Send money in minutes at competitive exchange rates to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Western Union
Within minutes
From $0
Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries around the world.
Qantas Business Money
Within minutes
$0
Earn up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points on your first currency conversion by 31 July 2024. Conversion limits and T&Cs apply.
Set up accounts in 11 different currencies and get rewarded for global business payments by earning Qantas Points.
TorFX Business Transfers
24 hours
$0
TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate. Conditions apply.
TorFX sends money overseas in 30+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.
OFX Business Transfers
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
WorldFirst
24 hours
From $0
Open bank accounts in Australia, the UK, US, Canada, Japan and Europe. Send and receive funds with zero fees for large sums, including same-currency supplier payments.
Send business
24 hours
$0

Send provides fee-free transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
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Finder survey: How many Australians have sent money abroad?

Response
No67.03%
Yes32.97%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1110 Australians, December 2023

Sending an international cash transfer in person

This service is offered by providers such as Western Union and MoneyGram, allowing you to send fast cash transfers to hundreds of thousands of pickup locations around the world. The details you need to provide when sending a cash transfer are a little different, as you will typically need to supply:

  • Photo identification for yourself (a passport or driver’s licence will do)
  • Your recipient’s full name (this must match the recipient’s name as it appears on their ID)
  • Your recipient’s address
  • Money to complete the transaction

It’s also worth remembering that you will need to be at least 18 years of age to send a transfer overseas.

Receiving an online international money transfer

If someone wants to transfer money to you from an overseas bank account, you’ll need to make sure they have all the relevant details needed to complete the transaction. These include:

  • Your name
  • The name of your bank
  • Your bank’s BIC/SWIFT code
  • Your bank’s BSB (Bank State Branch) number
  • Your account number
  • Your address

IBANs are not used in Australia, but banks and transfer providers in some countries will require an IBAN to be provided before the transfer can be processed. If this is the case, you can combine your BSB and account number.

It’s also worth pointing out that you may be charged a fee by your bank for receiving an international transfer. For example, Commonwealth Bank charges customers up to $11 for transfers received into AUD accounts.

Receiving an international cash transfer

If you’re visiting a transfer provider’s branch to collect a cash transfer, you will need to provide:

  • Photo ID, for example your driver’s licence or passport
  • The reference number quoted to you by the person who sent the transfer

Depending on the size of the transfer, you may need to phone ahead to confirm that the agent has sufficient cash to complete the transaction. This is also useful if you need to check a branch’s location or opening hours.

Top tips for sending or receiving an international money transfer

  • Check details carefully. It’s your responsibility to ensure that the bank account details you provide for your recipient are correct. If you make a mistake and the funds are sent to the wrong account, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to recover those funds.
  • Check the exchange rate. Exchange rates vary across providers, and even a small variation in rates can make a big difference to the cost. Search for a provider that consistently offers competitive exchange rates. For example, Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate while other providers add a margin to the rate.
  • Be aware of transfer fees. Make sure you’re aware of the fee the bank or money transfer provider charges for handling the transfer, and check whether the receiving bank will take a cut by imposing its own fees.
  • Use a reputable brand. Make sure that any transfer provider you choose is reputable before handing over any bank details or money. The last thing you want to do is disclose your own or your recipient’s account information to a dodgy company.

Follow up questions about your documentation

What information do I need to provide when I send or receive an international money transfer via PayPal?

When sending money via PayPal, you’ll need to provide the email address or mobile phone number of your recipient, as well as the details of the bank account or credit card used to fund the transaction. As for receiving payments, you will need to provide your name, address, phone number and email address to open a free PayPal account.

Can I pay for an international money transfer using my credit card?

Yes, this option is available with some transfer providers, but typically only with companies that offer cash pickup transfers.

Will I need to sign up for an account before I send a transfer?

Yes, if using an online transfer company you will need to register for an account before you can send any money. Signing up is usually free.

Should I send a transfer via my bank or a specialist transfer company?

That’s entirely up to you. The advantage of using your bank is that it’s convenient, as you will most likely already have an account established from which you can transfer funds. However, in most cases, the better exchange rates and lower fees charged by online transfer companies mean that they are often a more affordable option.

What recipient bank account details will I need to provide when sending funds to India?

You will need to supply a SWIFT and an IFSC number for your recipient’s bank, as well as a reason for your transfer.

What recipient bank account details will I need to provide when sending funds to China?

You will need to provide a SWIFT for your recipient’s bank.

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Writer

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. See full bio

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    HengAugust 1, 2019

    if sending money internationally using Telegraphic Transfer (TT) via Swift -Outward remittances, do we need to pay for activation for this type of payment? This type of payment instrument require INSURANCE PREMIUM BOND CERTIFICATRE (IBC)?

      Default Gravatar
      NikkiAugust 2, 2019

      Hi Heng!

      Thanks for your inquiry. The exact details of how a TT payment works are dependent on the banks involved. It would be best to refer to the money transfer service you choose before moving sending funds via wire transfer.

      Hope this helps!

      Best,
      Nikki

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