Money services, compared on total cost.
Fees are only half the price of a money product — the exchange-rate margin is the other half, and it's usually the bigger one. We compare on the total amount that actually arrives, using provider-published pricing. General information only, not financial advice.
Best Way to Send Money Overseas from Australia: Fees Compared
For most everyday international transfers from Australia, Wise is the cheapest and most transparent option — mid-market exchange rate plus an upfront fee from about 0.35%. OFX wins on large transfers ($10k+) with no flat fee and phone support; Remitly and Western Union earn their keep only when the recipient needs cash pickup. PayPal and the big four banks are consistently the most expensive ways to send money abroad.
How to compare money services.
Providers advertise the fee and hide the margin. These are the four things we check before recommending anything.
Read our full methodThe exchange rate, not the fee
A "$0 fee" transfer with a 4% exchange-rate markup costs far more than a 0.5% fee at the mid-market rate. Always compare the final amount received, not the fee line.
Total amount received
The only honest comparison: enter the same send amount with each provider and compare what lands in the recipient's account. Everything else is marketing.
Speed vs cost trade-offs
Instant transfers usually cost more. If the money doesn't need to arrive in minutes, the economy option often saves 1–2% of the transfer.
Regulation and safeguarding
We only compare providers registered with AUSTRAC (most also hold an Australian Financial Services Licence), and we note how customer funds are held.
Questions we get a lot.
Can't find what you need? Check the full review for your product.