Westpac international transfer fees explained

Westpac's fee for sending money overseas is $0, $20 or $32, depending on how you send it and in which currency. That fee is the easy part. By default, overseas banks' handling charges come out of the payment itself, so what arrives can be less than you sent. This page sets out Westpac's published fees and how those deductions work. The fees were checked on Westpac's own pages on 30 October 2026.

FXRate.com.au is a general information site operated by Dominet BV. This page is general information only and is not financial advice. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Dominet BV does not hold an Australian financial services licence (AFSL). We don't arrange transfers, recommend or rank providers, forecast exchange rates or receive payments from providers. Fees and rates change, so check the provider's own page and documents before you send or spend money. Facts were checked on 30 October 2026. Read our general information notice. Fees below are as Westpac published them on that date.

Westpac's sending fees

Personal customer fees in Australian dollars, as published by Westpac on 30 October 2026 on its international money transfer page:

If you send AUD, an overseas bank may convert it, and Westpac says that could be at an unfavourable rate.

Our explanation of international money transfer pricing sets out how the transfer charge and exchange rate margin fit together.

Fees taken by other banks

Banks use SWIFT to send money to banks overseas. As Moneysmart explains, this system connects financial institutions around the world.

According to Westpac's information published on 30 October 2026, overseas handling charges are borne by the recipient by default and deducted from the payment.

The ACCC's foreign currency guidance distinguishes between correspondent banking charges deducted along the way and charges imposed by the recipient's bank.

Westpac's transfer cost FAQ, as published on 30 October 2026, says creating a payment shows Westpac's charges, the exchange rate and estimates of other bank charges. The other banks' charges are estimates, so the final amount can still differ.

An overseas bank may also convert the payment. Westpac says it may have no control over that conversion or the deductions made overseas. Our SWIFT and receiving bank fees guide explains the different places where deductions can arise.

Receiving money into Westpac

As published by Westpac on 30 October 2026, receiving money from overseas attracts a $12 processing fee, waived when the incoming payment is equivalent to $100 or less. These details appear on Westpac's international money transfer page.

Westpac also says the sending bank may deduct its own fees before the money reaches Westpac.

To reduce the chance of an intermediary converting the money to AUD, Westpac says you can ask the sender to include “Do not convert” in the payment details. Westpac cannot guarantee that the request will prevent conversion.

The exchange rate part

Westpac's online exchange rates are indicative and change continuously. The exact rate is quoted when you start a payment in Online Banking, and you must accept that rate.

The exchange rate margin is another part of transfer pricing. Providers choose their retail rates, and the ACCC explains that these rates include a margin or mark-up. A transfer can carry a cost through its exchange rate even when there is no separate sending charge.

The mid-market rate is the midpoint between buying and selling prices in the wholesale currency market. It's a reference for understanding margins, not a rate a bank offers. Our exchange rate margin explanation covers that distinction.

The RBA publishes exchange rates as units of foreign currency per Australian dollar. Its figures indicate market value and may differ from rates quoted by foreign exchange dealers. The RBA says its data shouldn't be relied on for commercial or regulatory purposes.

For comparisons, the ACCC focuses on the total price and the amount the recipient receives. Its guidance is to compare supplier websites at the same time on the same day, including both the retail exchange rate and charges.

Who can send online

Westpac's stated eligibility requirements for online international transfers include being at least 14 years old and registered for online banking.

What this means for you

On Westpac's published fees, sending foreign currency online costs nothing in fees, sending AUD online costs $20 and any branch transfer $32. The part a fee table can't show is the exchange rate and what other banks take along the way. Westpac shows its rate and an estimate of other banks' charges when you create a payment, before you accept it.

Frequently asked questions

Does Westpac charge for sending foreign currency online?

As published by Westpac on 30 October 2026, the transfer fee is $0 when sending foreign currency through Online Banking or the Westpac App. The exchange rate and possible overseas deductions remain separate parts of the cost.

What does it cost to send AUD online?

As published by Westpac on 30 October 2026, sending AUD through Online Banking or the Westpac App costs $20 per transfer. An overseas bank may also convert the payment.

What is Westpac's receiving fee?

As published by Westpac on 30 October 2026, the processing fee is $12, with a waiver for incoming payments equivalent to $100 or less. Sending bank deductions can also apply, according to Westpac's information published on that date.

Is the exchange rate shown online the final rate?

Westpac's general online rates are indicative and change continuously. The exact rate is quoted when you start the payment in Online Banking and must be accepted.

Can a sender stop an intermediary converting the money?

Westpac says the sender can include “Do not convert” in the payment details to reduce that possibility. The request doesn't guarantee that an intermediary will leave the currency unchanged.