Whether you’re sending money home to family, paying overseas bills, or supporting loved ones through a tough time, the provider you choose makes a real difference. Fees, exchange rates, and transfer speeds vary widely — and the wrong choice can cost you hundreds of dollars a year.
This ranked list breaks down the cheapest ways to send money overseas from Australia and New Zealand in 2026, based on fees, exchange rates, and overall value.
What makes a money transfer service Cheap?
The true cost of a transfer isn’t just the fee — it’s the combination of:
- Transfer fee — a flat or percentage-based charge per transaction
- Exchange rate margin — the difference between the mid-market rate and what you’re offered
- Hidden charges — intermediary bank fees, receiving fees, or minimum transfer amounts
The cheapest option is the one where your recipient gets the most money on the other end. Always compare the total received amount, not just the headline fee.
1. OrbitRemit — Best for AUD and NZD transfers with low fixed fees
Best for: Australians and New Zealanders sending to Asia and the Pacific
OrbitRemit offers one of the most straightforward fee structures in the market: low fixed fees with no percentage markups. Many popular corridors are completely fee-free for AUD senders, and NZD transfers are among the lowest flat fees available.
Key fees by corridor:
| From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| AUD | India (INR) | $0 |
| NZD | India (INR) | $4 NZD |
| AUD | Nepal (NPR) | $0 |
| NZD | Nepal (NPR) | $4 NZD |
| AUD | Vietnam (VND) | $0 |
| NZD | Vietnam (VND) | $4 NZD |
| AUD | Thailand (THB) | $0 |
| NZD | Thailand (THB) | $4 NZD |
| AUD | Philippines (bank deposit) | $4 |
| AUD | Philippines (GCash) | $0 |
| NZD | Philippines (PHP) | $6 NZD |
| AUD | Indonesia (IDR) | $4 |
| NZD | Indonesia (IDR) | $4 NZD |
| AUD | South Africa (ZAR) | $1 |
| NZD | South Africa (ZAR) | $2 NZD |
| AUD | Malaysia (MYR) | $2 |
| AUD/NZD | UK (GBP) | $0 |
| AUD/NZD | South Korea (KRW) | $0 |
| AUD/NZD | Pakistan (PKR) | $0 |
Transfers of $10,000 or more are always fee-free regardless of corridor.
New customers receive OrbitRemit’s special promo rate + $0 fees on their first transfer.*
Why it ranks #1 for AU/NZ senders: Fixed fees mean the more you send, the cheaper it gets per dollar transferred. For regular senders or anyone moving larger amounts, OrbitRemit consistently comes out ahead.
*New customers only. Limited time offer. $500 AUD/$500 NZD limit applies. Terms and conditions apply.
2. Wise — best mid-market rate with transparent percentage fees
Best for: Senders who prioritise exchange rate transparency
Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate — the fairest benchmark — and charges a small percentage fee (typically 0.4–1.5% depending on the corridor). There are no hidden rate markups, which makes it easy to see exactly what you’re paying.
Where it falls short: Percentage-based fees add up on larger transfers. A $5,000 AUD transfer can cost $25–75 in fees alone, whereas OrbitRemit charges $0 on the same AUD to INR transfer.
3. Remitly — best for speed on express transfers
Best for: Urgent transfers where delivery speed is the priority
Remitly offers two tiers: Economy (cheaper, slower) and Express (faster, higher fee). Express transfers can arrive within minutes, making it a good option when time is critical.
Where it falls short: The rate margin on express transfers can significantly reduce the amount your recipient receives. Always check the total received amount before confirming.
4. Western Union — best for cash pickup recipients
Best for: Recipients without a bank account who need cash pickup
Western Union’s global agent network is unmatched — with hundreds of thousands of pickup locations worldwide. If your recipient needs cash in hand, Western Union is often the most practical option.
Where it falls short: For bank-to-bank transfers, Western Union’s fees and exchange rate margins are generally higher than digital-first providers like OrbitRemit or Wise.
5. WorldRemit — best for flexibility across felivery methods
Best for: Senders who need multiple delivery options (bank, mobile money, cash pickup)
WorldRemit supports a wide range of delivery methods including bank deposit, mobile money wallets, and cash pickup. This flexibility makes it a strong choice for corridors where mobile money is popular.
Where it falls short: Fees and rates vary significantly by corridor. Bank transfers to major corridors like India and the Philippines are generally more competitive through OrbitRemit.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Sending $1,000 AUD to the Philippines
| Provider | Fee | Exchange Rate | Recipient Receives (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OrbitRemit (GCash) | $0 | Competitive | Most |
| OrbitRemit (bank deposit) | $4 | Competitive | High |
| Wise | ~$8–12 | Mid-market | High |
| Remitly (Economy) | ~$3–5 | Slight margin | High |
| Western Union | ~$5–10 | Noticeable margin | Medium |
| WorldRemit | ~$3–8 | Slight margin | Medium–High |
Rates and fees are indicative and change frequently. Always check live rates before transferring.
How to get the cheapest transfer every time
- Compare total received amount — not just the headline fee
- Send larger amounts less frequently — all transfers over $10,000 are fee-free with OrbitRemit
- Use the right delivery method — GCash transfers to the Philippines from Australia are $0, bank deposits are $4
- Check for promo rates — new customer offers can significantly reduce your first transfer cost
- Avoid banks for international payments — banks consistently offer the worst exchange rates
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the cheapest way to send money from Australia?
For many popular corridors, OrbitRemit offers $0 AUD fees — including India, Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Pakistan, and the UK. For the Philippines, GCash transfers are $0. This makes OrbitRemit one of the cheapest options available from Australia.
What is the cheapest way to send money from New Zealand?
For NZD transfers, OrbitRemit charges between $0 and $6 NZD per transfer depending on the corridor, with all transfers over $10,000 NZD fee-free. This fixed-fee model makes it one of the most cost-effective options for regular senders from New Zealand.
Is Wise or OrbitRemit cheaper?
It depends on the amount and corridor. Wise charges a percentage-based fee, which can work out cheaper on very small transfers. For larger amounts — especially on fee-free AUD corridors like India, Nepal, or Vietnam — OrbitRemit is cheaper because there is no fee at all.
Are there any hidden fees with OrbitRemit?
No. OrbitRemit shows the full transfer fee and exchange rate before you confirm. What you see is what your recipient gets.
Is it safe to use online money transfer services?
Yes, provided you use regulated providers. OrbitRemit is regulated by ASIC in Australia and supervised by the DIA in New Zealand. Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and WorldRemit are also regulated in their respective markets.
Ready to send happiness with OrbitRemit?
OrbitRemit offers some of the lowest fees available for AUD and NZD transfers — with $0 fees to many popular corridors and competitive exchange rates that beat the banks.
- $0 AUD fees to India, Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Pakistan, UK, and more
- $0 GCash fees for Philippines transfers from Australia
- Fee-free on all transfers over $10,000
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 33,000+ reviews
- Regulated in Australia (ASIC/AUSTRAC) and New Zealand (DIA)
Fees, exchange rates and transfer limits are subject to change. Information in this article is accurate as at 25 March 2026 and is based on publicly available information. Always check current rates and fees on each provider’s platform before making a transfer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. OrbitRemit is regulated by ASIC (AFSL: 470646) and registered with AUSTRAC in Australia, and supervised by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in New Zealand (FSP7721).
