Summary
To receive money from overseas Australia into an Australian bank account, your sender needs four things: your full name, your BSB, your account number and your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code — Australia does not use IBAN numbers (used in Europe and the UK); if your sender asks for an IBAN, give them your BSB and account number together instead
International transfers to Australian banks arrive via the SWIFT network in 2-5 business days — the money may travel through one or more intermediary banks before reaching your account; most major Australian banks do not charge a fee to receive international transfers, though intermediary banks along the route may deduct fees from the transfer amount
If your family is sending money to you from India, the Philippines, Nepal or Vietnam using OrbitRemit, the transfer arrives faster — OrbitRemit uses local payment rails for most Asia-Pacific transfers, delivering over 85% within 2 hours directly to your Australian bank account
Receiving money from overseas in Australia is straightforward once you know what details to give your sender. The process is different from domestic transfers — instead of just a BSB and account number, international transfers require a SWIFT code, and the money travels through the global SWIFT network rather than Australia’s domestic payment systems.
This guide covers everything your sender needs, how long it takes, what it costs and what to do if your transfer hasn’t arrived.
What details does your sender need?
To send money to your Australian bank account from overseas, your sender needs:
1. Your full legal name
Exactly as it appears on your bank account. Not a nickname. Not initials. The exact name registered with your bank.
2. Your BSB (Bank State Branch) number
A six-digit number that identifies your bank and branch. Find it on your bank statement, in your banking app under account details, or on your bank’s website.
Note: Australia does not use IBAN numbers. If your sender’s bank asks for an IBAN, explain that Australian banks use a BSB and account number instead.
3. Your account number
Usually 6-10 digits. Found alongside your BSB in your banking app or on your statement.
4. Your bank’s SWIFT code (BIC code)
An 8-11 character code that identifies your specific bank on the SWIFT network. Your sender’s bank needs this to route the transfer correctly.
SWIFT codes for major Australian banks:
| Bank | SWIFT / BIC code |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) | CTBAAU2S |
| ANZ | ANZBAU3M |
| NAB | NATAAU3303M |
| Westpac | WPACAU2S |
| Bankwest | BKWAAU6P |
| ING Australia | INGBAU2S |
| Macquarie Bank | MACQAU2S |
| Bendigo Bank | BENDAU3B |
| Bank of Queensland | QBANAU4B |
| Suncorp Bank | SUNCAU2S |
Where to find your bank’s SWIFT code: Your bank’s website (usually under “International transfers” or “How to receive money from overseas”), your banking app under account details, or call your bank directly.
5. Your bank’s name and branch address (sometimes required)
Some banks and some countries require the physical address of your bank branch. This is usually the address of the branch where you opened your account, or your bank’s head office address. Check with your bank if you are unsure.
What to give your sender — a simple template
Once you have your details, share them with your sender in this format:
Account name: [Your full legal name as on the account] Bank name: [Your bank — e.g. Commonwealth Bank of Australia] BSB: [e.g. 062-000] Account number: [e.g. 12345678] SWIFT/BIC code: [e.g. CTBAAU2S] Bank address: [Optional — your bank’s head office or branch address]
How long does it take?
International transfers to Australia via SWIFT typically take 2-5 business days from the time your sender initiates the transfer. The exact time depends on:
- The sending country and bank: Some countries process transfers faster than others
- Whether intermediary banks are involved: A transfer may pass through one or more correspondent banks before reaching Australia, each adding time
- The time the transfer is initiated: Transfers sent after a bank’s daily cut-off may not be processed until the next business day
- Public holidays: In either the sending country or Australia
Weekends and public holidays: Standard SWIFT transfers do not process on weekends or public holidays. A transfer initiated on a Friday afternoon may not begin moving until Monday.
Faster options: If your family is sending money via a specialist provider like OrbitRemit, transfers to your Australian bank account can arrive significantly faster — over 85% of Asia-Pacific transfers arrive within 2 hours using local payment rails rather than SWIFT.
What does it cost to receive money from overseas?
Receiving fees from your Australian bank: Most major Australian banks do not charge a fee to receive international transfers into an AUD account. However:
- CommBank: Free to receive into a standard AUD account; up to AUD $22 per transfer into a foreign currency account
- ANZ: Free to receive into an AUD account
- NAB: Free to receive
- Westpac: Free to receive
Intermediary bank fees: Even if your bank does not charge a receiving fee, intermediary banks along the SWIFT route may deduct fees from the transfer amount before it reaches your account. These fees are not disclosed upfront and can range from USD $10-$50 per bank. This means you may receive slightly less than the amount your sender sent.
Exchange rate margin: If your sender is sending in their local currency (e.g. INR, PHP, NPR) and it is converted to AUD, the exchange rate applied may include a margin. Using a specialist transfer service with a mid-market exchange rate (like OrbitRemit) means more AUD arrives for the same amount sent.
Receiving money from different countries
From India (INR to AUD)
If family in India is sending money to your Australian account, they can use UPI, NEFT or RTGS to send funds to a transfer service, which then delivers AUD to your Australian bank account. If they use OrbitRemit, the transfer is fee-free (AUD $0 transfer fee from India) and typically arrives within 2 hours.
From the Philippines (PHP to AUD)
Family in the Philippines can send via GCash, Maya or Philippine banks. OrbitRemit supports PHP to AUD transfers from the Philippines with direct delivery to Australian bank accounts.
From Nepal (NPR to AUD)
Family in Nepal can send via eSewa, IME Pay or Nepali banks. NZD to AUD transfers with OrbitRemit are also supported for the Nepal community in New Zealand.
From Vietnam (VND to AUD)
Family in Vietnam can send via bank transfer or mobile wallets. OrbitRemit supports VND to AUD delivery to Australian bank accounts.
From the UK (GBP to AUD)
Family in the UK can send via faster payments, CHAPS or SWIFT. OrbitRemit supports GBP to AUD transfers fee-free.
What if my transfer hasn’t arrived?
If your international transfer has not arrived within 5 business days:
- Ask your sender to check their bank — confirm the transfer was initiated and get the SWIFT GPI tracking number (a series of letters and numbers)
- Contact your Australian bank — give them the SWIFT GPI tracking number, the sending bank’s name and the transfer reference number; they can trace the payment
- Check the details were correct — an incorrect BSB or account number can cause the transfer to be returned to the sender (usually within 2-5 business days), or in rare cases, sent to the wrong account
NAB International Help Desk: 1300 888 413 (select option 2) CommBank: 13 2221 ANZ: 13 33 50 Westpac: 132 032
Australia does not use IBAN
This is the most common point of confusion for people sending money to Australia from Europe or the UK, where IBAN is standard.
IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used across Europe, the UK, the Middle East and many other regions. It is a standardised format that includes country code, check digits, bank code and account number in one string.
Australia does not use IBAN. If someone asks for your IBAN to send you money, give them your BSB and account number together — these serve the same function. You will also need to provide your bank’s SWIFT code.
Receiving money from Australia or New Zealand via OrbitRemit
If a family member in Australia or New Zealand is sending money to you using OrbitRemit, the transfer arrives directly into your Australian or New Zealand bank account — depending on which country it is sent from.
OrbitRemit supports:
- AUD transfers sent from Australia to 50+ countries
- NZD transfers sent from New Zealand to 50+ countries
- Transfers between Australia and New Zealand (AUD to NZD and NZD to AUD)
If someone in Australia is sending money to your overseas bank account, over 85% of Asia-Pacific transfers arrive within 2 hours directly to your bank account in India, the Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam and other supported countries.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
What details do I need to receive an international transfer in Australia?
Your full legal name, BSB, account number and your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code. Australia does not use IBAN.
What is the SWIFT code for CommBank?
CTBAAU2S. For ANZ: ANZBAU3M. For NAB: NATAAU3303M. For Westpac: WPACAU2S.
Does Australia use IBAN?
No. Australia uses BSB and account numbers for domestic transfers. For international transfers, senders need your BSB, account number and bank SWIFT code.
How long does an international transfer to Australia take?
2-5 business days via SWIFT. Faster with specialist providers — OrbitRemit delivers over 85% of Asia-Pacific transfers within 2 hours.
Is there a fee to receive international transfers in Australia?
Most major Australian banks do not charge a receiving fee for AUD transfers. Intermediary banks along the SWIFT route may deduct fees from the transfer amount before it arrives.
What if the sender entered wrong details?
An incorrect BSB or account number usually results in the transfer being returned to the sender within 2-5 business days. Contact your bank with the SWIFT GPI tracking number to trace the payment.
Related guides
- What is a SWIFT transfer? International bank transfers explained →
- What is PayID? How to send money in Australia →
- International transfer limits at Australian banks →
- OrbitRemit vs bank transfer →
What it means for your transfers
If you are in Australia and want to send money to family overseas — to India, the Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam or anywhere in OrbitRemit’s network — OrbitRemit is one of the reliable and most affordable options, with no hidden fees and over 85% of Asia-Pacific transfers arriving within 2 hours.
If family overseas needs to send money to your Australian bank account, they will need to use their local bank or a transfer service that operates in their country — provide them with your BSB, account number and bank SWIFT code.
This guide is for general information only. SWIFT codes and receiving fees are subject to change — always verify with your bank. Last updated August 2026.
Sources: movingtoaustralia.com — Send Money to Australia Complete Guide (July 1, 2026) | NAB — How to receive money from overseas (nab.com.au) | Airwallex — How to Receive Money From Overseas in Australia (July 22, 2026) | thecurrencyshop.com.au — Best ways to receive money from overseas in 2026 | Wise — Receive international transfer CommBank (wise.com/au)
