Summary
Australian bank international transfer limits vary significantly — CommBank’s default is AUD $5,000/day via app or NetBank, upgradeable to $50,000; ANZ defaults to AUD $1,000 online, upgradeable to $25,000 with the ANZ Shield security app; NAB defaults to AUD $5,000, upgradeable to $300,000 via internet banking; Westpac defaults to just AUD $750 digitally but can reach AUD $2 million with additional security
There is no legal limit on international money transfers from Australia — the limits are set by individual banks and security systems, not by law; most banks allow higher transfers by phone or in branch, though higher fees may apply for non-digital transactions
For large transfers, specialist providers like OrbitRemit often have more flexible limits — OrbitRemit supports transfers up to AUD $50,000 per transfer via PayID, with higher limits available on request; fee-free on major Asia-Pacific corridors
When you need to send a large amount overseas — transferring savings to buy property, paying university fees, making a business payment, or supporting family with a significant expense — your bank’s daily transfer limit can become a real obstacle. The four major Australian banks set their own limits, and the default amounts are often surprisingly low.
Here is what you need to know about each bank’s limits and how to increase them if you need to send more.
Is there a legal limit on international transfers from Australia?
No. There is no legal maximum on how much you can transfer overseas from Australia. However:
- AUSTRAC reporting: Any international transfer of AUD $10,000 or more must be reported to AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) by your bank or transfer provider. This happens automatically — you do not need to do anything yourself.
- Source of funds: For very large transfers (typically above AUD $50,000-$100,000), your bank may ask for documentation showing the source of the funds — payslips, property sale contracts, tax returns, etc.
- Bank limits: Individual banks set their own maximum transfer amounts, which are separate from any legal requirement.
CommBank international transfer limits
Default limit (app and NetBank): AUD $5,000 per day
How to increase:
- Contact CommBank support on 13 2221 — they can increase your limit to a maximum of AUD $50,000
- The NetCode SMS security system is typically required for higher limits
Maximum limit: AUD $50,000 per day (via app/NetBank with increased limit)
For larger transfers: CommBank can process transfers above $50,000 by calling the bank directly or visiting a branch. Higher branch fees apply (AUD $30 in branch vs free online for foreign currency transfers).
SWIFT code: CTBAAU2S
Processing time: 1-3 business days
ANZ international transfer limits
Default limit (online/app): AUD $1,000 per day
This is the lowest default limit of any of the big four — the AUD $1,000 default applies immediately when you try to make a transfer online.
How to increase:
- Download and activate the ANZ Shield security app — this raises your digital limit to AUD $25,000 per day
- For amounts above $25,000: use ANZ Phone Banking (13 33 50) — no transaction limit applies to phone banking international transfers
Maximum limit:
- Online/app with ANZ Shield: AUD $25,000 per day
- Phone banking: No transaction limit
For larger transfers: ANZ Phone Banking has no limit on international transfers — useful for large property purchases, business payments or significant family transfers.
SWIFT code: ANZBAU3M
Processing time: 1-3 business days
NAB international transfer limits
Default limit (internet banking/app): AUD $5,000 per day
SMS security registration is required to make any international transfer through NAB Internet Banking or the NAB app.
How to increase:
- Contact NAB on 13 22 65 to request a higher limit
- Maximum via NAB Internet Banking: AUD $300,000
- Maximum via NAB App: AUD $20,000
Maximum limit:
- NAB Internet Banking: AUD $300,000
- NAB App: AUD $20,000
- Phone banking: Higher amounts available — call 13 22 65
SWIFT code: NATAAU3303M
Processing time: 1-3 business days
Westpac international transfer limits
Default limit (online/app): AUD $750 per day
Westpac has the lowest digital default of any major bank — AUD $750 per day — which can be a significant limitation for even moderate overseas transfers.
How to increase:
- Register for Westpac Protect SMS code to increase digital limit to AUD $200,000
- For transfers above AUD $200,000: call 1300 655 505 and obtain a SecurID Token
- Maximum: AUD $2 million per transaction (with SecurID Token)
- Daily total as personal customer: AUD $2 million
Maximum limit:
- With SMS protect: AUD $200,000
- With SecurID Token: AUD $2 million per transaction
For large transfers: Westpac has the highest maximum limit of the big four for personal customers — up to AUD $2 million per transaction with the right security setup.
SWIFT code: WPACAU2S
Processing time: 1-3 business days
Quick comparison table
| Bank | Default digital limit | With security upgrade | Phone banking |
|---|---|---|---|
| CommBank | AUD $5,000/day | AUD $50,000 | Higher — call branch |
| ANZ | AUD $1,000/day | AUD $25,000 (ANZ Shield) | No limit |
| NAB | AUD $5,000/day | AUD $300,000 (internet banking) | Higher — call 13 22 65 |
| Westpac | AUD $750/day | AUD $2 million (SecurID Token) | Higher limits available |
What to do if your transfer exceeds your bank’s limit
Option 1: Increase your bank’s digital limit Call your bank and request a higher transfer limit. This usually requires a security upgrade (SMS verification, security app or security token). Processing may take 1-2 business days before the new limit is active.
Option 2: Use phone banking Most banks allow higher international transfers by phone than online. ANZ has no phone banking limit; CommBank and NAB also process larger amounts by phone. Note that phone banking fees may be higher than online — always check.
Option 3: Visit a branch Branch transfers typically allow higher amounts than digital channels. Branch fees apply (usually AUD $20-$32 for international transfers at major banks).
Option 4: Use a specialist transfer provider Specialist providers like OrbitRemit, Wise or OFX often have higher per-transfer limits than bank digital channels and may charge lower fees for large transfers. OrbitRemit supports up to AUD $50,000 per transfer via PayID, with fee-free transfers on major Asia-Pacific corridors and fees waived entirely above AUD $10,000 on standard corridors.
Option 5: Split into multiple transfers If your bank’s daily limit is below the amount you need to send, you can split the transfer over multiple days. For time-sensitive large transfers, this is usually not ideal — contact your bank or use a specialist provider instead.
AUSTRAC reporting — what you need to know
Every international transfer of AUD $10,000 or more is automatically reported to AUSTRAC by your bank or transfer provider. This is a legal requirement under Australian anti-money laundering law. You do not need to do anything yourself — your bank handles the report.
What it means in practice: There is no additional paperwork required for most personal transfers, even large ones. AUSTRAC reporting is automatic and invisible to the sender. However, if your bank asks about the source of funds for a very large transfer, this is part of their due diligence process — not a suggestion that anything is wrong.
Large transfers — what your bank may ask for
For transfers above approximately AUD $50,000-$100,000, your bank may ask for:
- Source of funds documentation: Payslips, tax return, property sale contract, inheritance documentation
- Purpose of transfer: Why you are sending the money (property purchase, family support, business payment)
- Recipient details: Full name, bank account details and relationship to you
Having these ready before you call avoids delays.
OrbitRemit limits
| Payment method | Limit per transfer |
|---|---|
| PayID | AUD $50,000 |
| Bank transfer | Check orbitremit.com for current limits |
| Fee-free above | AUD $10,000 (most corridors) |
For transfers above AUD $50,000, contact OrbitRemit support at [email protected] before initiating.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
How much can I send overseas from CommBank?
CommBank’s default online limit is AUD $5,000 per day, upgradeable to AUD $50,000 by calling 13 2221. For larger amounts, contact the branch directly.
How much can I send overseas from ANZ?
ANZ defaults to AUD $1,000 per day online — the lowest of the big four. Upgrade to AUD $25,000 with the ANZ Shield security app. For unlimited amounts, use ANZ Phone Banking (13 33 50).
How much can I send overseas from NAB?
NAB’s default is AUD $5,000 per day via app or internet banking (SMS security required). Contact NAB to increase to AUD $300,000 via internet banking or AUD $20,000 via the app.
How much can I send overseas from Westpac?
Westpac defaults to AUD $750 per day digitally. Register for Westpac Protect SMS to reach AUD $200,000; use a SecurID Token for up to AUD $2 million per transaction.
Is there a legal limit on international transfers from Australia?
No. Banks set their own limits. Transfers of AUD $10,000 or more are automatically reported to AUSTRAC by your bank — you do not need to do anything.
What if I need to send more than my bank allows?
Increase your digital limit by calling your bank, use phone banking (which usually has higher limits than digital channels), or use a specialist transfer provider like OrbitRemit.
Related guides
- How to receive money from overseas in Australia →
- What is a SWIFT transfer? International bank transfers explained →
- OrbitRemit vs bank transfer →
What it means for your transfers
For most everyday transfers — sending money home to family in India, the Philippines, Nepal or Vietnam — OrbitRemit is significantly faster and cheaper than a bank transfer, regardless of your bank’s limit. Fee-free on major Asia-Pacific corridors, with the rate locked at confirmation and over 85% arriving within 2 hours.
Bank limits are subject to change. Always verify current limits directly with your bank before making a large transfer. Last updated August 2026.
Sources: NAB — Daily limits for online payments (nab.com.au) | Wise — International transfer limits Australia (wise.com/au, Commbank large amount transfers) | thecurrencyshop.com.au — International money transfer limits guide 2026 (March 2026) | thecurrencyshop.com.au — ANZ transfer limit 2026 | thecurrencyshop.com.au — Westpac transfer limit 2026
