Making an International Money Transfer
Sending money to an account overseas involves using the SWIFT network, which allows funds to be moved securely between international financial institutions. When you initiate an international transfer with Commonwealth Bank, you will need to provide specific details about the recipient and their bank to ensure the funds are routed correctly. Because this process involves multiple banks and currency exchange, it is important to allow sufficient time for the transaction to be completed.
Before you begin your transfer, ensure you have the recipient's full details, including their bank's SWIFT or BIC code. Providing accurate information is the most effective way to help prevent delays. It is also helpful to review the applicable exchange rates and any potential fees before finalizing the transfer, as these can vary depending on the destination country and the amount being sent.
Key Information for International Transfers
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Methods | CommBank App, NetBank (Online) |
| Processing Time | Typically 3–5 business days |
| Eligibility | Active transaction account holders |
| Key Requirements | Recipient’s name, address, SWIFT/BIC code, account number |
To make an international money transfer from CBA you should:
in the NetBank:
- log in to online banking
- choose Transfers & BPAY
- select the account from which the money will be debited
- select the account to transfer
- or choose + New payee, then Create new > Transfer > and enter BSB, Account number, Account name
- fill in a sum of the transfer
- press Pay
in the mobile app:
- log in to online banking
- tap Pay & Transfer
- select Pay Someone
- choose a recipient from the address book or create a new one following the prompts
- fill in the sum of the financial operation
- select the account from which the money will be debited
- tap Pay
Troubleshooting Common Issues
MFA / Login Issues
If you cannot initiate a transfer because you aren't receiving your security code (NetCode), this is often caused by mobile network congestion. A simple fix is to toggle your phone's airplane mode to force a network refresh. If the code still fails to arrive, contact the bank to verify your mobile number on file is current.
Browser or App Errors
Sometimes the international transfer screen may fail to load or process your details. This usually happens when the application cache is cluttered or the app requires an update. Try clearing your app cache or updating the software through your app store. If the problem continues, log in via a desktop browser, which often provides a more stable connection.
Locked Account / ID Issues
Entering your login details incorrectly multiple times will trigger a security lock to protect your account. You cannot resolve this through self-service if your access is suspended. The fallback action is to call the bank's support team or visit a branch, as staff must manually verify your identity before they can restore your access.
Pro-Tip: Double-check the SWIFT/BIC code provided by the recipient before you confirm the transaction. Using the correct code ensures your funds are routed directly, which can help avoid extra fees from intermediary banks and prevent processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do international transfers take to arrive?
While Commonwealth Bank processes these requests promptly, the actual time it takes for funds to appear depends on the receiving bank's processing times and any intermediary banks involved in the transaction. A real-world scenario is a transfer to a smaller regional bank in another country, which may take longer than a transfer to a major global institution. One limitation is that weekends and public holidays in either Australia or the destination country can cause additional delays. Your next step is to wait for the expected 3–5 business day period before querying the status.
What is the CBA OSKO offer in Australia?
Osko is not an "offer," a promotion, or a service you need to sign up for; it is the brand name for the payment infrastructure (the New Payments Platform) that enables fast, near real-time transfers between Australian bank accounts, 24/7. It is standard technology integrated into your CommBank account. There is no Osko offer to claim—it is simply how the system processes fast domestic payments. It is completely independent of international transfers, which utilize the SWIFT network.
