Transferring money to an account at a different Australian bank is a standard procedure within the Commonwealth Bank mobile app and NetBank. Most payments within Australia utilize the New Payments Platform (NPP), which facilitates fast processing between participating financial institutions, often resulting in the funds being available to the recipient within minutes.
When you initiate a transfer, you will need the recipient’s BSB and account number. If the destination bank does not support real-time payments, the transaction will be processed via the traditional direct entry system, which generally takes one to two business days to clear.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Methods | CommBank app, NetBank (desktop), and phone banking. |
| Processing Time | NPP payments typically occur within minutes; standard transfers 1–2 business days. |
| Eligibility | Personal and business account holders with NetBank access. |
| Key Requirements | Recipient BSB, account number, and sufficient cleared funds. |
Using NetBank (Online Banking)
- Log in to your NetBank account.
- Navigate to Transfers & BPAY.
- Choose the account from which the money will be debited.
- Select the recipient's account. If it's not already listed, click + New payee, then Create new > Transfer, and enter the recipient's BSB, account number, and account name.
- Enter the amount to transfer.
- Click Pay to complete the transaction.
Using the CommBank App
- Open the CommBank app and log in.
- Tap on Pay & Transfer.
- Choose Pay Someone.
- Select an existing payee or tap the + icon to add a new one. For a new payee, enter their BSB, account number, and account name.
- Enter the amount to transfer.
- Confirm the details and tap Pay Now to complete the transfer.
Using PayID
PayID allows for faster and easier transfers using identifiers like mobile numbers or email addresses:
- Open the CommBank app or log in to NetBank.
- Navigate to Transfers & BPAY and select the recipient's PayID type (e.g., mobile number or email address).
- Enter the recipient's PayID details.
- Enter the amount to transfer.
- Confirm the details and complete the transfer. First-time payments to a new payee may be held for up to 24 hours as a security measure.
Troubleshooting common issues
MFA or login issues
If you are unable to log in to complete your transfer, it is often due to a poor internet connection or an authentication delay. Try restarting the app or your browser. If your multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes are not appearing, ensure your mobile number is updated in your profile or call the bank to verify your security settings.
Browser or app errors
Sometimes digital portals experience temporary glitches. If the payment screen hangs or displays an error, refresh your browser or clear the cache of the app. If the error continues, wait a short time before trying again to avoid creating duplicate transaction requests.
Locked account or access issues
If your account has been locked due to security protocols, you will not be able to perform transfers. This occurs if the system detects unusual activity. You will need to speak with a bank representative in person or via telephone banking to verify your identity and restore your ability to make payments.
Pro-Tip: Before confirming a transfer, double-check the BSB and account number, as these cannot be reversed once processed. If you are sending money to a new recipient, perform a small "test" transfer first to confirm the funds arrive at the intended destination before sending the full amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn't the money reached the recipient yet?
While many payments are processed in near-real-time, some transfers may be delayed due to security reviews or because the recipient's bank does not participate in the New Payments Platform (NPP). For example, if the transfer is large, the bank may conduct a manual check for security purposes. One limitation is that transfers initiated over a weekend or public holiday may not be processed until the next business day. Your next step is to check your "Transaction history" in the app; if it shows as 'processed,' contact the recipient to confirm their bank status.
What should I do if I sent the money to the wrong account?
If you realize you have entered the incorrect BSB or account number, contact the bank immediately. Because the banking system processes transfers quickly, it is often difficult to cancel a payment once it has been submitted. The bank may be able to lodge a "misdirected payment" claim, though the recovery of funds depends on the other party's cooperation. Your next step is to call Commonwealth Bank’s support line and provide the exact transaction details so they can investigate the possibility of a recall.
