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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
When you send money to the UK from Australia, the goal is simple. Secure the best exchange rate, avoid unnecessary fees and ensure the transfer arrives safely and on time. At Regency FX we help clients transfer money from Australia to the UK in a cost effective way, with guidance on the right time to exchange and support throughout the process.
As an independent currency specialist, we have lower overheads than banks. This allows us to provide competitive AUD to GBP rates and a personalised service that helps you avoid high margins, delays and tax pitfalls sometimes associated with moving significant sums internationally.
This guide keeps the full process clear and simple. It explains how to transfer money from Australia to the UK, what fees to expect, how exchange rates work and why many people achieve a better outcome using a specialist instead of a bank.
There are several ways to send money to the UK from Australia, but every method follows the same basic process. Here are the four key steps.
All international money transfers require identity verification under AML regulations. This protects you from fraud and ensures your transfer reaches the correct UK bank account. Most people are verified quickly using their name, address and passport details.
Once your account is verified, you can secure a live AUD to GBP exchange rate. At Regency FX we monitor the market daily so we can help you choose the most favourable time to exchange. Because we handle Australia to UK transfers every day, we can offer highly competitive rates.
To send money to the UK from Australia, you simply complete a bank transfer into a secure client account. Details are provided in your confirmation email. If you have timing concerns, we can guide you throughout the process.
Once your AUD funds are received, they are exchanged into Pounds and transferred to the UK account you specify. Settlement usually takes one to four working days, sometimes faster depending on the receiving bank.
Exchange rates move constantly. Over five years, the AUD to GBP rate has risen and fallen significantly due to political events, economic announcements and global market changes.
A common market movement is two to three percent. On a transfer of $200,000, that difference can cost or save between $4000 and $6000. This is why timing and guidance matter.
Money transfer specialists track rates and alert you when the market moves in your favour. This support helps you get more Pounds for your Australian dollars.
Websites such as XE, Oanda and Daily FX show market rates called interbank rates. These are used only by banks and major financial institutions. They are not available to consumers and often include small disclaimers saying they are for information only.
To know your true rate, always request a live quote from a bank or money transfer specialist.
There are two main costs involved and these are:
Many people are aware of the transfer fees however, not that many people know about the exchange rates.
A lot of banks especially in Australia will charge a transfer fee per each money transfer abroad.
These fees are not the same with every bank.
I will give you an example of what the main banks in Australia charge:
CBA charge $6 if the amount is under $1,000 or $12 if the amount is over $1,000 and $30 if it is done within a branch.
ANZ charge $9 if the amount is under $10,000 or it is free if it is over $10,000.
NAB charge $30 regardless of how much you are sending.
Westpac charge $20 if it is done online or $32 if it is done in a branch.
Additional fees are ‘correspondent bank fees’.
Which is a fee charged by a different bank that was used within the process of transferring your money.
During the process if you make a mistake or you want to track your payment then that will cost you more money too!
Transferring money through a money transfer specialist will help you to avoid these fees!
Exchange rates are never standard as money transfer companies and banks set their own.
The banks do not offer very competitive rates.
Below, I will show you what the main banks in Australia have to offer using a $10,000 exchange with the online live exchange rates that these banks have to offer.
For example:
Westpac’s exchange rate margin is 5.10%
NAB’s exchange rate margin is 4.10%
ANZ’s exchange rate margin is 3.40%
CBA’s exchange rate margin is 5.30%
The general bank exchange rate margin is 4.5%
To make this clear for you I am going to give you a real-world example of this.
If you had a property is Australia that you have just sold and you are moving back to the UK, the property sells for $600,000 and you want to change that to Pounds, the bank is charging you 4.5% with exchange rate costs.
This means that $27,000 of your money is going to the bank because of the exchange rate costs, now that is a large amount of money in anyone's book!
The better the exchange rate, the more money you save!
Money transfer companies have a lot more to offer than the banks when it comes to international money transfers; not a lot of people are aware of this so they just end up going through their bank and losing money!
There are two categories.
Companies such as Wise, PayPal and Revolut allow you to send money through an app. They offer convenience but limited support. These options suit people transferring smaller amounts.
These are designed for high value transfers, property transactions or large personal payments. You get one to one assistance, guidance on timing and checks to prevent errors. Specialists can monitor the exchange rate for you and contact you when conditions improve.
Transfers to the UK usually arrive within three to four working days. Some banks are slower, while specialist brokers often move funds faster due to dedicated payment systems.
The cheapest method depends on the size of your transfer. For small amounts, online platforms may be cost effective. For larger transfers, a specialist currency broker usually offers lower exchange rate margins and fewer fees, resulting in more Pounds reaching the UK account. Banks are typically the most expensive due to higher margins and transfer charges.
Transfers usually take one to four working days. Some banks take longer due to slower processing times. Specialist brokers often complete transfers more quickly because they use streamlined payment networks.
Most providers require proof of identity such as a passport and proof of address. For larger payments, you may also need documentation showing where the funds came from, such as a property sale contract or investment statement.
Online rates are interbank prices used only by banks and large institutions. They do not reflect consumer rates. The real rate available to you includes a margin added by the provider. To know the accurate exchange rate, you need a live quote.
Bank fees vary but usually range from six to thirty dollars per transfer. Additional correspondent bank charges may apply if other banks handle the payment. These fees can significantly increase the total cost of your transfer.
Yes. Forward contracts allow you to secure an exchange rate for a future date, which can be helpful when buying property or budgeting for a planned move. A specialist broker can arrange this for you.
Regency FX is a UK based FCA regulated currency broker with a focus on high volume international money transfers. Every client receives a personal account manager for direct support. All funds are held in segregated client accounts in line with FCA rules.
Rates displayed on Google or financial websites rarely reflect what you will receive as a customer. They show market levels rather than consumer pricing.
A true comparison requires a live quote showing exactly how many Pounds will arrive in the UK after all fees and margins. Even if you are at the planning stage, such as looking for property, we can monitor the market on your behalf and help you budget effectively.
If you need to send money to the UK from Australia, request a free quote from Regency FX. Compare the rate to your bank and see how much more money you can keep.
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