Big banks overcharging customers for overseas money transfers, finds ACCC
The ACCC has weighed in on the state of foreign currency conversion services, revealing that Australian consumers are losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars each year by not shopping around.
Its Foreign Currency Conversion Services Inquiry, released earlier this month, found that difficulties navigating International Money Transfer (IMT) services were leading to an over-reliance on the big four banks, despite more expensive rates.
“Consumers and small businesses tend to default to their usual bank to send money overseas, but this may not be the cheapest option. This is another example where consumers may end up paying more for their loyalty,” said ACCC Chair Rod Sims.
When big banks aren’t your best bet
When it comes to exchanging common currencies, like the US Dollar or the British Pound, Australians are especially unlikely to get the best deals from their banks.
As the report explains, if you’re planning to send an overseas money transfer of USD7000, you could save over AUD500 by opting for the cheapest IMT supplier instead of the most expensive big four bank.
In fact, between 2017 and 2018, customers of the big banks who sent IMTs in USD or GBP could have collectively saved an estimated AUD150 million had they used a cheaper IMT service instead.
And for anyone with plans to head overseas, the travel money cards provided by banks have also been found to run up costs, with many international fee-free credit cards or debit cards proving to be a more sensible alternative.
The ACCC found that customers could save up to AUD13 on a USD200 purchase when using a fee-free card rather than a travel card. Even with a regular credit or debit card with fees, there were savings of up to AUD5 to be made.
Ian Cragg, co-founder of SendFX, suggested that the report’s findings were long overdue, and urged Australians to look beyond the more familiar avenues for their IMT needs.
“The ACCC have delivered a very welcome investigation highlighting the excessive fees and charges suffered by both individuals and businesses when sending money to or from Australia,” he said.
“In this day and age it pays to look outside of the traditional means of a bank or credit union to make an international money transfer, whether it is to pay an overseas business supplier, sending money to family or move to another country.”
How to rescue the market
As part of its recommendations, the ACCC has urged IMT suppliers to address the lack of transparency surrounding prices. That means disclosing any hidden fees that might be awaiting customers, like correspondent banking fees or international transaction fees.
Nicholas Lembo, Country Manager at TransferWise Australia said confusing prices only stifle competition and make things more expensive for customers in the long-run.
“We call on the Government to take decisive action on this issue, and follow in the footsteps of the European Parliament by introducing laws that require transparent pricing where exchange rate markups and upfront fees are displayed as a total cost," he said.
Right now, there are several alternative foreign exchange providers you should keep in mind if you’re looking to send money abroad or convert funds to an overseas currency. Here are just a few.
Send - International Money Transfer
- Low minimum transfer amount of $250
- 100% Aussie customer service team
- Fee-free AUD transfers to more than 30 currencies
SendFX is dedicated to providing customers with competitive rates, speedy service and world class security. Creating an account shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, and when it comes to transferring money, you’ll easily be able to do so over the phone or via the SendFX app. And if there are any hiccups along the way, you can talk to SendFX’s expert customer service team, which is 100% Australia-based.
Wise - International Money Transfer
Our 2019 Mozo Experts Choice Award^ winner in the IMT category, TransferWise has made a habit of exceeding expectations. It uses the mid-market rate in its pricing, which is widely considered the fairest exchange rate. As for transfer speed, this will depend on things like the destination and the time the payment was made, but you can generally expect your money to be processed within a day.
TorFX - International Money Transfer
- Excellent exchange rates that beat the banks
- Quick and easy transfers
- Low minimum transfer amount of $200
TorFX specialises in fast and easy money transfers, with a heavy focus on security. Its intuitive platform will let you open an account and send money overseas without a hitch. You’ll even get a personal account manager to help you along the way.
WorldFirst - International Money Transfer
With fee-free transfers and a price match guarantee, WorldFirst has carved out a reputation for both value and convenience. Online transfers can be made online, over the phone, or via the app at any time of day. On top of that, WorldFirst gets extra points for speed, offering customers the ability to make same day payments in 30 different currencies.
XE - International Money Transfer
- Highly competitive interest rates
- 24/7 transaction access via online platform
- Access to transfer in 60 world currencies
With more than twenty years of experience, XE has had a lot of time to perfect its craft. In fact, just last year it facilitated the transfer of more than $74 billion. Transactions can be made 24/7, and you’ll be able to receive real-time updates on their progress online, or via email and text.
If you’re looking to compare more, be sure to visit our international money transfer comparison page.
* The exchange rates offered by each provider are indicative exchange rates that have either been supplied by each provider or gathered by Mozo. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly and as a consequence the exchange rates listed here may vary to the actual exchange rate you are quoted by a provider. Please ensure you confirm the actual exchange rate with the relevant provider prior to conducting any transaction. These exchange rates are updated every hour.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice International Money Transfer Awards
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