Mozo guides

What are peer to peer international money transfers?

woman on a phone using a p2p platform

Anyone looking to transfer money overseas knows the importance of securing a competitive exchange rate. But what if you could get your hands on the ‘real’ exchange rate, or close to it, that generally only applies to banks and FX providers, otherwise known as the mid-market rate? Well, now you can, thanks to an innovative new concept dubbed peer to peer transfers.

How do peer to peer money transfers work?

Think of peer to peer transfers just like any other social sharing movement like P2P lending, car sharing, and clothes swaps. The middle man is removed from the scenario, so that everyday consumers can deal directly with each other and save big time.

So when it comes to peer to peer money transfers specifically, you’re not dealing with a bank or foreign exchange provider who applies a margin to your exchange rate but with a P2P platform that connects you directly with a stranger in the country you’re looking to transfer money to.

Who are the peer to peer players in Australia?

In Australia, peer to peer transfers is still somewhat in its infancy, with only two main providers offering the service...

  • CurrencyFair: This P2P platform provides foreign exchange services to a great range of countries around the world but is based in Dublin, Australia and the UK. Exchange rates are set by users, which CurrencyFair says are usually no more than 0.5% from the interbank rate.
  • Wise: By comparison, Wise has a slightly different model. While it matches you with other members looking to transfer a similar amount to you, the users don’t set the exchange rates, instead Wise offers the mid market rate at the time of transfer.

How do peer to peer providers make a profit?

You might be thinking, “so what’s the catch, how do peer to peer providers make their money?” Of course, P2P platforms need to turn the lights on, so in return for matching you with a peer overseas, they charge a service fee, which is generally a percentage of the amount you’re transferring. For instance, at the time of writing Wise charges a fee starting from 0.35%.

Is transferring money through a peer to peer provider safe?

As peer to peer providers are fairly new to the foreign exchange landscape, you may be worried about whether it’s safe to trust them with your money. The good news is that all the providers we looked at are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which requires financial providers to be transparent and treat customers fairly.

How long does it take?

Transfer times are pretty similar to that of a bank, generally they can take about 1-4 business days, depending on the amount and the country you’re sending the funds to.

Is a peer to peer provider really for me?

If you’re unsure if transferring through a P2P platform is the way to go, then here’s a quick snapshot of the pros and cons to help you decide:

PROS:

  • Competitive rates: As you’re receiving the ‘real’ exchange rate, or near to it, you’ll likely receive a much better rate on your exchange than if you had gone through your bank, which ultimately means one thing - more money in the receiving bank account!
  • Regulated through ASIC: Both Wise and CurrencyFair are regulated by ASIC, which means you’re sending funds through a licensed and regulated international money transfer provider in Australia.
  • No minimum transfers: Generally speaking, peer to peer providers don’t have minimums on the amount you can transfer, so if you’re simply looking to transfer $100 for Aunt Meg’s birthday, you can do just that.

CONS:

  • Fees are charged as percentages: Peer to peer platforms make their money through charging a percentage of the amount you’re transferring, so for larger transfers this could outweigh the value of the competitive exchange rate.
  • Waiting times may apply: If the platform can’t find a match to transfer your money at the rate you want, you could be waiting some time to make a transfer, which won’t do if you’re in a rush. However, you may have the option of a quicker transfer by using their best available rate.

What are the steps of transferring through a peer to peer provider?

So now that you’ve got the lowdown on transferring money through a P2P provider, you might be wondering how the actual process works. Well, the good news is, just like any other money transfer, it’s pretty seamless...

  • Step 1: Set up an account with the peer to peer platform, providing all your details, such as the amount you’re looking to transfer, the currency you’re transferring from and to, your bank account details and the recipient’s bank account details.
  • Step 2: Transfer the funds to the peer to peer platform’s account.
  • Step 3: The P2P provider will convert these funds by matching them with another customer in their database.
  • Step 4: After they’ve found your match and you’ve agreed to the transfer, the peer to peer provider will then transfer the funds directly into the recipient’s bank account.

So in four simple steps - which are largely done by the P2P provider - you will have transferred your money across the globe through the peer to peer method.

Personal international money transfer comparisons on Mozo

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Last updated 30 October 2024 Important disclosures
I want to transfer
to
Today’s foreign exchange rates
  • Excellent exchange rates, no transfer fees
  • 24/7 transfers online, over the phone or through the TorFX app
  • Personal account management and expert insights

$6,537 USD

  • IN PERSON
    n/a
    BY PHONE
    $0
    ONLINE
    $0
  • $0.6537 USD

  • 1-2 days

  • $200 minimum

  • Send to 200+ countries and 100+ currencies globally, 48,000+ 5-star 'Excellent' ratings on TrustPilot
  • Dedicated Australia-based client services team with personal account management for transfers over $20,000
  • Send fees are charged on smaller amount transfers, additional fees are charged on debit and credit card payment methods.

$6,520 USD

  • IN PERSON
    n/a
    BY PHONE
    n/a
    ONLINE
    $5
  • $0.6524 USD

  • 1-3 days

  • none

  • 40 currencies to choose from
  • Transfer money internationally, free from hidden fees
  • Get a debit card to spend online, at the checkout, and to withdraw cash

$6,526 USD

  • IN PERSON
    n/a
    BY PHONE
    n/a
    ONLINE
    $0
  • $0.6526 USD

  • 1-3 days

  • $1.5m maximum

  • Fee Free transfers
  • Talk to a human, 24/7. Sharp Rates and Fast and Secure transfers.
  • Australian owned, ASX listed and Official Foreign Exchange Provider of the NHL

$6,520 USD

  • IN PERSON
    n/a
    BY PHONE
    $0
    ONLINE
    $0
  • $0.6520 USD

  • 1-2 days

  • $250 minimum
    $500 monthly minimum for regular transfers

  • Zero fees on the first transfer transfers from AUD to USD, GBP, MYR, PHP, THB (for amounts AUD $200 - $7,999). T&Cs apply.
  • Transfer in minutes, 24/7 Live support
  • Wide range of options - Cards, Bank transfer, Wire, Cash pickup and E-wallet

$6,514 USD

  • IN PERSON
    n/a
    BY PHONE
    $0
    ONLINE
    $0
  • $0.6514 USD

  • Within minutes

  • no minimum

Maria Gil
Maria Gil
Money writer

Maria Gil writes across all of our personal finance areas here at Mozo. Her goal is to help you think smarter about money and have more in your pocket. Maria earned a journalism degree in Florida in the United States, where she has contributed to major news outlets such as The Miami Herald. She also completed a masters of digital communications at the University of Sydney. When Maria isn’t busy with all things finance, you can find her tucked away reading fantasy books. She is also ASIC RG146 (Tier 2) certified for general advice.


* 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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