Different ways to send or transfer money online

Key takeaways

• Choose the right payment method: From PayID® and BSB transfers to BPAY®, PayTo® and international money transfers, each option suits different needs, speeds and payment types
• Have the correct details ready: Whether it’s a BSB and account number, mobile number, biller code or SWIFT code, accurate payment details help you send money online quickly and securely.
• Protect your money: Always verify account details, watch for scams and use your bank’s security features to keep every transaction safe.

What is a bank transfer?

A bank transfer is an electronic movement of money from one bank account to another. Instead of using cash, you authorise your bank to move funds digitally using mobile or Online Banking. 

Bank transfers in Australia typically run through secure payment systems overseen by regulated financial institutions. Many operate under an Australian Financial Services Licence or an Australian Credit Licence framework.

There are several types of transfer options available:
 

• BSB and account number transfers
  
  
• PayID
  
  
• BPAY
  
  
• PayTo
  
  
• International money transfers
   

Each works slightly differently depending on who you’re paying and how quickly you need the funds to arrive.
 

How to transfer money using a BSB and account number

A traditional transfer using a BSB and account number is one of the most common ways to send money online in Australia. A BSB (Bank State Branch) identifies the recipient’s bank and branch, while the account number identifies their individual account.

You can use this method to pay a new payee, to send larger sums, or to set up a regular payment.

You’ll need: the recipient's full name, BSB, account number, payment amount, and may provide an optional reference. You don't need a debit card, credit card, or to go into a branch. 
 

In the Westpac App:
 

1. Tap $
   
   
2. Tap Pay someone
   
   
3. Select a saved payee or tap Add to create a new one
   
   
4. Tap BSB & Account if paying someone new
   
   
5. Follow the prompts to complete your payment.
    

In Westpac Online Banking:
 

1. Go to Payments>Make a payment
   
   
2. Select a saved payee from the drop-down menu, or select Pay new payee to create a new one
   
   
3. To add a new payee, enter the BSB, Account number and Account name. Review the payee details to ensure your transfer is paid into the correct account
   
   
4. Follow the prompts to complete your payment.

How to use PayID to send money

PayID is a fast and secure way to send money, by simply using the recipient’s mobile number. If you prefer, you can also use the recipient’s email address, ABN (which includes ACN, ARBN and ARSN), or organisation ID.

PayID transactions have the same level of security as your existing bank account payments, making it a safe and trustworthy way to send or transfer money online.

You can use PayID to pay friends, split bills, make quick repayments, or when you want to avoid entering long account details.

In Westpac Online Banking or the Mobile App:

1. Sign in and go to the payment section
   
   
2. Add a new PayID/mobile number or choose a PayID saved payee, and enter the amount
   
   
3. If the payee is registered for PayID, their name will be displayed on your screen to reassure you that the correct person is being paid
   
   
4. Once you confirm, the payment should be delivered almost instantly, 24/7. 
    

How to pay bills online with BPAY

BPAY is designed specifically for paying bills from participating billers across Australia. It can be a fast and hassle-free way to pay your bills.

Instead of entering a BSB and account number, you use:

• A BPAY Biller Code
  
  
• Your Customer Reference Number (CRN)
   

In the Westpac App:
 

1. Search BPAY in the Smart Search bar
   
   
2. Tap Pay payees & billers
   
   
3. Tap Billers to view BPAY billers or tap Add to add a new BPAY biller
   
   
4. Follow the prompts to complete your payment.
    

In Online Banking:
 

1. Go to Payments > Make a payment
   
   
2. Under Pay to, select BPAY
   
   
3. Choose an existing biller from the drop-down menu or select Pay new payee to add a new biller
   
   
4. To add a new biller, enter the biller code located on your bill and select Look up biller
   
   
5. Choose the biller code from drop-down menu
   
   
6. Enter your Customer Reference Number located on your bill
   
   
7. In From account select the account you want to pay from and then enter a description that will appear on your statement
   
   
8. Enter the payment amount, select the payment date, and when you’re ready, select Confirm. 

How to set up and use PayTo

PayTo is a newer digital payment service that gives you more visibility and control over payments from your account. Like PayID and BPAY, it runs on infrastructure provided by NPP Australia Limited.
 

1. You can use PayTo for recurring bills, memberships or subscriptions. Unlike older direct debit systems, PayTo agreements can be managed or cancelled directly in your Online Banking.A merchant sends you a PayTo agreement request.
   
   
2. Enter your PayID or eligible BSB and account number
   
   
3. Review the payment details, frequency, and limits, and authorise your new agreement on your phone or computer
   
   
4. Once approved, you can view, pause, or cancel your PayTo agreements at any time in Online Banking or the Westpac App. 
    

How to send money internationally from Westpac

If you need to send money internationally, you can do so quickly and securely in most foreign currencies via Online Banking or the Westpac App.
 

To use Westpac Online Banking to transfer money overseas, you’ll need to be a Westpac customer and be registered for both Online Banking and Westpac Protect SMS Code (a $20 fee applies).
 

You’ll also need to provide the recipient’s full name, their overseas bank account number, a SWIFT/BIC code, bank name and address, and the destination country.
 

You’ll pay no international transfer fees when you send foreign currency overseas from Australia via Online Banking or the Mobile App.
 

You can also receive money from overseas into your Westpac account.
 

Payment methof comparison table

How to keep your online transfers safe from scams

With millions of Australians using online banking, keeping your money safe is critical.

Fraudsters may attempt to intercept payment details, impersonate trusted contacts, or request urgent payments. Banks operate under strict data protection and security standards in Australia, but customers also play an important role in helping to protect themselves. To help stay safe online:

1. Always double-check account details before making a payment.
   
   
2. Never click suspicious emails or SMS links.
   
   
3. Be cautious if someone pressures you for urgent payment.
   
   
4. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
   
   
5. Keep your mobile wallet, banking app, and device software updated.
   
   
6. Monitor transactions regularly.
    

Be especially cautious with unexpected requests to change payment details for suppliers or overseas transactions. If you’re ever unsure, contact your bank before completing a transaction, especially when sending large amounts or transferring funds to a new payee.
 

To sum up

When it comes to sending money online, the payment method you choose depends on how fast you need to transfer funds, whether you’re paying a person, business, or government, whether it’s domestic or overseas, and the size of the payment you’re making. BPAY is often used for bill payments, PayTo can be suitable for recurring payments, while PayID and BSB and account transfers offer flexible options for everyday payments between bank accounts.

No matter how you choose to make a payment, understanding your options helps ensure your money transfer is secure, efficient, and suited to your needs.