Personal Finance Money transfer

How long do international bank transfers take in New Zealand?

Yadana Chaw

30.09.25

Read time 3 minutes

If you have to get money to someone overseas, you’ll need to arrange an international transfer with your bank, or choose a specialist provider like Wise to manage your payment digitally instead. When time is of the essence, choosing the right service can make a big difference to when the money is deposited into your recipient’s bank.

So - how long do international bank transfers take in New Zealand with your bank, or with an alternative provider like Wise? This guide covers international bank transfer times from the most popular providers in New Zealand.

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How long do international transfers take with New Zealand’s top providers? What affects the speed of transfer? Make fast and low-cost transfers to 140+ countries with Wise

How long do international transfers take with New Zealand’s top providers?

When you send money with a New Zealand bank to be deposited into a bank account overseas, it will usually be processed through the SWIFT network. This is a network of banks globally that works together to securely manage payments around the world. Up to 3 intermediary banks may be involved in any one SWIFT payment, passing the money along the line, much like taking a series of connecting flights to get to a destination. This system is secure, reliable, and well established - but it’s not usually very quick.

The SWIFT network can also mean you pay additional fees on the transfer you’re making, as intermediaries may deduct costs as they process the payment. Some New Zealand banks will absorb these costs, or allow you to pay them yourself. However, if not, your recipient might get less than you expected in the end.

Not all providers rely on SWIFT. Some, like Wise, have also created their own payment network to cut the delays and costs associated with using intermediaries and process transfers quicker.

So, how long do international bank transfers take in New Zealand? Here’s a comparison of the delivery times and methods for the most popular banks in New Zealand, compared to Wise - which could help you to move your money faster.

Provider	Typical transfer time	Transfer method	Network	Tracking available
Wise	Transfers can be fast or instant - delivery estimates shown in app	In app, online	Wise network of local accounts - some payments use SWIFT	Online and in-app
ANZ¹	2 business days	In app, online, by phone, in branch	SWIFT	Online and in app
BNZ²	2 business days subject to meeting cut-off time	In app, online, by phone, in branch	SWIFT	Online and in app
Westpac³	Not specified	In app, online, by phone, in branch, by email	SWIFT	Online and in app
Kiwibank⁴	Same day to Australia, 1 - 3 business days elsewhere	Online, by phone, in branch	SWIFT	Phone or email the bank to check
ASB⁵	2 business days	Online, by phone, in branch⁶	SWIFT	Phone or visit a bank branch to check
TSB Bank⁷	Delivery time depends on receiving bank	In branch, using online form	SWIFT	Phone or visit a bank branch to check
SBS Bank⁸	Not specified	In branch	SWIFT	Online
Heartland Bank⁹	Not specified	Online and in branch	SWIFT	Phone or visit a bank branch to check
The Co-operative Bank¹⁰	2 - 5 business days	Online and in branch	SWIFT	Phone or visit a bank branch to check

*Details correct at time of research - 15th September 2025

What affects the speed of transfer?

There are a few different factors which can change how long it takes for your money to be received. These can include:

The bank or provider you send money with

The value of the payment

The country and currency the money is being received in

The processes of the recipient’s bank

Any cut off times or holidays in New Zealand or the recipient’s country which may slow the processing time

It’s helpful to check with your own bank if there’s a cut off time for the currency or type of payment you’re making. If there is, you'll need to get your transfer request in before the cut-off, or your payment won’t be processed until the next working day. This can delay the arrival of your money even more than you might expect.

If you’re sending a high-value payment, you may also want to check with your bank if any additional documents or information are needed. It’s common to be asked for additional paperwork with high-value transfers, for security, and to comply with the law. You may need to provide proof of the source of the funds, for example, to show they’ve been legally received.

Make fast and low-cost transfers to 140+ countries with Wise

Wise is an easy way to save up to 6x when sending money overseas. You can make extra secure transfers to 140+ countries, which are easy to set up with no physical paperwork and completed usually in seconds.

With low, transparent pricing and the mid-market exchange rate for all your currency conversions for your foreign transfers, you'll usually get the best value for your money. Wise lets you see exactly what you're paying for a transfer, and what the recipient will get, with no hidden fees.

For managing foreign currencies even easier, create a free Wise account, and you'll be able to manage and convert your money in NZD and 40+ other currencies. Plus, you'll get local account details in 8+ currencies, making it easy to receive money from abroad whenever you need. You'll be able to track your transfers all in one place.

When it comes to international transfers, Wise makes things easier and cheaper.

📤 Send money with Wise

This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected New Zealand banks and other similar providers in Jan 2025. To learn more please visit https://payout-surge.live/nz/compare%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Sources:

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.