ANZ boosts Plus transfers with tracking & fraud checks
Fri, 1st May 2026 (Today)
ANZ has upgraded its International Money Transfers feature on ANZ Plus, expanding its overseas payments offering for retail customers.
The update adds in-app tracking, estimated delivery times and status updates for international payments made through ANZ Plus. It also enables transfers to more than 250 destinations across ANZ's network, with New Zealand, India, the UK and Pacific markets among customers' most-used routes.
Some transfers to selected regions will be completed in near real time, while others will still depend on the destination and payment rails. ANZ has also added fraud monitoring through its Falcon system, along with scam warnings and biometric authentication in the app.
The changes reflect the importance of overseas payments for a large share of ANZ's customer base. Many users are migrants sending money to relatives abroad, while others are Australians supporting family members studying or working overseas.
Consumer focus
International money transfers have become an increasingly contested part of banking and payments, with banks and specialist providers competing on speed, price transparency and ease of use. Through its digital banking app, ANZ is bringing more of that process into a single interface, including visibility on rates, fees, estimated arrival times and transaction progress.
Customers sending foreign currency from an eligible account will not pay transfer fees. Correspondent fees will also be zero for selected currencies and destinations, although those terms vary by route.
ANZ Plus deposit accounts with payments functionality can access the service through the app. Support will be available through ANZ Plus Coaches during the rollout.
Kate Britton, Acting Managing Director Retail Products, Australia Retail, ANZ, outlined the rationale for the launch.
"Sending money overseas is a regular part of life for thousands of our customers. From migrants sending money to family back home to Australians supporting relatives studying or working overseas, we know how important it is that these payments are fast, reliable and secure.
"This upgrade means customers can send funds internationally in minutes in some regions, rather than days. Combined with ANZ's advanced fraud protection and real-time tracking, customers can have confidence their money is going where it needs to go - quickly and securely," Britton said.
Business changes
Business customers using ANZ Internet Banking or Phone Banking for overseas payments will continue to do so, with enhancements also being made to simplify those transactions. The changes are therefore not limited to consumer users of ANZ Plus, although the app-based service is the main focus of the update.
Cross-border payments remain an operational challenge for many smaller firms, particularly those paying overseas suppliers or managing invoices across multiple markets. Delays, unclear fees and limited payment visibility have long been common complaints among importers and other businesses with international supply chains.
John Campbell, Managing Director Transact and Save, Business & Private Bank, ANZ, said the bank sees a broader business case for faster payment processing and clearer transaction handling.
"By giving our customers confidence to pay overseas suppliers, quickly settle invoices and manage cash flow in near real time where available, we're simplifying international banking so they can focus on what matters most: growing their business.
"It's about giving our customers the financial infrastructure they need to compete - and win - on the global stage," Campbell said.
Competitive pressure
Australian banks have faced increasing pressure from financial technology groups in international payments, particularly in consumer remittances and small business transfers. Those providers have typically focused on lower fees, faster settlement and more transparent foreign exchange pricing, pushing incumbent lenders to modernise older transfer systems.
ANZ's latest changes show how major banks are responding by embedding transfer tools into mobile banking and highlighting security as a point of difference. In this case, ANZ is pairing speed and tracking features with fraud controls it says will help customers move funds overseas with greater confidence.
The service is now available through the ANZ Plus app on ANZ Plus deposit accounts with payments functionality.