You don’t have to go to the bank to send money to another country anymore. Send Payments (formerly SendFX) and other fintech platforms promise faster, cheaper, and more open cross-border payments. But do they really follow through on that promise?
In this review, we’ll look at how Send Payments works, how well their international transfers work, what people say about them in real life, and whether or not it’s a good way to send money to other countries.
What is Send Payments (formerly SendFX)?
Send Payments is an international money transfer service based in Australia that helps people and businesses send large amounts of money to other countries. It changed its name from SendFX and now focuses mostly on FX transfers, currency conversion, and payments across borders.
The platform is designed to compete with traditional banks by offering:
- Faster international transfers
- Lower fees (often advertised as zero transfer fees)
- Better exchange rates than banks
- Dedicated support for larger transfers
It supports transfers to 180+ countries and multiple currencies, making it popular among expats, property buyers, and businesses.
How Do Send Payments International Transfers Work?
Send Payments operates a bit differently from traditional bank wires.
Here’s the basic process:
- You sign up and verify your identity
- You add a recipient (bank details required)
- You lock in an exchange rate (this is a key feature)
- You send money via bank transfer or PayID
- Send executes the FX conversion and pays out locally
The key feature is the ability to lock in an exchange rate, which protects you from currency fluctuations between the time you initiate and complete the transfer.
Are Send Payments Transfers Really Cheap?
Send Payments markets itself as “fee-free,” meaning there are usually:
- No upfront transfer fees
- No visible sending charges
However, the cost is built into the exchange rate margin.
Instead of charging a fee, they slightly adjust the FX rate compared to the real mid-market rate. This is a common model in the FX industry.
So in practice:
- You may not see a “fee”
- But you still pay through the exchange rate spread
This is important because it can affect how much your recipient actually receives.
Speed of International Transfers
Transfer speed depends on destination country and payment method, but generally:
- Some transfers arrive within hours
- Others take 1–2 business days
- First-time transfers may take longer due to verification
Compared to banks, this is usually faster. However, some users report delays caused by intermediary banking or compliance checks.
Exchange Rates: One of the Biggest Factors
Exchange rates are where Send Payments competes most aggressively with banks.
- Banks typically add large hidden FX margins
- Send Payments uses tighter margins closer to market rates
However, it still isn’t “true mid-market” pricing like some digital competitors.
For large transfers (property purchases, business payments), even small differences in FX rates can significantly affect the final amount received.
Safety and Regulation
Send Payments is generally considered a legitimate and regulated provider in Australia, operating under financial services rules.
User reviews also suggest strong customer support and guided assistance, especially for large transfers where mistakes can be costly.
Real User Experience
Customer feedback is mostly positive, especially around:
What users like:
- Smooth onboarding process
- Helpful account managers
- Faster-than-bank transfers
- Competitive exchange rates
Common concerns:
- Occasional delays in settlement
- Lack of full transparency on FX margins
- Possible intermediary bank deductions in rare cases
Some users also note that while pricing is competitive, services like Wise may feel more transparent for smaller transfers.
Pros and Cons of Send Payments
Pros
- No upfront transfer fees
- Competitive FX rates vs banks
- Good for large international transfers
- Dedicated support for customers
- Fast transfers in many corridors
Cons
- FX margin not fully transparent
- Not always the fastest option
- May involve intermediary bank fees in rare cases
- Less ideal for small, frequent transfers
Who Should Use Send Payments?
Send Payments works best for:
- Property buyers sending large sums abroad
- Expats transferring savings internationally
- Businesses paying overseas suppliers
- Users who prefer guided, human support
It may not be the best fit for:
- Small everyday transfers
- Users who want full transparency on FX breakdown
- People needing instant mobile-wallet payments
Final Verdict: Are Send Payments International Transfers Good?
Send Payments is a solid option for large international transfers, especially if you want:
- Human support
- Rate locking
- A simpler alternative to bank wires
However, it’s not the most transparent or flexible platform in the fintech space. While it often beats banks on cost and speed, it still relies on FX margins rather than fully transparent pricing.
Bottom line:
- Better than banks? Yes
- Best in fintech market? Depends on your needs
- Best for large transfers? Absolutely
Conclusion
Send Payments (formerly SendFX) is a solid choice for people handling large international transfers, especially if you value guided support, competitive exchange rates, and a straightforward process for sending money abroad. It performs better than traditional banks in most areas, particularly in speed and cost efficiency, but like many FX-focused platforms, it still relies on exchange rate margins that aren’t always fully transparent.
That means while it works well for property purchases, business payments, and cross-border personal transfers, it may not be the perfect fit for users who want full visibility into every fee or who send smaller, frequent amounts.
If you’re exploring better, more modern ways to manage international payments, it’s worth comparing your options before making a decision. Platforms like Paidley are built to simplify global money movement even further—offering a smoother experience for freelancers, businesses, and individuals who want clarity, speed, and lower friction when receiving or sending money across borders.
Looking for a smarter way to handle international payments?
Try Paidley today and take control of your cross-border transfers with ease, transparency, and better efficiency.