How do I transfer money from my US bank account? Full guide
If you want to transfer money to your US bank account, but not sure how, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll show you the answer.
What is a BSB code? How to get one and where to find it.
What is a BSB code? In short, BSB stands for Bank State Branch. It is a six-digit code used to identify a bank or financial institution and branch in Australia.
Below, we'll explain how BSB codes work, where to find one, and what details you may need to send money from the US to Australia or New Zealand. We'll also look at Wise as one option for international transfers, with fees shown upfront.1
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What does BSB mean in banking?
BSB stands for Bank State Branch. Australian banks and other financial institutions use BSB codes to route payments to the right institution and branch or processing location.
What is a BSB code, and how long is it?
A BSB is a six-digit code. It is used with an account number to identify where an Australian payment should go.2
BSB codes are usually written as XXX-XXX. The digits traditionally identify the financial institution, state, and branch. However, some institutions now use a single BSB across many or all accounts, so you should not rely on the digits alone to work out where an account is held.
For example, many National Australia Bank (NAB) BSB codes begin with 08. The full six-digit code identifies the relevant branch or processing location. You can check a current NAB BSB with the bank's official BSB search tool.
How do I find a BSB number?
If you have an Australian bank account, you can usually find your BSB in your banking app, online banking portal, or account statement.
If you're sending money to someone in Australia, ask the recipient to confirm their BSB and account number. You can also check the bank's official website or contact the bank before sending. This is safer than guessing from a partial BSB or an old list.
Here are common BSB details and lookup tools for several Australian banks. Always check the details against the recipient's account before you send money.
| Bank | BSB information or official lookup |
|---|---|
| AMP Bank | My AMP accounts use 939-200; AMP Bank GO accounts use 939-900. Check AMP contact information. |
| ANZ | BSBs vary by account or branch. Find ANZ locations. |
| Bank of Queensland (BOQ) | Most accounts use 124-001; accounts managed in the myBOQ app use 124-899. Check BOQ's BSB information. |
| Bankwest | BSBs vary by account or branch. Find a Bankwest location. |
| Bendigo Bank | BSBs vary by account or branch. Find a Bendigo Bank location. |
| Commonwealth Bank | BSBs vary by account or branch. Use the CommBank locator. |
| NAB | BSBs vary by account or branch. Search NAB BSBs. |
| Suncorp Bank | Suncorp Bank lists 484-799 for its accounts. Check Suncorp Bank's BSB information. |
| Westpac | BSBs vary by account or branch. Use the Westpac locator. |
What is my bank's BSB number?
If you bank in Australia, sign in to your bank's app or online banking portal and open your account details. Your BSB should appear with your account number. It may also be shown on a bank statement.
If someone in the US wants to send you money, copy the BSB directly from your account details. Do not send a general bank BSB unless your bank confirms that it applies to your account.
Send money to Australia or New Zealand with Wise
If you're sending money from the US to Australia or New Zealand, compare the total cost before choosing a provider. Banks and money transfer services may charge an upfront fee, add a markup to the exchange rate, or both.
Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and shows its fee before you send.1 The fee varies by currency, amount, and payment method. You can review the current cost in the transfer calculator and compare providers on the Wise comparison page.
What is the bank account number format in Australia and New Zealand?
In Australia, you will normally need the recipient's six-digit BSB and account number to send money to a bank account.
New Zealand does not use Australian BSB codes. A New Zealand bank account number is usually 15 or 16 digits and follows this format: XX-XXXX-XXXXXXX-XX or XX-XXXX-XXXXXXX-XXX.3
Here's what each part means:
- The first two digits identify the bank.
- The next four digits identify the branch.
- The next seven digits identify the account.
- The final two or three digits are the account suffix.
When sending money to New Zealand, copy the account number exactly as the recipient or bank provides it.
Bottom line
If you're sending money to Australia, confirm the recipient's BSB and account number before you pay. The BSB is always six digits, but it may identify a branch or a shared processing location. If anything looks wrong, check with the recipient's bank.
For an international transfer, compare the exchange rate, fees, delivery estimate, and amount the recipient will get. Banks are not your only option, and a provider such as Wise may offer a lower total cost for your transfer.
Frequently asked questions about BSB
Is a BSB the same as an IBAN?
No. An International Bank Account Number (IBAN) identifies a bank account in countries that use the IBAN system. Australia does not use IBANs for domestic bank accounts. A BSB identifies an Australian bank, branch, or processing location.
Is a BSB the same as an IFSC code?
No, but the codes serve a similar purpose. An Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) identifies a bank branch in India. A BSB identifies a bank, branch, or processing location in Australia.
Is a BSB number the same as a SWIFT code?
No. A BSB is used to route payments to Australian bank accounts. A SWIFT or Bank Identifier Code (BIC) identifies a financial institution in the international SWIFT network.
For an international transfer, the required details depend on the bank, currency, and transfer method. You may need the recipient's BSB and account number, the bank's SWIFT/BIC, or all three. Check the instructions from the recipient's bank before sending.
Is a bank code the same as a BSB?
Not always. “Bank code” is a general term for a code that identifies a bank. A BSB is the specific six-digit code used to route Australian payments to a bank and branch or processing location.
Sources
- Wise US pricing and Wise money transfer comparison
- Australian Payments Network: BSB and Australian account format, BOQ BSB information, NAB BSB search, AMP contact information, and Suncorp Bank BSB information
- ANZ New Zealand domestic payment file format
All sources checked September 2026
*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.
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