How I've been sending money to my family for 7 years without losing a penny: My story with Wise

Camila Patiño
Jun 22
2 min read

Opening a bank account in Australia is a key step for any migrant. But when I moved, I faced a small yet significant problem: How do I transfer money into my Australian account without waiting days or paying outrageous fees?

Today, I want to share how I’ve spent the last 7 years using Wise to send money to my family without headaches or unnecessary losses. Plus, I’ll explain how you can use this app to manage your finances in Australia from day one — even before receiving your physical card!

Why Wise became my go-to solution for sending money

When I opened my bank account in Australia, I realised the debit card would take about 10 days to arrive at my address. Did that mean I couldn’t use my account? Not at all. This is where Wise stepped in.

Wise is a platform that allows international transfers with super low fees and fair exchange rates — much better than what traditional banks or exchange houses offer.

Since then, I’ve used Wise every month to send money from my home country to my Australian account. The app is intuitive, fast and secure. Plus, if you register with my referral link [insert link], you’ll get a discount on your first transfer so you can try it out risk-free.

How to withdraw cash without a card: Step-by-step with Commonwealth Bank

Once the money reaches your Australian account, how can you access it without your physical card? Here's my favourite method: using Commonwealth Bank’s Cardless Cash feature:

Download the Commonwealth Bank app on your phone. It’s free and very easy to use.
Go to the nearest Commonwealth Bank ATM and on the main screen, select the Cardless Cash option (bottom left).
In the app, tap on Pay at the bottom menu, then Cardless Cash & Deposits, and finally Cardless Cash.
Choose the amount to withdraw and the account to withdraw from. Add a description and confirm.
The app will show you two codes: the Cash code and the Cash PIN. Keep them handy on screen or write them down.
At the ATM, enter the Cash code first, then the Cash PIN.
That’s it! The ATM will dispense the cash — no card needed.

Why I recommend Wise and this method:

You save on fees and exchange rates every time you send money.
You’re not dependent on your physical card to manage your funds.
You can do everything from your phone — quickly and securely.
It’s perfect for those starting their journey in Australia who want to manage their money with peace of mind.

Opening your Australian bank account is just the beginning. Thanks to Wise and Commonwealth Bank’s cardless withdrawal method, you can take control of your money efficiently, securely, and affordably from day one.

Want to try Wise with a discount on your first transfer? Click here to access your bonus.

If you have questions about the process or need guidance, feel free to reach out to us on our new WhatsApp line for personalised assistance. At AustraliaPRO, our expert team is ready to support you through the entire migration process and ensure you meet all necessary requirements.

📍 Click here to request your free consultation now.