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Compare transfer fees for international money transfers

Use our guide to find out about transfer fees and exchange rates for major Canadian institutions.

While banks can help you send money from Canada to destinations all around the globe, that doesn’t mean that they should be your go-to. In comparison to international money transfer services, banks trade at the mid-market rate and then often raise the exchange rates when completing transactions for clients while also, in many cases, charging higher fees.

When it comes to transferring funds overseas, many Canadians opt instead to use an online transfer service specialized in offering safe and affordable international transfers. Since these companies trade in large volumes of currency every day, they are better-positioned to offer competitive exchange rates with lower fees than the bank.

Compare transfer fees for banks

The table below compares exchange rates and transfer costs for Canada’s five largest banks: Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

BankTransfer Fee (CAD)Exchange Rate Markup
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)$9 – $302.64%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)Fee-free3.34%
Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)$9 plus 1% of principal2.88%
Bank of Montreal (BMO)$15+2.65%
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)$13.502.60%

Compare transfer fees for non-banks

The table below compares exchange rates and transfer costs for five of the major international money transfer services in Canada.

Money Transfer ServiceTransfer Fee (CAD)Exchange Rate Markup
Wise1% of principalLess than 1%
Canadian Forex$15Less than 3%
TorFXFee-freeLess than 2%
Currency SolutionsFee-freeLess than 1%
World First$10Less than 2%

Why choose international money transfer services

Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
1 - 10 of 10
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise (TransferWise) - Under 10k
24 hours
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Simplii Financial
Within minutes
$0
Up to $300 off your first Global Money Transfer with our code GMTEVENT depending on the amount you send. For cash pickups instead, earn $50 using code CASH. Limits and regulations apply.
Send money without fees and at competitive exchange rates to 130+ countries.
Simplii Financial
Within minutes
$0
Up to $300 off your first Global Money Transfer with our code GMTEVENT depending on the amount you send. For cash pickups instead, earn $50 using code CASH. Limits and regulations apply.
Send money without fees and at competitive exchange rates to 130+ countries.
Remitly
Finder Award
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Africhange
Within minutes
From $0
Send money in CAD to Africa on this blockchain and P2P powered provider.
Instarem
Within minutes
From $0
Use code FINDER to get CAD 20 off on first two transfers on a min transfer of CAD 250
Instarem offers zero transfer fees on all transfers.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX
24 hours
$0
Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX
24 hours
$0
Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
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