An easy guide to international bank drafts

Similar to a cashier’s cheque, bank drafts are typically used for large payments overseas. Although it isn’t the quickest way to send money, bank drafts are accepted in most countries and still used frequently.

What is a bank draft?

A bank draft is a payment issued by a bank on behalf of the payer, which allows another bank to draw funds directly from the bank issuing the draft. International bank drafts are often used for remittances because the bank draft is immediately converted into a foreign currency when it’s created, unlike a regular cheque.

Bank drafts are often confused with cashier’s cheques and money orders, but have key differences that give bank drafts the advantage when used for international transfers:

• Exchange rate. Bank drafts are exchanged immediately when they’re created. Going to your bank and creating a bank draft for €100 will use that day’s exchange rate, while a money order or cashier’s cheque will use the exchange rate when it’s cashed — which could lead to less money being sent if the exchange rate shifts heavily.
• No limits. Bank drafts have no limits. Money orders are usually limited to $1,000, depending on the business you’re purchasing them from.
• Typically safer. Many money scams involve fake money orders and cashier’s cheques, the former of which is difficult to verify. Bank drafts can be verified by contacting the issuing bank and providing the details on the bank draft itself.

How does a bank draft work?

A bank draft is effectively a cheque from a financial institution. This means the funds for the transaction are withdrawn from the institution rather than from the cheque drawer’s account.

This offers an important benefit over an ordinary cheque from an individual. The funds from a normal cheque are not withdrawn from the drawer’s account until the cheque is cleared, which means there may not be sufficient funds available when the cheque is cashed and it may therefore bounce.

With a bank draft, however, when a person requests one they must immediately transfer the funds from their account to cover the amount of the cheque. This adds a crucial extra level of security over a normal cheque.

Drafts can be drawn in the foreign currency you choose and are available for personal or business use.

Who is most likely to be researching international bank drafts?

Finder data suggests that men aged 25-34 are most likely to be researching this topic.

How do I cash a bank draft?

Bank drafts are cashed just like any other cheque, but must be deposited into your bank account. Cash your bank draft in a variety of ways, including:

• At the bank. Bring your bank draft to your bank, along with photo identification, and ask the teller to deposit it into your account.
• At an ATM. Many banks allow you to deposit bank drafts at ATMs, as long as you hold an account with the bank. However, funds may not be immediately available when depositing your bank draft at an ATM.
• Cheque cashing store. Some cheque-cashing stores may be able to turn your bank draft into cash, but if it’s an international bank draft, chances are slimmer. Use this option as a last resort because it has the lowest chance of success.

How to compare bank drafts

• Fees. This is the most important factor to look at when comparing bank drafts. Look at the different fees charged for obtaining a draft and see if you could save money with a different provider.
• Available currencies and countries. Speak to your bank or financial institution about the currencies in which you can obtain a bank draft and the countries to which you can send them. If your bank doesn’t support bank drafts in your desired foreign currency, compare international money transfer options to send a transfer online.
• Processing time. Once you apply for a draft, how long will it take for your financial institution to process it?
• Application options. It’s also a good idea to compare the different methods available when applying for a bank draft. You’ll typically need to visit a branch or apply in writing.

Pros and cons of a bank draft

Is using a bank draft my best option?

Bank drafts are secure ways to send money. But when sending an international transfer, you have to rely on the postal service to deliver the bank draft safely. Many things can go wrong along the way, and even when everything goes right, there will still be a significant delay between sending and receiving the bank draft.

Consider using an international money transfer service instead of a bank draft when speed and convenience are crucial.

Using a bank draft to pay someone internationally

The transfer services below are not bank drafts, but rather allow you to make bank transfers which can be received by your recipient in their bank account or as cash. Consider using these services when:

• Speed is important. Some international money transfer companies can have money in your recipients account in as little as a few minutes.
• You want to pay in cash or with a credit card. Bank drafts are limited to payment by bank account, so use an international money transfer to pay by debit card, credit card or cash.
• Your bank is closed. Bank drafts have to be created at the bank, in person, but online money transfers can be sent 24/7, 365 days a year from the comfort of your home.
• Exchange rates are important. Bank drafts use the exchange rate offered by your bank, which may not be as strong as the mid-market rate offered by many money transfer companies.

Related: Compare international money transfer services

What should I look for when comparing bank drafts?

There are a couple of factors to keep in mind when comparing bank drafts, to make sure you end up with the most cash in your pocket.

• Fees. Most banks drafts weigh in at around $7.50, so make sure you’re not paying more than this amount in fees.
• Available currencies and countries. Figure out which bank can get your money to where it needs to be, preferably in the right currency.
• Processing time. Before you apply for a draft, find out how long it typically takes to process, since this can influence how quickly your recipient can access their cash.
• Application options. Applying for a bank draft can be a hassle, so it’s best to find out beforehand if you need to visit a branch or apply in writing.

Bottom line

Bank drafts have their time and place, but as the financial world shifts more and more into the digital realm, bank drafts may become obsolete. There are many ways to send money internationally that can be done entirely online — to learn how to get started with international money transfers, head over to our guide on transferring money.

Frequently asked questions

• Can businesses use bank drafts?

  Yes. If your business has overseas invoices that need to be paid, you can use an international bank draft to cover the costs unless the invoices need quick payment, in which case bank drafts won’t be a suitable option.

• Are there faster ways to send money overseas?

  Short answer, you betcha. Banks can process a bank-to-bank or wire transfer in 1 – 5 days. Money transfer services, like those outlined in the table at the top of this page, initiate transfers even faster in some cases, and typically cost less. Companies like Western Union and MoneyGram also offer instant overseas money transfers, but are typically more on par (cost-wise) with the bank.

• Can I receive an international bank draft?

  You sure can. Check with your bank to see whether or not it will accept a bank draft from a specific country, and make sure to ask what sort of fees might apply.

• How common are bank drafts?

  Thanks to the proliferation of modern technology, the use of bank drafts is falling out of vogue. Many people are opting to use the wonders of the world wide web to send their money overseas, typically by booking their transfer with a dedicated transfer service.

• I need to send an urgent transfer overseas - how should I do it?

  Your best bet is probably to book your transaction with a trusted provider (like WorldRemit, MoneyGram and Western Union). These companies are specialized in facilitating instant cash transfers, so your recipient can pick up cash within minutes from one of hundreds of thousands of agent locations around the world.

• Can I deposit an overseas cheque into my Canadian bank account?

  It’s likely that you can, but expect to be saddled with high fees and sub-par exchange rates for the privilege.

• How long do bank cheques take to clear?

  Domestic bank cheques typically take up to three business days to clear, while international bank drafts often take between four and six weeks.