Compare international money transfer limits

How much money are you allowed to send overseas from Canada in one transaction?

Before you send an international money transfer, it’s important to compare transfer providers to find the best possible deal. A brief comparison will help you save money and take the stress out of the transfer process.

One of the factors you should consider when comparing transfer companies is the limits that apply to transfer amounts. Minimum and maximum limits often apply and vary from one company to the next, so let’s take a closer look at what those restrictions are and how they might affect you.

Search and compare international money transfers

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.
Name Product CAFMT Offer Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise logo
24 hours
From 0.33%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Xe logo
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
InstaReM logo
Within minutes
From $0
Enjoy a special exchange rate and zero fees on your first transfer. Conditions apply. Valid until January 15th, 2025.
Instarem offers inexpensive transfers and the opportunity to earn rewards points.
Africhange logo
Within minutes
From $0
Send money in CAD to Africa on this blockchain and P2P powered provider.
Remitly
Finder Award
Remitly logo
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.
MoneyGram
Finder Award
MoneyGram logo
Within minutes
From $4.99
For a limited time, get $0 fees on your first money transfer from Canada. Conditions apply.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX  logo
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.
Xe logo
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
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Minimum and maximum limits

To give you an idea of the restrictions money transfer companies and banks impose on international money transfers, check out the table below. As you can see, limits can vary quite substantially depending on the institution you choose to handle your transaction.

Note: If the maximum transfer amount is blank, it means that there is no maximum amount.

ProviderType of transfer Minimum transfer amountMaximum transfer amount
CurrencyFairBank-to-bank8 euros (around CAD $12)No maximum
TorFXBank-to-bank$150No maximum
OFXBank-to-bank$8No maximum
Xe money transfersBank-to-bank$0$500,000
WorldFirstBank-to-bank£1,000 (around $1,705)No maximum
WiseBank-to-bank$0$3,000 – $9,500 per day
WorldRemitBank-to-bank and cash$0Max per transfer – $4,000
Max per 24 hour period – $40,000
Western UnionCash$1$999
MoneyGramCash$1$10,000 per online transaction or $10,000 every 30 days

Government regulations

It’s also important to note that the Canadian Government monitors large overseas money transfers. While it doesn’t impose any restrictions on the amount you can send overseas, the federal government still tracks large transfers through regulatory body FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada).

FINTRAC collects data on overseas transfers of more than $10,000, with the aim to prevent money-laundering, funding of international terrorism and a range of other serious crimes. The bank or money transfer provider that handles the transfer must report the details of the transaction, including your account information, to FINTRAC. If you’re unwilling to provide the necessary information, the transaction may be declined.

How transfer limits will affect you

If the minimum transfer limit is too high

Some providers impose a high minimum limit on each transaction, such as $500 or even $1,000. If you only need to transfer a small amount of money, these providers will reject your transaction.

If the maximum transfer limit is too low

Sometimes you may find that the amount you wish to transfer overseas exceeds a provider’s maximum limit. In some cases you can contact the money transfer provider and request that your transfer limit be raised; otherwise you will either have to split the transfer up into separate transactions or use another transfer provider with a higher limit.

With this in mind, it’s important to shop around and compare the transfer limits of different banks and transfer providers. If a company’s minimum or maximum limit is likely to restrict your ability to send money overseas, look elsewhere to find a better deal.

Different types of limits

The most common transfer limit you will come across when sending an international money transfer is a per-transaction limit. However, you should also be aware that some providers will impose other limits, including:

  • Per-day limits. Check to see whether your bank or money transfer company imposes a limit on the total amount you can transfer per day.
  • Per-month limits. Other limits may apply to the total amount of money you can send in any given time period, such as per week or per month.
  • Per-person limits. In some circumstances, there may be a limit on the amount of money you can transfer to any one person or account.
  • Transfer method limits. The company may also have different transaction limits based on the transfer method you select. For example, while the online transfer limit might be set at $5,000, you may be able to send a larger amount if you visit your nearest branch to place the transfer. App-based payment systems may also have different min and max amounts than online, over the phone or in-person services.

How to choose a money transfer provider

Transfer limits are just one of the factors you need to consider when choosing an international money transfer provider. You’ll also need to compare a range of other features including:

  • Affordability. There are two main expenses to consider when sending money overseas: exchange rates and transaction fees. Finding the best exchange rate is critical to getting value for money, but you need to be careful that the company with the best rates doesn’t also charge high fees.
  • Convenience. Consider how quick and easy it is to send a transfer with each provider. Is its transfer system easy to use? Can you lodge transfers online, via a smartphone app or over the phone, or do you need to visit a branch? Use the service that makes the most sense for you.
  • Flexibility. Check to see whether there are a range of options available for placing transfers. For example, you might be able to save money by placing a forward contract or limit order, or save time by scheduling recurring payments in advance.
  • Choice. How many currencies does the provider support? Will you be able to send transfers in any currency you want? Also consider how your beneficiary will receive the money: will it be paid straight into their bank account, or is there a cash pickup option available if required.
  • Speed. Compare transfer processing times between different companies to find out how long your beneficiary will have to wait to receive the money. If you ever need to send an emergency transfer as quickly as possible, is there an option to do so?
  • Access to customer support. This is an important consideration but also one that is often overlooked. Make sure that you will have quick and easy access to customer support if something ever goes wrong with a transaction.

By comparing transfer limits and a range of other features, you will find an international money transfer provider that offers an affordable and convenient way to send money overseas.

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Written by

Writer

Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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