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With new players in the market, the best ways to make an international bank transfer is no longer through your bank. Other traditional options like sending cash, a check or even a money order are outdated and risky. Instead, many money transfer services will offer a better rate than your bank with the same level of security — all from the convenience of your home. Discover how to make an international bank transfer in as little as a few minutes.
What’s an international bank transfer?
An international bank transfer usually refers to a bank service that helps you send money from your bank account to a recipient’s account located in another part of the world. You can use this for personal purposes — like sending money to family — or business purposes — like paying your suppliers. While bank transfers were offered only by banks in the past, you can initiate bank transfers with digital banks, wallets and money transfer services today. This means that there are now more options than ever for you to consider when making quick and affordable international bank transfers.
How can I make an international bank transfer?
There are three main ways you can make an international bank wire transfer:
Online bank transfers. An online bank transfer can be made through your bank to your recipient’s bank. You can typically access your bank’s online transfer services through its mobile or internet banking platform. Navigate to the transfers section, create and transfer and send your desired amount. All you need is a working internet connection and your recipient’s bank details.
Online money transfer services. These services are dedicated to sending money domestically and internationally, and can often beat the fees offered by your bank. Such platforms allow you to open an account online and add money to your account either by card or bank transfer. You can then make transfers easily by providing your recipient’s information.
In-person bank transfers. This involves physically going to the bank to send your money internationally, which may be the least convenient option but it’s an option nonetheless. You might opt for this if you aren’t comfortable with making transactions online or would like some additional guidance when making an international transfer. Most banks in the US will have in-person bank transfer services.
Make an online bank transfer
Pro: Convenient transfers through a bank you already trust.
Pro: Quick transfers since banks often communicate frequently with each other.
Con: You’ll often lose money on fees and poor exchange rates.
Depending on the bank you use, you may be able to avoid visiting a branch by sending your international money transfer online. If your bank offers online transfers, follow these steps to send your international bank transfer:
Go to your bank’s money transfer section. This will usually be found by visiting your bank’s main website, logging in to your account and looking at the top of the page for Money transfers, Send money, Transfer money or something similar.
Verify your sending limits. Banks often place limits on outgoing money transfers, so confirm that your bank’s limit is high enough for your transfer. When you need to send more than the limit, consider using a money transfer service instead.
Enter your recipient’s bank information. International bank transfers usually require:
Name and address of your recipient’s bank
Recipient’s name, address and account type
Recipient’s account number or international bank account number (IBAN)
Recipient’s SWIFT or BIC code, which can be found by asking the recipient’s bank
Enter sending amount and desired currency. Your bank will likely charge a currency exchange fee on top of a sending fee.
Pay for the transfer and the fees. Most banks charge an outgoing transfer fee, and your recipient’s bank will likely charge an incoming fee as well.
Wait for your transfer to arrive. International money transfers can take anywhere from a few business days to over a week, depending on how many banks the money has to move through to get to its destination. Check with your bank to find out the status of your transfer.
Make an in-person bank transfer
Pro: In-person assistance to complete your transfer at your bank.
Con: Restricted to sending during banking hours while often paying higher in-person fees.
If you like to keep your business in person, you can head to your bank to send an international money transfer through a teller.
Be sure to bring:
Name and address of your recipient’s bank
Recipient’s name, address and account type
Recipient’s account number or international bank account number (IBAN)
Recipient’s SWIFT or BIC code, which can be found by asking the recipient’s bank
Proof of ID
The steps for sending an international money transfer in person from your bank are similar to those for sending online:
Start your transaction: Ask the teller to start an international money transfer.
Prove your identity: Provide documents and identification.
Double-check details: Confirm details with the teller, double-check everything before sending.
Pay: Pay for your transfer using cash or your bank account balance.
Get proof: Get a receipt and keep it somewhere safe.
Some banks charge more for in-person money transfers than they would for online money transfers, so make sure you ask the teller if you could save money by making the transfer online instead of in person.
Find an alternative money transfer service online
Pro: Save money by using a specialist service with bank-beating rates and fees.
Con: Finding the best specialist for your situation can take some research.
Alternative money transfer services are online providers that specialize in money transfers. Getting started with these providers is simple — you can open an account online, deposit your money into your account and begin a transfer. Common account top-up methods include bank transfer, and credit or debit card payment. Here are some common money transfer services you might have heard of:
Wise – Wise (formerly Transferwise) offers strong exchange rates and fast transfers but watch out for transfer fees on large transfers.
OFX – If you need make a large money transfer, OFX is a good option as they they no transfer limits, forex tools to hedge your risk and support a wide range of currencies.
PayPal – PayPal offers quick and affordable wire transfer services — its fees begin at 2.9% of your transaction amount and vary depending on your chosen currency.
WorldRemit – WorldRemit tends to be better known for small transfers to Asia, Africa and some parts of Latin America.
Remitly – This transfer service boasts speed across its network, but its low maximum limits may not work for everyone.
Western Union – Brand awareness and a massive network might suit some, but watch out for high fees.
What is needed to transfer money internationally between banks?
Regardless of which method you choose to make an international money transfer, here’s what’s typically required of you when you transfer money internationally between banks:
Name and address of your recipient’s bank
Value of the transfer amount
Recipient’s personal details like name, address and bank account number
Recipient’s bank routing details, SWIFT or BIC code depending on which applies
Reason for bank transfer
SWIFT transfers
Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Transactions, or SWIFT, is a type of international bank transfer. It gives each bank a unique identification tag to help you make your transfers quicker and safer. This 8 – 11 character code is known as the BIC, bank identifier code, or simply SWIFT ID. The benefit of SWIFT is that this secure international transfer method typically takes up to five business days. However, one downside to note is that it often comes at an additional fee.
How to choose the best transfer option for me?
There are several factors to consider when choosing which option to use for your next international money transfer.
Compare exchange rates. The better the exchange rate, the better value for money you can get on a transfer. Search for the method and provider that offers consistently competitive exchange rates, but remember there may also be higher transfer fees attached.
Check transaction fees. Fees can range from $0 up to $60, so it pays to compare fees across providers. Some online transfer companies waive their fees entirely when you send large amounts, sometimes as high as $10,000.
A range of transfer destinations. Check to see whether the country you want to transfer your money to is supported by the transfer provider you select, as well as whether you can send money in the currency you want.
Processing times. Cash transfers are usually quicker than transferring with a bank account.
Transfer options. Some providers offer one-off transfers only, others allow you to place forward contracts and limit orders to lock in the exchange rate you want.
Reliable customer support. If you have a problem with a transfer or need help with your transfer, look for a service that offers customer support — either through its FAQs, phone, email or online chat.
Compare international money transfer services
Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
What is the cheapest way to make an international bank transfer?
The short answer is alternative money transfer services, like online money transfer providers. Traditional banks, like Citibank, Bank of America and Chase charge administrative fees of up to $50. They also markup exchange rates by 2 – 4%. To make matters worse, intermediary banks and your final recipient’s bank might also charge administrative fees of $10 to $20. These small costs could add up and eat into the amount you’re transferring. Online money transfer services, on the other hand, typically have much fewer processing fees and more competitive spreads.
However, it’s often more complicated than this. While online money transfer services usually offer more competitive fees, certain banks might offer discounts to premium members or newbies which could make their international transfer rates more competitive. How much you’re charged also depends on where you’re sending money to and how much. Consider these factors and compare providers across different transfer methods in order to find the cheapest international bank transfer for you.
Bottom line
There are many methods for transferring money overseas from your financial institution. Choosing the best option may depend on how much you’d like to send and which country you live in. To get the best deal, be aware of rates, fees and other hidden costs. Though it can be convenient to transfer money from a bank account, always compare your options to ensure you get the best value.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer money to another country bank account via phone?
Yes, you can. This works just like placing an in-person transfer at the bank — just that it’s done over the phone. Collect all the data you need, including your recipient’s details and your intended transfer amount, then follow the instructions given by your bank’s customer service team.
How long does it take to transfer money to a foreign bank account?
Most international bank transfers take up to three business days — but this could vary depending on your transfer method, chosen provider and destination country.
Can a bank transfer work internationally?
Yes, if you use an international bank transfer either offered by your bank provider or an international money transfer service.
