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How do I transfer money overseas from my bank account?
Secure options to send money across borders.
Why we like: TransferWise
When you need to send money, benefit from competitive mid-market exchange rates and straightforward fees with TransferWise.
- Transparent fees and very low exchange rates.
- Next-day delivery to your loved ones or businesses.
- Trusted the world over, with five-star ratings on Trustpilot.
Compare your bank account money transfer options below
How can I transfer money overseas from my bank account?
There are several ways you can use your bank account to fund an overseas money transfer, including:
- Bank transfers. Visit your bank or use its online or mobile banking portal to send an international transfer. You need your recipient’s name and bank account details.
- Online money transfer companies. Send money overseas using an online money transfer company like TransferWise or OFX that let your fund transactions through your bank account.
- PayPal. Use your PayPal account to fund your transfer to more that 100 destinations around the world.
Which transfer option could I choose?
The right transfer option for you will depend on your circumstances and other factors, including where you’re sending the money and the urgency of the transfer.
- Bank transfers. Convenience is its main benefit. You don’t have to register for any new accounts and you can send from your mobile banking site. However, banks charge higher fees and offer lower exchange rates.
- International bank draft. An alternative for sending a check, a bank draft converts your money to the currency you want, and sends it to the recipient. However, you’ll pay a transfer fee. And since this is done through the mail, it can take four to six weeks to complete the transaction.
- Online money transfer companies. You’ll find competitive exchange rates and lower fees than banks and quicker transfer times. However, some companies impose minimum and maximum transfer amounts. And some limit the countries they send to.
- MoneyGram. MoneyGram’s online bank-to-bank transfer service offers fast and secure transfers to overseas bank accounts. The downside is that its exchange rates are not as good as online transfer companies.
- PayPal. This online transfer service provides access to more than 100 destinations worldwide. However, the more money you send, the more you’ll pay.
How do I send an international transfer straight from my bank account?
To send money straight from your bank account to an overseas bank account is easy through online banking. The exact process varies depending on the financial institution you are sending the money from, but generally you’ll complete the following steps:
Step by step guide
- Log in to your Internet banking account.
- Click on the link to make a payment.
- Click the relevant link to create a new payee/recipient.
- Enter the country where you want to send the transfer.
- Enter the details of your recipient’s bank. Depending on the country you are transferring money to, you may have to enter an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or SWIFT/BIC number.
- Enter your beneficiary’s account name and number.
- Select the account you will be transferring the funds from.
- Provide full details of your transaction, including the amount and currency you’re sending. You can also specify whether this is a one-off transfer or whether you are scheduling a recurring transfer.
- Review the transfer details and submit your transaction request.
Once you’ve submitted your transfer request, it usually takes between two and five business days for the transaction to be completed.
What is the cheapest way to send money overseas from my bank account?
Sending money online is usually cheapest with an online transfer specialist. These foreign exchange providers trade in large volumes of foreign currency, and because they’re online businesses they have fewer overhead costs than banks and other bricks-and-mortar businesses. As a result, online transfer companies can offer better exchange rates than banks and other transfer providers. Compare providers to see just how much more value for money you can get.
Back to topHow do I compare international money transfer providers?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a company to handle your next international money transfer, including:
- Compare exchange rates. The better the exchange rate, the better value for money you can get on a transfer. Search for the company that offers consistently competitive exchange rates, but remember that 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 also waive their fees when you send large amounts, sometime 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 and get better value for money.
- Reliable customer support. If you ever have a problem with a transfer or need help with your transfer, look for a service that offers customer support that works for you — either through its FAQs, phone, email or online chat.
Bottom line
It’s easy to transfer money overseas from a bank account, but it’s important to compare your options first to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Ask an Expert
I’m moving out of the country and back to my home country (Taiwan to the USA). How can I best transfer my money back to my US bank account? Thanks!
Hi Ali,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃
The best way to transfer your money to the US would depend on your needs, preference, and budget. For this reason, you would need to first assess your personal circumstances to determine which is best for you.
Some of your options would include:
– Bank to bank transfer
– Independent money transfer service providers
– Personally bring the money with you
Generally speaking, bank to bank transfers are slower and costlier compared to using money transfer service providers. If in case you want to check your options, please go here.
The page is about sending money from the US to Taiwan, but you can use the table on that page to see providers who can also help you transfer money from Taiwan to the US. Just specify the correct currencies.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I want money from China (Macau) to India through direct bank account from Macau to India bank account. The best way please.
Hi Ranjan,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
You can send your money from one bank account to another bank account by simply directly in touch with your bank. From there, you should be able to obtain specific instructions on how you can make the transfer.
However, please note that in most cases, bank transfer is more expensive compared to using an international money transfer service provider. If this interest you, you can use the table above to compare your options based on minimum transfer amount, transfer speed, and online fee to name a few. You can then click on the “Go to site” green button to check if that provider handles transfers from Macao to India.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I want to send 2,500,000 to Austria. How to send and which process is easy and charge fewer fees?
Hi Monu,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
We have a guide that you might want to read. It is about how to send money to Austria.
On that page, you will see a table of service providers who can help you send the money. The table will also help you compare your options. Once you found the right one for you, click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more.
Since you are also sending a lot of money, please read our guide, “How to safely transfer a large amount of money internationally.” Plus, be sure to read how taxes are charged on large money transfers.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua