Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Review: AIB international money transfers
Use your AIB account to transfer money around the world from Ireland.
If you hold a current account with AIB, you’ll have options of sending money overseas by visiting a branch or using internet banking. While making a money transfer online with AIB is secure, you may be better off with a money transfer specialist to save money.
AIB claims you can send more than 20 currencies including all major ones to many countries around the world. While you may find it convenient, especially if you bank with AIB, you may find transfer services with better exchange rates and fees elsewhere.
AIB Exchange rate and Transfer Fee
As with other banks, AIB makes its money from the transfer fees it charges and by adding a markup on mid-market rate. Depending on the currency, AIB add a 1.20% to 1.50% markup on top of the mid-market rate. They also charge €15 for standard transfers and €22.50 for urgent transfers.
You’ll pay more to visit a branch and request a money transfer (over the counter or via one of the self-service kiosks) while using internet banking will be cheaper and more secure. If you want to check any details or fees relating to your transaction, AIB does offer online live chat to assist with customer queries.
What types of transfers does AIB support?
AIB only offers one transfer option:
- Bank account transfers. Send money directly to your recipient’s bank account using either Paylink Euro, where your euros can be sent to any SEPA zone country, or using Paylink, where any AIB permitted currencies can be sent worldwide.
The pros & cons of using AIB
Pros
- Accepts all major currencies. AIB claims that it can make payments in all major currencies.
- Two transfer speeds. Choose between standard or urgent delivery speeds.
- Convenience. AIB account holders can complete a money transfer in a branch via a counter or kiosk, or the convenience of internet banking.
Cons
- Limited transfer options. AIB only offers bank to bank transfer only.
- Weaker exchange rates. This is a bank so better exchange rates are likely to be available from other money transfer services.
- Low sending limits. In any one banking day, personal users can only send up to €10,000 while business users are limited to €30,000.
- AIB customers only. Only AIB account holders can make an international money transfer with AIB.
How do I send money with AIB?
If you’re an AIB account holder, you can send money through AIB internet banking or visit a branch and either complete your transfer over the counter or via a self-service kiosk.
Whether you log on or visit a branch, you’ll essentially go through the same process.
1. Log into your AIB internet banking account.
2. From the “Transfers and Payments” tab on the left, select ” I want to transfer money internationally” then hit”start”.
3. Choose the destination, currency and payment type from the drop down menu and select whether it should be a standard or urgent transfer.
4. Select which AIB account you would like the transfer payment to be made out of.
5. Enter all the details and banking information for your recipient. You’ll need the recipient’s name and address, the name and address of the bank branch or the BIC (Bank Identifier Code), the recipient’s bank account details or the IBAN (International Bank Account Number).
6. Check the details are accurate before entering the automatically-generated code from your AIB code reader and confirm to complete the transfer.
There are no details available about transfer speeds but these are likely to vary depending on your recipient’s country and the currency you choose to send.
Tracking your transfer
You may be assigned a unique money transfer number associated with your international money transfer. You can usually use this to track the progress of your transfer through your AIB internet banking account.
If you decide to shop around but don’t want the extra hassle, you’ll want to compare the fees, rates and details of other money transfer specialists.
See how other services compare to AIB
1 - 10 of 10
Bottom line
AIB offers the convenience of sending money internationally to its account holders, and there are a few options on how you can do it. While online banking is the cheapest option AIB offers, you are likely to find cheaper alternatives from somewhere.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
TorFX money transfer review
Check out our review of TorFX’s fee-free money transfers.
-
Panda Remit review
Discover more about Panda Remit’s money transfer services, including how your recipient can collect their money and what fees you can expect to pay.
-
Foreign currency exchange rates
Getting a good forex rate could mean hundreds if not thousands of dollars in savings when you make a money transfer.
-
Receiving money from overseas
Compare international money transfer services to receive money here in the US.
-
Find a money transfer location near me
Send cash to friends or family. Find an international money transfer service in your neighborhood.
-
How to transfer money online with your credit or debit card
Get tips on how to send money with your credit card to transfer funds overseas. Be aware of interest charges and cash advance fees.
-
How to send money to someone without a bank account
A traditional bank account may not be necessary to transfer or receive funds when you’re looking to send money. Learn what to use and how long it’ll take.
-
Review: Ulster Bank international money transfers
A detailed review of the exchange rates, fees and processing times for Ulster Bank international money transfers.
-
CurrencyTransfer review
The UK-based CurrencyTransfer platform lets you compare and select the best money transfer rates.
-
EUR to GBP exchange rate
EUR to GBP Exchange Rate
Ask an Expert