Wise (TransferWise)
- Fair service fees and mid-market rates – a major market differentiator
- Next-day delivery for most currencies
- Easy-to-use app
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How long does an international wire transfer take?
Wire transfers are convenient, but using a money transfer service can almost always get your money there faster.
Bank wire transfers have been around for more than a century, and although they’ve gotten faster, they still typically aren’t instantaneous. Several factors come into play when transferring money through your bank. Understanding why transfers take time and what alternatives are available can help you avoid delays when you’re in a hurry.
How long does a wire transfer take?
At best, expect the following transfer times for local and international transfers.
- Local wire transfer speed – Usually instantaneous or within 24 hours, especially for transfers between accounts at the same bank.
- International wire transfer speed – Between two and five business days, perhaps longer depending on various factors.
When you send a wire transfer through your bank, you should be provided with an expected delivery date, though this isn’t a guarantee of any sort. Wire transfer time varies based on many factors, some that are in your control and some that aren’t:
- Your bank – Smaller banks may take longer for international transfers.
- Receiving bank – If you’re sending a wire transfer to a bank other than your own, the banks have to communicate which can take time.
- Time of transfer – Sending transfers earlier in the day is better. If you send it at the end of the day, it has to wait until the next business day to start processing. The same goes for the end of the week, or right before a bank holiday.
- Type of transfer – Some banks offer expedited wire transfer services, but beware of high fees added to your transfer total.
How to have wire transfer funds available immediately
When you are in a rush, or you just don’t feel like waiting, there are ways to expedite the speed at which your money is transferred. By default, almost no wire transferred funds are available immediately, so use these alternatives to get your money faster.
Cash transfers
Services like WorldRemit allow you to transfer cash for nearly instant pickup. While it’s a fast way to send money, you may pay more in fees than you would with a digital money transfer service.
Let’s crunch the numbers: Sending $1,500 to India
Let’s say you need to send $1,500 to family in India. Here’s what you might face as far as fees and exchange rates as of 1 October 2020.
| Digital money transfer service | Cash transfer | Wire transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | $0 | $4 | $25 + additional correspondent bank fees |
| Exchange rate | 1 SGD = 53.329 INR | 1 SGD = 53.4578 INR | 1 SGD = 53.4474 INR |
| Transfer speed | 1 day | Minutes | 2-5 days |
| Amount received | INR 79,993 | INR 79,973 | INR 78,834 |
| Verdict |
|
|
|
Using an international money transfer service can often deliver your money instantly, something that wire transfers can almost never achieve. On top of that, you’d end up sending 1,159 less rupees if you send through a wire transfer.
Compare ways to send money
Use our comparison table to see more ways to have your money there faster. Enter the amount you want to send, select your destination and click Calculate.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
Bottom line
Using your bank to send money domestically and internationally is hardly ever the cheapest or fastest option. To learn more about how to send money more efficiently, read our money transfer guide that covers both domestic and international transfers.
Frequently asked questions
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