How to send money internationally

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Summary

• International money transfers let you send funds from one country to another using methods like bank transfers, money transfer apps, and mobile wallets, each with different costs and delivery times.

• Transfer fees and exchange rate markups are the two main costs to understand upfront before you send money internationally.

• The payment method you choose, such as a bank account, debit card, or credit card, affects both what you pay and how quickly your recipient gets the funds.

• Delivery time typically ranges from a few minutes to five business days depending on the provider, destination country, and delivery method you select.

• Knowing key details like your recipient's bank account number, the transfer amount, and any transfer limits your provider sets will help your first transfer go smoothly.

Whether you're supporting loved ones abroad, paying for a service in another country, or growing a business across borders, learning how to send money internationally is a genuinely useful skill. It can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand how the process works, it gets a lot easier. Here’s everything you need to know, from choosing a payment method to understanding what happens to your money along the way.

What is an international money transfer?

An international money transfer is the process of sending funds from a bank account or financial account in one country to a recipient in another country. You might also hear it called a remittance, which is a term used to describe a cross-border transfer of money, often sent by an individual to support family or cover expenses in another country. Under U.S. federal law, any electronic transfer of more than $15 sent from a consumer in the United States to a recipient abroad qualifies as a remittance transfer. 

People send money internationally for many reasons. Some are sending regular support to family. Others are paying for tuition, covering travel costs, or making business payments. Whatever your reason, the fundamentals of how international money transfers work are the same.

Ways to send money internationally

There are several ways to send money online and in person, and each comes with its own trade-offs around cost, speed, and convenience. Understanding your options helps you pick the one that works best for your situation.

Bank transfer

A bank transfer, sometimes called an international wire transfer, is one of the most traditional ways to move money across borders. With this method, your financial institution sends payment instructions through a global messaging network to the recipient's bank. No physical cash moves between countries. Instead, banks adjust their internal records to reflect the transaction. 

International wire transfers are considered reliable and secure, but they tend to be slower and more expensive than other options. Fees can range from $25 to $50 or more per transfer at traditional banks, and the delivery time is often one to five business days.

Money transfer app or money transfer service

A money transfer app is a digital tool that lets you send money online through your smartphone or computer. These apps and services often offer lower transfer fees and more competitive exchange rates than traditional banks. Many of them also provide real-time tracking so you and your recipient can see exactly where the money is. Popular services in this category use a network of local bank accounts in different countries, which allows them to move money faster and at lower cost than routing through an international bank. 

Mobile wallet

A mobile wallet is a digital account you access through your phone that lets you store, send, and receive money without needing a traditional bank account. When you send money to a recipient's mobile wallet internationally, the funds are typically available within minutes. This delivery method is especially useful in regions where mobile money is widely used and recipients may not have access to a traditional bank. 

In person

Some providers let you send money in person at a physical location like a retail store or agent branch. Your recipient can then pick up cash at a partner location in their country. This can be a good option when the recipient doesn't have a bank account or needs funds quickly.

Online banking

Many banks and credit unions now offer online banking portals where you can initiate international transfers directly from your account dashboard. This can be a convenient option if you already have an established relationship with your bank, though the fees and exchange rates may not be as competitive as a dedicated money transfer service. 

Understanding costs: transfer fees and exchange rates

One of the most important things to understand before you send money internationally is what it's actually going to cost. There are two main types of costs to look out for.

Transfer fees

Transfer fees are the direct charges a provider applies to process your transfer. These can be flat fees, a percentage of the transfer amount, or sometimes a combination of both. Some providers advertise zero transfer fees, but that doesn't always mean the transfer is free. The cost may be built into the exchange rate instead. 

It's worth looking at both the fee and the exchange rate together to understand the true cost of your transfer. Many providers now show you upfront exactly how much your recipient will receive in their local currency, which makes comparison much easier.

Exchange rates and exchange rate markup

Exchange rates refer to the value of one currency compared to another. When you send U.S. dollars to a recipient who receives money in a foreign currency, your provider converts the funds using an exchange rate. The exchange rate markup, sometimes called an FX markup, is the difference between the true mid-market rate (what you see on a search engine) and the rate your provider actually offers you. Providers add this markup as a way to earn revenue on the currency exchange. 

Banks tend to apply larger exchange rate markups than dedicated money transfer services. Comparing the exchange rates across providers, not just the listed fees, gives you a clearer picture of what the transfer will actually cost. A provider that charges a higher upfront fee but offers a better exchange rate could end up costing less overall than one that advertises no fees but uses a poor rate.

Other costs to know about

In some cases, particularly with international wire transfers routed through the traditional banking system, intermediary banks may deduct their own fees along the way. These are separate from what the sender and the international bank on the receiving end charge, and they're not always disclosed upfront. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee to receive the funds. Asking your provider to show you the estimated amount your recipient will receive before you confirm the transfer is one of the best ways to avoid surprises. 

Choosing your payment method

The payment method you use to fund your transfer affects both the cost and the delivery time. Here's what you should know about each option.

• Bank account or ACH transfer: An ACH, which stands for Automated Clearing House, is an electronic transfer between bank accounts within the United States. Many money transfer services let you fund your international transfer using an ACH pull from your bank account. This is typically the most affordable way to pay, though it can add one to two business days to the processing time. 

• Debit card: Using a debit card to fund a transfer is often faster than an ACH transfer and may still come with reasonable fees, depending on the provider.

• Credit card: Paying with a credit card is generally the most expensive payment method. In addition to any transfer fees, your card issuer may treat the transaction as a cash advance, which can carry its own fees and a higher interest rate. It's usually worth exploring other options first.

• Savings account: Some providers allow you to fund transfers directly from a savings account, which works similarly to using a checking account.

What information do you need to send money internationally?

Before you initiate a transfer, you'll need to gather some information. Having everything ready beforehand makes the process much smoother, especially if it's your first time sending money abroad.

Here's what you'll typically need:

• The recipient's full legal name, exactly as it appears on their bank records

• The recipient's bank account number or, in many countries, their IBAN (International Bank Account Number, an alphanumeric code that identifies the recipient's bank account in certain regions)

• The recipient's bank name and address

• The SWIFT or BIC code of the recipient's bank (an 8 to 11 character code that identifies the bank internationally)

• The destination country and the currency your recipient will receive

• The transfer amount you want to send in USD or your local currency

Some providers and some destination countries may also ask for the purpose of the transfer for regulatory reasons. Always double-check the account number and all other details with your recipient before confirming, since errors can delay the transfer or cause funds to be returned. 

How to send money internationally, step by step

Here's a general walkthrough of what the process looks like when you send money online through a money transfer app or service.

Step 1: Create an account

If you're using a money transfer service for the first time, you'll need to sign up and verify your identity. Providers are required to confirm who you are as part of anti-money-laundering compliance. You'll typically upload a government-issued ID like a passport or driver's license. Some services let you download their app directly from the app store on your phone to get started.

Step 2: Enter your transfer details

Once your account is set up, enter the transfer amount, choose the destination country, and select the currency your recipient will receive. The platform will show you the exchange rate, any transfer fees, and the estimated amount your recipient will receive. This is the moment to compare the total cost carefully before moving forward.

Step 3: Choose your delivery method

Select how you want your recipient to receive money. Options typically include a direct deposit to the recipient's bank account, a mobile wallet transfer, or a cash pickup at a local agent. The delivery method you choose affects both the delivery time and the overall cost.

Step 4: Choose your payment method

Select how you'll fund the transfer. You can usually pay from your bank account via ACH, or use a debit card or credit card. Connecting your bank account often gives you the best pricing.

Step 5: Enter recipient details

Provide the information your provider needs to route the funds. For a bank deposit, this means entering the recipient's bank account number, the name of their bank, and the appropriate routing codes for their country. Make sure everything matches exactly.

Step 6: Review and confirm

Take a careful look at everything before you hit send. Check the transfer amount, exchange rate, transfer fees, delivery time, and recipient details. Most providers are required to show you a full summary of costs upfront before you confirm. 

Step 7: Track your transfer

After you send the transfer, you'll typically receive notifications by email or within the app as your money moves. Many services offer real-time tracking so you know exactly when the funds arrive in the recipient's bank account.

How long does it take?

Delivery time varies depending on the provider, the payment method, and the destination country. Traditional international wire transfers processed through the banking system typically take one to five business days. Many digital money transfer services can deliver funds within minutes to two business days by using local payment networks instead of routing everything through international bank intermediaries. 

A few things can slow a transfer down. These include time zone differences, bank holidays in the sender's or recipient's country, compliance checks for large amounts, and errors in the recipient's details. Submitting your transfer early in the business day can help avoid processing cutoffs that push things to the next day.

Transfer limits

Transfer limits are the maximum amounts you're allowed to send within a given time period. These limits vary widely between providers and are set by the provider, not necessarily by law. A traditional bank may cap online transfers at $2,500 to $50,000 per day for personal accounts, while some dedicated transfer services allow much higher amounts for verified users. 

If you need to send a large amount, it's worth checking with your provider beforehand to understand what documentation or verification may be required to raise your limit. Your provider can walk you through what's needed.

Your rights as a sender

In the United States, federal law gives you important protections when you send money internationally. Before you pay, your provider must disclose the fees, the exchange rate, any taxes, and the exact amount your recipient is expected to receive. You also have up to 30 minutes after payment to cancel a transfer for free, as long as it hasn't already been picked up or deposited. If something goes wrong, you have up to 180 days from the expected delivery date to report an error, and your provider is required to investigate and resolve it. 

These protections apply whether you're using a bank, a money transfer service, or another financial institution. Knowing your rights as the sender gives you confidence that there's a clear process to follow if anything doesn't go as expected.

Tips for getting the most out of your transfer

Sending money abroad doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get started.

• Compare total costs, not just fees. Look at the exchange rate and any additional charges together to understand what your recipient will actually receive.

• Double-check recipient details. Even a small error in the account number or bank name can cause delays or complications. Confirm everything directly with your recipient.

• Understand your delivery method options. A bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup each comes with different speeds and costs. Choose the one that works best for your recipient's situation.

• Be aware of business days. Transfers don't always process on weekends or public holidays, so timing matters if your recipient needs the funds by a specific date.

• Look for transparent pricing. The best providers show you all costs upfront, including the amount your recipient will receive, before you confirm the transfer.

• Enable notifications. Turning on transfer alerts through your app or email means you and your recipient both stay informed throughout the process.

Sending money internationally is more accessible than ever

Whether you're supporting loved ones across the world or managing cross-border payments, today's tools make it genuinely easier to send money internationally with confidence. You don't need to be a financial expert to understand the process. By knowing what to look for in terms of transfer fees, exchange rates, delivery time, and your rights as the sender, you're already in a strong position to make informed decisions. Start with a transfer that feels manageable, learn how the process works for you, and go from there.