The basic steps for sending money internationally

To send money to another country, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's name, their bank account number or routing details, the country they're in, and the amount you want to send. You then contact your bank or use a money transfer service, provide those details, and the money moves from your account to theirs — though it takes longer and costs more than sending money within the United States.

The process itself is straightforward: you initiate the transfer, your bank or service deducts the money plus fees from your account, and the recipient's bank receives it on their end. The time it takes ranges from one business day to a week, depending on which countries are involved and which method you use. The cost is usually a flat fee, a percentage of the amount, or both.

The main decision you'll face is which route to use — your own bank, a dedicated money transfer service, or a digital payment app — because each has different speeds, costs, and requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • International transfers require the recipient's full name, bank account number, and their bank's routing code (called a SWIFT or IBAN code depending on the country).
  • Your bank can send money internationally, but often charges higher fees and offers worse exchange rates than specialized transfer services.
  • Money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Wise are faster and cheaper for most transfers, though they work differently depending on whether the recipient has a bank account.
  • The recipient's country, their bank, and the amount you're sending all affect how long the transfer takes and what it costs.
  • You will need to provide identification and may need to explain the purpose of the transfer due to anti-money-laundering rules.

Getting the information you need from the recipient

Before you can send money, ask the recipient for their SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). These are standardized codes that tell the banking system exactly which bank and account to send the money to. A SWIFT code is usually eight or eleven characters and looks like DEUTDEFF500. An IBAN is longer — up to 34 characters — and includes the country code at the start, like DE89370400440532013000.

Not all countries use both. European banks use IBANs. Banks in most other countries use SWIFT codes. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses, or ask them to check their bank's website or call their bank directly. You also need their full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account — middle names and spelling matter, because the receiving bank will check that the name matches.

If the recipient doesn't have a bank account, some transfer services will deliver cash to a pickup location instead, but you'll need their full name and the city or town where they want to pick it up.

Sending through your own bank

Your bank can send money internationally, and the advantage is that you're working with an institution you already know. You can do it in person at a branch, over the phone, or online if your bank offers that option. You'll provide the recipient's information, the amount, and the country, and your bank will handle the rest.

The downside is cost. Banks typically charge a flat fee per transfer (often $15 to $50) plus a less favorable exchange rate than you'd get elsewhere. If you're sending $500, your bank might charge $25 and give you an exchange rate that's 2 to 3 percent worse than the real market rate — meaning you're paying an invisible extra fee on top of the visible one. The transfer usually takes three to five business days.

Use your bank if you're sending a small amount and speed isn't critical, or if you're uncomfortable with other services. Otherwise, a specialized transfer service will usually save you money.

Using a money transfer service

Services like Wise, Western Union, MoneyGram, and OFX specialize in international transfers and typically charge less than banks. Wise is usually the cheapest for bank-to-bank transfers and shows you the exact fee and exchange rate before you confirm. Western Union and MoneyGram are useful if the recipient doesn't have a bank account — they can pick up cash at a physical location instead.

To use a transfer service, you create an account (online or in person), provide the recipient's information, and choose how the money reaches them. If they have a bank account, the money goes directly there. If they don't, you can arrange for them to pick it up at a Western Union or MoneyGram office, or at a partner location like a grocery store or post office. The recipient usually doesn't need an account with the service — they just need to know the pickup code or have the money sent to their bank.

Transfer times vary. Bank-to-bank transfers through Wise or OFX usually arrive within one to two business days. Cash pickups through Western Union or MoneyGram can be available within minutes to a few hours. Fees are typically lower than banks — often $3 to $15 for smaller amounts — and the exchange rate is closer to the real market rate.

Digital payment apps and online services

Apps like PayPal, Remitly, and Wise let you send money from your phone or computer. These work best if both you and the recipient have accounts with the same service, though some also connect to bank accounts on either end. The fees are usually low, and the process is fast — sometimes within hours.

The catch is that not every app works in every country. PayPal, for example, doesn't operate in all nations, and some countries restrict which services can operate there. Check whether the service you want to use is available in the recipient's country before you set up an account.

Digital apps are convenient if you send money regularly to the same person, because you can save their details and repeat the transfer quickly. For one-time transfers, they may not offer an advantage over a dedicated transfer service.

Understanding fees and exchange rates

When you send money internationally, you pay two costs: the service fee and the exchange rate difference. The service fee is what the bank or transfer service charges you directly — it might be $10 or $25. The exchange rate difference is less obvious but often larger. If the real exchange rate is 1 USD = 0.92 EUR, but your bank gives you 1 USD = 0.89 EUR, you're losing money on the conversion.

Always ask what the total cost will be before you confirm the transfer. Most services will show you the fee and the exchange rate upfront, so you know exactly how much the recipient will get. Compare a few services for the same transfer — the difference can be significant, especially for larger amounts.

Some services offer better rates if you send larger amounts or if you set up recurring transfers. If you send money regularly, it's worth asking whether a service offers a discount.

What happens after you send the money

Once you initiate the transfer, the money leaves your account when ready, but it doesn't arrive when ready on the other end. Bank-to-bank transfers typically take one to five business days, depending on the countries involved and the banks' processing times. Cash pickups are faster — sometimes available the same day. Digital transfers between app accounts can be nearly when ready.

You'll receive a confirmation number or reference code when you send the money. Keep this — the recipient can use it to track the transfer, and you'll need it if something goes wrong. Most services let you check the status online or through their app.

If the transfer doesn't arrive within the expected time, contact the service or your bank. Delays can happen due to banking holidays, incomplete information, or issues with the receiving bank. The service can investigate and either resend the money or refund you.

Documents and questions you might face

Banks and transfer services are required by law to ask why you're sending money and to verify your identity. Have your ID ready — a driver's license or passport. You'll be asked questions like "What is the purpose of this transfer?" or "What is your relationship to the recipient?" These are standard anti-money-laundering checks, not signs of suspicion.

Answer honestly and straightforward. "Sending money to my sister for her rent" or "Paying a freelancer for design work" are both fine answers. If you're sending a large amount — the threshold varies but is often $3,000 or more — the service may ask for more detail or documentation, like an invoice if you're paying for a service.

If you're sending money regularly, some services may ask you to provide proof of the source of the funds, like a pay stub or bank statement. This is normal and helps the service stay compliant with regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an international transfer actually take?

Bank-to-bank transfers usually take one to five business days. Weekends and holidays don't count, so a transfer sent on Friday might not arrive until Wednesday. Cash pickups through Western Union or MoneyGram can be available within hours. Digital app transfers between accounts can happen in minutes, but transfers from an app to a bank account take longer — usually one to two business days.

What if I don't know the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN?

Ask the recipient to check their bank statement or call their bank directly. Most banks have this information readily available. You can also search online — many banks publish their SWIFT codes on their websites. If the recipient is unsure, they can ask their bank's customer service, which is usually free.

Can I send money if the recipient doesn't have a bank account?

Yes, but your options are more limited. Western Union and MoneyGram let you send cash that the recipient can pick up at a physical location. Some services also partner with mobile money providers in certain countries, so the recipient can receive money on their phone. Ask the transfer service what options are available in the recipient's country.

What's the difference between Wise and Western Union?

Wise is best for bank-to-bank transfers — it's usually cheaper and faster. Western Union is better if the recipient needs cash or doesn't have a bank account. Wise requires both people to have bank accounts or the service to connect to one. Western Union works with or without bank accounts.

Will the recipient see my name when they receive the money?

Yes, your name will appear on the transfer so the recipient knows who sent it. This is a requirement of international banking rules. The recipient's bank will show your name in their transaction details.