How to Send Money to a Foreign Bank Account

Yes, you can send money to a foreign bank account from the United States

You can move money to a bank account outside the US, but the process is slower and more expensive than sending money domestically. The method you use depends on how much you're sending, how quickly it needs to arrive, and which country the account is in. Some routes cost $15 to $50 per transfer; others cost a percentage of the amount sent. Most transfers take three to seven business days, though some take longer.

The most common routes are wire transfers through your US bank, money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram, and newer apps designed specifically for international transfers. Each has different costs, speed, and requirements. Your choice matters because the wrong method can cost you significantly in fees or leave you waiting longer than necessary.

Key Takeaways

Wire transfers through your bank are reliable but typically cost $15 to $50 and take three to five business days.
Money transfer services and apps often have lower fees for smaller amounts but may charge a percentage rather than a flat fee.
You will need the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing code, and the bank's address — getting these details wrong delays the transfer.
Exchange rates vary by provider, and some charge a markup on top of the real rate, so comparing costs before you send matters.
Some countries have restrictions on which banks can receive transfers or limits on how much can be sent, so check with your bank first.

Wire transfers: the traditional method your bank offers

A wire transfer is an electronic movement of money from your US bank account to a foreign bank account. You go to your bank in person or online, provide the recipient's banking details, and your bank sends the money directly. This is the most straightforward method if you already have a checking or savings account at a US bank.

Wire transfers typically cost between $15 and $50 per transfer, depending on your bank. The transfer usually takes three to five business days. Your bank will ask for the recipient's full name, account number, the bank's name and address, and a routing code specific to that country (called a SWIFT code or IBAN, depending on the country). If any detail is wrong, the transfer can be delayed or returned.

The downside is that wire transfer fees add up if you send money regularly. You also have no protection if something goes wrong — once the money leaves your account, it is difficult to recover. Ask your bank about their specific fees and timeline before you send.

Money transfer services: faster for smaller amounts

Services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Wise (formerly TransferWise) let you send money without using a traditional bank wire. You can often start a transfer online or at a physical location, and the money reaches the recipient's account within hours or a few days.

These services charge differently than banks. Some charge a flat fee plus a percentage of the amount sent. Others charge only a percentage. For example, sending $500 might cost $10 to $25 depending on the service and destination country. The exchange rate you receive also varies — some services mark up the rate, meaning you get less foreign currency for your dollar than the real market rate.

The advantage is speed and sometimes lower costs for smaller transfers. The disadvantage is that fees can be hard to compare because they are structured differently. Before you send, ask the service what the total cost will be in both US dollars and the foreign currency you will receive. This is the only way to know whether you are getting a fair deal.

Newer apps designed for international transfers

Apps like Wise, OFX, and Remitly are built specifically for sending money across borders. You read the app, link your US bank account, enter the recipient's details, and the money moves to their foreign account. Many of these services show you the exact exchange rate and total cost before you confirm the transfer.

These apps often have lower fees than traditional banks or money transfer services, especially for regular transfers. Some charge a flat fee of $3 to $8 plus a small percentage. The exchange rates are usually closer to the real market rate than what banks or Western Union offer. Transfers typically take one to three business days.

The catch is that not all apps work in all countries. Before you read, check whether the app supports transfers to the specific country where the recipient's account is. You will also need to verify your identity, which usually means providing a photo ID and sometimes proof of address.

What information you need before you send

No matter which method you choose, you will need accurate details about the recipient's bank account. Missing or wrong information is the most common reason transfers are delayed or returned. Write down these details exactly as the recipient provides them:

The recipient's full name, spelled exactly as it appears on their account
The bank account number
The bank's name and full address
The SWIFT code or IBAN (an international account identifier) — ask the recipient or their bank for this
The country where the account is located

Ask the recipient to double-check these details with their bank before you send. A small spelling error in a name or a transposed digit in an account number can cause the transfer to fail. If you are unsure about any detail, contact the recipient's bank directly or ask the recipient to confirm with their bank in writing.

Exchange rates and hidden costs

When you send money in US dollars to an account in another currency, someone has to convert the dollars. The exchange rate you receive matters because it directly affects how much money the recipient gets. The real market exchange rate changes constantly, but your bank or transfer service may charge a markup on top of it.

For example, if the real market rate is 1 US dollar = 0.92 euros, your bank might give you 0.88 euros per dollar and keep the difference. Over a large transfer, this markup can cost you hundreds of dollars. Before you send, ask your provider what exchange rate they are using and whether it includes a markup. Some services publish their rates online so you can compare.

The total cost of sending money is the transfer fee plus the cost of the exchange rate markup. A service with a lower flat fee might actually cost you more if their exchange rate is worse. Always ask for the total amount the recipient will receive in their local currency before you confirm the transfer.

How long the transfer takes and what can delay it

Most transfers take three to seven business days from the time you send them. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days. Some services promise faster delivery — one to two business days — but charge more for this speed.

Transfers can be delayed if the recipient's bank is in a country with strict financial regulations, if the amount is large enough to trigger extra security checks, or if any information is incorrect. Banks in some countries also have limited hours for receiving international transfers, which can add days to the timeline.

Before you send, ask your provider for an estimated delivery date. If the money does not arrive by that date, contact your provider when ready. They can track the transfer and tell you where it is in the system. If the transfer fails, it usually returns to your account within five to ten business days, though some banks take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to any country?

Most countries accept international transfers, but some have restrictions due to sanctions or banking regulations. The US government restricts transfers to certain countries including Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Your bank or transfer service will tell you when ready if the destination country is not supported.

Is there a limit on how much I can send?

The US does not set a legal limit on how much you can send internationally. However, your bank may have its own limits, and transfers over $10,000 trigger a reporting requirement. If you are sending a large amount, contact your bank first to confirm they can process it and to understand any fees or delays.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account?

If the account number or bank details are wrong, the transfer may be rejected and returned to you, or it may reach a different account. Once money leaves your account, recovery is difficult. If this happens, contact your provider when ready with proof of the error. Some services have fraud protection, but it is not may provide.

Do I need to report international transfers to the government?

Transfers over $10,000 in a single transaction are reported to the US Treasury Department, but this is routine and not a problem if the money is yours. If you are sending money on behalf of someone else or if the source of the money is unclear, consult a tax professional or accountant.

Which method is cheapest for sending money regularly?

For regular transfers, apps like Wise or OFX usually have the lowest total cost because they charge lower fees and offer better exchange rates. If you are sending small amounts frequently, a money transfer service might be cheaper. If you are sending large amounts occasionally, a wire transfer through your bank may be simpler despite higher fees.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.