Yes, you can send money to an international bank account, but the method and cost depend on where the account is, how much you're sending, and how fast you need it to arrive.

International transfers are not a single process. A wire through your bank works differently than a money transfer service like Western Union, which works differently than a peer-to-peer app. Each has its own timeline, fee structure, and exchange rate. Some are designed for large amounts; some for small. Some take minutes; some take days. The right choice depends on what you're actually trying to do.

The account you're sending to must exist and be in your name or the name of someone you're authorized to send money to. You'll need the account holder's full name, the bank name, the account number, and usually a routing code or SWIFT code — a standardized identifier that tells the sending bank exactly where the money should go. Without these details correct, the transfer either fails or arrives in the wrong place.

Key Takeaways

  • International bank transfers require the recipient's full name, account number, bank name, and SWIFT or routing code — missing or incorrect details will delay or fail the transfer.
  • Wire transfers through your bank are reliable and work to most countries, but cost $15 to $50 per transfer and take one to five business days.
  • Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram are faster and cheaper for small amounts under $1,000, but charge higher exchange rates.
  • The exchange rate you receive varies by method — banks offer mid-market rates, while transfer services and apps often mark up the rate by 1 to 3 percent.
  • Some countries have restrictions on incoming transfers, and some banks require advance notice or documentation of the transfer's purpose.

Wire transfers through your bank

A wire transfer is the most common way to move money between bank accounts across borders. You initiate it at your bank, provide the recipient's account details and the amount, and your bank sends the funds through the SWIFT network — a find messaging system that connects banks worldwide. The money moves from your account to the recipient's bank, which then deposits it into their account.

Wire transfers are reliable because they're direct bank-to-bank transfers with a clear paper trail. They work to most countries, though some nations have restrictions on incoming transfers or require the receiving bank to report large amounts. The cost is typically $15 to $50 per transfer, depending on your bank. The timeline is one to five business days, though some corridors (common routes like US to Canada or US to UK) settle faster.

To send a wire, you'll need the recipient's bank account number, the bank's name and address, the SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the bank), and the recipient's full name and address. Some banks also ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the country uses one — most of Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa do. If any detail is wrong, the transfer may be rejected or sent to the wrong account. Your bank can usually correct it, but that adds days.

Money transfer services for smaller amounts

Services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer an alternative to bank wires, especially for amounts under $1,000. You can send money online, by phone, or in person at a physical location. The recipient picks it up at a corresponding location or receives it in their bank account, depending on the service and the country.

These services are faster than bank wires — many complete transfers in minutes to hours — and the fees are lower for small amounts, usually $3 to $15. The trade-off is the exchange rate. Banks offer the mid-market rate (the real rate at that moment), but transfer services mark it up by 1 to 3 percent, which means you're paying a hidden fee on top of the stated one. For a $500 transfer, that markup might cost you $5 to $15 extra.

Western Union and MoneyGram require the recipient to have a government ID and sometimes a bank account, depending on how they receive the money. Wise requires both sender and recipient to have bank accounts and is designed for larger transfers — it's cheaper than a bank wire for amounts over $500 because the fee is lower and the exchange rate is closer to mid-market. All three services report large transfers to the US government as required by law.

Peer-to-peer payment apps

Apps like PayPal, Remitly, and OFX let you send money from your phone or computer to a recipient's bank account or mobile wallet. You link your bank account or debit card, enter the recipient's details, and the app handles the transfer. Some apps also let the recipient withdraw cash at a partner location if they don't have a bank account.

These apps are convenient and often have lower fees than traditional services — sometimes $1 to $5 for transfers under $500. The timeline varies: some transfers arrive the same day, others take one to three business days. The exchange rate is usually better than Western Union but worse than a bank wire, with a markup of 1 to 2 percent.

The catch is that not all apps work in all countries. PayPal, for example, does not operate in every nation, and some countries restrict which apps can receive money. Before you choose an app, check whether it serves both your country and the recipient's country. You'll also need the recipient's email address or phone number linked to their account, not just their bank details.

What information you need before you send

The details required depend on the method, but the core set is the same: the recipient's full legal name (as it appears on their bank account or ID), the account number, the bank name, and a routing or SWIFT code. For countries that use IBAN, you'll need that instead of or in addition to the account number.

Some banks and transfer services also ask for the recipient's address, date of birth, or the purpose of the transfer. This is not optional — if you don't provide it, the transfer will be delayed or rejected. The purpose question is especially common for transfers over $10,000, because banks are required by law to report large transfers and document their source.

If you're unsure whether you have the right details, ask the recipient to confirm them directly with their bank. A wrong account number or SWIFT code can send your money to the wrong place, and recovering it takes weeks or may not be possible at all.

Exchange rates and hidden costs

When you send money internationally, your bank or service converts your currency to the recipient's currency. The rate they use is not always the mid-market rate you see online. Banks typically offer rates close to mid-market but add a small markup — usually 1 to 2 percent. Money transfer services and apps mark up the rate more, sometimes 2 to 3 percent, which is how they make money on transfers with low stated fees.

On a $1,000 transfer, a 2 percent markup costs you $20. That's in addition to any stated fee. To compare the true cost of different methods, calculate what the recipient will actually receive, not just the fee you're charged. Some services show you the final amount before you confirm; others don't. If they don't, ask before you send.

Exchange rates also fluctuate throughout the day. If you're sending a large amount, the rate you see when you start the transfer may not be the rate you get when it settles. Some services let you lock in a rate for a set period — usually 24 to 48 hours — so you know exactly what the recipient will get.

Timing and when the money arrives

International transfers do not settle when ready. A bank wire typically takes one to five business days, depending on the countries involved and whether the receiving bank processes transfers on weekends. A transfer to Canada or the UK often arrives in one to two days. A transfer to a smaller country or a bank that processes transfers slowly may take five days or longer.

Money transfer services are faster — Western Union and MoneyGram can deliver within minutes if the recipient picks up cash, or within hours if it goes to a bank account. Wise and similar apps usually settle in one to two business days. PayPal and Remitly vary by country and method.

Weekends and holidays slow everything down. A wire sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, send it earlier than you think you need to. Also, the timeline starts when your bank or service processes the transfer, not when you initiate it. Some services process transfers when ready; others process them in batches once or twice a day.

Restrictions and documentation

Some countries restrict incoming transfers or require documentation. A few nations limit how much money can enter the country in a given period, or require the recipient to report the transfer to their government. Some banks ask you to document the purpose of the transfer — whether it's a loan, a gift, a payment for goods, or something else.

If you're sending money regularly or in large amounts, your bank may ask questions about the source of the funds. This is standard anti-money-laundering compliance. Be honest and straightforward. If you're sending a gift, say so. If it's a loan, say so. If you can't explain the source or purpose, the bank may refuse the transfer or freeze your account while they investigate.

Before you send, especially for amounts over $10,000, check whether the recipient's country has any restrictions on incoming transfers. The recipient's bank can tell them. If there are restrictions, the transfer may be rejected or held up for weeks while the receiving bank verifies it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest way to send money internationally?

For amounts under $500, a money transfer service like Western Union or a peer-to-peer app like Remitly is usually cheapest because the fee is low. For amounts over $1,000, a bank wire or Wise is often cheaper because the fee is lower and the exchange rate is better. Calculate the total cost (fee plus exchange rate markup) for each method before you choose.

How long does an international bank transfer actually take?

A wire transfer typically takes one to five business days, depending on the countries and banks involved. Money transfer services can deliver in minutes to hours. The timeline starts when your bank or service processes the transfer, not when you initiate it. Transfers sent on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?

If the account number is wrong, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank and returned to you, or it may be sent to a different account. If it goes to the wrong account, recovering it is difficult and may not be possible. Always confirm the account number with the recipient before you send, and ask your bank to double-check it.

Do I need to report international transfers to the government?

Banks report transfers over $10,000 to the US government as required by law. You don't need to file a separate report, but the bank will document it. If you're sending money regularly in smaller amounts to avoid reporting, that's illegal. Be honest about the amount and purpose.

Can I send money to a country that doesn't have a SWIFT code?

Most countries have banks with SWIFT codes, but a few smaller nations or banks may not. If the recipient's bank doesn't have a SWIFT code, ask them for an IBAN or routing number. Some money transfer services work in countries without SWIFT codes by using local payment networks. Western Union and MoneyGram, for example, operate in many countries that traditional bank wires don't reach easily.