The basic steps for an international bank transfer

An international bank transfer moves money from your account at a U.S. bank to an account at a bank in another country. Your bank sends the money through a network of correspondent banks — intermediary banks that handle the transfer between countries — until it reaches the recipient's bank. The whole process usually takes three to five business days, though it can take longer depending on the countries and banks involved.

To send the money, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's full name, their bank account number, their bank's name and location, and their bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). SWIFT codes are eight or eleven-character codes that identify banks worldwide. An IBAN is a longer account number format used mainly in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. You can ask the recipient for these details, or they can find them on their bank statements or by calling their bank.

Once you have this information, you can start the transfer through your bank's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. Your bank will ask you to confirm the amount, the recipient's details, and who pays the transfer fees. Then you authorize the transfer, and your bank sends it on its way.

Key Takeaways

  • International transfers require the recipient's full name, account number, bank name, and SWIFT code or IBAN — ask them directly or have them check their bank statement.
  • Money typically arrives in three to five business days, but delays happen if banks need to verify information or if the receiving country has slower processing times.
  • Your bank charges a fee for international transfers, usually between $15 and $50, and the recipient's bank may charge a fee as well.
  • You can send transfers through your bank's website, app, or in person at a branch — the method does not change how long it takes or what information you need.
  • Exchange rates vary by bank and by the minute, so the amount the recipient gets in their local currency depends on the rate your bank uses on the day the transfer completes.

What information you need before you start

The recipient must give you their complete bank details. Ask them to provide their account number exactly as it appears on their bank statement, because even one wrong digit will send the money to the wrong account or cause the transfer to be rejected. They should also give you their bank's full name and the city where the bank is located.

The SWIFT code is the most important piece. It is an eight or eleven-character code — for example, DEUTDEDD for Deutsche Bank in Germany. If the recipient is not sure of their SWIFT code, they can find it on their bank statement, call their bank, or search for it on the SWIFT website (swift.com). Some banks also use the term "BIC code," which is the same thing.

If the recipient's bank is in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, or parts of Asia, ask for their IBAN instead of or in addition to the SWIFT code. An IBAN looks like a longer account number — for example, DE89370400440532013000 for a German account. The IBAN includes the country code, bank code, and account number all in one, so it reduces the chance of errors. Many banks outside the U.S. prefer IBANs because they are harder to get wrong.

How to send the transfer through your bank

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a link that says "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," "International Transfer," or "Pay Someone." The exact wording varies by bank. If you cannot find it, call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card — and ask them to walk you through it.

Enter the recipient's information exactly as they gave it to you. Your bank will ask for their full name, account number, SWIFT code or IBAN, and bank name and location. Double-check every detail before you submit, because once the transfer goes through, it is very hard to stop or reverse it. If you make a mistake, the money may go to the wrong account, and you will have to contact your bank to try to recover it — a process that can take weeks.

Your bank will then show you the amount in U.S. dollars, the amount the recipient will receive in their local currency (based on that day's exchange rate), and the fees. Review these numbers carefully. Your bank may charge a flat fee (typically $15 to $50), a percentage of the amount sent, or both. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee, which is usually deducted from the amount they receive. Some banks let you choose who pays the fees — you can pay all of it, split it, or have the recipient pay it — so ask your bank what options are available.

Once you confirm everything, authorize the transfer using your PIN, password, or biometric authentication. Your bank will give you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you will need it if you have to contact your bank later about the transfer.

Understanding fees and exchange rates

Every international transfer costs money. Your bank charges a fee for sending the money, and the recipient's bank usually charges a fee for receiving it. Your bank's fee is typically between $15 and $50, depending on the bank and the amount you are sending. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount. The recipient's bank's fee is usually between $5 and $15, and it is often deducted from the amount they receive, so they get less than you sent.

The exchange rate — the price at which one currency converts to another — also affects how much the recipient gets. Exchange rates change constantly throughout the day. Your bank uses the rate that is in effect when the transfer actually completes, which may be different from the rate when you started the transfer. This means the recipient's amount in their local currency can vary by a few dollars or more, depending on how long the transfer takes and how much the rate moves.

If you are sending a large amount or sending money regularly, ask your bank whether they offer a better rate for larger transfers or whether they have a service that locks in an exchange rate for a set period. Some banks do, and it can save you money.

Why transfers take time and what can delay them

A typical international transfer takes three to five business days. The money leaves your account when ready, but it does not reach the recipient's account right away because it has to pass through multiple banks in different countries, each of which processes it during their business hours. If you send a transfer on a Friday evening, it may not start moving until Monday morning, which adds days to the timeline.

Transfers can be delayed if the recipient's bank information is incomplete or incorrect, if the banks involved need to verify the transfer for fraud or compliance reasons, or if the receiving country has slower banking infrastructure. Some countries also have rules about international transfers that require extra steps or documentation. If your transfer does not arrive within the timeframe your bank quoted, contact your bank with your confirmation number and ask them to check on it.

You cannot cancel a transfer once it has been sent, so if you realize you made a mistake, call your bank when ready. They may be able to stop it if it has not yet left the U.S. banking system, but if it has already reached the recipient's bank, you will have to ask that bank to return it — a process that can take weeks and may not succeed.

Alternatives to bank transfers

If your bank's fees are high or the timeline is too slow, you have other options. Money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Wise (formerly TransferWise) specialize in international transfers and sometimes charge lower fees or offer better exchange rates than banks. These services work differently from bank transfers — some let you send cash in person, others work online only, and some deliver money to a pickup location instead of a bank account.

Wise is popular for bank-to-bank transfers because it uses real exchange rates and charges a transparent fee based on the amount. Western Union and MoneyGram are useful if the recipient does not have a bank account or needs the money quickly, though their fees are usually higher. Compare the total cost — your fee plus the recipient's fee plus the exchange rate — across your bank and at least one money transfer service before you decide.

If you are sending money to family regularly, some banks offer lower rates for recurring transfers, and some money transfer services offer discounts for repeat customers. Ask about these options when you are comparing costs.

What to do if something goes wrong

If the money does not arrive within the timeframe your bank quoted, contact your bank with your confirmation number and ask them to trace the transfer. Provide them with the recipient's full name, account number, and bank details. Your bank can contact the recipient's bank to find out where the money is and why it is delayed.

If the money went to the wrong account because of an error in the recipient's information, contact your bank when ready. They can try to recover the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates and whether the money has already been withdrawn. This process can take weeks or months, and there is no may provide the money will be returned.

If you were charged a fee you did not expect or if the exchange rate seems unfair, ask your bank to explain the charges. Banks are required to disclose fees and exchange rates before you authorize a transfer, so review the confirmation screen carefully. If your bank did not clearly show the fees, file a complaint with your bank's customer service department.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an international transfer actually take?

Most transfers arrive in three to five business days, but it can take longer. The timeline depends on the banks involved, the countries, and whether either bank needs to verify the transfer. Weekends and holidays add time because banks do not process transfers on those days. If your bank quoted a specific timeframe, that is usually accurate, but delays do happen.

Can I send money to a country that the U.S. has sanctions against?

No. U.S. banks cannot send money to certain countries due to federal sanctions. These countries change, but currently include Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba. If you try to send money to one of these countries, your bank will reject the transfer. Ask your bank if you are unsure whether a country is restricted.

What happens if I give the wrong account number?

The transfer may go to the wrong account, or the receiving bank may reject it and send it back to your bank. If it goes to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready with your confirmation number. They can try to recover the funds, but the process is slow and not always successful. Always double-check the account number before you authorize the transfer.

Is it cheaper to have the recipient's bank pay the fee instead of me?

Sometimes. If you choose "OUR" (you pay all fees) or "THEIR" (recipient pays all fees) as the fee arrangement, the total cost to the recipient may be different. Ask your bank what the fee would be under each option so you can compare. Usually, having the recipient pay results in them receiving less money, so it depends on your agreement with them.

Can I send money to a mobile money account or digital wallet instead of a bank account?

It depends on your bank and the recipient's service. Some banks allow transfers to mobile money services like M-Pesa in Kenya or bKash in Bangladesh, but not all do. Ask your bank whether they support transfers to the specific service the recipient uses. If not, the recipient may need to transfer the money from their mobile account to a bank account first.