How to Send Money to an International Bank Account

The basic route: wire transfer through your bank

The most direct way to send money to an international bank account is a wire transfer — your bank moves the funds directly to the recipient's bank account overseas. You initiate it at your bank (in person, online, or by phone), provide the recipient's banking details, and the money typically arrives within one to five business days, depending on the destination country and the banks involved.

Your bank will ask for specific information about the recipient: their full name, bank account number, the name and location of their bank, and usually a SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the bank internationally) or an IBAN (International Bank Account Number, used mainly in Europe and some other regions). Without these details correct, the transfer can be delayed or sent to the wrong account.

Wire transfers cost money. Most US banks charge between $15 and $50 for an outgoing international wire, though some charge more depending on the destination country. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee to receive the money, which is deducted from the amount that arrives. Ask your bank for the total cost before you send.

Key Takeaways

Wire transfers through your bank are the standard method and usually take one to five business days, but you need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN and exact bank details.
Your bank charges a fee ($15 to $50 or more), and the recipient's bank may charge a receiving fee that reduces the final amount.
Money transfer services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than banks for many destinations.
The recipient must provide their exact banking details in writing — a small error in account number or bank name can cause delays or failed transfers.
Some countries have restrictions on incoming transfers or require documentation; check with the recipient's bank before sending large amounts.

When to use a money transfer service instead of your bank

If you are sending a smaller amount or to a country where bank fees are high, a money transfer service often costs less and moves the money faster. Services like Wise, OFX, Remitly, and MoneyGram specialize in international transfers and typically offer better exchange rates than banks because they move money in bulk and hold accounts in multiple countries.

These services work differently depending on the provider. Some (like Wise) let you send money directly to a bank account using the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN, just as a bank would. Others (like Remitly) may require the recipient to pick up cash at a partner location, or they may deposit directly to a bank account in certain countries. Check what the service offers for your destination before you start.

Fees vary widely. Some services charge a flat fee plus a percentage of the amount sent; others charge only a percentage. Wise, for example, charges a small percentage and uses the real mid-market exchange rate, which is usually cheaper than a bank's rate. Compare the total cost (fee plus the exchange rate applied) across a few services before you send, especially for larger amounts.

What information you need from the recipient

Before you can send money, the recipient must give you their banking details in writing. Do not rely on a verbal description or a screenshot — ask them to write it down or send it in an email you can save. You will need:

Their full name, exactly as it appears on their bank account
Their bank account number
The name of their bank
The city and country where the bank is located
The SWIFT code (eight or eleven characters) or IBAN (for European and some other accounts)

Some countries also require a routing number or branch code instead of or in addition to a SWIFT code. Ask the recipient which their bank uses, or ask them to provide whatever code their bank lists on their account statement.

If the recipient is unsure of their SWIFT code or IBAN, they can find it on their bank statement, in their online banking portal, or by calling their bank directly. Many banks also publish SWIFT codes on their websites. Do not guess or use a code you find online without confirming it with the recipient — a wrong code can send the money to the wrong bank or cause the transfer to fail.

How long the transfer takes and what happens in between

A wire transfer typically takes one to five business days from the time your bank sends it. The timeline depends on whether the banks use a direct connection (faster) or route the transfer through intermediary banks (slower), and on the time zone difference between your country and the destination.

If you send a wire on a Friday afternoon, it usually will not leave your bank until Monday morning, so the clock does not start until then. Weekends and holidays in either country add extra days. Some countries also have their own banking hours — a transfer sent to Asia on a US evening may not arrive until the next business day in that country.

Once your bank sends the transfer, you can usually track it using a reference number (sometimes called a transaction ID or confirmation number). Your bank will give you this number in your confirmation email or receipt. If the transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with this number and ask them to trace it. The recipient should not contact their bank until at least five business days have passed.

Exchange rates and why they matter

If you are sending money from US dollars to another currency, the exchange rate determines how much the recipient actually receives. Banks and money transfer services do not use the same rate — banks typically explore a markup (a percentage added to the real rate), while some transfer services use the real mid-market rate with only a small fee on top.

The difference can be significant. If you send $1,000 to a recipient in the UK, a bank might explore an exchange rate that is 2 to 3 percent worse than the real rate, costing you $20 to $30 in lost value. A service like Wise would explore the real rate and charge a small flat fee instead, often saving you money on larger transfers.

Before you send, ask your bank what exchange rate they will use and calculate the total amount the recipient will receive. Then check what a money transfer service would charge for the same transfer. The cheapest option is not always the fastest, but for most transfers, the savings are worth a few extra days of waiting.

What can go wrong and how to fix it

The most common problem is an error in the recipient's banking details. If the account number is wrong by even one digit, the transfer may go to a different account at the same bank, or it may be rejected entirely. If the bank name or SWIFT code is wrong, the money may be sent to the wrong bank and take weeks to trace back.

If a transfer fails or goes to the wrong place, contact your bank when ready with your transaction reference number. Your bank can attempt to recall the transfer, but success depends on how far the money has traveled through the banking system. A recall requested within 24 hours has a better chance than one requested days later. The process can take two to four weeks, and your bank may charge a fee to attempt it.

Some countries also have restrictions on incoming transfers — they may require documentation of the source of the funds, or they may limit how much can be received in a single month. If you are sending a large amount or to a country with strict currency controls, ask the recipient's bank in advance whether any documentation or declaration is needed. This prevents the transfer from being held or rejected when it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to a bank account if I do not know the SWIFT code?

You will need either a SWIFT code or an IBAN to send money internationally through a bank or most transfer services. Ask the recipient to check their bank statement or online banking portal, or have them call their bank. Many banks also publish SWIFT codes on their websites if you know the bank name and location.

What is the difference between a SWIFT code and an IBAN?

A SWIFT code identifies the bank; an IBAN identifies the specific account within that bank. IBANs are standard in Europe and some other regions and include the country code, bank code, and account number all in one. SWIFT codes are used worldwide. You typically need one or the other, not both, though providing both is never wrong.

Will the recipient see my name when the money arrives?

Yes. Your name appears in the transfer details, so the recipient will know the money came from you. This is useful for confirming the transfer is legitimate, but it also means the recipient will see your name on their bank statement.

How much does it cost to send money internationally?

Bank wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $50 or more, plus the recipient's bank may charge a receiving fee. Money transfer services often cost less — some charge a flat fee of $2 to $10 plus a small percentage, while others charge only a percentage. The total cost depends on the amount, the destination, and the service used.

What should I do if the money does not arrive after a week?

Contact your bank with your transaction reference number and ask them to trace the transfer. Provide the recipient's full banking details so the bank can search for the money. If the transfer was sent to the wrong account, your bank can attempt a recall, though success is not may provide. The process typically takes two to four weeks.

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.