Ultimate guide to money transfer fees

People transfer money both internationally and domestically for many reasons, from paying back a friend for lunch to helping a loved one with a down payment on a home.

Sending money around the world is as easy as initiating a money transfer, and your receiver can get the funds almost instantly. But how much does it cost?

International money transfer fees vary depending on several factors. Before you send money to someone, learn about money transfer fees, requirements, and how to save money on your next transfer.

Key takeaways

• Several factors affect the cost of money transfer fees, including the transfer method and destination.
• In addition to bank transfer fees, exchange rates and intermediary and other fees can also affect your costs.
• Shop around to find money transfer services with fees that fit your budget.

Money transfer fee factors

Several factors can affect the cost of money transfer fees, including the transfer method, destination, speed, and bank policies.

For instance, international transfers may cost more than domestic transfers. Your costs could also vary depending on the transfer method you choose, such as a wire vs. an electronic funds transfer. Fees could also change if you request a faster transfer speed or choose to pay by credit card instead of funding the transfer with your bank account.

The best way to find the right option at the right price is to compare various providers and transfer fees.

Four types of money transfer fees

There are four types of money transfer fees. The first type is the bank transfer fee that the bank charges for sending or receiving money. The second type of transfer fee is called an intermediary fee, which a third-party bank charges for facilitating a transaction. The third type of fee is the exchange rate, which isn’t a fee but rather the cost of exchanging currencies. The fourth fee type includes all other kinds of fees.

Here are some of the most common types of money transfer fees you may encounter:

Type of fee	Purpose	Cost
Bank transfer fees	Bank charges for sending or receiving domestic or international transfers	$20 to $50 for outgoing, $0 to $16 for incoming
Intermediary transfer fees	Intermediary bank charges for facilitating transfers	Varies
Exchange rates	The cost of exchanging one currency for another	Varies
Additional transfer fees	Other charges associated with a money transfer, such as cancellation fees	Varies

 

Bank transfer fees

Each bank sets its own fees for money transfers. Most banks separate wire transfer fees into categories:

• Incoming
• Outgoing
• Domestic
• International

Outgoing wire transfer fees range from $20–$35 for domestic transfers, and $35–$50 for international transfers. Incoming wire transfers may range from $0 to $16.

You can use your bank or transfer service’s online calculator (if available) to estimate the cost of money transfer fees. Western Union’s online send money form makes it easy to start sending money because you know how much your transfer will cost.

Intermediary transfer fees

Some money transfers may involve a third-party (or intermediary) bank that facilitates the money transfer between banks that don’t have a financial relationship together. The intermediary bank may charge a transfer fee in addition to the transfer fees from the sending and receiving banks.

Exchange rates

An exchange rate isn’t a fee, exactly, but it is a money transfer cost that you should consider. It’s the value of one currency compared to another.

For example, if you sent $100 USD to someone in April 2026, the recipient would receive 84.89 EUR, because the exchange rate was roughly 1 USD to 0.8489 EUR. But if they sent you 100 EUR, you’d receive $117.80 USD, because the exchange rate in the other direction was 1 EUR to 1.1780 USD.

Make sure to account for the exchange rate so you know exactly how much you will receive from a transfer, or how much money you need in your outgoing transfer to ensure the recipient gets the correct amount of money.

Remember that some banks charge a higher markup when converting local currency for an international transfer. This markup is generally a percentage of the transfer amount, so it can be a significant factor if you’re sending a large amount of money.

Additional transfer fees

There can be additional fees associated with a money transfer, such as online versus in-person transfers, cancellation fees, correspondent bank fees, and more. Before initiating a money transfer, check with your financial institution to get a quote for how much it will cost or what fees you may incur.

How much does a money transfer cost?

Figuring out how much a money transfer costs depends on several factors.

The table below shows money transfer fees for the most popular banks in the United States:

Bank Name	Sending	Receiving
Bank of America	Domestic: Up to $30 per transfer   International: Up to $45 per transfer	Up to $15 per transfer
Chase	Domestic: Up to $35 per transfer   International: Up to $50 per transfer	Up to $15 per transfer
Citi	Domestic: Up to $25 per transfer   International: Up to $35 per transfer	Up to $15 per transfer
Fidelity	No charge	No charge
PNC Bank	Domestic: Up to $30 per transfer   International: Up to $50 per transfer	Up to $15 per transfer
USAA	Domestic: Up to $20 per transfer   International: Up to $45 per transfer	No charge
Wells Fargo	Domestic: Up to $40 per transfer   International: Up to $40 per transfer	No charge

As of 4/15/2026

How to save money on your international money transfer fees

Money transfer fees can add up, especially if you frequently send or receive money. Luckily, there are a few ways you can save money on international transfer fees.

Here are some tips on decreasing your money transfer costs:

• Shop around to find rates that suit your budget.
• Compare your transfer options and consider sending by ACH.
• Initiate a money transfer differently to avoid fees.
• Research exchange rates or convert before the transfer.

Shop around

Comparison shopping can help you save money on money transfer fees, since rates vary by financial institution. Online tools offer an easy way to shop around and calculate money transfer costs before sending.

If you choose to initiate a transfer from your local bank branch, ask questions like:

• What fees are associated with a money transfer?
• Are there different fees for online vs. in-person transfers?
• Are there different fees when transferring foreign currency vs. USD?
• What if the receiver doesn’t have an account at this participating bank?
• Are there incoming transfer fees as well?

Compare your transfer options

Choosing a wire transfer vs. electronic funds transfer may affect your costs. An electronic funds transfer (EFT) is usually processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH). While ACH transfers usually take a little longer, they are generally cheaper than wire transfers.

Another option to consider is an international mobile wallet transfer. This type of transfer lets you send money directly to someone’s mobile wallet.

How you initiate a money transfer may change the fees

Some banks charge different money transfer fees when you initiate

Research exchange rates or convert before the transfer

Many financial institutions use a marked-up exchange rate as part of their service fees. Because of this, some banks offer lower fees if you let them convert the funds before transferring, or if you provide the currency already converted. Contact your financial institution to see if this option is available.

Use a money transfer service

International money transfer services like Western Union help you send money abroad quickly and easily, and often with lower money transfer fees compared to traditional banks.

Western Union offers other benefits as well, like a wider range of transfer options, payment methods, and even in-person cash pickup locations. You can even build credit when you use Western Union to transfer money. Plus, you can join the ^® program to start earning points¹ on qualifying transfers. You can redeem points for exclusive member benefits such as transfer fee² discounts. to start earning points on qualifying transfers. You can redeem points for exclusive member benefits such as transfer fee discounts.

What are Western Union’s money transfer fees?<

Western Union’s money transfer fees vary based on the services you need. Changing the payment method, destination, or transfer type may adjust your cost.

You can see your domestic or international money transfer fees when you start a transfer online, on the app, or in person at a Western Union location near you.

Transfer money with Western Union

Figuring out the different types of money transfer fees can be confusing, but Western Union makes it easy. See how much each transfer will cost when you begin a money transfer online, with our money transfer app, or in person at hundreds of thousands of agent locations globally.

Register for an account to get started today.