International transfer fees

Definition

The full cost of sending money abroad — the fee plus the cost of currency conversion.

What it means in practice

The cost is made up of: the transfer fee (for example SEPA at 0 PLN, SWIFT as a percentage of the amount with a min/max), the FX markup, and any intermediary-bank fees.

Why it affects your choice

For regular transfers abroad — for example sending money to family — the differences between products can be significant.

When each is better

For euros within the EU it is usually cheapest via SEPA; outside the euro area via SWIFT — where the rate and intermediary fees also matter.

Watch out

Compare not only the fee but also the rate — a cheap transfer at a poor rate can cost more.

WTP Finance is for information only; we do not give financial advice.