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How to Transfer Money Between Banks: A Complete Guide

Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Learning how to transfer money between banks is one of those financial tasks that most people handle regularly but rarely question. Whether you need to transfer money between bank accounts at two different domestic institutions, or send funds internationally to someone in another country, the method you choose has a significant impact on how much you pay and how long the money takes to arrive. Most people default to whatever their bank offers without comparing alternatives, and for domestic transfers that is usually fine. For international transfers, it can be very expensive.

Domestically, banks offer ACH transfers, wire transfers, and peer-to-peer networks like Zelle in the US or Faster Payments in the UK. Knowing how to transfer money from bank to bank using these methods is straightforward once you understand how each one works. For international transfers, most banks rely on the SWIFT network, routing payments through one or more correspondent banks and adding fees and delays along the way. A standard international wire from Chase or HSBC can cost $40 to $50 in outgoing fees alone, before the exchange rate markup is factored in.

This guide covers every method for how to transfer money bank to bank, both domestically and across borders. We explain what information you need, walk through the step-by-step process, compare real fee data from major banks including Chase, Wells Fargo, HSBC, and Barclays, and show you when using a specialist money transfer service will save you considerably more than sticking with your bank. For international transfers especially, the difference is substantial: banks add a 2% to 4% exchange rate markup on top of their flat fees, while services like Wise use the mid-market rate with a small, transparent fee.

One important point before we begin: banks are almost never the cheapest option for international transfers. The World Bank's Remittance Prices Worldwide data consistently shows bank transfers cost an average of 12% to 14% of the amount sent when fees and exchange rate margins are combined. Specialist providers typically charge well under 2% total. On a GBP 1,000 transfer, that difference can be GBP 50 or more. This guide focuses on how to transfer money between bank accounts in a way that minimises those costs.

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What It Means to Transfer Money Between Banks

A bank-to-bank transfer is the movement of funds from one bank account to another, either within the same country or across borders. Domestic transfers use national payment networks: ACH in the US, Faster Payments or CHAPS in the UK, and SEPA across Europe. International transfers use the SWIFT messaging network, which connects over 11,000 financial institutions worldwide and allows banks to communicate payment instructions across borders.

When you initiate a transfer, the money does not move physically in real time. The sending bank issues a payment instruction; the receiving bank credits the account according to its settlement schedule. Domestic transfers can settle in seconds on modern networks. International SWIFT wires take 2 to 5 business days because the payment routes through one or more correspondent banks in the middle, each processing and forwarding the instruction and potentially deducting a handling fee.

Methods for Transferring Money Between Bank Accounts

There is no single correct method for how to transfer money between bank accounts. The right approach depends on whether the transfer is domestic or international, how urgently the recipient needs the funds, and how much the transfer should cost. Here are the main options available for how to transfer money bank to bank.

ACH Transfers (US Domestic)

ACH (Automated Clearing House) is the standard electronic payment network for domestic bank-to-bank transfers in the United States. It processes payments in batches throughout the day, which means transfers are not instant, but they are reliable and almost always free. Standard ACH takes 1 to 3 business days to clear, while same-day ACH is available at most major banks for a small fee, typically under $1 per transaction. ACH is ideal for payroll, bill payments, and routine transfers between personal accounts at different US banks.

To initiate an ACH transfer, you need the recipient's ABA routing number (9 digits) and account number. Most US banking apps allow you to link an external account within minutes using a small verification deposit. Once linked, ACH transfers between the two accounts become a standard feature of your dashboard.

Wire Transfers Between Banks

A wire transfer is a direct bank-to-bank payment that settles faster than ACH but costs significantly more. Domestic wire transfers in the US settle the same business day through the Fedwire network, provided they are submitted before the bank's daily cutoff, usually between 3 pm and 5 pm Eastern. Most US banks charge $15 to $35 for outgoing domestic wires, and the recipient may be charged an incoming fee of $10 to $20.

International wire transfers use SWIFT and take 2 to 5 business days. The fees are considerably higher: Chase charges $40 for outgoing international wires in USD, Wells Fargo charges $30, and both apply an exchange rate markup of 3% to 4% on top. HSBC UK charges approximately GBP 5 for international payments, but the hidden cost is the FX margin applied to the currency conversion, which can add GBP 20 to GBP 40 on a GBP 1,000 transfer.

Faster Payments and SEPA (UK and Europe)

In the UK, most domestic bank transfers use the Faster Payments network, which settles in seconds and is free for personal accounts at all major banks. HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest all support Faster Payments as standard. In Europe, SEPA handles cross-border euro transfers between member states, typically settling within one business day at no charge.

These regional networks are highly efficient for domestic and intra-regional payments but do not extend internationally. A UK to US transfer cannot use Faster Payments and falls back to SWIFT, with all the associated costs and delays that come with it.

Peer-to-Peer Payment Networks

Zelle is embedded in most major US bank apps and allows instant, free transfers between enrolled accounts at participating banks. Both sender and recipient must have US bank accounts. Venmo and PayPal offer similar domestic functionality but charge fees for instant bank account withdrawals and do not support international bank-to-bank transfers in any meaningful way.

Sending money internationally via PayPal incurs a currency conversion fee of 3% to 4% above the mid-market rate, plus a variable transfer fee. For international remittances, specialist money transfer services consistently outperform peer-to-peer apps on both cost and speed, and they deliver funds directly to a bank account rather than a PayPal or Venmo wallet.

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer Money Between Banks?

The cost varies significantly depending on the method, the destination, and which bank you use. Domestic transfers are usually free or near-free. International transfers are where costs accumulate quickly, particularly when your bank applies an exchange rate markup on top of a flat wire fee. Most senders focus on the headline fee and miss the larger hidden cost embedded in the exchange rate.

Here is a comparison of current fees at major UK and US banks for international wire transfers, alongside the leading specialist services:

Provider

Outgoing Fee

FX Markup

Typical Speed

Chase (US)

$40

3-4%

2-5 business days

Wells Fargo (US)

$30

3%

2-5 business days

HSBC UK

GBP 5

2-4%

2-5 business days

Barclays UK

GBP 0 online

~2.75%

2-5 business days

Wise

0.5-1.5%

0% (mid-market)

Seconds to 2 days

Remitly

GBP 0-3.99

0-2%

Minutes to 2 days

Xe

GBP 0 (most pairs)

Small spread

Same day to 2 days

To put this in concrete terms: if you send GBP 1,000 internationally through HSBC, you pay GBP 5 in wire fees and lose another GBP 20 to GBP 40 on the exchange rate markup. The recipient receives GBP 25 to GBP 45 less than you sent. The same transfer via Wise costs GBP 5 to GBP 8 in total, using the mid-market rate with no markup. The recipient receives GBP 20 to GBP 35 more. Barclays charges nothing upfront online, but its 2.75% exchange rate margin means a GBP 1,000 transfer costs around GBP 27.50 in hidden rate costs alone.

On the US side: sending USD 1,000 internationally through Chase costs USD 40 in outgoing fees plus roughly USD 30 to USD 40 in exchange rate margin, for a combined loss of USD 70 to USD 80. Wise handles the same transfer for around USD 5 to USD 10. That saving of USD 60 to USD 70 on a single USD 1,000 transfer compounds significantly for anyone who sends money internationally on a regular basis.

What Information Do You Need to Transfer Money Between Bank Accounts?

The information required depends on whether the transfer is domestic or international and which countries are involved. Getting all the details correct before initiating the payment avoids failed transfers, delays, and funds being returned minus a handling fee.

  • Recipient's full legal name (must match their bank account exactly)
  • Account number and sort code (UK domestic) or routing number (US domestic)
  • IBAN (for European and many international transfers)
  • SWIFT/BIC code (required for all international wire transfers)
  • Local identifiers where required: IFSC code for India, CLABE for Mexico, BSB number for Australia
  • The amount you are sending and the currency
  • Purpose of transfer (required by some banks for large or international payments)

For US domestic transfers, you need the recipient's 9-digit ABA routing number and account number. In the UK, you need the 6-digit sort code and 8-digit account number. For international wires, you need the IBAN (for European destinations) or account number, plus the bank's SWIFT or BIC code. If any detail is wrong, the transfer may be rejected, delayed, or credited to the wrong account entirely.

How to Transfer Money Between Banks Step by Step

The steps for how to transfer money between banks are consistent whether you use online banking, a mobile app, or visit a branch. This section walks through how to transfer money from bank to bank using each channel, along with what to expect at each stage.

Using Online Banking

Online banking is the most common way people transfer money between bank accounts. The process is straightforward once you have the recipient's details ready:

  1. Log in to your bank's online banking portal.
  2. Navigate to 'Payments', 'Transfers', or 'Send Money' in the main menu.
  3. Select 'External transfer' or 'New payee' for domestic; 'International payment' or 'Wire transfer' for overseas.
  4. Enter the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number or sort code (domestic), or IBAN and SWIFT code (international).
  5. Enter the amount and select the sending or receiving currency.
  6. Review the exchange rate, fees, and estimated delivery date carefully before confirming.
  7. Authorise the payment using your security method (PIN, one-time passcode, or security token).
  8. Save the transaction reference number shown on the confirmation screen.

Using a Mobile Banking App

Mobile apps make it possible to transfer money bank to bank from anywhere. The steps mirror online banking but are optimised for touchscreens and typically use biometric authentication:

  1. Open your bank's mobile app and log in with your PIN or biometrics.
  2. Tap 'Payments', 'Transfers', or the equivalent in the main navigation.
  3. Tap 'Add new payee' if this is your first transfer to this recipient.
  4. Enter the recipient's account details and the amount you want to send.
  5. Review the fees and exchange rate (for international transfers, this step is critical).
  6. Confirm the payment using your authentication method.
  7. Screenshot the confirmation screen and note the reference number for tracking.

Via Branch or Telephone Banking

Some banks require in-branch or telephone authorisation for large or first-time international transfers. In-branch transfers typically cost more than online equivalents at the same institution. Wells Fargo charges USD 40 in branch versus USD 25 online for international wires. Bank of America charges USD 45 in branch versus USD 40 online. If you can complete the transfer online or via the app, you will almost always pay less and the process is faster.

How to Transfer Money From Bank to Bank Internationally

International bank-to-bank transfers follow a different process from domestic payments. When you transfer money from bank to bank internationally, your bank does not connect directly to the recipient's bank. Instead, it sends a payment instruction via the SWIFT messaging network, which routes the payment through one or more correspondent banks in the middle. Each correspondent may deduct its own handling fee, which is why the recipient sometimes receives slightly less than the amount you sent.

To complete an international wire transfer, you need: the recipient's full name and address, their account number or IBAN, the bank's SWIFT or BIC code (8 to 11 characters), the bank's full name and address, and any additional local identifiers for the destination country. India requires an IFSC code, Mexico uses a CLABE number, and Australia needs a BSB number alongside the account number. Always confirm these details directly with the recipient before initiating the transfer.

Once submitted, international wire transfers through a bank are difficult to cancel or amend. The SWIFT network processes instructions quickly, and recall requests take days and are not guaranteed. Double-check all recipient details before confirming, particularly the account number and SWIFT code. A single digit error in an account number can cause the funds to be credited to the wrong account or returned with a deduction.

The total cost of an international bank wire includes the flat outgoing fee, intermediary fees deducted en route, and the exchange rate markup applied by your bank. These combined costs regularly exceed USD 70 to USD 80 on a USD 1,000 transfer at a major US bank. For most people who want to know how to transfer money bank to bank internationally at the lowest cost, this makes specialist services a far more cost-effective choice than a traditional bank wire.

Better Alternatives for International Bank-to-Bank Transfers

For international transfers, specialist money transfer services consistently outperform banks on cost, speed, and transparency. Rather than hiding margin inside an opaque exchange rate, they show the exact fee upfront and process payments using local payment networks where possible, bypassing the SWIFT correspondent banking chain. If you regularly need to transfer money between bank accounts across borders, the three providers below are significantly cheaper than any major bank.

Wise

Fees & Exchange Rates10.0
Transfer Speed9.0
Safety & Trust10.0
Service & Quality9.5
Read our review

Wise is the most transparent and widely used alternative for international bank-to-bank transfers, serving over 16 million customers across more than 160 countries. It uses the mid-market exchange rate on all transfers with no hidden markup, and charges a small, clearly stated fee typically between 0.5% and 1.5% of the transfer amount depending on the currency pair. On a USD 1,000 transfer, Wise typically costs USD 5 to USD 15 in total, compared to USD 70 to USD 80 at a major US bank once fees and exchange rate margins are combined. Wise money transfer rates are shown upfront before you confirm, with no surprises when the recipient checks their account.

Wise also offers a multi-currency account that lets you hold, receive, and send money in over 40 currencies using local bank details for GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, and more. For anyone who regularly transfers money between bank accounts in different countries, this account eliminates the need to pay a wire fee each time by letting you convert and send from within the Wise platform directly.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup and charges a small, transparent fee. On most major currency pairs, the total cost is 60% to 80% lower than using your bank.

  • Mid-market exchange rate: no hidden FX margin on any transfer
  • Transparent fee upfront: typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the transfer amount
  • 160+ countries: covering all major corridors and most secondary ones
  • Fast delivery: often within hours on major currency pairs
  • FCA regulated: customer funds safeguarded separately from operating capital

Remitly

Fees & Exchange Rates8.5
Transfer Speed8.0
Safety & Trust10.0
Service & Quality9.0
Read our review

Remitly specialises in remittance corridors, particularly transfers to South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It offers two service levels on most routes: Economy (lower fee, 1 to 5 business days) and Express (slightly higher fee, typically within minutes). On high-volume routes such as US to India, UK to Philippines, or Canada to Nigeria, Remitly frequently offers better rates than both traditional banks and several other specialist services. The mobile app provides real-time status updates throughout the transfer process.

Remitly is FCA regulated in the UK and licensed as a money transmitter across all 50 US states. The first transfer often comes with a promotional rate. Transfer fees vary by corridor, typically ranging from GBP 0 to GBP 3.99, with a small exchange rate margin of 0.5% to 2% depending on the currency pair. This is significantly cheaper than a bank international wire for most popular remittance destinations.

Remitly delivers Express transfers in minutes on most major corridors, making it the fastest option when time is a priority.

  • Express delivery: minutes to most major bank accounts internationally
  • Economy option: lower fees for non-urgent international transfers
  • Bank and mobile wallet delivery: available across most destination countries
  • Competitive rates: on key corridors to Asia, Africa, and Latin America
  • FCA regulated: authorised and licensed in the UK and all 50 US states

Xe

Fees & Exchange Rates7.5
Transfer Speed10.0
Safety & Trust10.0
Service & Quality9.0
Read our review

Xe is one of the most established names in international money transfer, having operated in the currency exchange space since the 1990s and processing billions of dollars annually. It supports bank-to-bank transfers to over 130 countries across more than 100 currencies, including a wide range of exotic currency pairs that newer services and most banks do not cover effectively. Xe charges no flat transfer fee on most currency pairs, earning a small margin through the exchange rate spread.

For larger transfers, Xe also offers rate lock and forward contract options, allowing you to secure today's exchange rate for a transfer scheduled days or weeks in the future. This currency risk management tool is particularly useful for anyone who regularly transfers large amounts between bank accounts in different countries and wants to protect against adverse exchange rate movements.

Xe covers more than 130 countries and handles exotic currency pairs that most other services do not offer, with no flat transfer fee on most payments.

  • 130+ countries: including many exotic currency pairs
  • No flat transfer fee: on most international bank-to-bank payments
  • Forward contracts: lock in today's rate for a future transfer
  • Same-day delivery: available on major corridors
  • Trusted since the 1990s: billions processed annually

How to Track Money Transfer From Bank to Bank

Knowing how to track money transfer from bank to bank is essential when you are waiting on funds to arrive, especially for international wires that can take several business days. Understanding how to track money transfer from bank to bank starts with the transaction reference number your bank provides at the point of sending. Keep this safe: it is the key identifier you will need if the transfer is delayed or requires investigation.

For domestic transfers, tracking is straightforward. Banking apps show ACH transfers as 'pending' until they clear within 1 to 3 business days. Domestic wire transfers processed through Fedwire confirm on the same business day in most cases. If a domestic payment does not appear within the expected window, contact your bank with the transaction reference number.

For international wires, learning how to track money transfer from bank to bank involves more steps. SWIFT's Global Payments Innovation (SWIFT GPI) system enables end-to-end tracking of international wires at participating banks, using a UETR (Unique End-to-end Transaction Reference) that functions like a parcel tracking number for your wire. Ask your bank whether it supports SWIFT GPI and request the UETR for your transfer. Not all retail banking customers have access to this, which is a genuine frustration with the traditional bank wire experience.

Specialist services handle tracking considerably better. Wise, Remitly, and Xe send automatic status notifications at each stage of a transfer, from submission through currency conversion to final delivery. If you need to track a money transfer from bank to bank and you sent via a specialist provider, the app shows exactly where the payment is at any given moment. This level of visibility is one of the most practical differences between using a specialist service and using your bank for international transfers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer money between banks online?

To transfer money between banks online, log in to your bank's online portal and navigate to the payments or transfers section. Select 'external transfer' for domestic or 'international payment' for overseas. Enter the recipient's account details: for domestic, their account number and routing number (US) or sort code (UK); for international, their IBAN and the bank's SWIFT code. Enter the amount, review the fees and exchange rate carefully before confirming, then save the reference number. Domestic transfers typically take 1 to 3 business days; international wires take 2 to 5 business days. For faster and cheaper international transfers, consider using Wise or Remitly instead of your bank's built-in transfer tool.

How long does it take to transfer money from bank to bank?

The time to transfer money from bank to bank depends on the method and destination. Domestic ACH transfers in the US take 1 to 3 business days, while same-day ACH is available for a small fee at most banks. UK Faster Payments settle within seconds at no charge. Domestic wire transfers via Fedwire settle the same business day if submitted before the cutoff. International SWIFT wires typically take 2 to 5 business days. Specialist services are considerably faster: Wise delivers most international transfers in 1 to 2 business days, and Remitly's Express service delivers within minutes on many popular corridors.

How much does it cost to transfer money between bank accounts?

Domestic transfers are usually free: ACH in the US, Faster Payments in the UK, and SEPA in Europe all process at no charge. Domestic wire transfers cost USD 15 to USD 35 at most US banks. International wire transfers are significantly more expensive: Chase charges USD 40 outgoing plus a 3% to 4% exchange rate markup, meaning a USD 1,000 transfer costs USD 70 to USD 80 in total. UK banks like HSBC charge GBP 5 in fees plus an FX margin of 2% to 4%. Specialist services like Wise charge 0.5% to 1.5% total with no exchange rate markup, making them substantially cheaper for most international transfers.

What information do I need to transfer money bank to bank?

For domestic US transfers, you need the recipient's 9-digit ABA routing number and account number. In the UK, you need the 6-digit sort code and 8-digit account number. For international wire transfers, you need the recipient's full legal name, their IBAN (for European accounts) or account number, the bank's SWIFT or BIC code, the bank's full name and address, and any additional local identifiers required for the destination country. India requires an IFSC code, Mexico uses a CLABE number, and Australia needs a BSB number. The name on the receiving account must match exactly what you provide, as mismatches cause transfers to be held or returned.

Is it safe to transfer money between banks?

Yes, transferring money between banks through regulated payment networks is safe. Domestic ACH and wire transfers are regulated by the Federal Reserve and FDIC in the US and the FCA in the UK. International SWIFT transfers undergo compliance screening at multiple points. Specialist services including Wise, Remitly, and Xe are regulated by financial authorities in their operating markets: Wise is FCA authorised in the UK, Remitly holds an FCA licence and US money transmitter licences, and Xe is regulated in multiple jurisdictions. All three safeguard customer funds separately from their own operating capital. The main risk to be aware of is fraud: always verify recipient details through a trusted channel before sending.

How do I track a money transfer from bank to bank?

To track a money transfer from bank to bank, use the transaction reference number provided by your bank when you initiated the transfer. For domestic payments, check your banking app's transaction history. For international SWIFT wires, ask your bank whether it supports SWIFT GPI and request a UETR (Unique End-to-end Transaction Reference), which enables real-time tracking through the SWIFT network. If the transfer has not arrived within the expected timeframe, contact your bank immediately with the reference number and the recipient's full details. For transfers via Wise, Remitly, or Xe, tracking is available directly in the app with automatic notifications at each stage.

Can I transfer money between banks without a wire transfer?

Yes. For domestic transfers, ACH is a free alternative to wire transfers in the US, settling in 1 to 3 business days. Faster Payments in the UK is free and nearly instant. Zelle provides free, instant domestic transfers between bank accounts at enrolled US banks. For international transfers, specialist services like Wise and Remitly bypass the SWIFT wire system entirely, using local payment networks in both the sending and receiving countries. This approach is often faster and significantly cheaper than a bank wire, and the recipient receives funds directly in their bank account without paying an incoming wire fee.

How do I transfer money between bank accounts in different countries?

To transfer money between bank accounts in different countries, you have two main routes. The first is an international wire transfer through your bank: log in to online banking, enter the recipient's IBAN and SWIFT code, review the fees and exchange rate, and confirm. This typically costs USD 25 to USD 50 in fees plus a 2% to 4% exchange rate margin. The second option is a specialist service like Wise, Remitly, or Xe, which charges a fraction of the bank cost, applies a much better exchange rate, and often delivers funds within hours. For the vast majority of international transfers, specialist services are faster, cheaper, and more transparent.

What is the cheapest way to transfer money between banks internationally?

The cheapest way to transfer money between banks internationally is almost always through a specialist money transfer service rather than a traditional bank wire. Wise consistently offers near mid-market rates with fees starting from 0.5% on major currency pairs, making it one of the lowest-cost options available. Remitly is particularly competitive on high-volume remittance corridors to South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Xe charges no flat transfer fee on most payments, with a small rate spread applied instead. All three are substantially cheaper than major banks, which combine flat outgoing wire fees with exchange rate markups of 2% to 4%, resulting in total costs of USD 50 to USD 80 or more on a USD 1,000 international transfer.

How do I transfer money between bank accounts instantly?

For instant domestic transfers, Zelle is free and embedded in most major US bank apps, settling in seconds between enrolled accounts. Faster Payments in the UK also settles within seconds at no charge. The US Federal Reserve's FedNow Service, introduced in 2023, is expanding access to real-time bank-to-bank payments between participating institutions. For international instant transfers, Remitly's Express service delivers to many bank accounts within minutes. Wise completes most transfers within hours on major currency pairs. Neither is guaranteed to be instant on every corridor, but both are considerably faster than a traditional SWIFT international wire transfer.

What is the difference between ACH and a wire transfer?

ACH transfers are free batch-processed domestic payments in the US, clearing in 1 to 3 business days. Same-day ACH is available for under USD 1 at many banks. Wire transfers are direct, individually processed payments that settle faster: same-day domestically via Fedwire, or 2 to 5 business days internationally via SWIFT. The trade-off is cost: domestic wires run USD 15 to USD 35, and international wires run USD 25 to USD 50 or more at major banks, plus an exchange rate markup for currency conversions. Use ACH for routine non-urgent domestic payments and wire transfers when you need speed or are sending a large international payment.

Do I need a SWIFT code to transfer money between banks internationally?

In most cases, yes. A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is the international bank identifier required to route international wire transfers to the correct institution. It is an 8 to 11 character alphanumeric code identifying the bank, country, and sometimes the specific branch. Alongside the SWIFT code, you typically need the recipient's IBAN for European accounts, or their account number for countries that do not use the IBAN system. Some destinations require additional identifiers: India uses an IFSC code, Mexico uses a CLABE number, and Australia uses a BSB number. Your recipient's bank can confirm all the required details if you or the recipient are unsure.

How to transfer money between bank accounts without paying fees?

For domestic transfers, you can avoid fees entirely by using ACH (free in the US), Faster Payments (free in the UK), SEPA (free within Europe), or peer-to-peer services like Zelle (free and instant in the US). For international transfers, completely fee-free transfers are difficult to find, but you can reduce costs dramatically. Wise charges a small percentage fee but uses the mid-market rate with no markup, making the total cost far lower than a bank wire fee plus FX margin. On a GBP 2,000 international transfer, switching from HSBC to Wise typically saves GBP 50 to GBP 80. Xe charges no flat fee on most transfers, earning a small exchange rate spread instead.

Can I use a mobile app to transfer money bank to bank internationally?

Yes. Most major banks offer mobile apps that support international wire transfers. You log in, navigate to international payments, enter the recipient's IBAN and SWIFT code, review the fees and exchange rate, and confirm. Specialist services including Wise, Remitly, and Xe also have well-rated mobile apps that make international bank-to-bank transfers simpler, cheaper, and faster than the bank equivalent. They show a clear fee breakdown before you confirm, send automatic status notifications as the transfer progresses, and typically deliver funds in 1 to 2 business days rather than 2 to 5 days for a bank wire.

Whether you are making a one-time international payment or regularly transferring money between bank accounts across borders, knowing your options gives you control over what you pay and how quickly the money arrives. Banks are convenient for domestic payments, where ACH and Faster Payments are free and effective. For international transfers, they are rarely the cheapest or fastest route. Specialist services like Wise, Remitly, and Xe offer transparent pricing, faster delivery, and significantly better exchange rates. Comparing before you send is the single most impactful step you can take.

About the Author
Mohammad Humaid

Mohammad Humaid

Verified Author

Mo is the founder of MoneyTransferStore. As an expat who has experienced the challenges of sending money across borders himself, he set out to help others like him avoid hidden fees and unfair exchange rates on international transfers. With a background spanning fintech, payments, and Web3, Mo brings years of practical experience to building a platform focused on transparency and trust.