How much does it cost to send money internationally from the US?

There isn’t one fixed price. From the US, an international transfer might have no stated transfer fee, a few dollars, or tens of dollars—and the exchange rate can add a less-visible cost.

• Online transfer services: Wise calculates the fee based on amount, payment method, and destination. OFX says it charges no transfer fee, though intermediary or recipient banks may deduct fees. (wise.com)
• Cash pickup or other providers: Western Union’s fee depends on destination, amount, payment method, and how the recipient gets the money; its quote also includes an exchange rate that may affect the total cost. (westernunion.com)
• Bank wires: Fees vary by bank; intermediary and receiving-bank charges may also apply. (ofx.com)

To compare the real cost, check both the fee and the exchange rate, then compare how much the recipient will actually receive. The exact quote depends on the destination country, amount, and payment/delivery method. Tell me those details and I can help estimate it.

Bank wires cost roughly $25 to $50 per transfer to send, plus hidden exchange-rate markups. Dedicated transfer services are usually much cheaper for personal amounts. Sources disagree on exact figures, so treat these as approximate and check your bank's current fee schedule.

Bank wires

• One guide puts the sending fee at $35–$50 for an international outgoing wire, before FX and intermediary costs. A 2026 NerdWallet survey, as cited by another source, puts the median at $45.
• Online initiation is often cheaper. Chase's outgoing fee is $40 if sent online in U.S. dollars, or $50 with banker assistance, and sending in a foreign currency is cheaper at some banks.
• The recipient's bank may also charge an incoming fee, typically $15–$20.
• The bigger cost is usually the exchange rate. One comparison says Chase and Wells Fargo rates were 2.9% to 4% below the real mid-market rate, which works out to about $146–$202 on a $5,000 wire. Other sources estimate US bank markups of roughly 2–5%.
• Intermediary banks can also deduct fees along the way. One source says a payment routed through two correspondents can arrive $30–$70 short.

Transfer services

• Wise is commonly cited as the cheapest for personal transfers. One comparison estimates about $6 to $8 total on a $1,000 USD to EUR transfer.
• Remitly, Xe, and OFX are often cited as lower-cost alternatives. Estimates for a $1,000 transfer range from roughly $4 to $35 depending on the provider and route.
• Cash-based services like Western Union and MoneyGram are often more expensive. Their pricing varies by location and payment method.

New 1% federal remittance tax (2026)

• A source notes that starting January 1, 2026, a 1% federal excise tax applies to certain international money transfers sent from the United States. The same source says cash-funded transfers are subject to it, while switching to a bank account or debit card avoids this cost. I could not confirm these details against an official government source.

Practical takeaway: For a personal transfer, a dedicated service funded from your bank account or debit card is usually cheapest. Compare the total amount the recipient gets, not just the advertised fee. For large amounts, a bank wire may still make sense for speed or documentation.

The cost of sending money internationally from the U.S. is rarely just a single "fee." Instead, it is typically a combination of three different charges. Depending on the provider you choose, you could pay anywhere from less than 1% to over 10% of the total amount sent.

The Three Components of Transfer Costs

When you send money abroad, you are often paying for more than just the advertised transfer fee:

1. Transfer Fees: The upfront fee charged by your bank or money transfer service to process the transaction. This can range from $0 to over $50.
2. Exchange Rate Markups (The "Hidden" Cost): This is often the most expensive part of the process. Providers may take the "mid-market" rate (the real rate you see on Google) and add a margin or "spread" to it. You essentially pay the difference, which is rarely disclosed as a separate fee.
3. Intermediary/Correspondent Bank Fees: If your transfer is sent via the SWIFT network (common with traditional banks), it may pass through several "middleman" banks. Each of these banks may deduct a fee ($15–$30) before the money reaches the final destination.

Comparison by Provider Type

Tips to Lower Your Costs

• Compare the "Total Received" Amount: Instead of looking at the transfer fee, look at exactly how much the recipient will receive in their local currency. This is the only way to accurately compare the true cost.
• Use Digital-First Providers: Fintech companies and dedicated online transfer services generally offer better exchange rates and lower, more transparent fees than traditional retail banks.
• Avoid Credit Card Funding: If you pay for the transfer with a credit card, you may be hit with "cash advance" fees by your card issuer (often 3–5%) in addition to the transfer provider's fees. Funding via a bank account or ACH transfer is typically much cheaper.
• Check for Mid-Market Rates: Before confirming, search for the mid-market exchange rate on Google for your specific currency pair. The closer your provider's rate is to this number, the better deal you are getting.

Summary: For the lowest cost, avoid traditional wire transfers if possible and look for digital services that offer transparent, low-margin exchange rates. Always check the final amount the recipient will get before hitting "send".

It can range from a few dollars to $75 or more, depending on the provider, destination, payment method, and currency. The visible transfer fee is only part of the cost: banks may also add an exchange-rate markup or intermediary-bank charges, which can reduce how much the recipient gets. ⁷

As a rough comparison, US banks commonly charge about $15–$75 for an outgoing international wire. Specific fees vary: Bank of America lists no wire fee for some transfers sent in foreign currency, but says its exchange rate includes a markup; sending in US dollars costs $45. ⁷¹² Transfer services may show a separate upfront fee—for example, Wise says its fee depends on the currencies and payment method, and displays the total before you confirm. ⁵⁹

To compare the real cost, check the fee, the exchange rate, and the exact amount the recipient will receive before sending. Rates and fees vary by route and can change. ⁵⁷