How to send money internationally
Learn more about the different ways to send money abroad – and how you can reduce transaction fees:
4 ways to transfer money abroad
E-Banking service of traditional banks
You can simply use your bank’s e-banking system to transfer money abroad. Your bank will debit your bank account automatically and convert the desired amount if you don’t have a foreign currency account.
Pros
Usual transaction process with direct debit from bank account – ideal for 1-2 international payments per year.
Cons
Can be very expensive as the exchange rate margin is usually high and the conditions are not transparent.
Payment platforms for SMEs
These providers enable SMEs to process international payments efficiently online. Currencies can be credited directly to the online wallet. No separate foreign currency bank account is required. Due to their focus on SMEs, appropriate support is also offered.
Pros
Clever features adapted to SMEs allowing you to trade at the lowest possible rates – no minimum transaction volume required.
Cons
Not suitable for individuals as the solutions are aimed at SMEs.
Payment platforms for individuals
These platforms allow money transfers abroad online and in a simple way. The various features are adapted to the needs of private individuals and are suitable, for example, for longer stays abroad.
Pros
Low fees and global payment options ideal for private needs.
Cons
For larger amounts or multiple transfers you may be charged additional fees because there are monthly or yearly limits.
Private payment networks
Private payment networks are peer-to-peer solutions for sending money internationally as quickly and easily as possible. The sender and the recipient are part of the same network, which is why transfers can take place in real time.
Pros
Transfers are free and happen in real time. There are often referral rewards for inviting new participants.
Cons
Sender and beneficiary must be part of the same network – but usually this can be arranged free of charge.
Payment schemes
The payment institutions described above can use different systems to send money internationally. These payment schemes depend on the destination country, the currency, and the payment institution itself.
SEPA
Can only be used for Euro payments within the European payment area. Banks usually use SEPA for all Euro transfers. Depending on your country, you need different information to be able to enter the payment.
For a SEPA payment you’ll need:
Recipient's full name- Recipient's account number
- Payment reference
- Recipient bank’s BIC (SWIFT) code (if applicable)
Recipient's full name
Recipient bank’s BIC (SWIFT) code (if applicable)SWIFT
A global payment system that can be used for fast payments worldwide – in various currencies. Both banks and payment platforms offer this option. The fees are usually higher since the transfers are cross-border payments. Depending on your country and currency, you need different information to be able to enter the payment.
For a SWIFT transfer you’ll need:
- Recipient's full name
- Recipient's account number
- Payment reference
- Recipient bank’s BIC (SWIFT) code (if applicable)
- Bank’s name (if applicable)
- Bank’s ABA code (if applicable)
Domestic settlement networks
To execute international payments using local processes. Modern payment platforms use this new payment system because it makes money transfers considerably cheaper. Depending on your country and currency, you need different information to be able to enter the payment.
For a local payout you’ll need:
- Recipient's full name
- Recipient's account number
- Payment reference
- Recipient bank’s BIC (SWIFT) code (if applicable)
- Bank’s name (if applicable)
- Bank’s ABA code (if applicable)
Peer-to-Peer payments
An efficient way to transfer money abroad that is offered directly by payment platforms. Sender and beneficiary are part of the same network. Thus, the amount can be credited to the payee free of charge and in real time. Each platform has different requirements to execute the payment.
For a P2P payment you’ll need:
- Account/connection in the same network
- Recipient's full name (if applicable)
- Reference number (if applicable)
- Recipient’s email address (if applicable)
How much does it cost?
Different fees apply – depending on the payment system, the destination country, the currency and payment institutions. Hence, the costs can vary a lot. The following fees may apply when sending money internationally.
SEPA
only for EUR payments
0 – 20 CHF (depending on your payment institution/volume)
SWIFT
international
0 CHF with BEN (the recipient bears all costs)
5 CHF with SHA (recipient and sender share the costs)
25 CHF with OUR (the sender bears all costs)
Domestic settlement networks
international
0 – 10 CHF (depending on your payment institution/volume)
Peer-to-Peer payments
international
Free
How long does it take?
The duration depends on the payment system as well as on the destination country, the currency and payment partners involved. Here is a brief overview of how long an international money transfer may take.
SEPA
only for EUR payments
Intraday – 2 days
SWIFT
international
Intraday – 4 days
Domestic settlement networks
international
Intraday – 4 days
Peer-to-Peer payments
international
Instantly
Send money internationally
Whether an international money transfer to your desired country is possible depends on the destination country, the currency (local or foreign) and the payment institution.
At amnis, we combine different payment systems to provide the best possible service to SMEs. With the help of our local networks in each country, we can execute payments in local currency in (almost) any country in the world. We also offer SWIFT transfers for fast cross-border payments.
The service and country list shows all countries where local payments and SWIFT transfers are available. Even for non-tradable currencies you are welcome to contact us and we will work on a solution.
