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Money & Cost

International Wire Transfer Fee Comparator

The bank wire fee is what you see. The FX margin is what you don't. Both add up.

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All calculations happen in your browser. Nothing leaves this page.

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How to use this calculator well

  1. Include the destination country — FX margins vary 4x.
  2. Slower transfers are 60-90% cheaper. If urgent, expect to pay.
  3. Cash pickup is convenient but ~$5 pricier than bank deposit on most providers.
  4. Wise / Remitly generally beat bank wires by $25-50 per $1,000.

Frequently asked questions

Why does FX margin matter so much?

Most remittance services don't pass on the mid-market rate. A 3% margin on $1,000 is $30; on $10,000 it's $300. Over a school year of monthly transfers, this is real money.

Is Western Union safer?

Yes (regulated, bonded), but usually 2-3x more expensive than Wise or Remitly. Use for cash pickup where recipient doesn't have bank access.

Should I batch transfers?

Yes — sending $3,000 once vs $1,000 thrice saves 1-2 fees per period.

Where this estimate falls short

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