Why Sending Money Abroad Matters More Than Ever
Whether you’re paying an invoice, sending money to family, or moving funds between your own accounts, international transfers have become part of everyday life.
But not all transfers are equal — fees, exchange rates, and delivery times can vary widely depending on how you send money abroad.
This guide breaks down the smartest ways to send money abroad in 2025 — including when it makes sense to use traditional banks, and when modern fintech services like Wise, Revolut, or N26 can save you time and money.
Step 1: Understand How International Transfers Work
When you send money abroad, there are usually two key components that affect your cost and speed:
Network Type
- SEPA transfers (within Europe) – Euro payments between SEPA countries. Usually arrive in 1 business day, often free or very low-cost.
- SWIFT transfers (global) – Used for currencies other than EUR, or outside the SEPA zone. Often slower and more expensive.
Exchange Rate
- Banks typically add a hidden markup (2–5%) to the currency rate.
- Fintechs like Wise or Revolut use the real mid-market rate — what you see on Google.
Understanding these two elements helps you avoid unnecessary fees.
Step 2: For Transfers in Euros (SEPA Zone)
If you’re sending money within the EU, EEA, or other SEPA countries, your cheapest option might already be your own bank — especially if both accounts are in euros.
- Under EU Regulation 924/2009, banks can’t charge more for a SEPA transfer than for a local euro transfer.
- That means if your domestic transfers are free, SEPA transfers should also be free.
✅ Best for:
- Sending euros within the EU/EEA
- Payments between European digital banks (Revolut, N26, Wise, bunq, etc.)
- Business invoices or salary payments in EUR
⚠️ Watch out for:
- Currency conversion — SEPA only applies to euro transactions.
- Delays if your bank doesn’t support instant SEPA (SCT Inst).
Step 3: For Transfers Outside the Eurozone (SWIFT or Local Routes)
When you send money to countries outside Europe — the US, UK, Asia, or elsewhere — your bank will likely use the SWIFT network.
Traditional banks charge:
- Flat transfer fees (€10–€50)
- Exchange rate markups
- Intermediary bank charges (especially for USD)
This is where fintech money transfer services make a huge difference.
Step 4: Compare Modern Money Transfer Options
Let’s look at the most popular and reliable fintechs in 2025 for sending money abroad.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Best for: Transparent, low-cost international transfers at the real mid-market rate
How it works:
Wise uses local payment networks to avoid SWIFT fees — you send money to their local account, and they pay out from another local account in the recipient’s country.
Fees: Small, upfront percentage (usually 0.35–0.7%)
Speed: Instant to 1 day in most cases
Extra benefit: Multi-currency account with local bank details in 10 + currencies
Why choose Wise:
- You always see the real exchange rate (no hidden markup)
- Works perfectly for freelancers, expats, and small businesses
- Regulated in the EU and UK
Open a free Wise account here: Sign Up at Wise →
Revolut
Best for: Quick personal transfers and global everyday spending
How it works:
Revolut lets you hold, exchange, and send 25 + currencies at interbank rates directly from the app.
Fees: Free within your plan allowance; small markup beyond
Speed: Instant between Revolut users; typically 1–2 days to external accounts
Extra benefit: Virtual cards, analytics, and travel insurance in higher plans
Why choose Revolut:
- Combine transfers, payments, and budgeting in one app
- Get a €20 welcome bonus for new users (T&Cs apply)
Create your Revolut account & claim the €20 bonus: Go to Revolut
N26
Best for: EU residents who want a full digital bank with integrated Wise transfers
How it works:
N26 partners with Wise, so you can send international transfers directly from your N26 app with full transparency.
Fees: Same as Wise (clearly shown before you send)
Speed: Usually same-day for major currencies
Extra benefit: Free European IBAN and a clean, modern app experience
Open a free N26 account: Get Started at N26
🧭 Pro Tip: Try both Wise and Revolut — many users keep both apps to compare exchange rates and delivery speed in real time before sending larger amounts.
Step 5: When a Traditional Bank Still Makes Sense
While fintechs dominate for low-cost transfers, traditional banks still play a role:
✅ When to use your bank:
- Sending large corporate payments (six figures or more)
- Transactions requiring extra compliance or documentation
- Business clients who only accept bank-to-bank transfers
- Transfers within the same banking group (e.g., Santander → Santander)
⚠️ Downsides:
- Slow processing (2–5 days)
- Hidden currency markups
- Higher fees, especially for SWIFT
Step 6: Compare and Choose Based on Your Goal
| Goal | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sending EUR within EU | SEPA via your bank or fintech | Usually free and instant |
| Sending USD, GBP, or other currencies | Wise or Revolut | Better exchange rates, faster |
| Regular freelancer payments | Wise Business / Revolut Business | Multi-currency accounts and invoicing |
| One-off family transfers | Revolut / Wise | Instant, mobile-friendly |
| Digital nomads | Revolut / N26 | Combine spending + transfers |
💡 Ready to try it yourself?
If you want to compare real exchange rates and see how much faster fintech transfers can be, try sending a small amount through one of the leading platforms below:
Wise – transparent fees and real mid-market exchange rates
Revolut – instant transfers, multi-currency accounts, and a €20 welcome bonus for new users
N26 – a fully regulated digital bank with integrated Wise transfers
Each of these services is regulated in the EU or UK and designed to help you send, spend, and manage money internationally with confidence.
Step 7: Safety and Regulation
All the services mentioned — Wise, Revolut, N26 — are regulated financial institutions in the EU or UK.
They use:
- Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)
- Two-factor security
- Encrypted transfers
Before sending money, always verify:
- You’re on the official website or app
- The recipient’s name and IBAN are correct
- The currency and amount are as intended
Practical Tip: Always Check the “Real” Exchange Rate
Before sending, compare:
- Wise mid-market rate (what you see on Google)
- Your bank’s offered rate
A difference of 2–3% might not sound huge — but on €1,000, that’s €20–€30 lost instantly.
Example: Sending €1,000 from Germany to the UK
| Service | Exchange Rate | Total Fee | Recipient Gets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bank | 0.83 | €30 | £830 |
| Wise | 0.85 | €4.50 | £845 |
| Revolut | 0.849 | €0 | £849 (within plan) |
| N26 (via Wise) | 0.85 | €4.50 | £845 |
Final Thoughts: best way to send money abroad
Sending money abroad doesn’t have to be slow, expensive, or confusing.
In 2025, you can move money across borders as easily as sending a text — if you choose the right tools.
✅ For euro transfers: use SEPA via your bank or fintech
✅ For international currencies: compare Wise and Revolut
✅ For all-in-one EU banking: try N26, Revolut or Wise
By staying informed and comparing options, you’ll save time, money, and frustration — every time you send money abroad.
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