How Long Do International Money Transfers Take?

Tired of Waiting for Your Money to Arrive?

If you’ve ever sent money overseas and waited days for it to arrive — you’re not alone. International transfers can feel like a black hole: you send your money, and it vanishes for a few days before finally appearing in someone else’s account.

But how long should it take? And which providers offer the fastest and most reliable delivery?

Let’s explore the real answer — and how you can cut down the wait.

Average Time for International Transfers by Provider

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

• Timeframe: 0–2 business days

• Same-day delivery available for many major routes (e.g., GBP to EUR, USD to EUR)

• Real-time tracking and delivery estimates

• Speed depends on route, time of day, and verification status

PayPal

• Timeframe: Instant between PayPal accounts

• Bank withdrawal: 1–3 business days (can be longer internationally)

• Hidden fees often apply

Traditional Banks

• Timeframe: 2–7 business days

• Transfers pass through intermediary banks

• Often involve manual verification and slow processing

• May not provide tracking or ETA

Factors That Affect Transfer Speed

Currency Pair and Country

Some routes are faster than others. For example:

• GBP to EUR – Often same-day

• USD to INR – May take 1–2 days

• Less common currencies – 3–5 business days or more

Verification and Processing Time

If you’re a new customer or sending a large amount, the provider may need to verify your ID or payment method, adding delays.

Weekends and Holidays

Banks don’t process payments on weekends or national holidays, which can delay transfers if sent late in the week.

Cut-Off Times

Sending money late in the day might miss a provider’s processing window, pushing the transfer to the next business day.

Real Example – Sending £1,000 to Spain

✅ Wise is not only the fastest — it's also the most cost-efficient.

How to Speed Up Your Transfers

• Verify your account early – Complete ID verification before you need to send

• Use faster payment methods – Debit card payments are often quicker than bank transfers

• Send early in the day – Beat cut-off times for same-day processing

• Choose a provider with real-time tracking – So you always know where your money is

Final Thoughts – Time Is Money, So Don’t Waste It

If fast, affordable international money transfers matter to you, it's worth switching to a provider built for speed and transparency.

Wise offers real-time tracking, same-day delivery on many routes, and low fees — without sacrificing reliability. No more guesswork. No more delays.

✅ Send Money Faster with Wise
✅ Check Estimated Delivery Times
✅ Compare Transfer Options

About 247 Expat Insurance – Helping You Thrive Abroad

At 247 Expat Insurance, we understand the challenges of living and managing finances abroad. From international money transfers to expat health coverage, our mission is to make your life simpler, safer, and more affordable.

We carefully research and recommend tools that help expats like you save money and avoid unnecessary fees — wherever life takes you.

Looking for more tips and trusted services?
👉 Explore our expat guides and tools to make the most of your journey.

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