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How much can you transfer with the National Bank of Canada?
The National Bank of Canada (NBC) offers several transfer methods for sending large amounts of money, each with different fees and limits. The method which works best for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you’re sending domestically or internationally.
This article will cover the different options available to you, so that you can decide which suits your needs best. We’ll also introduce you to Wise, which can help reduce the cost of large international money transfers, to let your money go further.
How much can you transfer from the National Bank of Canada?
The amount you can transfer from the National Bank of Canada depends on your transfer method. You’ll be subject to limits per transfer, day and week.
| Type of transfer | Limit |
|---|---|
| Interac e-Transfer (every 25 hours) | 4,000 CAD¹ |
| Interac e-Transfer (every 7 days) | 14,000 CAD |
| International transfers with Mastercard and Interac (per transaction) | 10 CAD minimum, 10,000 CAD maximum² |
| International transfers with Mastercard and Interac (per week) | 70,000 CAD per week |
| International transfers with Mastercard and Interac (per month) | 125,000 CAD per month |
| Wire transfers | Not advertised: contact your branch for details of large wire transfers |
With limits to Interac transfers, you may need to split large payments over multiple days. As a result, make sure to think ahead to ensure you’ve got sufficient funds available when you need them for large purchases such as a mortgage downpayment.
You can make several Mastercard and Interac transactions per day, up to the weekly limit.
What are the fees charged by the National Bank of Canada for these transfers?
Make sure to consider the fees for sending money through different methods. If you need to make a large purchase, requiring sending money over several days or transfers (to stay within the transfer limits), remember that this will mean paying transfer fees multiple times too.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Interac e-Transfer | Up to 1.25 CAD, depending on your account |
| International transfer with Mastercard and Interac | 5.95 CAD |
| Wire transfer: Commission fee | 0.34% of the amount of outgoing wires⁴ |
| Wire transfer: Transmission fee | Up to 25 CAD or USD, depending on the currency of the account, for incoming transfers. Up to 20 CAD or USD, depending on the currency of the account, for outgoing transfers. |
Different accounts come with different Interac policies. With some, you’ll be able to send a certain number of Interac transfers monthly for free, but with others, you’ll need to pay for each³. When sending wires, you’ll be charged both the transmission and the commission fee.
As well as upfront fees, the national bank sets its own exchange rate. This can affect how much your recipient gets when converting money to a foreign currency. The effect of an unfavourable exchange rate accumulates to become particularly impactful when sending a large amount of money, or sending money frequently. As a result, it’s worth considering, to make sure your CAD go as far as possible.
Are there additional costs to watch out for?
As well as the upfront costs associated with transferring money with NBC, there are also other costs that might catch you out. For example, the bank sets its own exchange rate, which is different to the mid-market rate (what you see when you search online). NBC buys foreign currencies for less than it sells them⁵, and makes a profit from the difference, which means you’ll receive less foreign currency than expected for any transfers which require currency conversion. The rate is calculated at the time of the transaction.
This is called an FX markup, and is a type of hidden fee. This lack of transparency can lead to unexpected costs when sending money abroad with certain providers like NBC.
Send your Canadian dollars at the mid market rate with Wise
If you’re planning on sending money abroad, consider a specialist provider like Wise. Wise uses the mid-market rate, with an upfront fee, so that you always know exactly what you’re paying for international transfers.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Interac e-Transfer (for adding money to your account) | 0.81%⁶ |
| Direct debit (EFT) | 0.52% |
| Wire transfers | 0.24% |
| Online bill payment | 0.24% |
| Transfers with your credit or debit card | Up to 1.53% |
* Fees are nominal and for illustrative purposes only, assuming 1,000 CAD is being sent. Wise offers a variable pricing system, with discounts for large transfers
You can use Wise’s online transfer calculator to see how much foreign currency you’ll get for your transaction, and compare this to other providers. Make sure to consider the final amount of currency you’ll receive, as this takes into account the effect of the exchange rate, and fees hidden in an FX markup, rather than simply the upfront fee.
If you’re planning on sending a large amount of money, consider Wise’s large amount transfer service⁷. When you send over 35,000 CAD or equivalent over the course of a month, you’ll receive a discount on Wise’s fees - even if it is in several smaller transactions. You can also make the most of Wise’s dedicated customer service team, who can give you peace of mind at every step of the way, so you always know where your money is.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning on sending large amounts of money with the national bank, it’s important to consider the method you’re using, to ensure you’re not paying over-the-odds. Be particularly mindful of percentage fees, which can add up rapidly when sending large volumes, even if they seem small at first.
If you’re sending money internationally, it may be worth using a specialist provider like Wise. Wise can help keep costs down with upfront pricing and transparency, using the mid-market rate to avoid hidden fees and nasty surprises during international currency conversion.
Sources:
- NBC - Help centre: What is the maximum amount I can send per transfer
- NBC - International transfer
- NBC - Help centre: What are the fees for sending a transfer?
- NBC - Fee guide for personal banking solutions
- NBC - Exchange rates
- Wise - Pricing: Send money
- Wise - Large amounts
Sources verified on 15 June 2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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