Personal Finance Money transfer

How much can you wire with RBC in Canada?

Piyush Singh

19.03.25

Read time 3 minutes

As one of the big five banks in Canada, RBC offers wire transfers for sending money domestically and internationally. Whether you're making a large business payment or sending funds to family abroad, RBC provides secure transfer options. However, limits and fees can vary depending on your account type and destination.

In this guide, we’ll look at RBC’s wire transfer limits, factors that may affect how much you can send, and how to increase your limits if needed. We’ll also explore Wise, an online alternative that lets you send large and small transfers at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees.

We will take a closer look at
RBC’s international wire transfer limits What are the fees for sending international wire transfers at RBC? Get a Wise account for your international transfers How to send wire transfers with RBC What are the free wire transfer limits for receiving money at RBC? What is the best way to send large amounts of money from Canada?

A closer look at RBC’s international wire transfer limits

Transfer method at RBC	Maximum amount
Wire Transfer (in person at a branch)	No limit specified
International Money Transfer (online)	50,000 CAD per day

What are the fees for sending international wire transfers at RBC?

When sending an international wire transfer with RBC, the total cost isn’t just about the transfer fee. Additional charges can apply, including currency conversion fees, missing IBAN fees, and tracing or cancellation fees, so understanding all potential costs before making a transfer is essential.

Here’s a breakdown of initial fees¹ for outgoing international wire payments based on your RBC account type:

Account type	Transfer fees starting at
CAD accounts	$45.00 CAD
USD accounts	$45.00 USD
EUR eSavings accounts	€33 EUR
GBP eSavings accounts	£27 GBP
HKD eSavings accounts	$263 HKD

Fees can vary based on:

Destination country: Some transfers require additional processing fees.
Intermediary bank fees: If other banks help process the transfer, they may deduct fees from the amount.
Missing IBAN fees: If the recipient's country requires an IBAN and one isn’t provided, an additional charge applies.
Additional service fees:Tracing, modifying, or cancelling a wire transfer can come with extra costs.

Get a Wise account for your international transfers

A great alternative for both personal and business transactions, Wise lets you send small and large transfers internationally using the mid-market exchange rate while avoiding hidden fees and exchange rate markups. Let’s take a look at some of their limits:

Transfer method	Maximum amount²
Wire transfers	Up to 1.5 million CAD
Interac e-Transfer	Up to 25,000 CAD (subject to your bank’s limit)
Bank transfer	Up to 1.5 million CAD
Direct debit (EFT)	Up to 9,500 CAD per day and 30,000 CAD weekly
Credit/Debit card	Up to 3,000 CAD per transfer

How to send wire transfers with RBC

Currently, wire transfers can only be completedin person at an RBC branch³.

Step 1. Go to your local RBC branch

Step 2. Gather the required recipient information, including:

Beneficiary Transit Number (Routing #)
Beneficiary Account Number (IBAN if required)
Beneficiary Name (as it appears on their account)
Beneficiary Address (where their bank statements are sent)
Amount to be Sent

Step 3. Provide RBC’s banking details for international transfers (if needed):

RBC Royal Bank’s SWIFT Code: ROYCCAT2
ABA Routing Number (for U.S. dollar wire transfers): 021000021

Step 4. Review and confirm and complete the payment

Make sure to double-check all recipient details before submitting the transfer, as incorrect information can result in delays or additional fees.

What are the free wire transfer limits for receiving money at RBC?

RBC allows free incoming wire transfers up to a certain amount, depending on the currency and account type. However, if the transfer amount exceeds this limit, fees will apply. Below is a breakdown of RBC’s free and chargeable limits for receiving wire transfers⁴:

Your account at RBC	No fees for receiving up to	Fees above these limits
Canadian dollar account	$50 CAD	$17.00 CAD
US dollar account	$50 USD	$17.00 USD
Euro eSavings	€37 EUR	€12 EUR
British Pound eSavings	£30 GBP	£10 GBP
Hong Kong Dollar eSavings	$293 HKD	$99 HKD

If your incoming transfer exceeds these free limits, the fee will be deducted from the amount you receive. Additionally, intermediary banks involved in processing the transfer may also apply their own fees, reducing the final amount deposited into your account.

What is the best way to send large amounts of money from Canada?

When it comes to sending large amounts of money from Canada, choosing the right method depends on cost, convenience, and security. RBC offers traditional wire transfers, which are reliable but come with fees, exchange rate markups, and potential intermediary bank charges. There are also limits on free incoming transfers and additional costs for missing IBANs or for modifying payments.

For those looking for a more transparent alternative, Wise provides international transfers at the mid-market exchange rate, with low upfront fees and flexible limits. Wise also allows you to send and receive payments online without visiting a bank branch for extra convenience.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs—whether you prioritize banking security with RBC or prefer a lower-cost, digital solution like Wise. Before making a transfer, compare total fees and exchange rates to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Sources:

Sources verified on 18 March 2025

*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.