What is the maximum amount when sending an international transfer from France?

Between identity checks and transfer limits, sending money abroad can sometimes feel unnecessarily complicated — even in a fully digital era.

This guide explains the maximum amounts imposed by French banks, why limits exist, and which alternative solutions can simplify your international money transfers.

For example, Wise allows you to send money from France to 140+ countries at a lower cost, using the mid-market exchange rate. Thanks to its peer-to-peer system, Wise also avoids intermediary bank fees that often inflate the total cost of a transfer.

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In France, there’s no universal rule for transfer limits. Each bank sets its own daily or monthly limits — or even a maximum per transaction. Unfortunately, these limits are often not clearly communicated on bank websites, which can make things tricky for customers.

As you can see, the rules vary widely from one institution to another. Banks may also request proof of income or justification for larger amounts. The limit can differ depending on your contract type, the currencies involved, and the destination country.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact your bank advisor directly — especially for non-SEPA international transfers, since conditions vary greatly between banks.

Types of bank transfers

SEPA transfers

A SEPA transfer is a euro payment between two accounts located in the SEPA zone (which includes EU countries, the EEA, the UK, Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, and the Vatican).
To make a SEPA transfer, you’ll need the recipient’s IBAN and BIC.

According to the Banque de France, the maximum amount for an instant SEPA transfer was €100,000 until October 5, 2025, when this limit was officially removed. Banks can still set their own caps by agreement with customers.³

By law, a SEPA transfer must be executed within one business day after the bank receives your order.³

SWIFT transfers

A SWIFT transfer is used for international payments outside the SEPA zone and may involve a currency conversion.

There’s no fixed time limit for SWIFT transfers. The duration depends on factors like the number of intermediary banks involved and the day/time of the transaction. Transfers can take from a few hours to several business days.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers

Some online providers, such as Wise, use a P2P system that bypasses the traditional SWIFT network. By matching local transfers on both ends, Wise reduces fees and speeds up delivery while using the mid-market exchange rate.

Transfer limits applied by major banks

Most French banks apply transfer limits that depend on internal policies, and these can be difficult to find publicly.
Here’s an overview based on available information:

• La Banque Postale: SEPA transfers are limited to €5,000 per day, but this can be lowered by the advisor’s discretion.¹
• BoursoBank: No standard transfer limit, but a €5,000 limit for instant transfers.²
• CIC: Instant transfers cannot exceed €100,000 per transaction (previous European cap).⁴
• Crédit Mutuel: Instant transfers capped at €100,000, although individual branches may apply lower limits.⁵

The EU cap on instant transfers (€100,000) was removed in October 2025, but French banks may still choose to keep this limit temporarily. It’s therefore best to check with your specific bank.

Why transfer limits can complicate things

French and European financial regulations require strict monitoring of transfers to prevent fraud and money laundering. This means several security layers and identification procedures are imposed.

Adding a beneficiary: an extra step

Before making a transfer online, you usually need to add the recipient as a beneficiary.
Some banks allow you to do this instantly online, while others require a phone call or a 24–72 hour waiting period before validation.

Verification often involves receiving a code by SMS — meaning you’ll need a French mobile number to complete the process.

Why banks do this

These restrictions are designed to protect customers against fraud and unauthorized withdrawals. By limiting transfer amounts, banks minimize potential losses in case of account compromise.

However, this also means you must plan your transfers in advance, especially if you’re sending larger amounts abroad.

Discover Wise: a simpler way to send money abroad

To reduce SWIFT delays or restrictive limits imposed by some traditional banks, consider using P2P-based providers such as Wise.

Wise allows you to send and receive money directly to foreign accounts without relying on traditional intermediaries. Transfers are faster, cheaper, and more transparent.

You can also open a multi-currency account with Wise, hold money in different currencies, and convert it instantly using the mid-market exchange rate. Payment limits are typically much higher than those imposed by French banks.

For a detailed list of Wise’s transfer limits by currency, see their FAQ.

If you have questions about your bank’s limits, contact your advisor directly.

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Last verified on September 3, 2025.

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.