Wells Fargo international wire transfer: Fees, limits, and rates

Alexis Konovodoff

International wire transfers are a convenient way to send money abroad.

If you're a Wells Fargo client, you can do it using Wells Fargo Online® Wires. This feature allows you to transfer funds to 200+ countries, but it also comes with fees and important limits to be aware of.¹

Here's everything you need to know to successfully wire money abroad. We’ll also introduce Wise, a fast and secure way to easily send money overseas with low fees and no exchange rate markups.

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Table of contents

Can I make an international wire transfer with Wells Fargo?

Yes, you can make an international wire transfer using Wells Fargo Online® Wires. Wells Fargo connects you to 200+ countries using the SWIFT network, a secure messaging system that banks use to send money internationally.¹

You can send your Wells Fargo bank transfer in both USD and eligible foreign currencies. The specific options depend on the country you're sending money to.¹

For example, you can send money to Canada in CAD, USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and CHF. But if you need to send money to the Dominican Republic, you can only wire USD. There's no option to use the local DOP currency.²

Wells Fargo international wire transfer fee

Wells Fargo charges fees for most wire transfers, starting at 25 USD. You'll see these fees before confirming your transfer.³

Here's what to expect:

Transfer typeIn USDIn foreign currency
Incoming15 USD15 USD
Digital wire25 USDNo fee
Branch40 USD40 USD

Wells Fargo may involve third-party banks to deliver your transfer. These banks might charge additional fees. This includes non-US branches of Wells Fargo and any intermediary banks that handle your transfer.³

Wells Fargo exchange rates

Wells Fargo sets their own exchange rate when they convert your USD into a foreign currency. These rates include a markup over the mid-market rate (the exchange rate you see on Google).³

For example, the market might value 1 USD at 0.85 EUR, but Wells Fargo might give you just 0.82 EUR. You'll lose more money on the transaction, and Wells Fargo will pocket that difference to make a profit.

If you send money in USD and the recipient's bank converts it to local currency, they'll use their own exchange rate. This means your recipient might get a different amount than what you expected based on the mid-market rate.

Make fast, secure and low cost international transfers with Wise

avoid-big-transfer-costs

Send money to 160+ countries with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees with Wise. Set up a free Wise account online or in the Wise app on iOS and Android, to transfer money fast in 40+ currencies.

Over 50% of Wise payments arrive instantly* — and all Wise transfers are deposited directly into your recipient's bank account for convenience.

No ongoing fees, no hidden charges and no hassle — just fast, transparent international transfers that can beat the banks.

Get started with Wise

*Transaction speed claimed depends on funds availability, approval by Wise’s proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners’ banking system, and may not be available for all transactions.

How do you make a Wells Fargo international wire transfer?

Here are the steps you need to take to initiate a Wells Fargo international wire transfer:¹

Step 1. Sign on to Wells Fargo Online®

Step 2. Go to Transfer & Pay and enroll in Online Wires

Step 3. Add your recipient's information

Step 4. Select your funding account and enter the amount

Step 5. Review and submit your transfer

Wells Fargo saves your recipient's information for future transfers, so you only need to enter it once.¹

🚨 You must live in the US to use Wells Fargo Online® Wires. This service isn't available if you live in US territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands) or other countries.¹

What information do I need to make an international wire transfer?

According to the Wells Fargo international wire transfer instructions, here's what you'll need:³

  • Recipient's full name and address
  • Recipient's bank name
  • Your US mobile number or RSA SecurID® device
  • Recipient bank's SWIFT/BIC code
  • Recipient's IBAN (for countries that use it)

You'll need additional codes for these countries:

  • Australia: BSB (Australian Branch Code)
  • Canada: Payment Routing Number
  • Great Britain: Sort Code
  • India: IFSC Code
  • Mexico: CLABE
  • New Zealand and related territories: NZ Clearing Code

Some countries also need you to specify why you're sending the money (called the purpose of payment).

How long does an international wire transfer with Wells Fargo take?

International wire transfers typically take 1-5 business days.

If you send your transfer by 2:00 PM Pacific Time, Wells Fargo will process it the same business day. After that cutoff time, they'll process it the next business day.³

Wells Fargo reviews all transfers for security, which can sometimes cause delays. Your transfer might take longer if:

  • the bank needs to verify your identity or transfer details
  • your recipient's information doesn't match their bank records
  • the receiving country has strict banking regulations
  • the transfer amount triggers additional security checks

Walls Fargo will reach out to you if they need any additional documents to process your wire.

What is the wire transfer limit for Wells Fargo?

Wells Fargo sets transfer limits on international wires for security reasons, but they don't publish specific amounts online. You'll see your personal Wells Fargo international wire transfer limit when you start your transfer in online banking.¹

If you need to send more money than what your limit allows, you can visit a Wells Fargo branch to request a higher limit.

Wells Fargo contact information

For help with international transfers, you can make an appointment at your local Wells Fargo branch or call 1-800-956-4442 for personalized support.⁵

Wells Fargo international wire transfer FAQs


What is the Wells Fargo SWIFT code for international wire transfers?

Wells Fargo's international wire transfer SWIFT code is WFBIUS6S.³ The bank uses different codes depending on the banking service you're using. If you're unsure which code to use, contact Wells Fargo to double-check.

How can you avoid international wire transfer fees with Wells Fargo?

Most Wells Fargo international wire transfers cost at least 25 USD. However, some accounts qualify for fee waivers. For example, consumer accounts don't pay fees when sending foreign currency wires through Wells Fargo Online*®* or their mobile app.

Keep in mind that Wells Fargo still makes money on currency exchange rate markups.³

Are wire transfers over $10,000 reported to the IRS?

Yes, banks must report international transfers over 10,000 USD to the IRS. You can still send transfers over 10,000 USD, they just have to be reported.

Wells Fargo also sets their own transfer limits, and you may need to submit additional documents for large transfers.


You can send money to 200+ countries with Wells Fargo international wire transfers, but they come at a cost.

If you're sending money in USD, you'll have to pay from 25 to 40 USD in fees. For foreign currency transfers, Wells Fargo waives the fee, but you'll lose money on unfavorable exchange rate markups.³⁴

To send money abroad with no exchange rate markups, use Wise.

Sources

  1. Wells Fargo - Wells Fargo online wires
  2. Wells Fargo - Digital wire countries and currencies
  3. Wells Fargo - Digital wires FAQs
  4. Wells Fargo - Consumer account fees and information
  5. Wells Fargo - Online banking help
Sources checked 01.21.2025


*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.

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