Saving on Expenses When Receiving Money from Overseas

Receiving Money from Overseas Via Wire

Wire transfers are a popular choice for sending or receiving money from overseas despite an average cost in the U.S. of $47.50 for the sender and $18 for the recipient.¹ Wire transfers are unique among all domestic and international forms of payment in that their use increases by company size (measured in revenue).² It is reasoned that larger firms may obtain volume discounts, and can develop more efficient wire transfer processes when doing a large volume of transfers. That enables larger firms to spread internal costs over more transactions when sending or receiving money from overseas clients. Businesses also can save money by properly identifying and matching the specific needs of a given payment with the appropriate provider in order to avoid overpaying unnecessarily for things that may not be needed, such as a faster transfer time.

Clearing Time and Rates for Receiving Money from Overseas

Unlike domestic wire transfers, money received from overseas via wire transfer can take multiple days to clear because an additional foreign correspondent bank is needed. In terms of cost, wire transfers usually involve a flat fee for both sender and recipient. But the average rates mentioned above can vary significantly depending upon the provider. Fees charged by the top 10 U.S. banks for sending money overseas via wire transfer range from $40 to $65; fees to receive money from overseas via wire transfer range from $15 to $30.³ However, if a business and its customer have accounts with the same bank, it may be possible to wire money for a low fee – or none at all.

Examine Exchange Rates to Save Money While Receiving Payments

The flat fee for a wire transfer is not the only cost consideration when sending or receiving money from overseas. Low upfront fees, for example, may be paired with unfavorable exchange rates. So, before deciding on a bank wire transfer, carefully consider the exchange rate offered. Also, be aware that the exchange rate quoted before a transaction may be estimated, not fixed; exchange rates can change from moment to moment. To reduce risk, it’s possible to fix the rate in advance of settling the transaction. Another factor to be aware of is that the exchange rate quoted by any bank may be different than the “spot rate,”⁴ which is the rate most commonly cited by public sources. Banks may set their own exchange rates, which can differ based on transaction size.

Consider Multiple Factors to Find the Right Provider for Wiring Money Overseas

When choosing a provider for sending or receiving money from overseas consider many metrics, including fees, exchange rates, customer support and speed. Choosing a method solely because it offers the lowest exchange rate, or the fact that there is no commission or upfront fees, may be a costly mistake in the long run, especially if a transaction goes awry. Experienced customer support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can prove invaluable if issues come up before, after or during a transaction. Additionally, consider a provider’s experience, as seen in metrics such as transaction volume and the number of countries and currencies available. Just as one might choose a surgeon based on the number of times he or she has performed a given procedure, experience counts when it comes to potentially complex overseas transactions.