Can credit unions do international wire transfers? What to know

Most credit unions allow their members to send and receive international wire transfers. And while credit unions often charge a fee for sending international transfers, receiving them is almost always free.

This article covers all the basics, including how to find out whether your credit union offers international wire transfers, how much a wire transfer costs, and what limits may apply.

We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.

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Table of contents
Can credit unions do wire transfers? Make fast, secure, and low-cost international transfers with Wise Can credit unions receive international wire transfers? Do credit unions charge for wire transfers? Is there a limit for international wire transfers through credit unions? Alternatives to credit unions for international transfers

Can credit unions do wire transfers?

The vast majority of credit unions can send wire transfers for their members. To find out if you can send a wire transfer with your credit union:

1. Go to your credit union’s website
2. Log in to the online banking service
3. Look for “wire transfer” in the services menu

To make an international wire transfer, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Name and address of the recipient's bank
• Recipient's name, bank account number, and address
• Amount you want to send
• Account type you’re sending money to (savings, brokerage, or otherwise)
• IBAN number for the receiving account
• BIC or SWIFT code for the bank receiving your transfer
• Names of the currencies you want to exchange

You can also call or email your credit union to ask for guidance on making a wire transfer.

What credit unions allow for international wire transfers?

Most credit unions can send international wire transfers. The differences tend to lie in the fees they charge.

Let’s take a look at the international wire transfer fees for some of the largest credit unions in the US:

Credit Union	Incoming transfer fee	Outgoing transfer fee
Alliant Credit Union¹	0 USD	50 USD
Navy Federal Credit Union²	0 USD	25 USD
Stanford Federal Credit Union³	0 USD	20 USD; discounts for students and rewards members
State Employees’ Credit Union⁴	0 USD	25 USD
Delta Community Credit Union⁵	0 USD	50 USD
Digital Federal Credit Union⁶	0 USD	50 USD if sent in USD, 40 USD if sent in foreign currency
Boeing Employees Credit Union⁷	0 USD	35 USD

If you’re still unsure whether your credit union can do international wire transfers, head to your credit union website or call their customer service line.

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Can credit unions receive international wire transfers?

If you’re wondering if your credit union can receive international wire transfers, take a look at the fee schedule and services page on the credit union website.

The majority of credit unions can handle incoming international wire transfers, even if some can’t help you send one out.

If you’re unsure after looking at your credit union website and online banking interface, call customer service and they’ll answer your question right away.

Do credit unions charge for wire transfers?

Credit unions almost always charge a fee to process outgoing domestic or international wire transfers.

For domestic transfers, the transfer fee tends to fall between 15 USD and 50 USD but varies by institution. On average, most credit unions charge an additional 10 USD for international wire transfers.

As a credit union member, you may be able to receive incoming wire transfers — domestic or international — free of charge.

Your credit union might also have special membership tiers that allow you to receive discounts on international wire transfers and other services.

Credit union exchange rates

Wire transfer fees are just one of the ways you pay your credit union to complete an international wire transfer.

When you send an international wire transfer, the exchange rate also typically includes a markup.

Institutions add a markup, also known as a “spread,” to cover the cost of the transaction. If your credit union works with a partner bank to send money internationally, that bank may add its own markup, too.

It might not be clear how high of a markup you’re paying until your international wire transfer is already complete.

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Is there a limit for international wire transfers through credit unions?

Some credit unions may place limits on the amount of money you can send with an international wire transfer, but not all. If you’re sending a lot of money, your credit union might just get in touch to confirm your activity and protect you from fraud.

There are some regulations and tax considerations that come into play when you’re sending money internationally in amounts that exceed 10,000 USD. But as long as you follow the law, there’s no legal limit on the amount of money that you can send.

If you’re going to wire a large amount of money overseas, it might not hurt to call your credit union beforehand. It’s not required, but it could help things proceed smoothly.

To send large amounts, your credit union may ask you to sign the forms in person at a branch to be extra sure that everything is in order.

Alternatives to credit unions for international transfers

An international wire transfer from one credit union to another is one method for moving money overseas. But if you’re looking to avoid wire transfer fees or access higher transfer limits, there are other options.

Banks

If you have an account with a bank that’s not a credit union, there’s a good chance that they also perform international wire transfers.

The process is basically the same, and the fees are also similar. However, your bank may have a broader international network of intermediary banks, allowing you to send transfers to more countries or regions.

Similar to credit unions, banks will mark up the exchange rate on international wire transfers, creating an additional not-so-transparent fee on top of the fee that you already pay.

Money transfer services

Some peer-to-peer money transfer services, like PayPal, offer international money transfers. But you might run into PayPal’s transfer limits, and the fees may not be optimal.

Money transfer services may also provide a faster alternative to credit union international wire transfers.

It’s worth making the comparison, especially if you’re wiring a significant amount of money.

Wise

A smart option if you’re sending money overseas: meet Wise.

Register a Wise account online or in the Wise app, and send money to 140+ countries, with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees.

Wise always shows you the amount you’re paying and how much your recipient will get — and you can even compare against other providers on the Wise app or desktop site.

If another service is cheaper for your particular payment, you’ll be shown — so you can’t lose.

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See how Wise compares with international bank transfers in our full guide

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Sources

1. Alliant Credit Union - Fees
2. Navy Federal Credit Union - Schedule of Fees and Charges
3. Stanford Federal Credit Union - Schedule of Fees
4. State Employees' Credit Union - Wire Transfer
5. Delta Community Credit Union - Fees
6. DCU - Schedule of Fees and Service Charges
7. BECU - BECU Consumer Account Disclosure

Sources checked 07/17/2025