Finance Tools

Wire Transfer vs Online Transfer Calculator

Compare wire transfers vs online money transfer services to estimate total cost and choose the better option.

Wire Transfer vs Online Transfer

Compare total fees and recipient amount across a bank wire transfer vs an online money transfer service.

Wire transfer

Often includes bank fees and possible intermediary/receiving fees.

Intermediary bank fees, receiving bank fees, lifting fees, etc. (estimate).

Total fees45.00
Net after fees955.00
Recipient receives840.40

Online transfer

Usually lower fees, but exchange rate markup can vary by provider.

If the provider has additional receiving fees or card processing fees.

Total fees12.00
Net after fees988.00
Recipient receives889.20
Best option (by recipient amount)
Online transfer

Tip: If recipient amount is close, consider speed, reliability, tracking, and refund policy.

How it works

  1. We subtract each option's total fees from the send amount.
  2. We convert the net amount using the exchange rate for each option.
  3. We compare recipient amounts to recommend the better option.

FAQ

Why do wires sometimes cost more?
Banks may charge sending fees, receiving fees, and intermediary routing fees.
Which exchange rate should I use?
Use the rate shown by the provider at checkout. Some providers embed markup in the rate.

How to use this wire transfer vs online transfer calculator

  1. Enter the amount you want to send.
  2. Enter fees and exchange rates for both options (Wire vs Online).
  3. Optionally add intermediary/receiving fees for wire transfers.
  4. Click Calculate to compare total cost and recipient amount.

Example

If you send $1,000 and Wire charges $35 with a 0.88 rate, while Online charges $12 with a 0.90 rate:

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