Your guide to money transfers from Canada to Germany with Remitly

Piyush Singh

Sending money from Canada to Germany requires thinking about costs and delivery options. Remitly offers a digital way to send funds internationally, with bank deposits and local delivery options available across Germany. Exchange rates and fees vary, with the most competitive pricing often tied to first-time transfers.

This guide explains how Remitly works for transfers to Germany, including costs and tracking. It also covers an alternative, Wise, which uses the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees.

What Does Remitly Offer for Transfers From Canada to Germany?

Remitly allows Canadians to send money to Germany using digital transfer options and local delivery partners. Transfers can be set up online or through the app. Recipients can receive funds into a German bank account, collect cash, or receive money to a linked debit card.

When sending money from Canada to Germany, Remitly offers¹:

  • Multiple delivery options: Choose between bank deposit, cash pickup, or debit card deposit. Available options depend on the recipient's bank or provider.
  • Established delivery partners: Remitly works with German banks and payment providers, including Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and N26.
  • Digital-first transfers: All transfers are managed through Remitly's website or mobile app. No branch visits required.
  • Flexible payment methods: Fund transfers using bank accounts or Interac e-Transfer.

New customers usually receive an introductory offer, such as a promotional exchange rate or reduced fees. These offers are typically capped at a maximum send amount. Returning customers use standard rates and fees.

Understanding Remitly's Exchange Rates and Fees

Remitly shows the exchange rate and fees upfront before you confirm. However, pricing can vary between transfers, so review the details each time you send money.

New Customers vs Returning Customers

New customers may qualify for promotional offers on their first transfer. This can include a discounted exchange rate, zero fees, or both². These offers apply automatically up to a set limit. Amounts above that limit use the standard rate.

Returning customers access the same delivery methods with standard pricing. Rates typically include a margin compared to the mid-market rate. Pricing varies by delivery method and payment option.

How Remitly's Exchange Rates Work

Remitly refreshes exchange rates regularly. Rates vary based on the amount, destination, and delivery method. The rate typically includes a markup compared to the mid-market rate. You'll see the rate applied before confirming.

Fees to Expect

Transfer fees depend on delivery method:

  • Bank deposit: Typically zero transfer fees
  • Cash pickup: Usually includes a fixed fee, such as 2.99 CAD

Remitly doesn't charge recipients. All costs appear in the transfer summary. Credit card payments may incur additional charges from your card issuer.

Example: Sending 1,000 CAD to Germany

  • Bank deposit: No fee. Recipient receives approximately 615.80 EUR based on the current rate.
  • Cash pickup: 2.99 CAD fee applies.

Remitly shows total cost, exchange rate, and fees before you send.

How to Send Money From Canada to Germany Using Remitly

Remitly works entirely online. You can send money using the app or website without visiting a branch. Your recipient doesn't need a Remitly account.

Steps to send money:

  1. Access your account: Open the Remitly app or sign in at Remitly.com. New accounts take minutes to create.
  2. Set up your transfer: Select Canada as sending country and Germany as destination. Enter the amount in Canadian dollars.
  3. Choose delivery method: Pick bank deposit, cash pickup, or debit card deposit. Options depend on the German provider.
  4. Add recipient information: Enter your recipient's name and bank or pickup details. They don't need to register.
  5. Review and send: Select your payment method, check the rate and fees, then confirm.

You can track progress and make updates until the money is delivered.

How to Track Your Remitly Transfer

Remitly lets you check transfer progress at every stage.

  • In the app: Sign in and open the Home screen to see recent transfers. Tap a transfer for status, delivery time, and reference number.
  • Online: Log in at Remitly.com and open Transfer history to see processing and completed transfers.
  • Notifications: Remitly sends email, text, or in-app updates when status changes. Messages include your reference number for cash pickups.

Status updates progress from "In review" or "On hold" to "In progress," then "Ready for pickup" or "Delivered."

Send Money at the Mid-Market Rate With Wise

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for every transfer, not just promotional rates for new users. Fees are shown upfront, with low conversion fees starting from 0.48%³. Transfers go directly to a recipient's European bank account using an IBAN.

For Canadians sending money to Germany regularly or moving larger amounts, this makes costs predictable and easy to compare.

Comparing CAD–EUR Transfers: Wise vs Remitly

FeatureRemitlyWise
IBAN offered?No. Funds delivered via local partners or cash pickupYes. Wise uses IBANs for EUR transfers
Exchange ratesPromotional rates for new users; standard rates include markupMid-market rate with no markup
Transfer durationVaries by delivery methodTypically same day or next business day
Transfer limitsUp to 140,000 CAD per transfer⁴Up to 1.5 million CAD by bill payment or wire⁵

Remitly suits occasional transfers, cash pickups, or when first-time offers reduce costs. For regular CAD–EUR transfers or larger amounts, Wise offers consistent mid-market rates and transparent fees.

send-cad-eur
send-cad-eur

Setting Up Your Remitly Account

Before your first transfer, create and prepare your Remitly account. This setup is required only once.

  • Create a free profile: Sign up via the app or Remitly.com. No sign-up or monthly fees.
  • Confirm your identity: Remitly may require verification for higher amounts to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Set sending details: Select Canada as your sending country and CAD as your currency.
  • Add a payment method: Link a bank account, Interac e-Transfer, or card.
  • Save recipient information: Store bank or pickup details for faster future transfers.
  • Check transfer limits: Limits depend on verification status and destination. View them in your account before sending.

Once set up, send money to Germany through the app or website whenever needed.

Conclusion

Remitly offers a range of delivery methods and established German banking partners for transfers from Canada. Pricing varies based on delivery method and first-time offers, so review rates and fees before each transfer.

For predictable pricing and the mid-market exchange rate, Wise offers an alternative for CAD to EUR transfers. Comparing options helps you choose the best approach for your needs.


Sources

  1. Remitly – Send money to Germany from Canada
  2. Remitly – New Customer Promotion Terms and Conditions
  3. Wise Fees & Pricing
  4. Remitly Help – How much can I send?
  5. Wise Help – Guide to CAD transfers
    Sources verified on 20 March, 2026

*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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