ČSOB incoming payment from abroad: Fees and exchange rate

Expecting money from abroad into your Czech ČSOB account? If so, you'll likely be interested in how such a transfer actually works. In this article, you’ll find out what a payment from abroad to a Czech ČSOB account entails and what the fees are.

We'll also look at how the exchange rate can affect the value of your money negatively if it differs from the mid-market rate – the one you see on Google, for instance. Wise offers you fair currency exchange, allowing you to convert 40+ currencies in an instant.

Open your Wise account
for free 🚀

What do I need for an incoming payment to my Czech account from abroad?

Regardless of the foreign currency you're expecting in your Czech account, it will arrive in Czech crowns. The only thing you need to do is provide the sender with information in an international format. The exact amount and type of information depend on the sender's bank's requirements. In general, you'll need to share two pieces of information: your account number in IBAN (International Bank Account Number) format and the BIC/SWIFT code, which is your bank's international identifier.

Required details for SEPA and EU/EEA payments

For transfers within the European Union or European Economic Area member states and for SEPA payments, you must share your IBAN and BIC with the sender. You can find your IBAN in your online banking (My Products > Product Details) or on your account statement. ČSOB's BIC or SWIFT code (your bank's international code) is: CEKOCZPP.

Required details for other international payments

If the money is coming from countries outside the EU/EEA, it's up to the sender's bank to specify the required details. These will include your account number (either in IBAN or local format) and ČSOB's BIC/SWIFT code (CEKOCZPP). Other required details might include your name and surname, address, or your bank's address.¹

ČSOB fees for incoming payments to your Czech account from abroad

In case of payments in foreign currencies, the bank acts as an intermediary and charges for such service. So, what are the fees at ČSOB for an incoming payment from abroad?²

Data valid as of the date of writing this article.

It depends on the type of fee the sender chooses for the payment order. For some payments, only one method is possible (e.g., for payments within the EU/EEA, only SHA type can be used). What are the fee types and how do they affect the recipient?⁶

• OUR: As the recipient, you pay no fees and receive the transfer amount in full as specified by the sender. The sender pays ČSOB's fee, their own bank's fees, and any fees from intermediary banks.
• SHA: The recipient (ČSOB client) pays ČSOB's fees and receives the payment amount reduced by any fees from intermediary banks; the sender pays their own bank's fees.
• BEN: As the recipient, you pay both ČSOB's fees and the sender's bank's fees. You receive the transfer amount reduced by the sender's bank's fees, and possibly those of intermediary providers.

Payment in foreign currency – why is it worth taking into account the exchange rate?

In addition to the transaction fees themselves, which we'll look at later in the article, the exchange rate impacts the transferred amount significantly. When foreign money arrives in your Czech account, ČSOB converts it directly into Czech korunas using their own set rate. However, there is a mid-market rate, determined by the financial market – traditional banks often adjust the rate they then provide to customers according to their needs. This can make a difference of hundreds of korunas in the final sum. Let's take a specific example. Assume someone is sending you 200 units of a certain currency. How much will arrive in your Czech ČSOB account? And how much will you have with Wise if you convert the incoming foreign currency into CZK? All stated values are after transaction fees have been deducted.

Values calculated using exchange rates valid on the day and hour of writing the article, see further in the article.

Even if you only receive income from abroad occasionally, you can save hundreds of Czech korunas, especially for larger amounts. It doesn't make sense to lose money that rightfully belongs to you just because of an unfavorable exchange rate.

Money from abroad with Wise at the mid-market rate

Do you want to exchange your foreign income at the mid-market rate without any markup? Have it sent to a Wise multi-currency account. This account performs all currency conversions using the mid-market exchange rate, thus avoiding exchange rate losses. Moreover, you can exchange it for Czech korunas whenever you wish.

Open your Wise account for free, quickly and easily. All you'll need is your ID and a mobile device – there's no need to visit a bank office.

With the Wise Account you can:

• Hold 40+ currencies and convert between them at the mid-market rate. We will show our conversion fees upfront
• Get local account details in up to 9 currencies, including EUR, GBP, and USD
• Receive balance cashback on EUR, GBP and USD held in your account
• Order a Wise debit card which you can use with our Smart Conversion technology
• Set up Auto Conversions based on your desired rate in the Wise app or use our Wise Rate Tracker to request exchange rate notifications directly to your email
• Create Wise virtual cards, and save on online shopping
• Get instant notifications of all your transactions via the Wise app. If you lose your card, you can easily cancel it in the app to keep your money safe

Open your Wise account
for free 🚀

ČSOB exchange rate

Like most traditional banks, ČSOB sets its own exchange rate. ČSOB increases or decreases the mid-market rate depending on whether it is selling the currency to you or buying it from you. You cannot influence the exchange: as soon as foreign currency arrives in your Czech account, ČSOB immediately converts it to CZK. This means you can't wait for a moment when the Czech koruna is stronger, for example. For a better understanding, let's compare ČSOB exchange rates for selected currencies with the mid-market rate, which the financial market follows and which Wise uses. All data is valid as of the date and hour of the article's update.

How long does a money transfer from abroad take with ČSOB?

A SEPA payment should land in your account within two working days of being initiated by the sender. Other international payments may take longer to reach you, with ČSOB not specifying a timeframe. It depends on the currency your money is coming in and the deadlines set by the sender's bank. Therefore, if necessary, try to inquire about the transfer duration with the other party.¹

Money in transit

Foreign currencies will arrive in your Czech account without issues – at most, you'll have a short wait. In the meantime, you can do some calculations so that you aren't disappointed by the incoming amount. You already know ČSOB fees for international transfers and the exchange rate it uses. You also know that there's an option to save on both: that's the Wise multi-currency account.

Learn more about the
Wise account 🔎

Sources:

Sources checked on February 27, 2026.