Comdirect transfer limits: What you need to know.

Whether it's an everyday transfer or a major purchase, every transfer at comdirect has a limit. These limits help protect against misuse while also giving you greater control over larger sums of money.

💡 The good news:

You can adjust your limit yourself at any time and tailor it to your needs.

In this article, we'll look at which limits apply, how you can change them, and what you should consider when making larger payments. And because international transfers can often be expensive, we'll also take a look at Wise — the smart alternative for fast and affordable international money transfers.

Discover Wise 🚀

What is a transfer limit and why is it important?

A transfer limit determines how much money you can transfer online per day or per transaction. It defines your financial flexibility while helping to protect it at the same time.

Why transfer limits exist

➡️ Transfer limits are like a seatbelt for online banking:

It often goes unnoticed in everyday life, but it's essential when something goes wrong.

💡 Protection against misuse:

If someone were to gain access to your account, the transfer limit helps prevent a worst-case scenario.

💡 Regulatory requirements:

For international transfers above 50,000 EUR, reporting requirements to the German Federal Bank (Bundesbank) apply. Below that threshold, the process is generally straightforward.

💡 Your choice:

A lower limit means maximum security. A higher limit provides greater flexibility.

The key is finding a limit that fits your lifestyle.

Overview of comdirect transfer limits

How much you can actually transfer depends on two factors: your account balance and the transfer limit you have set. You can view and change this limit at any time in your personal banking area under Administration > Transfer Limits. Interestingly, comdirect provides very little official information about its standard default limits, making it even more important to keep track of your own settings.¹

💡 Flexibility that works around your needs:

Your transfer limit is not a fixed restriction — it can be adjusted to suit your circumstances. You can increase it permanently if you regularly work with larger amounts, or temporarily for a specific payment, such as purchasing a car or paying a contractor's invoice.

💡 Special rules apply:

For instant transfers, the bank sets a clear limit: a maximum of 2,000 EUR per transaction. The advantage is that the money arrives in the recipient's account within seconds, whether you initiate the payment through the app or in your browser.

💡 International payments without unnecessary complications:

Whether you're making a SEPA transfer to France or a SWIFT transfer to Australia, your standard transfer limits apply across the board. If you plan to transfer larger amounts, it's worth adjusting your limit in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.²

Ultimately, this balance helps keep your digital money flows secure while ensuring you don't get held back when making larger or unexpected payments.

How to change your transfer limit

You can adjust your transfer limit directly through online banking or the comdirect app. For particularly large international transfers, customer support can also assist you by phone.

💡 How to set your limits:

You decide the limits you need. You can increase your limit for a car purchase, lower it while you're on holiday, or completely block international transfers by setting a transfer limit of 0 EUR.

A separate transaction limit for transfers to third-party accounts provides an additional layer of protection against unwanted transactions. All adjustments can be made quickly and easily under Administration > Transfer Limits in your personal banking settings.

💡 Available limit options:

You can set your own limit per transaction for both domestic and international transfers. Telephone banking has a separate daily limit.

💡 Good to know:

Transfers between your own accounts — for example, moving money from your current account to your savings account — are not affected by any transfer limits.

Payment options at comdirect

comdirect offers several ways to send money, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your destination, timing, and transfer amount.

💡 SEPA transfers:

Move your money throughout the EU and beyond free of charge. Standard delivery time is one banking day.

💡 Instant transfers:

Send money to the recipient within seconds — also free of charge, provided both banks support the service. The standard limit is 2,000 EUR per transfer. Simply tick the instant transfer option and approve the transaction using a TAN.

💡 SWIFT transfers:

Designed for payments outside the SEPA area. Processing times typically range from two to five banking days, although with some currencies it may take longer.

The catch with foreign currencies

For transfers involving foreign currencies, comdirect applies an additional markup to the exchange rate. This can become expensive surprisingly quickly, particularly for larger amounts.

💡 Telephone or written instructions:

These are possible, but additional fees apply.

Tips for making transfers securely

Online banking makes many things easier. But when larger amounts are involved, one thing matters most: security. By following these basic rules, you can help keep your payments protected with an ease of mind.

💡 Protect your PIN and TAN at all times:

Your PIN is not your birthday, and it's not 1234 — it's your personal security code. And your TAN? It belongs exclusively in your banking app or TAN device.

❗ Important:

If someone asks for your TAN or PIN over the phone, hang up immediately. No legitimate bank would ever do that.

💡 Use two-factor authentication:

Modern security methods such as the comdirect photoTAN app connect each transfer to a specific approval request. This means the details you see in the app are the same details you approve.

➡️ The advantage:

Fraudsters cannot secretly interfere with the transaction.

💡 Set your limits consciously:

A lower daily transfer limit reduces potential risk if someone gains access to your account. When you need to transfer a larger amount — whether for a new car or a kitchen renovation — you can temporarily increase the limit and reduce it again afterwards.

💡 Only make transfers through secure connections:

As convenient as it may be, public Wi-Fi networks can create security risks. A better option is your own Wi-Fi network or a mobile data connection. This helps keep your banking information secure — like storing it in a digital safe.

💡 Check recipient details carefully:

A single incorrect character in an IBAN can be costly. Always review the recipient's name and account details carefully before confirming a payment, particularly when sending money internationally.

💡 Good to know:

On 9 October 2025, comdirect introduced automatic recipient verification to help customers avoid errors when entering recipient details.

Comparison: comdirect vs Wise for international transfers

When sending money abroad, it is not always easy to see the full cost of the transfer. While SEPA transfers in EUR are straightforward and free of charge, it's quite different when foreign currencies are involved.

With comdirect, fees, exchange-rate markups, and processing times can noticeably increase the overall cost of a transfer. Wise, on the other hand, focuses on full transparency, fair exchange rates, and speed.

💡 These are two fundamentally different approaches:

Compare fees and exchange rates here 👈

The battle of pricing models

For an international transfer with comdirect, you pay a transfer fee of 0.15% (minimum 7.90 EUR) — and that's only the visible part of the cost. The real cost driver is hidden in the exchange rate: the bank converts your money using its own exchange rate, which includes a built-in margin. As a result, you receive less value for your money than you would at the guaranteed mid-market rate.

➡️ Wise takes a different approach:

One small, transparent fee from 0.47% — and that's it. The key difference lies in the currency conversion. You receive the guaranteed mid-market exchange rate with no markup added. All costs are displayed upfront from the start.

For standard SEPA transfers, comdirect does a solid job. However, once foreign currencies come into play, Wise stands out with its transparent pricing model.

If you've used comdirect for international transfers before, this comparison makes it easier to see where the costs come from — and whether there may be a more cost-effective option for your next transfer.

The difference comes down to one thing: visible costs versus hidden costs.

How Wise optimises your international payments

➡️ Wise avoids the slow SWIFT system through a simple principle:

instead of moving your money expensively around the globe, you pay it into a local Wise account. At the same time, a Wise account in the destination country pays out the equivalent amount. In practice, your money never actually crosses a border — brilliantly simple and highly efficient.

💡 This innovative approach delivers measurable benefits:

➡️ Transparent pricing with no hidden surprises:

You pay a clear fee from 0.47% (0.1% for amounts above 2 million GBP or the equivalent) and receive the guaranteed mid-market exchange rate. No bank markups and no unpleasant surprises.

➡️ Impressive speed:

More than 50% of transfers reach their destination in under 20 seconds. While others are still processing, your money has already arrived.

➡️ High limits:

Up to 1.2 million EUR per transaction. Big plans shouldn't wait due to artificial banking restrictions.

➡️ The Wise Multi-Currency Account as the finishing touch:

Manage more than 40 currencies and send money to over 160 countries.

💡 Bonus feature for Germany:

Global account details in 23 currencies, a worldwide Wise card with no foreign transaction fees, up to 250 EUR in free monthly cash withdrawals, plus secure interest-earning options in EUR, GBP, and USD.

Ready for a change? See the difference from your very first transfer.

Save with Wise 💰

How to register with Wise

Registering with Wise is simple and completely online. Here's how it works:

Step by step to your Wise account

💡 Open the website or app:

Whether on your laptop or smartphone, get started at Wise.com or directly in the Wise app.

💡 Choose an account type:

Personal or business — decide now or later. Many customers use both, keeping them clearly separated.

💡 Register:

Use your email address and password, or sign up through Google, Apple, or Facebook. Whatever suits you best.

💡 Verify your identity:

Upload a valid identification document. For business accounts, additional company information is required.

💡 Confirm your address:

Provide a utility bill, tax notice, or bank statement — as long as it is clear and up to date.

💡 (Optional) Order a Wise card:

Directly in the Wise app — physical or digital. Perfect for travel, online shopping, or spontaneous spending in foreign currencies.

💡 Our tip:

Add a few currencies right away, explore the Wise app, and receive your first payments. A global account can make managing money across borders simpler.

Comdirect transfer limits: Making the most of your options

Your transfer limit helps balance security and flexibility. In everyday banking, it helps protect your account from unauthorised transactions. When you need to make a larger payment, you can temporarily increase the limit, complete the transfer, and lower it again afterwards. With comdirect, you can manage this directly through your personal banking area, making the process simple and transparent.

However, when your money crosses borders and currencies, different factors come into play. This is where Wise can be a smart option for international payments.

💡 Why many customers choose Wise for international transfers:

➡️ The guaranteed mid-market exchange rate

➡️ Transparent fees shown upfront before you send money

➡️ Fast transfers, often arriving within minutes and usually within 24 hours

➡️ High transfer limits, with transfers of up to 1.2 million EUR possible depending on the currency and transfer route

With comdirect, you stay in control of your transfer limits — secure for everyday banking and flexible when needed. And when your money needs to move across currencies and countries, Wise combines transparency, speed, and global reach in a single service.

Why settle for less?

Start now with your personal Wise multi-currency account 💡

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard transfer limit at comdirect?

comdirect does not specify a fixed daily transfer limit. However, certain transaction types are subject to specific limits — for example, instant transfers have a standard limit of 2,000 EUR per transaction.

Can I change my transfer limit myself?

Yes. You can adjust your transfer limit under Administration > Transfer Limits in online banking or through the app. The change takes effect immediately once it has been approved with a TAN.

Are instant transfers limited at comdirect?

Yes. The maximum amount per instant transfer is 2,000 EUR. The advantage is that the money reaches the recipient within seconds, provided their bank supports instant payments.

What should I consider when making very large transfers?

For amounts that exceed your current transfer limit, you will usually need to contact customer support. A useful tip is to reduce your limit again after completing a one-off large payment, helping to provide additional protection for your account.

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Sources used (as of 01.09.2025):

1. What transfer limits apply at comdirect?
2. Set up transfer limits
3. Price and services schedule