Deutsche Bank International Transfers: Costs, Fees, and Duration

Are you planning to transfer money abroad and wondering what costs you’ll incur with Deutsche Bank? Or are you looking for a more cost-effective alternative?

In this article, we take a close look at Deutsche Bank international transfers and show you how you can save when sending money overseas.

💡 Because let’s be honest:

No one wants to pay more than necessary for a simple transfer—especially when it comes to the high costs of international payments.

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Types of international transfers at Deutsche Bank

Before we dive into the details of the fees, let’s first take a look at the different types of transfers that Deutsche Bank offers:

SEPA transfers

SEPA stands for Single Euro Payments Area and includes all EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Monaco, and other European states. Within this area, you can transfer money in euros just as easily and under the same conditions as within Germany.

💡 The good news:

SEPA transfers at Deutsche Bank are generally free of charge—at least when done online.

SWIFT transfers

As soon as you send money outside the SEPA area or want to use a currency other than the euro, the SWIFT network comes into play. SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is an international banking network through which international transfers are processed. However, these truly international transfers come with significantly higher fees at Deutsche Bank.

Fees and costs for Deutsche Bank international transfers

The good news is, online transfers within the SEPA area are free at Deutsche Bank. In contrast, Deutsche Bank’s fees for international transfers depend on the selected fee arrangement. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s take a closer look at the different cost components in detail.

💡 For international transfers outside the SEPA area, you can choose between different options:

💡 For the fee arrangement OUR (full cost coverage by the sender), the following costs apply:¹

Deutsche Bank international transfer fees (online, paperless):

➡️ 1.5‰ of the transfer amount (minimum EUR 10.00)

➡️ Plus SWIFT: EUR 1.55

➡️ Plus foreign bank charges (fixed fee): EUR 25.00

Deutsche Bank international transfer fees (in branch, paper-based):

➡️ Up to EUR 250.00 transfer amount: EUR 13.00

➡️ Above that: 1.5‰ of the transfer amount (minimum EUR 15.00)

➡️ plus SWIFT: EUR 1.55

➡️ plus foreign bank charges (fixed fee): EUR 25.00

The minimum fees for a Deutsche Bank international transfer with the OUR option therefore amount to EUR 36.55 — even for small amounts. It’s definitely worth looking at cheaper alternatives.

With the SHARE fee option, the same fees apply, but the EUR 25.00 foreign charges fee is waived—so that’s already a noticeable saving. However, this does not mean the recipient won’t have to pay anything, as additional fees from intermediary banks are quite common.

💡 Additional costs may also arise for extra services:

Additional service fees

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Exchange rate markups

An often overlooked cost factor in international transfers is the exchange rate markup. When you send money in a foreign currency, Deutsche Bank does not use the official mid-market exchange rate but its own rate — which is usually less favorable than the actual market rate.

These markups may seem small at first, but they can add up to a significant amount, especially for larger transfers, on top of the fees already mentioned. The tricky part: these markups are usually not shown transparently.

How does a Deutsche Bank international transfer work?

If you want to send money abroad, it’s best to do it online with Deutsche Bank—it’s not only more convenient but also significantly cheaper than going to a branch.

💡 Here’s how the online international transfer works step by step:

➡️ 1. Log in to your online banking and go to the Transfers section. There, select International transfer and choose which account to send from, the destination country, and the currency.

➡️ 2. Depending on whether the transfer is within the SEPA area (in euros) or not, the system will automatically direct you to the appropriate form.

➡️ 3. Enter all the required information. For SWIFT transfers, you usually need the recipient’s full name and address, the recipient bank’s SWIFT/BIC code, and the IBAN or account number.

➡️ 4. Choose the fee option: by default, cost sharing (SHARE) is selected. If the recipient should receive the full amount, you can choose OUR.

➡️ 5. Before proceeding, you’ll see an overview of all details. Double-check everything—errors in international transfers are not easy to correct.

➡️ 6. Finally, enter your TAN, click Execute transfer, and your money is on its way.

If you’d prefer to make an international transfer in person, you can visit a Deutsche Bank branch, deposit the money, and place the order at the counter—but this will involve higher fees.

Processing time of international transfers with Deutsche Bank

If processing time matters to you, you’re probably wondering how long it takes for the money to arrive.

💡 It depends on the type of transfer:

➡️ SEPA transfers: up to 1 business day

➡️ Deutsche Bank instant transfer: within 20 seconds (only if the recipient’s bank supports it)

➡️ SWIFT transfers: usually up to 4 business days, depending on the destination country, currency, and number of intermediary banks

Transfers within the SEPA area arrive by the next business day at the latest—and with instant transfers, the money can even reach the recipient’s account within 20 seconds. This makes it quick and easy to send money to friends or family across Europe.

If you need fast transfers outside Europe as well,alternatives like Wise may be worth considering.

Wise as an alternative for international transfers

Given the high fees and hidden costs of traditional bank transfers, it’s worth looking for cheaper alternatives, like Wise.

Founded in 2011, Wise aims to make international transfers fairer, safer, and faster. The fintech company has established itself as a leading provider of low-cost international financial services.

💡 The comparison speaks for itself:

Example: Deutsche Bank transfer to Turkey

Transfer EUR 1,000 to Turkey (sent in TRY, option OUR, online, paperless).

As you can see, you can save more than EUR 26 on such a transfer to Turkey with Wise—and that’s without even taking the bank’s exchange rate markup into account!

With international transfers via Wise, you benefit from many advantages:

➡️ Transparent, low fees: Wise charges a single, clearly stated fee.

➡️ Mid-market exchange rate: Unlike banks, Wisealways uses the true mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups.

➡️ Fast transfers: Many transfers are completed within 1–2 business days, often even within minutes.

➡️ User-friendly platform: The Wise app and website are intuitive and easy to use.

➡️ Multi-currency account: For those who want to spend abroad cheaply, Wise offers a free multi-currency account supporting 40+ currencies.

Sending money abroad with Wise: step by step

Want to use Wise for your next international transfer? Good choice!

💡 Here’s how it works:

➡️ 1. Create a free account on the Wise website or in the app.

➡️ 2. Choose how much money you want to send and in which currency.

➡️ 3. Enter the recipient’s bank details. Wiseguides you through the process and shows what information is needed for each country.

➡️ 4. Wise clearly displays all fees and the exchange rate being used.

➡️ 5. Pay for the transfer via bank transfer, direct debit, or credit card.

➡️ 6. Track your transfer to see where your money is at any time.

➡️ 7. Once the money arrives, you’ll receive a notification. Done!

Tips for cost-efficient international transfers

Whether you use Deutsche Bank or Wise, here are some tips to save money on international transfers:

➡️ Compare providers: Your regular bank isn’t always the cheapest option. Check fees from different providers before making a transfer.

➡️ Pay attention to the exchange rate: The biggest saving potential often lies in currency conversion. Even small differences in rates can have a big impact on larger amounts.

➡️ Send larger amounts at once: Since many fees, such as those for Deutsche Bank international transfers, are charged as minimum amounts, it’s generally cheaper to transfer a large sum at once rather than several smaller amounts.

➡️ Use online banking instead of a branch: At Deutsche Bank, online (paperless) transfers are significantly cheaper than those made in a branch.

➡️ Open a local account: If you regularly send money to a specific country, it may make sense to open a local account there. Wise offers account details in 10 currencies, allowing you to send and receive money as if you had a local bank account.

How to register with Wise

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

Step-by-step to your Wise account

💡 Open our website or app:

Whether on your laptop or mobile phone - start via Wise.com or directly in the Wise App.

💡 Choose account type:

Private or business - decide directly or later. Many use both, neatly separated.

💡 Register:

With email and password or via Google, Apple or Facebook. Entirely as you prefer.

💡 Verify:

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

💡 Confirm address:

Via electricity bill, tax assessment or bank statement - the main thing is: clearly legible and current.

💡 (Optional) Order Wise card:

Directly in the Wise App - physical or digital. Perfect for travel, online shopping or spontaneous foreign currency expenses.

💡 Our tip:

Immediately set up a few currencies, test the Wise App, and receive your first payments. An account that thinks globally also opens up new possibilities.

Making international transfers cost-effectively

Deutsche Bank offers a reliable service for international transfers, but the fees are relatively high—especially outside the SEPA area. The total fee is made up of various smaller fees that can add up to a considerable overall cost.

The right provider ultimately depends on your individual needs. Compare your options and choose the solution that best suits you.

However, if you regularly send money abroad or transfer larger amounts, alternatives like Wise can help you save a considerable amount of money.

Start now with your personal Wise multi-currency account 💡

FAQ about Deutsche Bank international transfers

What fees apply to a SWIFT transfer?

For a SWIFT transfer with Deutsche Bank, the fees depend on the selected fee option. For online transfers with the OUR option, you pay at least EUR 10.00 + EUR 1.55 SWIFT fee + EUR 25.00 foreign bank charge. In addition, exchange rate markups may apply if you send money in a foreign currency.

How long does a transfer to the USA take?

A transfer from Deutsche Bank to the USA typically takes around 4 business days.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Deutsche Bank for international transfers?

Yes, there are several more cost-effective alternatives. Wise is one of the best-known providers and can significantly reduce costs compared to traditional international transfers. Other alternatives include MoneyGram, Western Union for smaller amounts, as well as other fintech companies and neobanks.

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Sources used (as of 06.05.2026):

1. Deutsche Bank price and services list - May 2026