Volksbank International Transfers: Transparent Fees and Duration

💡 You know the feeling:

You want to send money abroad – maybe to a family member, to buy property or for business purposes – and suddenly you find yourself navigating through a jungle of fees and hidden costs. Volksbank, one of the leading cooperative banks in Germany, does offer various options for international transfers, but their fees may surprise you.

Don’t worry – in this article we will explain everything you need to know about the fees associated with Volksbank international transfers and show you how Wise can help you to save your money!

Discover Wise 🚀

Types of international transfers with Volksbank

Sending money abroad is something that a lot of Germans have to do nowadays. But depending on where you are sending money to, there are different types of money transfer at your disposal – the option you pick will have a big impact on the cost of the transfer.

SEPA transfers

SEPA transfers are the standard way to send money within the Single Euro Payments Area, which includes 36 European countries. Alongside all EU member states, this also covers popular destinations such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland — provided the transfer is made in euros rather than the local currency.

The big advantage of SEPA transfers is that Volksbank treats them just like domestic payments. In practice, this usually means they’re completely free.

If you need your funds to arrive quickly, Volksbank also offers instant SEPA transfers. From 5 October 2025, these transfers will reach the recipient within seconds. From that date onwards, Volksbank will no longer charge a fee for instant transfers either.

Swift transfers

Sending money outside Europe is a different story — and usually a more expensive one. For transfers outside the SEPA area, such as to the US, Canada, Australia or countries in Asia, Volksbank relies on the SWIFT network.¹

Unlike SEPA transfers, SWIFT transfers come with noticeably higher fees. And it’s not just the destination that matters: the way the fees are split between sender and recipient also affects the total cost.

Charging options explained

When making an international transfer, you can usually choose who pays which fees. This is known as the charging option. Volksbank uses numbered options, while many other banks refer to them as OUR, BEN and SHARE.

💡 Here’s how they work:²

Volksbank international transfer fees

As mentioned earlier, SEPA transfers don’t cost anything extra. However, real international transfers with Volksbank can quickly become expensive. Many customers only notice the high fees once the transfer has already gone through — when there’s nothing that can be done to change it. This can be particularly frustrating if you send money abroad on a regular basis.

Adding to the complexity, Volksbank isn’t a single, uniform bank. Each local Volksbank operates independently and sets its own prices. That means fees in Munich may look very different from those in Hamburg. To avoid surprises, it’s always a good idea to check with your local branch or consult the relevant price and services list.

That said, the fee structure itself is broadly similar across branches.

💡 Using Berliner Volksbank as an example, typical international transfer fees look like this:²

Exchange rate markups

This is where many banks hide the biggest cost of all. On top of the visible transfer fees, Volksbank uses its own exchange rates — which are typically less favourable than the real mid-market rate.

These hidden markups can really add up, especially for larger transfers. The more money you convert, the more you effectively pay for every single euro exchanged.

Receiving an international transfer with Volksbank

💡 One thing many customers don’t realise:

Receiving money from abroad can also come with fees. Even if someone sends you a specific amount, the sum that actually arrives in your account may be noticeably lower.

💡 Here are the fees charged by Berliner Volksbank for crediting an incoming international transfer:²

How long do international transfers with Volksbank take?

If you need your funds to arrive quickly, transfer times matter. While instant transfers are possible within the SEPA area, this isn’t an option for real international transfers. If you want to speed things up, you’ll need to pay an express surcharge of EUR 20.

💡 Let’s take a closer look at typical processing times:

SEPA transfers

Within the SEPA area, transfers usually arrive within one business day. If you complete your transfer before 3pm, the money should arrive with the recipient by the next working day at the latest.

If you’re sending money in another EEA currency, processing can take up to four business days.

SWIFT transfers

For transfers outside Europe, processing times depend on several factors — including the destination country, intermediary (correspondent) banks and possible compliance checks. As a result, it’s not possible to give a fixed timeframe.

Volksbank itself states that there are no guaranteed deadlines for transfers to countries outside the EEA.³ In practice, you should expect around five business days, although transfers to less common currencies can take significantly longer.

Wise as an alternative for international transfers

Here’s the good news: there are cheaper, faster, and more transparent ways to send money internationally — without compromising on security. One of them is Wise.

Wise is an international fintech company built to make cross-border payments fair and straightforward. Instead of adding hidden margins, Wise uses the real exchange rate and shows all costs upfront.

What makes Wise different?

➡️ Guaranteed real exchange rates: You always get the mid-market rate — the same one you’d see on Google, with no markups.

➡️ Transparent pricing: All fees are shown before you send, with transfers starting from just 0.47%.

➡️ Fast transfers: Most transfers arrive within minutes.

➡️ Global coverage: Send money to over 160 countries worldwide.

➡️ Multi-currency account: Hold and manage 40+ currencies and get local account details in 9 currencies.

➡️ Wise debit card: Spend your balances worldwide with no hidden fees.

➡️ High-value transfers: The larger the amount, the lower the percentage fee — starting from as little as 0.1%.

Step-by-step: how to send an international transfer with Wise

💡 Ready to make your first international transfer with Wise? Great — here’s how it works:

➡️ 1. Sign up with Wise:

Head to Wise.com or download the Wise app. Creating an account is free and only takes a few minutes.

➡️ 2. Enter the amount and choose the target currency:

Wise instantly shows you how much the recipient will receive — including all fees and using the real exchange rate.

➡️ 3. Add the recipient’s details:

Enter the recipient’s name, IBAN or bank account details, and — if required — their address.

➡️ 4. Review everything carefully:

Take a moment to check the details. With Wise, there are no hidden fees or surprises — everything is clearly broken down upfront.

➡️ 5. Pay and track your transfer:

Choose your payment method (such as bank transfer, debit or credit card, or iDEAL) and confirm. You can track your transfer status live at any time.

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 digitall. 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.

Tips for saving money on international transfers

With a few smart choices, you can save a surprising amount on international payments.

💡 Here are some tried-and-tested tips:

➡️ Compare the total cost — not just the headline fee:

Don’t focus only on the visible transfer fee. Hidden exchange rate markups are often the real cost driver. Volksbank fees may look reasonable at first glance, but always add everything up.

➡️ Keep an eye on exchange rates:
For larger transfers, timing can make a big difference — sometimes worth hundreds of euros. Wise offers a handy exchange rate alert that notifies you when your target rate is reached.

➡️ Use the best of both worlds:

You don’t have to leave Volksbank entirely. Keep your current account for everyday banking and use Wise for international transfers — that way, you get the best solution for each use case.

➡️ Watch out for small cost traps:

Fees don’t just apply to international transfers in foreign currencies. Volksbank charges foreign usage fees of 1.8% when withdrawing cash or paying abroad with a Visa Debit card. A Wise debit card is often much cheaper, as you can spend your currency balances abroad without extra fees.

Save on international transfers with Wise

International transfers with Volksbank can quickly become expensive — especially outside the SEPA area. While SEPA transfers are free, SWIFT transfers come with high fees and unfavourable exchange rates, with charges starting at around EUR 10 per transfer.

Wise offers a transparent, fast and low-cost alternative. If you send money abroad regularly, switching to Wise can save you a significant amount over time.

Start now with your personal Wise multi-currency account 💡

FAQ: Volksbank international transfers

How much does an international transfer with Volksbank cost?

Fees vary depending on the individual Volksbank, but typically start at around EUR 10 per transfer.

How long does a transfer to the USA take?

An international transfer to the US with Volksbank usually takes around five business days, though it can take longer in some cases.

How do I make an international transfer with Volksbank?

You can place an international transfer via online banking, the app, by phone or in-branch. Keep in mind that phone and branch transfers usually come with higher fees than online orders.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Volksbank for international transfers?

Yes. Providers like Wise offer significantly cheaper international transfers, with transparent pricing and real exchange rates — without hidden markups.