BNP Paribas international transfer from France: all fees and commissions

A benchmark in the banking landscape, BNP Paribas has millions of customers in France. But as renowned as it is, many questions arise about certain transactions it offers, including international transfers.

So, how do you make an international transfer with BNP Paribas? What are the rates and fees to consider when sending money abroad? Is there a more economical way to make an international transfer? Let's take a closer look.

With Wise, you can easily make international transfers to more than 140+ countries and obtain local account numbers in 8+ different currencies. All conversions are made at the mid-market exchange rate, and the fees charged on each transaction are transparent and competitive. Moreover, there are no monthly fees to maintain the account!

Discover the Wise account

BNP Paribas International Transfer Fees: Everything You Need to Know

Making an international transfer with BNP Paribas incurs fees, and these depend on several factors, starting with the type of transfer. There are two types of international transfers: transfers made to the SEPA zone and those outside the SEPA zone.

Fees for BNP international transfers made to the SEPA zone

The SEPA zone includes the 27 members of the European Union, plus 10 other European countries. Making an international SEPA transfer means sending money to a country within this area.

Here are the fees for a BNP international transfer in the SEPA zone, in a branch or online:¹

Fees for BNP international transfers made outside the SEPA zone

Transfers outside the SEPA zone involve sending money to a country not covered by SEPA.

Here are the fees to consider for a BNP international transfer outside this zone:¹

For receiving fees, incoming transfers generate a fee of €11.¹

Please note that the exchange rate applied includes BNP Paribas's margin.

Depending on the country and the banks involved in the transaction, additional fees may apply. Therefore, although these figures are those displayed by BNP, it is not possible to have an exact estimate of the fees payable upon transfer. The fact remains: international transfer fees at BNP Paribas are relatively high.

However, there are alternative providers that allow you to make international money transfers at more competitive rates. This is the case with Wise, which lets you send money to more than 140+ countries in just a few clicks, based on the mid-market exchange rate. Wise also allows you to set up local accounts in 8+ different currencies, including USD and GBP, to receive money without paying additional commissions.

BNP Paribas International Transfer FAQ

This FAQ will answer some frequently asked questions about international transfers made with BNP Paribas.

What methods does BNP Paribas offer for international transfers?

BNP Paribas offers two methods for making international transfers:

• Online, via your secure personal account.
• In a branch, with an advisor or customer service representative.

BNP Paribas provides clients with secure online access via the mabanque.bnpparibas portal and the My Accounts mobile app. This "Online Services" contract allows customers to make international transfers independently from a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

To activate this feature, you can complete the process yourself if you have the Digital Key. Otherwise, you must request activation from your client advisor.

How to make your international transfer online?

Here are the main steps to follow to make an international BNP transfer:

• Log in to your account with your personal credentials, then select "Transfers and Services" in the top left corner of the home page.
• As with a domestic transfer, the beneficiary must already be registered, or they must first be added using the international IBAN format.
• Adding a beneficiary requires a 24-hour validation period, unless you have a Digital Key that secures sensitive transactions.
• Next, choose the type of transfer (in this case, international) and the desired frequency.
• Select the sending account (which will be debited) and the receiving account (which will be credited).
• Enter the amount and the scheduled date for the transfer.
• To validate the transaction, re-enter your login PIN.

How do I make an international transfer at a BNP Paribas branch?

To make an international transfer at a branch, you can visit the branch where your accounts are held, or any other BNP Paribas branch. Branch addresses are listed on the bank's website.

You can make an appointment with your dedicated advisor to complete this transaction or contact the branch receptionist. You must bring a valid ID, your BNP account number, and the recipient's bank account details (RIB).

What documents and information are required to make an international transfer at BNP?

To make an international transfer at BNP Paribas, you must have the following information and documents:

• The recipient's bank account details (RIB) in the international IBAN format (up to 34 digits).
• The SWIFT/BIC code (8 to 11 characters) identifying the receiving bank.
• The identity and address of the transfer recipient.
• The transfer amount, currency, and requested execution date.

What information is required to receive a BNP international transfer?

To receive an international transfer, whether within or outside the SEPA zone, you must provide the sender with the RIB for your BNP Paribas account. The RIB must include your IBAN as well as the SWIFT/BIC code (8 to 11 characters) identifying BNP Paribas.

Make your international transfers at a lower cost with Wise

Would you like to make international transfers within and outside the SEPA zone without paying high transaction fees?

With Wise, you can send money almost anywhere in the world (140+ countries) in popular currencies such as the euro, US dollar, and pound sterling.

Unlike most traditional banks that apply a markup when converting currencies, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, with fees that are transparent and generally lower.

Open your Wise account

Source:

Last verified on June 4, 2025.

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.