Duration of an international bank transfer from France: processing times explained

An international money transfer allows you to send money between two bank accounts in different countries. The time it takes for an international transfer to arrive can vary significantly depending on several factors: the origin and destination of the accounts, the banks involved, the number of intermediaries, the type of transfer, and whether currency conversion is required.

If you live in France and need to send money abroad quickly, Wise offers one of the fastest and most affordable solutions available. International transfers with Wise are quicker and cheaper because the currency is converted at the mid-market exchange rate — without hidden markups.

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How long does an international bank transfer take from France?

SEPA transfer time

• Between instant and 2 business days for a SEPA transfer in euros.

International transfer time outside the SEPA zone

• Around 3 to 5 business days for transfers involving currency conversion, depending on your bank.

With online platforms like Wise, transfers can often be completed much faster.

The advantage of providers like Wise is that you can choose how to fund your transfer — by bank transfer, debit card, or other payment methods.

What time of day are bank transfers processed?

The processing time depends on when you initiate the transfer. Most banks process transfer requests during business hours only.

Transfers made on weekends or public holidays

“Business days” refer to days when financial institutions are open.
If you make or schedule a money transfer on a weekend, it will only be processed on Monday morning.
Likewise, transfers made on a public holiday will be processed the next working day.

Why is my international transfer delayed?

There are several possible reasons why a transfer may take longer than expected. If you’re waiting for funds from abroad, here are some common causes of delay:

• Transfer blocked: The sending or receiving bank may hold or block the transfer temporarily — often due to missing or incorrect details.
• Incorrect bank details: Errors in the IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT code will result in the transfer being rejected.
• Transfer not initiated: The sender may not have confirmed or completed the payment process.
• Weekend or public holiday: Transfers made on Fridays, weekends, or holidays are processed later.
• Exceeded transfer limits: The amount may be above the sender’s authorized transfer limit.
• Insufficient funds: If the sender’s account balance is too low, the transfer will not be processed.

The main types of international transfers

There are several types of transfers depending on the sender, recipient, countries, currencies involved, and how the transfer is made (online, in-branch, or by phone).

SEPA transfer

A SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfer is used to send euros between accounts in the SEPA zone, which includes all EU countries, the EEA, the UK, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.
You can make SEPA transfers in euros from France to any of these countries, either to your own account or to another beneficiary.

SWIFT transfer

A SWIFT transfer (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the most common method for international money transfers outside the SEPA zone.
It’s a standardized and secure network used by banks worldwide to send and receive funds.

Only banks and financial institutions connected to the SWIFT network can offer this type of transfer.

Online international transfer

Online international transfers have become a popular, faster, and cheaper alternative to traditional banks.
These services use fewer intermediaries, which reduces both costs and delays.

Wise is one such provider. It uses the real-time mid-market exchange rate, helping make international transfers more affordable.

One-off vs. recurring transfers

A one-off transfer is a single, non-repeated payment.
A recurring transfer (also called a standing order) repeats automatically — weekly, monthly, or on another schedule.

A recurring transfer continues until you cancel it through your bank or payment provider, while a one-off transfer ends once the payment is completed.

How much does an international transfer cost from France?

Transfer fees vary depending on your bank and the destination country.
Domestic and SEPA transfers are often free or low-cost, while non-SEPA transfers are usually more expensive.

Non-SEPA transfers typically include:

• Fixed transaction fees
• A currency conversion commission (markup on the exchange rate)

Wise: a faster and cheaper way to send money abroad from France

You don’t have to rely solely on traditional banks for international money transfers — whether for personal or business use.

Modern providers like Wise offer secure, low-cost international transfers with transparent pricing.

With Wise, you can send money to 140+ countries and hold 40+ currencies, all while benefiting from the mid-market exchange rate, updated in real time.
For some routes, transfers can even arrive instantly.

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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.