International Transfer with Caisse d’Epargne: Rates and Fees

As with most traditional banks, making an international transfer with Caisse d'Epargne comes at a cost. Depending on the currency, the geographic area of the sender and recipient, and the type of transfer, the total fees can vary significantly. In this article, we'll explore the fixed and variable fees charged by Caisse d'Epargne on international transfers.

If Caisse d'Epargne's fees seem high, consider opening a Wise account and sending money to 140+ countries at a low cost. The Wise account uses the mid-market exchange rate when converting currencies and does not charge hidden fees.

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Caisse d'Epargne VS Wise: Fee Comparison

Here is a table comparing the fees charged by Caisse d'Epargne and Wise on a €1,000 transfer to a dollar-denominated account¹.

The fees mentioned in this table are taken from the Caisse d'Epargne (Île-de-France) pricing brochure and the Wise calculator. Information last verified on May 15, 2025.

How do I make an international transfer to Caisse d'Epargne?

Caisse d'Epargne allows you to make international transfers (non-SEPA) only in branches, while transfers within the SEPA zone can be made through your online account.

Making an international transfer online

Here are the steps to follow to make an international transfer within the SEPA zone from your online account or via the Caisse d'Epargne mobile app:²

Important Reminder:

• SEPA zone: EU countries, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino.
• Outside the SEPA zone: other countries

Steps:

• Log in to your online account via the website or app
• In the navigation menu, select the Transfers section
• Enter the desired transfer amount
• Select the account to be debited
• Choose the beneficiary account
• Select the transfer type: standing order, deferred order, or immediate
• Click on Make transfer
• Enter the authentication code received by SMS
• Confirm

Add a beneficiary online or on the Caisse d'Epargne app

To add a beneficiary online or via the app:⁴

• Click on Transfers > My beneficiaries > Add a beneficiary
• Enter their IBAN manually or upload a file
• Specify the beneficiary's identity
• Activate the Add to my beneficiary list option
• Confirm using the Sécur'Pass code or SMS

If you have not opted for Sécur'Pass enhanced authentication, you must wait 72 hours before using the new beneficiary.

Make an international transfer at a Caisse d'Epargne branch

To make a non-SEPA international transfer, visit a Caisse d'Epargne branch (during opening hours).

At the counter, ask to make your transfer. Bring proof of identity (passport/ID card), the IBAN of the beneficiary account, and the SWIFT code of the recipient's bank. Indicate the transfer date, amount, and currency you wish to send.

What information is required to make an international transfer?

To send money abroad, you will be asked for:

• IBAN number: up to 34 characters beginning with a two-letter country code (FR for France)
• SWIFT code: 8 to 11 characters identifying the bank and its country
• The recipient's address and identity
• The reason for the transfer

The reason and/or address are not always required, but providing them is recommended, especially if you are sending money to a country considered sensitive by the OECD. Without this information, the money could be blocked by the recipient's bank.

Good to know: A RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) is specific to France. A foreign bank account generally won’t provide a RIB, but rather an IBAN.

How long does an international transfer take at Caisse d'Epargne?

The processing time for a transfer depends on the geographic area:³

• SEPA Classic transfer: 1 to 2 business days
• Transfers involving currency conversion: up to 4 business days
• Transfers outside the SEPA zone: up to 7 business days
• Instant SEPA transfer: around 10 seconds

Fee schedule for international transfers with Caisse d'Epargne

At Caisse d'Epargne, the fees charged vary depending on several factors:

• Subscription to a paid international option
• Sending zone (SEPA/non-SEPA)
• Currency (with or without conversion)
• Transfer type (sending or receiving)

Issuing an international transfer within the SEPA zone

For international transfers made within the SEPA zone, Caisse d'Epargne does not charge a fee¹ if the transfer is made online. However, a fee of €3.80¹ applies if the transfer is made at a branch with a telephone advisor.

Issuing an international transfer outside the SEPA zone

For transfers outside the SEPA zone, the main fees are:¹

• A proportional fee of 0.10% of the amount (minimum €23)
• A foreign exchange fee of 0.5% of the amount (minimum €15)
• A correspondent fee of €25
• A €28 fee if details are missing or incorrect

Caisse d'Epargne does not specify the exchange rate used for conversions in its fee schedule.¹ In practice, this usually means the bank applies a markup on the exchange rate.

Receiving transfers in a foreign currency from outside the SEPA zone

For transfers received in a currency other than the euro from outside the SEPA zone:

• €15 fee per transfer
• 0.5% foreign exchange commission (minimum €15)
• A €28 intervention fee
• A €19 transfer confirmation fee
• A €28 fee if IBAN/BIC or details are missing or incorrect

Wise: an economical alternative for international transfers

As the Caisse d'Epargne pricing brochure shows, international transfers outside the SEPA zone can be expensive with this bank. On top of that, the exchange rate markup is not disclosed, making it difficult to estimate the final cost.

To save on international transfers, consider using a Wise account and benefit from the following advantages:

• Transfer funds to 140+ countries worldwide
• Currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate
• Hold and convert 40+ currencies, including EUR, GBP, and USD
• Receive money like a local with 8+ account numbers
• No monthly or annual account maintenance fees

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Sources last verified on May 15, 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.