Bank transfer from abroad to France: the complete guide for expats
How do I make a transfer from abroad to France? What fees should I expect? What is the most economical solution? Let's take a look.
La Banque Postale US dollar transfers from France: guide to fees and exchange rates
Making a dollar transfer with La Banque Postale may seem straightforward, but do you know all the costs involved? Here's what you need to know about fees, exchange rates, and how to reduce the overall cost of sending US dollars from France.
Dollar transfer costs with La Banque Postale
Sending US dollars through La Banque Postale differs from making a standard euro transfer within the SEPA zone.
Because the US dollar is not a SEPA currency, these transfers are treated as international transfers and may involve additional fees.
Fees for dollar transfers
To help you understand the costs involved, the table below summarises the fees that may apply:¹
| Type of transaction | Fees |
|---|---|
| Initiating an occasional transfer | * Online: 0.10% (min. €9.90 - max. €70). * CREC post office: 0.10% (min. €15.50 - max. €70). * Option for correspondent fees paid by the sender: up to €18.00 |
| Receiving a transfer | €13.50 |
| Exchange commission | €10 |
Exchange rate used by La Banque Postale
When sending US dollars with La Banque Postale, the exchange rate applied may differ from the rates you see online.
While La Banque Postale states that Visa exchange rates are used for certain card transactions,² there is no publicly available information detailing the exact exchange rate applied to international dollar transfers.
For this reason, it is worth checking with your advisor before making a transfer so that you fully understand the exchange rate and any associated costs.
How to reduce the cost of dollar transfers
International transfers can become expensive once transfer fees, exchange-rate markups, and other charges are taken into account. Here are a few ways to help reduce costs.
Compare providers before making a transfer
Before confirming a transfer, compare the available options. Looking at different providers can help you identify the most cost-effective solution, particularly when sending larger amounts.
Look for providers that use the mid-market exchange rate
Some providers use the mid-market exchange rate and display fees separately. Comparing exchange rates as well as fees can help you understand the true cost of a transfer.
Use online calculators
Many providers offer transfer calculators that show estimated fees, exchange rates, and the amount the recipient is expected to receive.
Running a quick simulation before confirming a transfer can make it easier to compare different options.
Consider consolidating transfers
If you need to send money regularly, combining several smaller transfers into one larger transaction may help reduce costs.
Many providers charge fixed fees per transfer, so fewer transactions can sometimes result in lower overall fees.
Set up exchange-rate alerts
Exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day. Some apps and financial platforms allow you to create alerts when a currency reaches a chosen rate.
This can help you decide when to make a transfer if exchange-rate movements are important to you.
Summary: choosing the right option for dollar transfers
When sending US dollars abroad from France, it is important to consider all potential costs, including transfer fees, exchange-rate markups, correspondent bank fees, and other charges.
La Banque Postale offers international transfer services, but checking the fee schedule and confirming the applicable exchange rate beforehand can help you avoid unexpected costs.
Comparing providers, fees, and exchange rates before sending money can help you find the option that best matches your needs.
Sources:
Last verified on July 6, 2025.
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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.
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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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