International Transfer from France with La Banque Postale: Rates and Fees

A subsidiary of the La Poste group, La Banque Postale is a French public bank that offers various banking services, including international transfers. But before using this option, you should ask yourself: what are the fees for international transfers at La Banque Postale? Is there a more economical alternative? What else should you know about this transaction? Here’s what you need to know.

To send money to 140+ countries around the world at a lower cost, easily, and quickly, consider opening a Wise account. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate when converting currencies, which helps reduce the cost of international money transfers.

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Banque Postale International Transfer Fees

This table shows the fees for international transfers (SEPA and non-SEPA) from La Banque Postale¹:

Please note that other fees may apply depending on the situation, such as a €13.50 receiving fee or an €18 fee payable by the sender if the OUR option is enabled. La Banque Postale also uses the VISA rate when converting currencies, which may result in additional costs.¹

With a Wise account, however, you can benefit from the mid-market exchange rate when converting currencies and send money to 140+ countries worldwide with transparent pricing.

How to Make an international transfer with La Banque Postale

La Banque Postale offers several methods for making international money transfers: SEPA transfers (including the Wero solution), international transfers (outside the SEPA zone), and transfers via Western Union (to 200 destinations).

You can make a transfer in a branch or online.

SEPA Transfer with La Banque Postale

SEPA transfers can be either occasional (one-off) or permanent (regular). They can also be made instantly and free of charge, allowing you to send money in seconds.

• Online, in the personal account, or on the La Banque Postale mobile app

• At a post office

• By phone, provided the recipient is previously registered (3639 at €0.15/min)

Wero Banque Postale payment system (between friends)

Linked to your Banque Postale account, Wero² allows you to make money transfers in seconds using just a phone number. You no longer need bank details; only the recipient's mobile number is required.

Please note: only recipients with a bank account in an EU country can benefit from this service. Their bank must also accept instant transfers.

Note: Wero is the new name for Paylib.

International transfers with La Banque Postale

International transfers apply to transactions outside the SEPA zone. There are several options³:

Online in the personal account

• Log in to your personal account
• Go to the MANAGE section
• Register your recipients using your Certicode (secure phone number)

At the post office

• Bring your ID
• Provide proof of your postal account (CCP)
• Complete the form with the requested information

You must provide: your details, the recipient’s account number, and their banking information.

At a Financial Center

Your request can also be made by mail to your Financial Center by submitting an international money transfer order.

Banque Postale Transfer with Western Union

To send money via Western Union with La Banque Postale, you must:

• Be of legal age
• Be a Banque Postale customer
• Hold a CCP account and have an eligible card (Réalys, Visa Classic, Visa Premier, Visa Platinum, or Visa Infinite)

How to proceed: log in online or visit a branch.

• Online: log in to your Western Union account via the personal area or LBP app
• You can transfer a maximum of €5,000 over 3 days (up to your card payment limit)⁴

Fees, exchange rates, and taxes vary depending on the channel, country, and currency. Additional restrictions may apply; Western Union refers users to its terms and conditions.

• You will then receive an MTCN number to give to the recipient, allowing them to collect the funds in cash.

The money is paid in the recipient's local currency upon presentation of valid ID. No fees are charged to the receiver.

Timeframe for an International Transfer with La Banque Postale

SEPA Transfer

The transaction time for an instant SEPA transfer is a few seconds. For a standard transfer, the money is received within 1 business day.⁵

International Transfer

For transfers outside the SEPA zone, La Banque Postale indicates a timeframe of 1 to 4 business days.³

Summary of international transfer fees with La Banque Postale

Fees for sending and receiving SEPA transfers

Here is a table summarizing the fees charged by La Banque Postale for sending and receiving SEPA transfers¹:

Fees for sending and receiving non-SEPA transfers

Here is another table showing the fees for sending and receiving non-SEPA transfers at La Banque Postale¹:

With a Wise account, send money to 140+ countries at a lower cost

La Banque Postale does offer international transfer services, but as shown, fees can be high. To reduce these costs, you may want to consider alternatives.

For example, the Wise account allows you to make international transfers to 140+ countries around the world, with advantages such as:

• No hidden markup on the exchange rate: Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate when converting currencies.
• No maintenance fees: the Wise account doesn’t charge monthly or annual fees.
• The possibility to manage and convert 40+ currencies, including EUR, GBP, and USD.
• Local account details in 8+ currencies, making it easier to receive and send money like a local.

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Sources last verified on April 19, 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.