Personal Finance Money transfer

Lydia international transfer from France: everything you need to know

Soufiane Baba

04.11.25

Read time 3 minutes

Lydia is a French fintech company specialising in mobile payments and has become a trusted payment tool for millions of users in France. But what do we actually know about Lydia’s services? Can you make an international money transfer with it? And what exchange rate does it use? Here’s everything you need to know in this guide.

Since international transfers are not yet part of Lydia’s services, you can use Wise to make your international money transfers from France. With Wise, send money easily to 140+ countries and benefit from the mid-market exchange rate (without markups) when converting currencies.

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What is Lydia?

Lydia is a French fintech company founded in 2011 that specialises in payments via its mobile app. Since its launch, it has continued to expand its range of services and improve functionality.

Its operation is similar to that of a traditional bank, allowing users to manage a current account, make transfers, and pay or withdraw money with a card.

But what about international transfers with Lydia? Can you send money outside the SEPA network using Lydia?

Lydia international transfers: is it possible?

If you want to send money abroad outside the SEPA zone or in a currency other than euros, Lydia isn’t currently an option.

At present, Lydia does not offer a service that allows international money transfers. You can only send standard bank transfers to EUR-denominated accounts.¹

It’s not yet known whether Lydia plans to introduce this feature in the future. In the meantime, if you need to send money internationally, it’s best to use a specialised provider such as Wise.

💰 Did you know? The Wise account lets you send money to 140+ countries using the mid-market exchange rate — without hidden markups!

Alternatives to Lydia for international transfers

There are several alternatives for sending money abroad from France:

Specialised online providers – platforms such as Wise, Revolut, or OFX specialise in multi-currency accounts and international money transfers. Many offer dedicated mobile apps for quick and easy transfers.
Traditional banks – most French banks allow international transfers, but they often apply high commissions and hidden fees.
Online banks – many digital banks in France now support international transfers and usually charge lower fees than traditional banks.

Currency payments with Lydia (via Sumeria)

If you want to make payments or withdraw money in a foreign currency, these operations are now managed by Sumeria, the payment service linked to Lydia.²

For example, in the UK, the Sumeria card allows you to withdraw cash from ATMs and make payments in stores that accept cards. Depending on your subscription, you may benefit from free payments or withdrawals in foreign currencies up to a monthly limit.²

Sumeria’s cards are accepted worldwide, offering flexibility for travellers and expats alike.

Exchange fees on payments

When you use your Sumeria card abroad, payments are processed at the Visa exchange rate.²

While Visa rates are generally more competitive than those of most banks, Sumeria may adjust the final transaction amount depending on fluctuations in the Visa rate.

When you pay in a foreign currency, the amount is first held based on the rate at the time of authorisation. Between purchase and settlement (usually 1–10 days), the rate can change — the difference is automatically adjusted and shown on your receipt.²

Fees on withdrawals

You can withdraw money abroad using your Sumeria card from most ATMs. The number of free withdrawals and limits depend on your card type:²

Card type	Withdrawal fees
Basic Card (free)	3 free withdrawals up to €250
Standard Card (€3.90/month)	6 free withdrawals up to €800
Black Card (€9.90/month)	6 free withdrawals up to €1,000

Note: Beyond the free allowance, a 1.5% fee applies on withdrawals exceeding the number or total limit of authorised free transactions.²

Lydia International Transfer FAQ

Can I make a bank transfer with Lydia?

Yes, Lydia allows you to make transfers to other Lydia users or EUR-denominated bank accounts located within the SEPA zone.¹

Can I make international transfers with Lydia?

No, international transfers are not yet supported by Lydia. To send money abroad, you can use providers like Wise, which offer fast and affordable international transfers.

Wise: a better solution for international transfers from France

Although Lydia and Sumeria offer convenient payment options, they still don’t support international (non-SEPA) transfers. While waiting for this feature, you can use Wise to make your international transfers easily and at low cost.

With Wise, you can:

Send money to 140+ countries.
Benefit from fast, transparent transfers.
Hold 40+ currencies in one account.
Avoid hidden fees — all costs are displayed upfront.
Enjoy conversion at the mid-market exchange rate for fair and affordable transfers.

Open your Wise account

Sources:

Last verified on September 17, 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.

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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.