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SWIFT transfer from France: fees, processing times, setup
SWIFT transfers are one of the most common ways to send money abroad securely. They’re used by most French banks for international transfers outside the Eurozone.
But what exactly does a SWIFT transfer involve? How long does it take, and what are the real costs?
This guide explains everything — plus how to make international transfers for less with Wise.
International transfer fees: not always clear
Banks charge various fees for international transfers, depending on factors such as:
- How you make the transfer: Online transfers are usually cheaper than those made in-branch or by phone.
- Processing fees: Charged by your bank for handling the transaction.
- Currency conversion fees: A percentage applied if you’re transferring money in a foreign currency.
In addition, many banks apply a markup on the exchange rate, meaning the recipient receives less than expected.
Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate — the same one you see on Google — to ensure transparent, fair transfers.
The real cost of an international transfer: bank comparison
Let’s compare the cost of sending €1,000 from France to the United States.
| Provider | Transfer Fees |
|---|---|
| BNP Paribas¹ | To a BNP Paribas subsidiary: €3 Otherwise: €15 |
| Crédit Agricole du Finistère² | €20.50 |
| CIC³ | €17.50 |
| Wise | €6.21 |
Note: These figures are indicative and can vary depending on the bank, country, or currency. They also don’t include the hidden exchange rate markups applied by banks.
In most cases, Wise lets you send money 5–6 times cheaper than traditional banks.
FAQ: understanding SWIFT transfers
What is a SWIFT transfer?
A SWIFT transfer is an international money transfer made through the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication network — a global messaging system used by banks to exchange payment instructions securely.
When a bank refers to a “non-SEPA transfer,” it generally means a SWIFT transfer.
Because SWIFT network access isn’t free, these transfers usually come with extra fees.
SWIFT vs SEPA: what’s the difference?
A SEPA transfer is used for payments in euros within the SEPA zone, which includes the EU, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and several others (UK, Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, Montenegro, and Albania).
EU regulations require SEPA transfers to be completed within one business day of the order being received.⁴
They are typically free or low-cost, while SWIFT transfers are used for countries or currencies outside this zone and are often more expensive.
Occasional vs regular transfers
Banks distinguish between:
- Occasional transfers — one-time payments (e.g. sending money to a family member).
- Regular transfers — recurring payments, like rent or subscriptions.
These options apply mainly within the SEPA zone. Regular automatic SWIFT transfers are rare and less practical due to variable fees.
Who pays the SWIFT fees?
When sending a SWIFT transfer, you can choose how to split the fees between you and the recipient:
- SHA (shared): You pay your bank’s fees; the recipient pays theirs.
- OUR: You pay all the fees (yours and the recipient’s).
- BEN: The recipient pays all fees.
Within the SEPA zone, fees are always shared (SHA) by default.
SWIFT transfer times: how long does it take?
SWIFT transfers usually take 1 to 3 business days, depending on:
- The time you send the transfer.
- The currencies involved.
- The number of intermediary (correspondent) banks.
- Public holidays and time zone differences.
In some cases, delays can extend up to 4 days.⁵
How to make a SWIFT transfer from France
You can initiate a SWIFT transfer either online or at your local bank branch.
Required information
To make a SWIFT transfer, you’ll need:
- The recipient’s full name.
- Their IBAN (international account number).
- Their BIC/SWIFT code (bank identifier).
- Your own account details.
If the transfer goes to a country with currency controls, you may also need to specify the reason for the payment.
Steps for an online SWIFT transfer
- Log in to your online banking area.
- Choose the sending account.
- Enter the recipient’s details, currency, amount, and date.
- Confirm and validate with the bank’s security code.
Some banks require that new recipients be pre-approved before you can send funds — this can take 24–72 hours.
Pros and cons of SWIFT transfers
Advantages:
- Widely used and globally recognized.
- Secure and traceable.
Disadvantages:
- High and non-transparent fees.
- Slow processing times (1–4 business days).
- Exchange rate markups often hidden in the conversion.
Because of these drawbacks, more people are turning to alternatives like Wise.
A cheaper alternative to send money internationally: Wise
Most French banks use the SWIFT network and charge expensive, opaque fees.
Wise offers a simpler solution with a multi-currency account that lets you hold 40+ currencies and send money at the mid-market exchange rate.
Transfers are quick, transparent, and typically cost less than 1% of the total — without hidden markups.
Sources:
- BNP Paribas fee schedule
- Crédit Agricole du Finistère fee schedule
- CIC fee schedule
- SEPA transfer
- International transfer
Last verified on September 05, 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.
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