International bank transfer time from Ireland: How long does it take?

Many people need to send money abroad, to pay bills, support loved ones or for online purchases. If you’re sending a transfer from your bank you’ll have a few choices to make in terms of how you process your payment - and if you have a deadline to meet, you’ll also need to know the likely international bank transfer time so you can work out when your recipient’s money will arrive.

This guide walks through the key questions: how long does an international bank transfer take with major Irish banks and what are the factors that may mean your payment is delayed?

Plus, we touch on the Wise transfers as a possible faster option to send your money abroad.

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What are the types of International transfers from Ireland?

Most Irish banks offer a few different payment options when sending your money abroad - which one is right for you may depend on the currency and country you're sending to, and how quickly you need your money to arrive.

Banks describe their payment options slightly differently in some cases but to give you an example let's look at the payment options available from Permanent TSB (PSTB)¹:

• SEPA Credit transfer - Used for sending EUR payments in the SEPA area, usually arriving on the same day or the following day after the payment is processed
• SEPA instant credit transfer - used to send SEPA area euro transfers, payments arrive instantly in most cases
• SWIFT payments - used for all other payments outside of the EEA or in a currency other than euros, and delivery times can vary.

These different payment types tend to have their own features, for example, you may find that the cut off times are different for different payment types. You’ll need to arrange your payment before the transfer type’s daily cut off in order to have it processed on the same day.

💰 Costs also vary. Generally sending a SWIFT payment is the most costly option, particularly if you need to arrange your transfer in a branch. With PTSB as our example, EUR and SEK payments in the EU cost only 0.5 EUR, while other SWIFT transfers can cost 31.5 EUR each.²

Factors that can affect transfers speed ⏰

Several different factors can affect international transfer times:

• Transfer method selected: Generally, banks have both urgent and standard payment processing options which can mean different delivery times. Where providers offer local payment methods this can also be a faster choice. We’ll look at one provider which does this, Wise, later.
• Your own bank's cut off times: You’ll need to submit your payment request prior to the cut off time for your bank and payment type to have the transfer process begin on the same day - miss cut off and your money won’t even start moving until the following banking day.
• Destination country: Different countries and currencies have their own delivery times - euro payments, and transfers within the EU or EEA are usually quicker than other destinations.
• Processing by intermediary banks: Many SWIFT payments are routed via 1 - 3 intermediary banks, which can add time to the delivery process.
• Required security checks: If regulatory checks are needed - common with high value transfers - this can also add time to your payment, and may mean you have to provide extra documents to your bank to complete the transfer.

So, how long does a bank transfer take internationally as long as you’ve taken all of these factors into account? Let’s look at this next.

How long does an international transfer take with Irish banks?

Here’s a summary of international transfer delivery times with some major Irish banks, as disclosed on their websites - plus a quick comparison of Wise, a payment institution also available in Ireland, so you can see the differences.

*Details correct at time of research - 8th January 2025.
*Transaction speed claimed depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.

Wise can be a better and faster way to send money internationally

Wise isn’t a bank, but it processes many international transfers through its network of accounts and through local payment systems around the world. This, often, avoids the SWIFT system and can lead to a faster payment, as no intermediaries are involved.

Here’s a summary of Wise transfer times:

• 74% of transfers are completed in under 20 seconds
• 87% of transfers take less than an hour to be completed.
• 96% arrive in the recipient account in under 24 hours

But, of course, keep in mind that transaction speed can depend on funds availability, approval by Wise’s proprietary verification system and systems availability of Wise partners’ banking system, and may not be available for all transactions.

With Wise you can send money to 45+ currencies, to 140+ countries, with low, transparent fees and the mid market exchange rate (the one you usually see on Google).

Payments are all arranged digitally, and you’ll see the rate, fees and delivery estimate for any payment before you confirm, so you can compare your options and pick the best one.

To make a payment with Wise, download the Wise app or head to the Wise website to register for an account and get verified using your normal proof of ID and address.

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Tips for fast international transfers

Here are a few tips for how to speed up your international transfers:

• Choose the right transfer method - urgent or local payments might be fastest if you’re in a hurry
• Provide accurate recipient details - double check all the information so your payment isn’t delayed or returned
• Transfer before cut-off times
• Consider instant transfer options - if your bank has instant payments - often available for EUR SEPA payments - this can be the fastest option out there
• Prepare required documentation - ask your bank if you need any extra paperwork to avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track my international transfer?

Banks may allow you to track your transfer in your mobile banking app , you can phone the service team, or drop into a branch instead. Providers like Wise have digital tracking tools and you’ll be able to see the status of your payment.

Are there limits on international transfers from Ireland?

The limits of international transfers from Ireland can vary, as banks set their own limits. In the case of AIB, for example, you can send 10,000 EUR online and need to visit a branch for higher value payments. ⁶

If you’re looking for something different, with Wise you can send large payments up to 20 million EUR per transfer if you pay from your Wise account, with no need to visit a branch in person.

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What details do I need for an international transfer?

To send an international transfer you will need your recipient’s name, their bank name and account number, and their bank BIC/SWIFT code. Other details might be needed depending on the destination country.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 09 January, 2026