Guide to DBS overseas money transfers - review of fees, rates, transfer times and more

Looking to send money overseas with DBS Bank? Whether you’re supporting family abroad, paying overseas expenses, or managing international transactions, DBS offers two main options for international transfers: DBS Remit, which provides zero-fee, same-day transfers to over 50 countries, and Outward Telegraphic Transfer (OTT), which covers more than 200 destinations worldwide.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DBS overseas transfers, including fees, exchange rates, transfer times, and limits. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Table of contents

DBS remittance charges – transfer fees DBS Remit Outward telegraphic transfer (OTT) DBS Remit cut-off times and transfer speed Transfer speed Cut-off times by destination DBS overseas transfer limits How to make an overseas transfer with DBS Digibank mobile app Digibank online DBS branch Transferring money overseas with Wise How to transfer money from DBS to your Wise account Frequently asked questions

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Sending S$10,000 to the US – example

Before diving into the details, let's look at a practical cost comparison when sending S$10,000 to the USA using different providers.

The DBS Remit service isn’t available to all destinations and for all payment values, which we’ll cover in more detail later – so you’ll need to double check if your destination country is covered if you’re considering using it.

Provider	Transfer Fee	Exchange Rate	Recipient Gets
DBS Remit	S$0	1 SGD = 0.7720 USD	7719.77 USD
UOB	S$40	1 SGD = 0.7710 USD	7679.82 USD
Wise	S$27.68	Mid-market rate	7763.88 USD

*Exchange rates checked on 02/01/2026

As you can see in this example, your recipient gets more if you use Wise compared to the 2 bank providers – even though the Wise transfer fee is higher. That’s because Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate while DBS and UOB both add a markup to the rate they use to convert your SGD to USD.

That’s an extra fee and means that even if the provider says a payment is ‘fee free’ or ‘no commission’, costs may still be applied – they’re just bundled into the exchange rate instead of being split out for transparency.

Compare the costs of sending money from Singapore with Wise and other major providers here

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DBS remittance charges – overseas transfer fees explained

DBS offers two distinct services for sending money abroad, each with different fee structures:

DBS Remit

The DBS Remit service is available for transfers to 50+ countries in 19 currencies. Key features include:

• Transfer fee: S$0 (no upfront fee)
• Exchange rate: Includes a markup on the mid-market rate (this is the hidden cost)
• Speed: Same-day transfer when submitted before cut-off times

While DBS Remit advertises zero fees, remember that the exchange rate markup can still affect how much your recipient receives compared to other providers.

Outward telegraphic transfer (OTT)

For destinations not covered by DBS Remit, or when sending a different currency than the destination country's local currency, you'll need to use OTT. This service covers 200+ destinations but comes with additional charges:

OTT fee type	Amount¹
Cable/Telex charge	S$20
Handling commission	S$5 (≤S$5,000) / S$10 (≤S$25,000) / S$35 (higher amounts)
Agent bank charges	Variable (depends on destination)

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DBS Remit cut-off times and transfer speed

One of the key advantages of DBS Remit is same-day transfers, but only if you submit your transfer before the cut-off time for your destination.

Transfer speed

• DBS Remit: Same-day (if submitted before cut-off on a business day)
• OTT: 2–4 working days

Cut-off times by destination

Destination	Cut-off time	Weekend availability
India	4:30 PM	❌ Sundays unavailable
Philippines	11:00 AM	❌ Sundays unavailable
Malaysia	2:00 PM	❌ Weekends unavailable
Indonesia	2:00 PM	❌ Sundays unavailable
China	3:00 PM	❌ Weekends unavailable
Hong Kong	4:30 PM	❌ Sundays unavailable
UK, USA, Eurozone	5:00 PM	❌ Sundays unavailable
Australia	12:00 PM	✅ Available

Important: Transfers submitted after cut-off times or on weekends/public holidays will be processed on the next business day.

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DBS overseas transfer limits

Understanding transfer limits helps you plan your international payments:

Service	Daily limit	Notes
DBS Remit	S$20,000	Varies by destination country
OTT (Online)	S$200,000	Via Digibank app or online
OTT (Branch)	Higher amounts	Visit a DBS branch for transfers exceeding S$200,000

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How to make an overseas transfer with DBS

You can send an overseas transfer with DBS online, in a branch or using a third party service like Wise. We’ll look at how each works in a moment. Before you start arranging your payment you’ll need to get some important information from your recipient to make sure the transfer can be processed smoothly.

Here’s the information usually required from the recipient to make an international bank transfer:

• Recipient's full name (as registered with their bank)
• Recipient's bank name and address
• Bank SWIFT code
• Account number
• Transfer amount and currency

Option 1: Via Digibank mobile app

1. Log in to digibank mobile with Touch/Face ID or your User ID & PIN
2. Tap Pay & Transfer and select Overseas
3. Select an existing recipient or add a new one
4. Enter the amount and select the purpose of transfer
5. Review details and tap Transfer Now

Option 2: Via Digibank online

1. Log in to digibank online
2. Click Pay and Transfer → Overseas Transfer
3. Select your recipient and enter transfer details
4. Review and confirm

Option 3: Via DBS branch

For transfers exceeding S$200,000, visit a DBS/POSB branch with a completed telegraphic transfer form.

Option 4: Transferring money overseas with Wise

You can also use a third party provider to send a payment overseas and pay with your DBS bank account or card.

If you choose Wise for your overseas payment you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low fees based on the destination, from just 0.43%. Because Wise uses its own payment network rather than the SWIFT system usually used by banks, there are no middlemen – cutting costs and meaning your payment can move faster. In fact, 50%+ of Wise transfers arrive instantly, and 90% are there in a day³.

Choose Wise to send to 140+ countries, in 40+ currencies, online or in-app – and pay with your online banking, a card or even PayNow!

How to transfer money from DBS to your Wise account

If you want to use Wise for your international transfers, you can easily fund your Wise account from your DBS/POSB account. Here's how:

Method 1: Bank transfer (recommended)

1. Log in to your Wise account and click Add Money
2. Select SGD and choose Bank Transfer
3. Wise will display local Singapore bank details
4. Log in to DBS Digibank and transfer to the provided account details
5. Funds typically arrive within minutes

Method 2: PayNow

1. In Wise, select Add Money → PayNow
2. Use the provided PayNow QR code or UEN in your DBS Digibank app
3. Funds are credited instantly to your Wise balance

Method 3: Debit card

You can also top up using your DBS debit card directly in the Wise app. Note that card top-ups may incur a small fee compared to bank transfers.

Once your funds are in Wise, you can send money internationally at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees.

Start saving money with Wise

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Frequently asked questions

Can DBS do international transfers?

Yes, DBS Bank offers international money transfers through two services: DBS Remit (zero-fee, same-day transfers to 50+ countries in 19 currencies) and Outward Telegraphic Transfer (200+ destinations). Both are available via the DBS Digibank app or online banking.

What is the SWIFT code for DBS Bank international transfer?

The SWIFT/BIC code for DBS Bank Singapore is DBSSSGSG. You'll need this code to receive international wire transfers into your DBS or POSB account.

How long do DBS overseas transfers take?

DBS Remit transfers can arrive the same day if submitted before the cut-off time. Standard Outward Telegraphic Transfers typically take 2–4 working days, depending on the destination.

What is the transfer limit for overseas transfers with DBS?

DBS Remit has a general daily limit of S$20,000 (varies by destination). OTT online transfers allow up to S$200,000. For higher amounts, visit a DBS branch.

How do I track my DBS overseas transfer?

Use the DBS Digibank app to track your DBS Remit transfers. You'll receive push notifications when your transfer status updates and when funds are credited to your recipient.

Use this full guide to DBS overseas transfers to help set up a payment – and don’t forget to compare your options including sending with DBS directly and using a low cost third party service like Wise instead.

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Sources:

1. DBS remit and international transfer
2. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
3. Speed: The speed of transaction claim depends on funds availability, approval by Wise's proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners' banking system, and may not be available for all transactions
4. DBS limits and cut off times