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How to transfer large amounts of money internationally: US guide
If you’re buying a new property or investing your money abroad, transferring a large sum can be a little complicated.
So, how much can you send overseas from the US? We’ll take a look at everything you need to know, including how to transfer large amounts of money.
We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.
What is the maximum amount you can transfer internationally?
There isn’t technically a maximum amount you can transfer internationally from the US, but most banks and money transfer platforms will set their own limits.
Additionally, your financial institution may ask you to provide ID verification or follow a different process for transfers over a certain amount.
What counts as a “large amount”?
A large transfer is typically over 10,000 USD. You may need to send more than 10,000 USD to cover relocation expenses, support family abroad, or pay international suppliers.
It’s important to note that many countries limit how much citizens can receive from US or foreign bank accounts.
For example, Chinese citizens can only receive up to 50,000 USD per year. This may depend on your recipient’s circumstances.¹
Are there any legal or tax considerations when transferring a large amount?
If you want to send more than 10,000 USD to your recipient, you’ll need to report the payment to the IRS. This ensures you comply with the government’s anti-money laundering and security regulations.
Your bank may ask for additional information about your transfer, such as the source of your funds and ID verification.²
You may also need to consider the new “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This introduces a 1% remittance tax on some international transfers from the US.
If you send money via a physical payment method like a check, money order, or cash, you may end up spending more than expected.³
However, it’s important to note that when you send money with Wise, your transfers will not be subject to the new tax as it doesn’t apply to the payment methods we offer.
How to transfer large amounts of money from the US
Here’s how to transfer a large amount of money internationally:
Step 1. Choose a transfer method — you can send money by wire, cash, or a digital international transfer, for example
Step 2. Choose a transfer provider; this may be a bank or a money transfer platform like Wise
Step 3. Log into your online banking account or visit your local branch — some providers may require you to send your money in person
Step 4. Follow your financial institution’s instructions; you may need to provide some documents and pay a fee for your transfer
Step 5. Track your transfer via your bank’s online portal — you may not be able to reverse or change large sum transfers
Make sure to check your bank’s transfer limits in advance. Some banks may require you to follow additional steps for large amounts of money.
Send high amount, low cost international transfers with Wise
A smart option if you’re sending money overseas: meet Wise.
| With Wise, you can send up to 1,000,000 USD per wire transaction to 140+ countries, with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees. |
|---|
Over 50% of Wise payments arrive instantly* — and all Wise transfers are deposited directly into your recipient's bank account for convenience.
No ongoing fees, no hidden charges and no hassle — just fast, transparent international transfers that can beat the banks.
🚀Get started with high amount transfers
| See how Wise compares with international bank transfers in our full guide |
|---|
*Transaction speed claimed 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.
Documents for large sum transfers
You’ll need a few key documents for your transfer, depending on the purpose of the transfer. Here’s a look at a few common types:
| Transfer purpose | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Selling property |
|
| Salary |
|
| Foreign investments |
|
| Loan payments |
|
| Inheritance |
|
Speak to your bank or money transfer provider to find out exactly what they need. Most institutions will need to know the reason for your payment.
What is the best way to transfer large amounts of money internationally?
There are a few ways to transfer large amounts of money internationally. Let’s take a look at some of your options.
International bank transfers
You can use your bank to send money overseas. This typically involves a wire transfer, which is an electronic funds transfer between two banks.
Many banks offer international wire transfers, including Bank of America®, US Bank®, Citibank®, and Chase®.
Wire transfers are secure for large payments, but you’ll likely pay a fee. You may also need to initiate your payment in person, which can be inconvenient.
| Need to send a large amount? With Wise, you can send up to 1,000,000 USD per wire transfer to 140+ countries — and we automatically apply a discount when you send over 25,000 USD (or equivalent). |
|---|
🚀Send high-amount transfers with Wise
*For more information, please visit https://payout-surge.live/us/large-amounts/%3C/a%3E.%3C/small%3E%3C/p%3E
International money transfer services
International money transfer services facilitate large digital transfers abroad. This includes providers like PayPal®, Revolut®, and Remitly®.
These platforms are easy and convenient to use, but they may set their own transfer limits for global payments. For example, verified PayPal users can send up to 60,000 USD.⁴
You’ll also pay foreign transaction fees and exchange rate markups to send your money abroad using many major transfer providers.
Other methods
There are a few other transfer methods for international payments, such as money orders, cash, or checks.
These methods may be cheaper than initiating a wire transfer, but they come with risks. It may be easier to intercept and steal your money — and the new US remittance tax applies to all physical transfer methods.
You can also use cryptocurrency to send money abroad. However, it may involve a little more technical know-how than other transfer methods.
Is it safe to transfer large amounts of money online?
It’s safe to send large amounts of money online, but you’ll need to choose a reputable provider and follow your bank’s safety protocol.
Here are some tips to keep your money safe:
- Check your recipient’s details carefully
- Use a strong password for your accounts
- Avoid sending cash in the mail
- Track your transfer to ensure it reaches your recipient
Look out for common money transfer scams, and never let anyone pressure you into transferring a large sum of money online.
Fees and rates to consider when transferring large sums
You’ll likely pay some fees for your large money transfer. These costs will depend on your transfer method and how much you want to send.
If you want to send a wire transfer, you’ll pay an up-front outgoing fee. This usually ranges from 10 USD to 80 USD, depending on your bank.
Some providers may charge fees based on how much you want to send abroad. For example, some Chase wire transfers are free if you send over 5,000 USD.⁵
International transfer providers also charge for some transactions. For example, PayPal charges 5% for global PayPal balance or bank account transfers.⁶
You’ll also pay to exchange your money into the right foreign currency. All banks and money transfer services set their own rates for currency conversion — and most providers add a markup to the fair mid-market exchange rate.
This is often charged as a percentage of your transaction, which means you may end up spending more than expected for large transfers.
| Wise can help you get a better deal on currency conversion. You can convert over 40 currencies at the standard mid-market exchange rate, and we'll show you the fees upfront so you know exactly how much you're paying. |
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How long does it take to transfer large sums of money from the US?
The amount of time it takes to send your large transfer will depend on your transfer method and provider.
Wire transfers take roughly 1 to 5 business days, whereas international money transfers may be instant. Your bank may set specific cutoff times for your payment.
For example, if you send your Bank of America wire transfer before 5:00 pm (ET), it should reach your recipient within 1 to 5 business days.⁷
Common mistakes to avoid when sending large sums abroad
If this is your first time sending a large amount of money abroad, there are a few things to avoid.
Don’t just use your regular bank. Shop around to avoid hefty exchange rate fees and access the best features for you.
Research available exchange rates, foreign transaction fees, transfer limits, and security capabilities before initiating your payment.
You’ll also need to double-check your recipient’s details before sending your payment. For some payment types, you may not be able to change or reverse your transaction.
If you want to send a large payment overseas, you’ll need to choose the right bank or money transfer provider for your transaction.
Many providers limit how much you can send abroad. They may also charge for currency conversion, which can add to the cost of your international transactions.
To send, spend, and receive your money across the world, check out Wise.
With Wise, you can send secure and trackable large amount transfers to 140+ countries worldwide with transparent fees and the fair mid-market exchange rate.
Have a look at the main benefits for using Wise to send large transfers:
- Dedicated support for large transfers
- Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork
- Upfront, transparent fees
- Fully trackable transfers
- Fast transfer times
- Two-factor authentication and real-time notifications
Sources
- Harris Sliwoski - China’s $50,000 yearly funds transfer limit
- Finance Band - What happens if you wire transfer more than $10,000?
- Congress.gov- One Big Beautiful Bill
- PayPal- What’s the maximum amount I can send with my PayPal account?
- Chase- Wire transfers
- PayPal- Consumer fees
- Bank of America - How to send a wire transfer
*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.
Money without borders
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