Expat Money Guide
Money transfer comparison

Best International Money Transfer from the Netherlands

Send money abroad from the Netherlands for less: compare transfer fees, FX markups, speed and coverage, and estimate what your recipient gets to find the cheapest way. You'll typically send from an everyday expat bank account.

Product records last reviewed: September 2026Confirm current terms with the provider

Compare transfer options

Fees and rates vary by route, amount, plan and time. Where the dated provider review did not establish a fixed value, the table links you to a provider quote rather than estimating one. Records last reviewed: September 2026.

ProviderTransfer feeFX markupTransfer speedCurrencies / countriesKey expat use caseLimitsCurrent promotion (temporary)Last verified
Wise Provider quote required0% — mid-market rate before feesOften same day; route-dependent40+ currenciesRegular non-euro transfersRoute-dependentNone recorded2026-09
Revolut Provider quote requiredProvider quote requiredInstant between users; varies externally30+ currenciesExchange and transfers in one everyday appPlan-dependentNone recorded2026-09
Dutch bank (SEPA / SWIFT) Provider quote requiredProvider quote requiredSEPA Instant: secondsEUR (SEPA); others via SWIFTSending euros within EuropeBank-dependentNone recorded2026-09
Western Union Provider quote requiredProvider quote requiredMinutes for cash pickup200+ countriesRecipients without a bank accountRoute and payout method dependentNone recorded2026-09

Transfer cost estimator

Choose your route (EUR → destination currency). FX-markup cost = markup × amount sent, using the verified markup from the comparison data. Transfer fees for these providers depend on the route and are only published per quote, so instead of guessing we show "Provider quote required" with a link to the provider's own calculator.

Route: EUR → USD · €1,000 per transfer · €12,000 per year

ProviderFX markup costTransfer feeRecipient gets / yearly costVerified
Wise€0 (0% verified markup)Provider quote required Provider quote required 2026-09 · source
RevolutProvider quote required Provider quote required Provider quote required 2026-09 · source
Dutch bank (SEPA / SWIFT)Provider quote required Provider quote required Provider quote required 2026-09 · source
Western UnionProvider quote required Provider quote required Provider quote required 2026-09 · source

Estimate only. Recipient-bank charges and delivery-method fees are not included. Always compare a current provider quote before sending.

The cheapest way to send money abroad is the option that leaves your recipient with the most after all fees and markups. Spending abroad by card instead? Compare credit cards for expats.

How to reduce FX costs

Compare the amount the recipient receives, not just the fee — exchange-rate markups are often the largest cost.

Use SEPA for euro transfers within Europe, and a specialist provider for non-euro currencies.

Keeping money in NL rather than sending it home? Compare high-yield savings accounts and remember foreign accounts count for Box 3.

How We Rate & Compare

Every provider on this page is reviewed against the same criteria below. These are editorial comparison factors, not a live feed or a quantitative score. Commercial relationships do not change the terms shown.

Total cost
Transfer fee plus FX markup on the amount you send.
FX rate
How close the applied rate is to the mid-market rate.
Speed
Typical delivery time for common routes.
Currency/country coverage
Supported currencies, countries and payout methods.
Ease of use
App, onboarding for expats and English support.

Money transfer FAQs

What is the cheapest way to send money abroad from the Netherlands?
Within the euro area, a SEPA transfer from your Dutch bank is usually free or very cheap. For other currencies, the biggest cost is often the exchange-rate markup rather than the visible fee. Compare the total amount the recipient receives, not just the fee.
What is the mid-market rate?
It is the midpoint between buy and sell rates on global currency markets. Some providers convert at or near this rate and charge a transparent fee; others add a markup to the rate, which is a hidden cost.
Are money transfer services safe?
Use providers licensed as a payment or e-money institution in the EU (or by DNB in the Netherlands). Such providers must safeguard customer funds, but these balances are generally not covered by the €100,000 deposit guarantee scheme that applies to bank deposits.
How long does an international transfer take?
SEPA Instant transfers in euros can arrive within seconds; standard SEPA transfers usually arrive by the next business day. Non-euro transfers range from minutes to several business days depending on currency, provider and the recipient's bank.
Do I have to report money I send or receive from abroad?
Moving money between accounts does not by itself determine the Dutch tax treatment. The source and purpose of the money still matter: foreign assets can be reportable in Box 3, income can remain taxable, and gifts can have gift-tax consequences. Check the Belastingdienst rules for your situation.

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