Citibank international transfer: Fees, rates & limits [2025]

In this guide we will cover everything you need to know about Citibank international transfers including: how much it costs, how long it takes, and how to make one.

We’ll also look at some Citibank international money transfer alternatives which offer fast and cheap international payments you can compare against Citibank – such as Wise and Remitly.

Key points: Citibank international wire transfer

• Citibank international wire transfers can be arranged online or with the assistance of a banker by phone or in a branch
• Citibank international wire transfer fees and limits vary depending on your account type and tier and how you set up your payment
• Many Citibank accounts have no outgoing wire fee as long as you set up your payment online – in branches, fees of up to 45 USD apply
• Citibank foreign transaction exchange rates are likely to include a markup which is a fee added to the rate used to convert your payment to the deposit currency
• Receiving a payment to Citibank may include fees of 15 USD
• Compare Citibank’s incoming and outgoing international wire transfer fees with alternative providers like Wise to decide which is best for you

Citibank international money transfer comparison

First, let’s take a look at how much it costs to send 1,000 USD from the United States to Europe with Citibank and how those costs compare to specialist providers.

When you compare international wire transfer services, you need to think in terms of total cost.

The total cost has up to three separate components:

• Transfer fee (usually stated up front, can be low or even “free”)
• Exchange rate markup
• Correspondent bank fees (other banks may handle your money on the way to its destination; this may incur additional fees)

*Details correct at time of writing – 3rd March 2025

As you can see, the costs can be pretty complicated and variable depending on the exact details of your payment. You’ll need to compare several providers, looking at costs and exchange rates, to decide which is best for you. Exchange rate markups can be in the region of 3% – which adds up quickly when you send frequent or high value payments.

Citibank does offer its Global Transfer service which has no transfer fee but this is only for sending money to other Citibank customers in select countries.

If you need to send to a non-Citibank account, then a specialist provider for international wire transfers may prove to be a better option. For example, Wise offers transparent pricing and the mid-market exchange rate. They also provide an estimate as to how long your transfer will take on their website. You might even be able to send money instantly depending on your form of payment and where you’re sending money to.

Citibank international transfer fees

Citbank’s international transfer fees depend on the type of account you have, and the way you arrange your payment. Check out the table below to see how much your fee would be.

*Details correct at time of writing – 3rd March 2025

Even though some types of accounts charge no fees for an international wire transfer, they are not “free” transfers. Keep in mind that if you make the transfer in currency other than USD, the exchange rate is likely to include their fee for converting currency. Therefore the total cost of your transfer will usually be more than what’s shown in the chart.

Provider service options and fees do change frequently so check the fee schedules for your own account carefully before you transact.

Citibank exchange rate

When calculating the total cost of an international wire transfer, the exchange rate can be an even more important factor to consider than the fee a bank charges.

If the transfer is made in foreign currency, the exchange rate is likely to include a fee for the currency conversion. This means the bank will add on a margin to the mid-market exchange rate. Even a small markup can make a big difference, pushing up the costs of your payment. Compare the rate you’re offered from Citibank against exchange rates from other providers – like Wise, which uses the mid-market rate and splits out costs for transparency.

Here’s a quick summary of price comparison for transferring $1,000 to Europe:

• Citibank: Up to 45 USD + exchange rate margin
• Wise: 5.48 USD
• OFX: No transfer fee – exchange rate markup may still apply
• Remitly: 1.49 transfer fee + exchange rate markup
• Xe Money Transfer: Variable transfer fee + exchange rate markup

Citibank additional fees

In the fine print of the transfer terms and conditions, Citibank states that “The fees listed refer only to fees charged by Citibank and is not a representation of potential fees imposed by other banks.” While they may be transparent about fees from their side, you won’t know the final cost of your transfer until it’s received by the recipient.

Between fees from the correspondent banks and the markup on the exchange rate, the total cost of your transfer might come as a surprise.

More about the alternatives to Citibank

To help you decide if Citibank is right for your next payment, compare a few alternatives. Here are some to consider:

Details correct at time of writing – 3rd March 2025

*The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions

Wise

Send to 140+ countries with Wise, using the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees. You can set up your payment online or in the Wise app for convenience, and your funds are deposited to the recipient’s bank account – often instantly or within 24 hours.

Wise is a specialist in digital payments and offers secure account and payment services, which you can pay for from your bank or with a card. Wise transfer limits are very high, and there are progressive discounts for higher value or more frequent transfers anywhere in the world.

Learn more about them on our Wise Review, and How to send money internationally with Wise.

OFX

OFX is a digital payment provider which also offers more complex currency tools like currency risk management solutions. You can send money with OFX to 170+ countries in 50+ currencies, with no transfer fee on payments from the US. OFX will use a small markup on its transfers.

OFX is well known for its 24/7 phone service which can be handy if you prefer to talk through your payment options. There’s no limit on the amount you can send with OFX which can make this attractive for high value payments.

More information – OFX Review

Remitly

Remitly supports payments from the US to 170+ countries, with an wide range of payout methods. You can arrange to have your money deposited in a bank or mobile money account, sent to a debit card, or collected in cash through an agent close to the recipient. This makes Remitly a good choice if you’re in a hurry to get money to someone without easy access to a bank.

Remitly has variable transfer fees and delivery times depending on the detail of your payment.

Learn more – Remitly Review

How long does an international transfer take with Citibank?

International wire transfers can be sent the same day with Citibank, so long as they’re processed before 6 p.m. ET. However, it may take longer for the money to reach your recipient abroad. Citibank uses the SWIFT network for international money transfers outside of Citibank’s network of international banks.

This can typically take 1 – 5 business days, and it depends on the recipient’s country and currency. If you need more details, contact Citibank before initiating a transfer.

If you use Citbank’s Global Transfer service, funds can arrive much faster, usually on the same day. This is because the money is transferred directly to another Citibank account abroad, rather than having to pass through correspondent banks as with SWIFT transfers.

Here’s a brief comparison of how long it takes different providers to send money abroad:

• Citibank: 1 – 5 days for a wire, or same day for a Citibank Global Transfer
• Wise: Often quickly or instantly
• OFX: 1 – 2 days
• Remitly: Variable delivery times depending on methods selected

Citibank international transfer limits

The limit for international wire transfers depends on the type of account you have and how you make them. There are no limits for outgoing transfers if you initiate them at a Citibank branch. Check out the table below to see what the limit is for your account if you choose to make an online transfer.

*Limits may change from time to time – check the details for your account before you transfer

Citibank Global Transfers is a service that allows you to transfer funds from your Citibank account to another Citibank account overseas. There are no fees for outgoing or incoming international wire transfers. However, Citibank does add a margin to the exchange rate if you transfer funds in currency other than USD.

Large amount transfers with Citibank

Citibank’s international transfer limits are very varied depending on the account type and tier you have.

Payment limits could be as low as 50,000 USD a day online, or may have no online limit at all. You’ll still be able to send higher amounts in a branch if you need to, but higher fees apply for this service.

Citibank doesn’t advertise lower costs or better rates for higher value payments but if you’re sending a large amount you might want to ask if a good deal can be arranged for you.

How to send a high amount transfer with Citibank

If your payment exceeds the online limit for your account type you can still send higher amounts in a branch, but higher fees apply for this service.

Contact the bank to discuss your options if you need to send a higher value payment than your account allows online.

Alternatives with higher transfer limits

If you need to send a higher amount transfer internationally, you might want to compare some alternatives to Citibank to decide which is the best fit for you. Here are a couple to consider:

Wise large amount transfers: Wise has high limits which are set by currency, and usually in the region of 1 million GBP or the equivalent. There are progressive discounts on fees if you send 20,000 GBP or more in a month, and currency conversion uses the mid-market rate.

OFX: OFX has no limit on the amount you can send, and there’s no fee to make a payment from the US. Exchange rates include a markup.

Pros and cons of transferring money abroad with Citibank

How to make an international transfer with Citibank

The easiest way to initiate an international wire transfer is through the Citi online banking platform, Citi Online. You’ll find the option to sign on to your account under the Transfers section. To log into your Citibank account you’ll need to type in your Citibank user ID and password.

Some branches of Citibank also offer wire transfer services. Visit the Citibank branch locator on their website to see if there’s a branch located near you.

What information do you need to make an international transfer with Citibank?

Once you’re logged in to Citi Online, you’ll need to have your recipient’s information ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:

• SWIFT/BIC code, SORT code, or other routing information for the recipient’s bank
• Name and account number of the recipient
• The currency of their account
• IBAN (for transfers to Europe)
• CLABE (for transfers to Mexico)

After you’ve added the recipient’s information, the system may prompt you for additional information, such as the reason for transfer, depending on the country you’re sending money to.

Countries to send money with Citibank

Citibank Global Transfers works with select destination countries, and you can also send a wire to many other countries. Available destinations can change frequently so you’ll need to contact the bank to learn more.

If you need to send money then contact Citibank directly to verify whether they support international wire transfers to your destination.

What is a Citibank Global Transfer?

You can use the Citibank Global Transfer Service to make transfers from an eligible Citibank checking or savings account to another Citibank checking or savings account.

There is no fee for sending or receiving a Citibank Global Transfer – but if you’re sending a payment in a foreign currency, Citibank’s exchange rate includes a markup.

How to receive an international transfer with Citibank

You’ll need to provide the following information to the sender:

• Your name and account number
• Citi SWIFT/BIC Code
• The relevant intermediary Bank code

Citibank SWIFT code for wire transfer

The Citibank SWIFT code is CITIUS33.

The SWIFT network is a global financial messaging network that allows banks and other financial institutions to send money around the world. The SWIFT code acts like an address for your particular bank. It lets the sender’s bank know the final destination of the funds they’d like to transfer.

SWIFT transfers are secure, but they can be slow as money often goes through intermediary banks before arriving at the final destination. The speed of the transfer depends on how fast these banks in the middle process your funds. Some of them also add on additional fees for handling or converting currency.

Citibank international routing number

The Citibank Intermediary Bank code is 0210-0008-9.

You need to give this to the sender if you want to receive a payment to Citi in the US.

Citibank address to receive wire transfer

Check the address you need to give with your bank branch before you receive a payment from overseas.

In most cases is it: Citibank, 100 Citibank Drive, San Antonio, TX 78245

Citibank international transfer receiving fees

Citibank doesn’t charge you a fee for receiving money from abroad if you have one of these accounts:

• Citigold Private Client
• Citigold
• Citi Priority
• Citi Private Bank – Citibank account package
• Citi Private Bank – Citigold account package
• Citigold Private Client International Account
• Citigold International Account
• Citi International Personal Account
• Citi Global Executive Account
• Citi Global Executive Preferred Account

All other account holders must pay $15 to receive a wire transfer.

Related article – Citibank foreign currency accounts and alternatives

Citibank international business payments

Citibank in the US has a wide range of business accounts and services, which includes ways to send international payments for your business needs.

Different Citibank business accounts may have their own fees and limits for international business payments, so you’ll need to review your account’s terms and conditions before you start to transact.

Conclusion

Citibank serves personal and business clients around the world, including offering on and offline payments. Citi has very varied fees for overseas transfers which are based on your account type and tier, the currency you send and how you arrange your payment. Citibank’s exchange rate is likely to include a markup.

If you’re looking for a simple digital payment with transparent fees, you might want to have a look at alternative providers, such as Wise or OFX. Compare the total cost for your payment with Wise and OFX, against the fees to transfer money with Citibank, looking at the upfront fee as well as the costs added into the exchange rate used to convert your funds.

Citibank international bank transfer FAQs

How much does a Citibank international transfer cost?

Many Citibank accounts have no outgoing wire fee as long as you set up your payment online – in branches, fees of up to 45 USD apply.

How long does a Citibank international money transfer take?

Citibank international money transfers use the SWIFT network – delivery times do vary but can take up to 3 – 5 business days depending on the route.

How to transfer money internationally with Citibank?

You can send money abroad through their online banking platform, Citi Online, or you can visit a local branch to initiate a wire transfer.

Claire Millard

Author

Claire Millard

Fintech Content Writer

Claire Millard is a content and copywriter with a specialty in international finance. Her work has featured in The Times and The Telegraph, as well as industry magazines and leading personal finance blogs.

Read more

Seyma Mektepli

Reviewer

Seyma Mektepli

Editor-in-chief

Seyma is an experienced content writer and editor-in-chief at Exiap, delivering informative articles on personal finance, and money transfers.

Read more

Last updated

March 12th, 2025