How to Transfer Large Sums of Money Internationally (2025 Guide)
Banks and payment platforms have changed dramatically in recent years. If you need to transfer a large sum of money internationally, you are likely a business owner, a freelancer handling big invoices, or part of a finance team managing cross-border payment flows.
This 2025 guide walks you through the latest methods, compliance requirements, and strategic approaches to move funds across borders without inflated costs or drawn-out delays. If you’re also curious about everyday options with smaller amounts, you might appreciate these cheap ways to send money internationally.
Why Large-Sum Transfers Matter in 2025
Moving substantial amounts between countries is not just about transferring funds from Point A to Point B. In 2025, cross-border payments continue growing in importance, with remittances projected to reach $690 billion by 2025 (World Bank, 2023). Whether you’re acquiring real estate overseas, paying foreign vendors, or reimbursing investors, your priority is to reduce fees and speed up the transaction.
High-Value Transactions Drive Efficiency
Negotiated Rates: Banks and specialized financial providers often offer better exchange rates for high-value transactions. You may receive percentage-based discounts or fee waivers if your transfer surpasses certain thresholds.
Enhanced Services: With large transfers, you may qualify for dedicated customer support or additional security features at no extra cost.
The Growing Role of Digital Platforms
Digital platforms have steadily replaced slow, fee-heavy processes. By using dedicated fintech solutions, you can:
Access near-instant cross-border settlements
Benefit from advanced currency conversion tools
Automate recurring payouts throughout the year
Common Methods for Transferring Large Sums
1. Global Wire Transfers
Global wire transfers typically rely on the SWIFT network. Despite broad coverage, wire transfers can be expensive when intermediary banks tack on hidden fees. Some providers also impose strict daily or per-transaction limits, so make sure you confirm your bank’s policies first. An early-stage article comparing transaction types is Differences Between Wire Transfers and Money Transfers.
Pros
Well-recognized around the world
Usually fast for major currency pairs
Secure bank-to-bank process
Cons
Potentially higher fees (flat + exchange rate markup)
Intermediary bank charges can be unpredictable
Longer hold times for less-traded currencies
2. Online Money Transfer Companies
Online platforms specialize in cross-border payments at lower rates. They often use real-time currency markets, so you get a transparent breakdown of fees.
Pros
Competitive exchange rates for large sums
Faster processing than traditional bank wires
Easy apps for tracking real-time transfer status
Cons
May impose transfer limits based on account verification
Some corridors remain underserved
3. Multi-Currency Accounts
Multi-currency accounts let you keep balances in several currencies, converting funds precisely when the exchange rate is favorable. This approach is popular among exporters, importers, or anyone dealing with repeated currency swaps.
Pros
Increased flexibility on timing and rates
Reduced repeated conversion steps
Easier for businesses handling multiple global markets
Cons
Monthly account fees apply
Some providers require large minimum balance
4. Fintech Solutions with Batch Payments
Platforms such as Mural Pay provide fast, batch payments or the ability to manage multiple payouts in one go. This hits two goals: saving time and reducing overall transaction overhead.
How Mural Pay Helps
Instant global payments in 40+ currencies
Bulk transactions for dozens or even hundreds of recipients
Transparent compliance for cross-border flows
Factors That Affect Costs and Speeds
Exchange Rate Markups
Even a small markup can significantly impact your total if you’re transferring a high amount. Comparing mid-market rates to any quoted rate gives you an idea of whether the provider is adding extra fees.
Transfer Fees
Most providers charge a fee that can be:
Flat: A set amount per transaction
Percentage-based: Scales with the value of your transfer
Tiered: Lower percentage for higher transfer amounts
Intermediary Bank Charges
When sending money between banks that don’t have a direct correspondent relationship, there may be extra fees levied by the intermediary. It is often best to confirm in advance which banks will handle your payment.
Transfer Speed
How fast you can move a substantial sum depends on route complexity, the currencies involved, and the level of security checks. Some corridors deliver near-instant credits, while others can take days, especially if enhanced due diligence is triggered.
Security and Compliance Considerations
Know Your Customer (KYC) and AML Requirements
Large transfers typically bring additional scrutiny. Governments worldwide continue tightening anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations. You might need to show:
Source of funds documentation (e.g., investment statements, proof of sale)
A stated reason for sending the money
A formal invoice or contract
Real-Time Monitoring
Providers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to detect suspicious transactions. If your transfer triggers a red flag, you’ll likely be asked for extra documents. The best approach is to prepare bank statements or relevant proof of funds before sending large amounts.
Common Documents Required
Government-issued ID: Passport, driver’s license, or national ID
Proof of Address: Utility bill or a bank statement with your current address
Source of Funds Evidence: Payslips, tax returns, or documents for a real estate sale
Recipient Banking Details: Bank name, account number, IBAN (where applicable), SWIFT/BIC code
Purpose of Transfer: For example, property purchase, business expansion, or family inheritance
Payment Solutions for Businesses: Mural Pay
If you’re regularly sending large sums abroad, a business-focused service like Mural Pay offers benefits beyond basic consumer transfers. With Mural Pay, you can:
Initiate high-volume cross-border payouts
Streamline invoices and compliance checks
Access stablecoin on/off-ramp services for certain markets
What sets Mural Pay apart from personal-oriented apps is the ability to handle big orders in a single workflow. This is useful for companies juggling multiple international suppliers, contract workers, or large capital outlays.
Real-World Tips for Reducing Fees
1. Compare Providers Thoroughly
Different services use varied pricing structures. While some promise low transfer fees, they may offer poor exchange rates and vice versa. You can explore various cost-saving tactics in these 9 Low-Cost Ways to Transfer Money.
2. Send Larger Amounts Less Frequently
Smaller, frequent transfers might lead to more total fees, especially from certain banks that charge a flat fee for each transaction. You could negotiate better large-amount terms with your preferred provider.
3. Take Advantage of Special Promotions
Some companies wave fees for new customers or for big transfer amounts that cross a threshold. Keep an eye out for seasonal offers, too.
4. Deal with Local Currency Directly
Whenever possible, send funds in the currency your recipient needs rather than letting multiple parties convert it. This approach can help avoid repeated markups across multiple intermediaries.
Handling High Transaction Volumes
Big transactions often go hand in hand with high volumes, especially for businesses making regular payouts. For deeper insights on managing concurrent large transfers, check out these Essential Steps to Handle High Transaction Volumes.
Batch Payments
Plenty of global platforms let you bundle several payments in one overall transfer. These can reduce total fees and simplify scheduling.
Technological Integrations
Look for providers that offer application programming interfaces (APIs) to automate your bulk transaction processes. This is especially handy for e-commerce and enterprise accounting systems.
Tax Considerations
1. Reporting Requirements
United States: Transfers exceeding $10,000 are filed with FinCEN. If you’re wiring in or out of the U.S., consult an accountant about Form 8938 or FBAR guidelines.
European Union: AML rules can require additional forms or disclosures for large transfers, particularly those beyond €10,000.
Other Countries: Many have strict foreign currency regulations. For instance, some limit how much you can move out without government approval.
2. Potential Gift Taxes
If you’re sending a large sum as a gift, you or your recipient may face specific tax obligations. This differs by country, so it’s best to confirm with a tax specialist.
3. Business and Investment Transfers
When money is earmarked for business acquisitions, paying contractors, or capital investments, further documentation might be necessary. It’s often wise to keep meticulous records to clarify your transfer’s purpose if asked by tax authorities.
Timing Your Transfer
Exchange rates can fluctuate hour to hour. With large sums, small changes can mean thousands of dollars extra or less on the receiving end. Some providers let you lock in an agreed-upon rate for a certain period—known as a forward contract. This can be appealing if you expect currency volatility.
Final Insights
Transferring a large sum across borders involves more than just clicking “send.” An understanding of compliance, security checks, and currency fluctuations can save you significant headaches. Study the provider’s fee structure, confirm the KYC steps, and see whether you can batch payments for additional savings. Doing a bit of up-front planning helps protect your funds and business interests in the long run.
If you’d like to explore more on global banking options for receiving or transferring money, check out Top Global Banks for Worldwide Banking. Familiarizing yourself with multiple institutions may lead to better deals and faster releases of large payments. With the right approach, you’ll accomplish your internationally bound transfers with minimal hassle and maximum value.
References
World Bank. (2023). “Remittance Trends and Outlook.” Available at: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099714008132436612/pdf
Globe Newswire. (2024). “Best International Money Transfer 2025: Western Union Recognized as Top Online Money Transfer Service by Expert Consumers.” Available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/12/26/3001984/0/en
Investopedia. (2021). “Best Ways to Send Large Sums of Money Abroad.” Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance
