Interac e-Transfer Large Money Transfers 2025 Guide: the How-to, Limits & Fees
The Interac e-Transfer service is a great way to send payments domestically within Canada, with some services like National Bank also offering international payments through Interac's partnership with Mastercard.
Fees apply to this service, and there are also limits on the amount you can send per transaction, per week and per month.
Aside from sending a payment overseas directly with Interac, you can also choose to send your transfer using a specialist service like Wise and Xe money transfer, which allow you to pay for your transfer with Interac, and have it deposited into accounts around the world in a range of currencies.
This guide walks out how the Interac services work when you're sending money overseas, the limits and fees you need to know about.
Quick summary: Interac e-Transfer transfer limits
Not all banks offer international Interac payments - Scotiabank, CIBC and TD Bank for example only have domestic Interac services
National Bank allows Interac payments to the United States, the Philippines, United Kingdom and 19 countries in the European Union
National Bank international Interac payment limits are 10,000 CAD per transaction, 70,000 CAD per week, and 125,000 CAD per month
National Bank has a 5.95 CAD fee per international Interac transaction
National Bank international Interac payments usually take 24 to 48 hours, but can require a maximum of 5 business days to arrive
Providers like Wise let you pay for an international transfer with Interac for low fees and with the mid-market exchange rate
⭐ Interac e-Transfer sending limit: 10,000 CAD per transaction, 70,000 CAD per week, and 125,000 CAD per month (National Bank limits)
Interac e-Transfer large transfers pros | Interac e-Transfer large transfers cons |
|---|---|
✅ Great for domestic low value payments in Canada ✅ Send money conveniently with your phone or laptop ✅ International transfers may be available depending on your bank ✅ International payments with Interac can be accessed through providers like Wise and Xe money transfer, no matter who you bank with | ❌ Few banks offer international payments with Interac ❌ Low per payment fees may apply, which means extra transfer fees to process multiple payments ❌ Exchange rates offered may include a markup |
International transfers with Interac aren't available from major banks like Scotiabank or TD Bank directly.
National Bank customers can access this service - or you can choose providers like Wise and Xe money transfer, which let you pay for your transfer using Interac, even if you bank with a provider which doesn't support international Interac payments themselves.
Approaching your payment this way may also mean you can get a better exchange rate and lower overall costs compared to using your bank's global transfer service.
Is there a limit to how much money I can send with Interac e-Transfer?
Different banks have their own Interac limits, and as we've seen, most do not support international transfers with Interac themselves.
To give an idea of the limits on domestic Interac payments, TD Bank's limits are 3,000 CAD per day, 10,000 CAD per week and 20,000 CAD in any 30 day period.
Can you send high value international transfers with Interac e-Transfer?
At the time of research, the main bank marketing international Interac payments is National Bank. National Bank international Interac payment limits are 10,000 CAD per transaction, 70,000 CAD per week, and 125,000 CAD per month.
You also have the option of using Interac to fund a payment arranged by a specialist service like Wise and Xe money transfer. This means you pay the provider using Interac in CAD, and they process the conversion and transfer for you.
Your own bank's domestic Interac limits will apply here, but providers also have their own limits on this payment type - for example:
💡 Alternatives’ limits to pay by Interac | |
|---|---|
Wiselimits to pay by Interac |
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Xe money transfer limits to pay by Interac |
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Providers and banks may also offer the option to pay for your transfer in installments, or to split down your payment into a series of smaller transactions. This may incur additional transfer fees.
Interac e-Transfer high amount transfer fees
The costs of your payment will depend on whether you set up your transfer with a bank or with a specialist provider.
National Bank has a 5.95 CAD fee per international Interac transaction. There's also a conversion fee which is built into the exchange rate used for conversion, and there may be third party charges which are deducted as the payment is processed.
The fees and rates for providers like Wise and Xe money transfer depend on the currencies involved and the value of your payment. Often specialist providers are able to offer great exchange rates which can bring down the costs compared to using a bank.
Interac e-Transfer exchange rate for international transfers
The Interac e-Transfer exchange rate for international payments will depend on the provider you use.
If you use National Bank to send your payment directly with Interac's collaboration with Mastercard, the rate includes a conversion fee which is built into the exchange quote you're given. This will be a percentage fee, which means that although it can look pretty small, it can ramp up quickly if you send a higher value amount or if you make frequent payments.
Other services like Wise and Xe money transfer set their own exchange rates. Wise uses the mid-market rate and splits out your fees so they're easy to see. Xe does use a small rate markup in most cases.
To be sure you're getting the very best exchange rate available, compare your rate options to decide which is the best one for you based on the currency you're sending.
Is Interac e-Transfer safe for large amount transfers?
Interac e-Transfer is a safe service to send payments through your bank.
Interac uses a broad range of security measures including authentication and encryption technology, strong and confidential log in processes operated through your bank's system and proprietary risk management protocols.
Interac e-Transfer transfer limits
Here's a summary of the Interac international e-Transfer limits with National Bank, Wise and Xe money transfer.
Provider | Interac International Limit |
|---|---|
National Bank |
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*Details correct at time of research - 12th May 2025
Alternatives to Interac e-Transfer with higher transfer limits
While you can pay for an international transfer using Interac with some services like Wise or Xe money transfer,, there are also providers which allow you to arrange international transfers and pay with alternative means like your debit card or a bank transfer.
Any of these specialist providers may be a good option if you need an alternative to Interac e-Transfer with higher transfer limits and low fees for overseas payments.
Here we've picked out 5 alternative options which might be a good fit, depending on your needs. We'll start with an overview and then look at each provider one by one in more detail.
Provider | International transfer fees | Transfer speed | Limits | Convenience | Customer reviews (Trustpilot) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 CAD for transfers under 10,000 CAD No fee for higher value payments Exchange rates may include a markup | 1 -2 days usually | Usually no limits | Send money online, in app, by phone | 4.4 Star, Excellent rating, from 10k+ reviews | |
Fees from 0.48% Mid-market exchange rates | InstantTransfersPer of transfers are instant, most arrive in 24 hours* | High limits which vary by currency | In app and online payments | 4.3 Star, Excellent rating, from 257k+ reviews | |
Flat fee of around 5 CAD for transfers Exchange rates may include a markup | Same day delivery on most major currencies | Variable limits depending on payment type | In app and online payments | 4.1 Star, Great rating, from 9k+ reviews | |
Variable fees Exchange rates may include a markup | Variable delivery times depending on the destination | 600,000 CAD per transfer | In app and online payments | 4.3 Star, Excellent rating, from 77k+ reviews | |
No transfer fee Exchange rates may include a markup | Same day delivery where possible - up to 2 days for some currencies | Usually unlimited | Send money online, in app, by phone | 4.8 Star, Excellent rating, from 8k+ reviews |
*Details correct at time of writing - 7th May 2025
*__The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions
OFX
OFX is a currency specialist which is known for excellent customer service including a 24/7 phone line which can be reassuring if you're sending a high value payment.
Transfers can be made to many countries and regions globally, with a fee of 15 CAD for smaller payments, waived when you send over 10,000 CAD. Transfers are usually unlimited which can make this an attractive choice for higher value payments.
Best OFX features
Payments you can make online, in app and by phone 24/7
Send to 170+ countries with transfer fees waived when you send over 10,000 CAD
Business payments also supported
OFX pros | OFX cons |
|---|---|
✅ Excellent support by phone and online ✅ Broad range of payment countries and currencies ✅ Fees waived for higher value transfers ✅ Business services available | ❌ Exchange rates include a markup ❌ No option to receive payments |
OFX fees
Features | OFX pricing |
|---|---|
Account fees | No fee to register; 15 CAD for transfers under 10,000 CAD No fee for higher value payments |
Currency conversion | Exchange rates may include a markup |
Supported countries | 170+ countries |
Receiving international payments | Receive payments to your bank account if available - no option to receive to OFX |
Limits | Usually no limit |
*Details correct at time of writing - 7th May 2025
Wise
Wise offers accounts for personal and business customers which you can use to send to 140+ countries with the mid-market exchange rate and low transparent fees from 0.48%.
You can also hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your account, and receive payments conveniently from a selection of countries.
When you're sending a payment the money can arrive very quickly in your recipient's account, 60% of transfers are instant, and the vast majority arrive in 24 hours. Payments have high limits to allow personal and business customers to transact freely.
From Canada you can pay for a transfer using a domestic Interac payment in CAD.
Best Wise features
Send to 140+ countries with the mid-market exchange rate
Receive payments in foreign currencies with local and SWIFT account details
Business account, card and payment solutions to manage currencies easily and with low costs
Wise pros | Wise cons |
|---|---|
✅ Send to 140+ countries ✅ Mid-market exchange rates on currency conversion ✅ Ways to receive and spend foreign currencies easily ✅ Business services are available | ❌ Variable transfer fees apply ❌ No cash or branch services |
Wise fees
Features | Wise pricing |
|---|---|
Account fees | No account opening or ongoing fees for personal customers One time 55 CAD fee to get full feature access for business accounts Send from 0.48% |
Currency conversion | Mid market rates with low transparent fees from 0.48% |
Supported countries | Send to 140+ countries |
Receiving international payments | Receive 20+ currencies Receiving fees may apply for SWIFT and wire payments, but there's no fee to receive with local details |
Usually no holding limit Transfer limits vary by currency, but are set high for personal and business use - around 1 million GBP usually (about 1.85 million CAD) |
*Details correct at time of writing - 7th May 2025
Currencyfair
Currencyfair offers international payments to 150+ countries. There's a flat fee of around 5 CAD for transfers, set as the equivalent of 3 EUR, and exchange rates may include a markup. Currencyfair offers payments which can often be delivered on the same day they're sent, with an easy to use app and online system which means you can get your money moving conveniently and quickly.
There are no options to receive money to a Currencyfair holding account, although you can pay into Currencyfair in many currencies in order to fund an outgoing payment.
Best Currencyfair features
Send payments to 150+ countries online and in app
Low flat fees of the equivalent of 3 EUR - about 5 CAD
Exchange rates have a low, variable markup which can mean the overall costs are very reasonable
Currencyfair pros | Currencyfair cons |
|---|---|
✅ Great selection of countries to send to ✅ Many currencies supported for paying in and out ✅ Low transfer fees, no matter the amount you send ✅ No stated payment limit | ❌ Exchange rates include a markup ❌ No holding account |
Currencyfair fees
Features | Currencyfair pricing |
|---|---|
Account fees | No fee to register Flat fee of around 5 CAD for transfers Exchange rates may include a markup |
Currency conversion | Exchange rates may include a markup |
Supported countries | 150+ countries |
Receiving international payments | Receive payments to your bank account if available - no option to receive to Currencyfair |
Limits | No stated limit - check in the app to learn the limits apple on your specific account |
*Details correct at time of writing - 7th May 2025
Xe Money Transfer
Xe Money transfer is part of one of the largest money transfer services on the planet and lets you send money from Canada to 130+ countries. There are variable fees which can depend on factors like the countries and currencies involved, the value of the payment and how you want to pay. Once your money is on the move it can be delivered quickly to your recipient's bank account in a very broad selection of currencies. Payment services are outgoing only - there's no way to receive wires to an Xe account, but you can receive a payment to an eligible bank account via Xe.
From Canada you can pay for a transfer using a domestic Interac payment in CAD.
Best Xe Money Transfer features
Send payments to 130+ countries
Variable fees which you can adjust by changing your payment method
Large, well known and reliable company
Xe Money Transfer pros | Xe Money Transfer cons |
|---|---|
✅ Send payments to 130+ countries ✅ Fair exchange rates and variable fees ✅ Quick delivery times ✅ Personal and business services available | ❌ Exchange rates include a markup ❌ Variable transfer fees apply |
Xe Money Transfer fees
Features | Xe Money Transfer pricing |
|---|---|
Account fees | No fee to register an account Variable fees for payments |
Currency conversion | Exchange rates may include a markup |
Supported countries | Send payments to 130+ countries |
Receiving international payments | Receive payments to your bank account if available - no option to receive to Xe |
Limits | 600,000 CAD maximum payment limit |
*Details correct at time of writing - 7th May 2025
TorFX
TorFX is a British company which is a specialist in international payments for personal and business customers. It's known for offering excellent service, and supports many different countries with 40+ currencies available for deposit.
There's no TorFX transfer fee - instead the exchange rate you're offered will include a small fee. Payments can arrive on the same day for major currencies but may take a day or two for less common currencies.
Best TorFX features
Send global payments in 40+ currencies
Get award winning support online and by phone
Services for personal and business customers
TorFX pros | TorFX cons |
|---|---|
✅ Digital payments in 40+ currencies ✅ No transfer fee ✅ Award winning support online and by phone ✅ Payments for personal and business customers | ❌ Exchange rates include a markup ❌ No branch service |
TorFX fees
Features | TorFX pricing |
|---|---|
Account fees | No fee to register No transfer fee |
Currency conversion | Exchange rates include a markup |
Supported countries | Send to 40+ currencies |
Receiving international payments | Receive payments to your bank account if available - no option to receive to TorFX |
Limits | Usually unlimited |
*Details correct at time of writing - 7th May 2025
How long do large transfers take with Interac e-Transfer?
National Bank international Interac payments usually take 24 to 48 hours, but can require a maximum of 5 business days to arrive.
If you use a specialist service like Wise and Xe money transfer, to arrange your payment, you can still fund the transfer with Interac, and benefit from the provider's delivery times.
These vary, but Wise may be able to support instant or quick payments to many countries, and Xe has variable delivery times based on the currency you're sending.
How to send a large Interac e-transfer
With National Bank you can send an international Interac payment following these steps:
Log in to your National Bank online or mobile banking.
Select Send Money
Follow the prompts to add the recipient's destination and banking information
Enter the required payment information following the onscreen instructions
Confirm your payment
Information needed to send large large Interac e-transfer
The exact information needed to process an international Interac payment can vary depending on the country and currency you're sending to. However, payments will be deposited into the recipient's bank account, which usually means you need to provide the following:
Recipient's full name
Recipient's bank account number
Recipient's bank SWIFT/BIC Code
Any other information based on the local country - such as a sort code for the UK
Is it possible to increase Interac e-Transfer transfer limits?
Interac e-Transfer transfer limits are set by the bank or provider which manages your payment. If you're using National Bank there's no advertised way to increase the limit, although you can make several payments at the maximum per transaction limit per day.
This will mean paying the flat transfer fee several times as well. If you need to send more than the Interac limits allow you to, National Bank will advise you to use their international wire transfer service instead.
How to increase Interac e-Transfer transfer limits
Approach your provider or bank to ask if they can raise your Interac limits - you may find your only option is to make multiple transfers to reach the amount you want to send, which means higher fees.
If you're using National Bank and hit their 10,000 CAD transaction limit, it helps to know that you can send up to 25,000 CAD per transaction with Wise. Instead of sending with National Bank you can choose Wise to process your transaction with higher limits and low fees.
Is there a limit to how much money I can receive with Interac e-Transfer?
Interac transfer limits are usually set based on the amount the sender is sending, rather than being limited by the receiving account. The limits for the sender, as we've seen, can be pretty low, meaning that it's relatively uncommon to use Interac to receive very high amounts.
How to receive large transfers with Interac e-Transfer
If you have registered for Interac e-Transfer Autodeposit, all you'll need to give the person sending you money is your name and phone number or email address. They can then process the payment from their phone's contacts for convenience.
If you're not registered for Interac e-Transfer Autodeposit the sender is also prompted to add a security question to the payment when they process it. This means you'll have to give your contact information to the sender, and ask them the question and answer they're using, so you can complete the security step when the payment arrives.
Alternatives to Interac e-Transfer for receiving large payments
Interac does not allow you to receive large payments, and also doesn't have the option of receiving payments in foreign currencies. Getting paid in a foreign currency can be very helpful if you travel regularly, spend online in foreign retailers, or have overseas bills to pay. It's also useful for business owners who have overseas suppliers or contractors.
If you need to receive and hold foreign currency payments, using a specialist provider can be a real bonus, allowing for cheap or free incoming payments in major global currencies. As an example, you could choose Wise for personal and business accounts which can receive foreign currency payments, or Airwallex for business transfers only. Here's a quick summary:
Provider | Supported currencies to receive payments | Incoming transfer fees | Incoming transfer limits | Exchange rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wise | 20+ supported currencies | Usually no fee to receive with local account details Variable fee to receive SWIFT and wire payment | Usually unlimited | Mid-market rate |
Airwallex | 20+ supported currencies | No fee | No stated limit | Wholesale rate + 0.5% for USD and GBP |
*Details correct at time of writing - 7th May 2025
Wise Account Review: receive payments with local and SWIFT account details in a selection of major currencies. Services are available for personal and business customers. There's usually no fee to receive using local account information, but low, variable fees apply on incoming SWIFT transfers.
Airwallex Account Review: receive business payments in 20+ currencies with local account details. There's no fee for incoming payments, and you can then use your balance to pay contractors and suppliers, to transfer out to your CAD account at home, or to hedge against future exchange rate moves
Interac e-Transfer for business payments limits
Interac e-Transfer also allows business payments, including:
Interac e-Transfer Bulk Payables - send money to multiple recipients at a time by uploading a single file
Interac e-Transfer Bulk Receivables - invoice customers in bulk, with up to 10,000 transactions per file, and easy ways for the customer to pay on receipt
Bulk Disbursements - make multiple outgoing CAD payments at a time, to cover supplier invoices or payroll for example
The limits which apply on business payments are set by the bank which you hold an account with. There are several major banks which participate in the Interac Business payment scheme, so you'll need to double check directly if your bank offers this service.
Interac states that one of the perks usually offered is that payment limits are higher compared to those used for personal customers, up to around 25,000 CAD.
Interac e-Transfer customer support for high amount transfers
Generally, Interac payments are managed through your bank - which means that if you need help with a transfer, you'll need to follow your bank's process for customer support.
This may mean calling into a branch, phoning the service desk, or opening an in app chat, depending on who you bank with.
Conclusion: Does Interac e-Transfer have transfer limits?
Interac e-Transfer offers primarily CAD payments within Canada, with some limited options to send international transfers directly if you bank with National Bank. You can also use a provider like Wise and Xe money transfer to pay for an international transfer using a domestic CAD Interac payment.
The transfer limits which apply vary depending on the bank or provider you're using, but in general, Interac limits can be pretty low. As an example, National Bank international Interac payment limits are 10,000 CAD per transaction, 70,000 CAD per week, and 125,000 CAD per month, which may not be enough if you're moving money for a large value purchase such as buying a property, or if you're relocating for example.
There are other options if you want to send a high amount overseas. Wise lets you send up to 25,000 CAD per transfer with Interac, and can support overseas transfers of up to 1.5 million CAD by online bill payment and wire transfer.
These options can provide more flexibility when you need a very high value payment, and can also help you keep the costs as low as possible.
Interac e-Transfer transfer limits FAQs
How much can I transfer with Interac e-Transfer internationally online?
National Bank is the only bank which actively markets the option to send Inteerac international payments. National Bank international Interac payment limits are 10,000 CAD per transaction, 70,000 CAD per week, and 125,000 CAD per month. As an alternative, Wise lets you send up to 25,000 CAD per transfer with Interac, and you can also use Xe Money Transfer which has a 3,000 CAD per payment limit.
What is the maximum amount you can transfer abroad with Interac e-Transfer?
Limits apply on Interac e-Transfer which can be per payment, per week and per month. These vary by provider. You can use National Bank to send up to 10,000 CAD per transaction, Wise to send up to 25,000 CAD per transfer, or Xe Money Transfer which has a 3,000 CAD per payment limit.
How can I increase the Interac e-Transfer maximum transfer limit?
Approach your provider or bank to ask if they can raise your Interac limits - you may find your only option is to make multiple transfers to reach the amount you want to send, which means higher fees.