How to transfer money from bank account to debit card

Best ways to send money abroad with a debit card:

Debit card transfers are a cheaper and more simple alternative to traditional transfer methods – such as using your bank account – many digital money transfer services allow you to send and receive money using your debit card.

Send money to or from a debit card with these providers can be far more cost-effective, ensuring the person you are sending money to actually receives the optimum amount.

Most money transfer providers are free to use with convenient and user-friendly apps which allow you to initiate money transfers on the go. The payment options vary, but many providers offer transfers via debit card, credit card, wire transfer and cash pickups. It is a good idea to compare providers to make sure your preferred method is accepted.

Top 5 money transfer providers to use when sending money with a debit card

Read below a description of some money transfer providers:

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is available online and as a mobile app, with user-friendly features designed to make transferring money using your debit card an easy process. Registration can be completed in minutes and the process of sending money internationally is transparent from start to end. Your exact exchange rate and transfer fees are visible right away and are competitively priced compared to banks and other financial institutions, with exceptionally low rates for India, the Philippines, Africa and South America.

While the maximum sending limit is $9,000 within 24 hours, WorldRemit offers a unique cash-pick up service for many countries, which comes in handy for those who don’t have their recipient’s bank details or those in urgent need for quick cash.

How to transfer money from bank account to debit card

XE Money Transfer

XE Money Transferoffers transfers to 170 countries around the world, supporting over 65 currencies. They have an excellent, user-friendly app and an easy-to-navigate website to easily transfer money abroad. XE is an extremely popular money transfer service due to its fee-free structure, a particular bonus when compared to using a bank account. You can send money by debit card or bank transfer with no transfer fees. Instead, XE adds a small markup to the inter-bank exchange rate when sending your money abroad, although this margin is significantly less than if you were sending money abroad with your bank.

How to transfer money from bank account to debit card

Wise, formerly TransferWise

Wise offer secure transfers to 144 countries around the world for much cheaper prices than your bank. The service is available via their website or mobile app, and you can sign up using your Facebook or Google account. TransferWise is hugely popular due to its highly competitive exchange rates and fast transfers. They place a large focus on transparent fees and affordable international transfers. There is a $2,000 daily limit when using your debit card, which suits smaller transfers but is perhaps not ideal for larger business transactions.

All international transfers with TransferWise incur a flat fee ($0.5 – 2.0, depending on currency and amount) as well as a 2% currency exchange fee, and your exchange rate is guaranteed for at least 24 hours. This compares very favourably to banks that often charge exchange rate margins approximately 4% – 5% above the mid-market rate.

How to transfer money from bank account to debit card

Remitly

Another great online money transfer provider, Remitly specialises in smaller transfers or remittances to countries in Asia, Africa and South America. The entire process is completely transparent and if you want to transfer a smaller amount their fees vs. the cost of using a bank account can be quite cost-effective.

The Remitly app and website are easy to use and give customers the option to deliver money two ways. The first is an “Express” transfer, which is faster but comes with a higher fee; the second is an “Economy” transfer, which is cheaper but slower. Selecting from these options, users are able to tailor the remittance service to their needs, a feature not commonly employed by major banks.

How to transfer money from bank account to debit card

When transferring money internationally to a bank with your debit card, it is definitely worth considering one of the mentioned providers as they could offer you a better deal than your bank or credit union. Money transfer providers have grown rapidly over the past decade, and as the demand for reliable, affordable and fast international transfers increases, you’ll almost always find a cheaper way to send money using your debit card through these specialist providers.

Pros and cons of debit cards for sending money

Debit cards are similar to credit cards but are linked to your checking or bank account. When you make a purchase or complete a transaction using your debit card, the money is immediately deducted from your bank account. A credit card allows you to borrow money up to a certain limit on your card which then needs to be re-paid before a certain time or interest will be added onto the amount you have spent.

There are a number of positives and negatives attached to using a debit card for sending money overseas, each will play a factor in whether a debit card is the best way to send money internationally for your needs:

Pros

International transfers cost less than they do with credit cards

There are no annual fees

They are useful for emergency transfers direct from a bank account

You could be eligible for rewards when using a debit card with your bank

They are a widely accepted payment method and often offer an instant transfer

You are not borrowing money so don't risk having to pay interest on transactions

Cons

Debit cards tend to have higher international transfer fees than other options

You are limited to bank and checking accounts

Funds are taken immediately out of your account – credit cards give you a little more time to pay back what you've borrowed

How to transfer money using your debit card

There are several traditional methods you can use to transfer money internationally with your debit card. For all of these, the important pieces of information you will need are:

  • The permanent account number: the 16-digit number which appears on the front of your card
  • The card’s expiry date
  • The security number: the last three digits printed on the signature strip on the back of the card

Occasionally you will also need to provide the bank account number and sort code that corresponds to your bank account: these are usually printed on the front of the card. In some cases, your money transfer provider may also ask for your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and BIC (Bank Identifier Code). You will normally be able to find both of these numbers by logging in to your online banking and viewing your account details.

When using your debit card to send money, you’ll just need to enter these details along with the amount you want to send, where you want to send it and what currency you want it to be delivered in. After you hit pay, you could be re-directed to your bank’s security page to verify your payment, this is a common security measure.

Using your debit card to send money abroad

The main advantage of using your debit card to send money internationally is that it gives you options that relate direct to your bank account at the time you send.

Most major money transfer providers support debit card payments, including WorldRemit who are well-known for their commitment to low fees, simple transfers and near-instant transfer times. If you’re looking to send money to debit card instantly, they are a great option.

How to receive money using a debit card instantly

If you want to receive money directly to your bank account or instant transfer – with immediate access via your debit card – all you need to do is give the sender your account details. These usually include:

  • Your name as it appears on your card
  • Your account number
  • Your sort code

When sending funds, the payee simply enters your account information and the money will be transferred directly to you, allowing you to use your debit card to spend the money the instant it is cleared in your account. This makes debit card transfers by far one of the most convenient ways to send and receive money, one of the biggest reasons for their popularity.

Be wary of high transfer fees

If you are using your bank to send or receive money, it’s important to do the relevant research on fees you and the recipient/sender are likely to incur.

Banks will often charge much higher fees than money transfer providers, so comparing these is a good idea if you are set on sending or receiving money via your debit card.

Can you send money to debit card instantly?

While debit cards can be fast and convenient, the time it takes to send money abroad depends on several factors. Paying for your transfer with a debit card is certainly faster than paying via check, cash or bank draft. Most card transactions are processed instantly, but it might take up to 24 hours for the money to move out of your bank account. 

  • Location: How fast you can send your money depends on the countries you are sending between. Popular transfer destinations such as the UK and USA are much quicker than places like Kenya and India, where money transfers may be less common

  • Your transfer provider: Transfer speed also depends on the service you are using. It is a good idea to compare transfer times between service providers and choose the one that fits your needs: for example, you may find that one provider specialises in your chosen money transfer route more than its competitors. Remember, some of the faster transfer options may cost more, so weigh up cost vs. time when comparing your options. We’ve put together a list of top 10 money transfer companies to get you started

  • The withdrawal method: Finally, transfer speeds may also depend on how your recipient wants to receive the money. If you’re using your debit card to send money to another bank account, it might be slower than bypassing banks and sending it directly to them with the help of a money transfer service

Can you send large amounts with a debit card?

Money transfer providers will have high transfer limits than banks, so this is definitely worth bearing in mind if you are looking to send large sums internationally.

When you send money using a debit card, the money comes directly out of your bank account and, in theory, you could send the total available amount in your account. However, most debit cards have a daily spending limit which is the maximum amount of money you can send or withdraw in 24 hours. The amount varies differs bank to bank and depends on the type of checking account you have.

Some debit cards will have a daily spending limit capped at $1,000, $2,000, or even as much as $5,000, but most will have an international transfer limit which is lower than this amount. Therefore, if your daily spending limit is $5,000, you might have a daily transfer limit of $1,000. You can find out what your spending limit is by checking on your bank’s website, reviewing the paperwork issued with your card or calling your bank branch. 

If you’re looking to make a major transfer with your debit card, you can also make a request to increase your spending limit temporarily. This may, however, take time and incur additional fees. For this reason, a money transfer service can be more convenient as most have much higher transfer limits. Most providers allow you to send up to $15,000 per day, with bank transfers or $2,000 per day if you choose to fund the transfer with your debit card. 

Sending larger sums

If you are looking to move a large sum of money internationally, paying by debit card may not always be your best option. A specialist provider such as XE is better equipped to help you send larger amounts of money abroad safely, with less of a fee, but will recommend you use a bank transfer rather than a card payment.

This is definitely something to consider when you are looking to move a large sum of money beyond borders.

Regulators

There are some organisations that are responsible to supervise the different financial institutions operating in Canada.

We created the following guides to help customers by providing relevant information related to wow they work:

  • CDIC (Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation): it helps customers by ensuring their money always is protected.
  • FCAC (Financial Consumer Agency of Canada): ensures customers are protected by the laws against money transfer companies.
  • FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada): investigates and detects money laundering.
  • IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada): it is in charge of overseeing the trading activity and investments in the Canadian markets
  • PC (Payments Canada): also known as Canadian Payments Association, it makes sure the Canadian economic system is trustable.

How much does it cost to send money internationally using a debit card?

International transfers using a debit card typically have more costs attached than other means of payment, but will still cost less than using a credit card. 

Charges might include online transfer fees (charged by your bank or money transfer provider), an exchange rate margin, and possibly taxes. It’s hard to give accurate estimates of how much these will amount to because the fees and margins vary greatly between individual providers. Our comparison tool presents precise comparisons between providers in real-time for anyone transferring funds using a debit card.

When you send money abroad using a debit card, the cost also depends on which country you are sending to. Transfer routes between popular countries and business destinations may cost less than transferring money to a remote corner of the globe.

Unless it is an emergency, it is always a good idea to do your homework in advance. 

Research your options and compare the costs between different banks and service providers. One of the best ways to do this before you actually have to make the transfer, giving you ample time to cross-compare and find out where you’re getting the best rates. We’ve put together a list of key points to consider to help you find the cheapest way to send money abroad.

Remember, you should do your research every time you’re planning to send money abroad. Just because one provider was the cheapest option last time, doesn’t mean this will still be the case.

Summary: Is sending money with a debit card the best option?

Unlike credit cards, the money you spend or send using a debit card is deducted directly from your bank account. While most banks do not charge any annual or service charges for debit cards, international transfers can have a lot of associated costs such as online fees and exchange rate margins. Most debit cards also have a daily spending and international transfer limit, which makes them less than ideal for large transactions. Debit card spending maximums are set by your bank or debit card provider and they can vary a great deal. Some debit cards may have a daily transfer limit as low as $1,000 per day. 

Fortunately, digital money transfer services make international transfers much more simple and a lot cheaper than traditional methods. These online providers specialise in facilitating international transfers and can often offer you a better deal than your bank when using your debit card to make a transaction. It takes minutes to register on their sites and many offer mobile apps too. These specialist companies offer much more value, including free international transfers, cheaper currency exchange, large transfer limits and real-time alerts.

When it comes to finding the best deal, our simple and easy to use comparison tool will help you find your best option in seconds, from established banks to new and innovative digital brands.  

Can I Send Money Without a CVV Code?

In this article, we’ll look at whether you can send money without a CVV code, and potential alternatives if you don’t have access to your card. What is a CVV code? The CVV (Card Verification Value) is the three digit number on the back of your Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card. On American […]

Send Money Using a Debit Card

Debit cards are one of the most popular ways to transfer money, we explain why and how to use a debit card for money transfers.

Article Factchecked by Elliot Laybourne on 20th July 2022

Elliott is a former investment banker with a 20 year career in the city of London.

During this time he held senior roles at ABN Amro, Societe Generale, Marex Financial and Natixis bank, specialising in commodity derivatives and options market-making.

During this time, Elliott’s client list included Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, Schroders Asset Management, and the Pennsylvania State Public School Employees Retirement System, amongst others.

How to transfer money from bank account to debit card

Max is a content specialist with over 5 years of experience in Financial Sectors. His areas of expertise include Finance, Forex, Asia and Economic Ideas. He has traveled well in his day and is committed to making our users understand international financial rules.

Can I transfer money from my account to a debit card?

To transfer funds to a debit card, all you need is the name on the card, card number and expiry date. Depending on the provider, you may be asked for additional information such as a bank account number and sort code.

Can I transfer money from my bank to another debit card?

Steps for Transferring Money Between Banks Log into your bank's website or connect via the bank's app. Click on the transfer feature and choose transfer to another bank. Enter the routing and account numbers for the account at the other bank. Make the transfer.

How do I transfer money to my Visa debit card?

How does Visa Direct work? Access the service through Netbanking, mobile or ATM. Enter the recipient's 16 digit Visa card number and the amount you want to send. The money will be received into the recipient Visa credit, debit or prepaid card.