Why is it more expensive to send money in Euros or US Dollars outside of SEPA or the US?

When you send Euros to countries or banks outside of SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area), US Dollars outside of the USA, or Pound Sterling (GBP) overseas, your payment travels through the SWIFT network. This can involve higher costs, which is why Wise charges a slightly higher fee for these payments.

Sometimes, other banks (known as intermediary banks) help route your payment to its destination. These banks may also take a small fee. 

But don’t worry – we’ll always show you what Wise charge before you make the payment. Sometimes other banks in the SWIFT network may deduct their own small fees along the way,