Vanguard International Wire Transfer: Fees, rates & limits
Vanguard is an extremely popular investment provider in the US and internationally. If you have a Vanguard investment account you may be wondering how to redeem your funds when you want to use them. Once you’ve reached your investment goals, you can make a Vanguard wire transfer to redeem your investments and use your money freely. You can’t use most Vanguard accounts to make international wires more generally though – you’ll need a different provider for that.
This guide looks at how Vanguard international payments work, and some alternatives to consider like Wise and OFX, if you need to make a payment from one bank to another overseas.
Key points: Vanguard international wires
| 💡 Key points | Vanguard international wire transfer |
|---|---|
| 💰 Transfer fees | 10 USD to redeem a holding, waived for customers holding more than 1 million USD |
| 🚀 Transfer speed | Variable – check with Vanguard directly when you transfer |
| 🎯 Transfer limits | Limits are based on your holding asset amount |
| 💱 Exchange rates | If currency exchange is required the rate will be set by Vanguard, and intermediary or the receiving bank – fees may apply |
| 🔐 Safety | Vanguard is a safe provider of investment funds in the US and internationally |
Can I make an international wire transfer with Vanguard?
Vanguard is an investment platform rather than a bank. If you have a Vanguard investment holding and want to redeem it, you can move it to your Vanguard settlement account and then use a wire transfer to do so. However you can’t use your Vanguard investment account to send money to someone else – to pay a bill, or remit funds to a loved one overseas for example.
If you’re looking for a more general international wire service Vanguard is not likely to be right for you. This guide looks at some other ways to move your money from one US bank to an account at a bank overseas, like Wise and OFX.
More about the alternatives for international wires
If you’re looking to send a payment from your bank to someone else, Vanguard might not be able to help you directly. The good news is that there are plenty of alternative providers out there. Here are a few to consider:
| Providers | 🎯 International transfer limits | 💡 Transfer methods | 💰 Transfer fees & exchange rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Up to 1 million USD* | Send online and in app | Low variable fees, mid-market exchange rates |
| OFX | Unlimited | Send online, in app and by phone | No transfer fee, exchange rates may include a markup |
| Xe Money Transfer | Up to 500,000 USD | Send online and in app | Variable fees, exchange rates may include a markup |
Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025. *Some other limits may apply depending on the details of the transfer. About Wise pricing: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
Wise
| ⭐ Great for: International transfers with low fees, using the mid-market exchange rate |
Wise is a specialist in international transfers and multi-currency accounts for personal and business customers. Wise offers low cost currency conversion and cross border payments to 140+ countries.
Wise transfer limits are high – usually around 1 million USD – and there are fee discounts on high value payments over 20,000 GBP which is around 25,000 USD or so.
- Send payments to 140+ countries, in a broad range of international currencies
- Currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees for payments
- Discounted fees on higher value transfers, or if you may multiple transfers in a month which aggregate over around 25,000 USD in value
| 💡 Wise international money transfer | |
|---|---|
| 💰 Transfer fees | Low, variable fees based on the currency, with discounts on high value transfers |
| 💱 Exchange rates | Mid-market rate |
| 🚀 Transfer speed | Many transfers are fast or even instant – delivery times depend on factors including the currency involved |
| 🎯 Transfer limits | Up to 1 million USD for most currencies |
| 🔐 Safety | Yes. Wise Accounts can be managed in app, with easy ways to get help if needed. Industry level security features apply to keep customers safe |
| ⬇️ Receiving wire transfers | Receive wire payments in 20+ currencies with SWIFT details, low fees apply based on currency |
| 🇺🇲 Is Wise regulated in the US? | Yes. Wise is regulated in many US states. Where Wise does not hold its own license, services are offered through partnership with Community Federal Savings Bank |
*Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025
OFX
| ⭐ Great for: No fee transfers in 50+ currencies, with phone service as well as digital payments |
OFX is well known for great customer service, and offers a 24/7 phone service to customers around the world. OFX personal and business customers can make international transfers in 50+ currencies, and access currency risk management products too.
Payments are usually unlimited, with no transfer fee – an exchange rate markup will apply.
- Send to a huge range of countries, in 50+ currencies
- 24/7 personal phone service
- One off and recurring international transfers available
| 💡OFX international money transfer | |
|---|---|
| 💰 Transfer fees | No OFX fees for transfers |
| 💱 Exchange rates | Exchange rates may include a markup |
| 🚀 Transfer speed | 1 – 2 days |
| 🎯 Transfer limits | Usually unlimited |
| 🔐 Safety | OFX is safe to use, and offers 24/7 phone services if you ever want to talk through your payment options |
| ⬇️ Receiving wire transfers | OFX does not offer an account to receive payments – receive to your bank account instead |
| 🇺🇲 Is OFX regulated in the US? | OFX is regulated to offer services in the US and offers details of its licenses online and in app for customers to review |
*Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025
Xe Money Transfer
| ⭐ Great for: Fast digital payments to many countries from the US with low fees |
Xe Money Transfer lets you send a payment online or in app to 130+ countries from the US, for personal or business use. Xe has a fixed limit of 500,000 USD or the currency equivalent per personal payment. This limit does not apply on business transfers.
- Send up to 500,000 USD in a single online payment
- Payments available to 130+ countries
- Pay by bank transfer or with a card
| 💡 Xe international money transfer | |
|---|---|
| 💰 Transfer fees | Variable fees based on the currency |
| 💱 Exchange rates | Exchange rates may include a markup |
| 🚀 Transfer speed | Variable delivery times depending on transfer type |
| 🎯 Transfer limits | Up to 500,000 USD |
| 🔐 Safety | Xe uses industry level security protocols to keep customers and their payments safe |
| ⬇️ Receiving wire transfers | Xe does not offer an account to receive payments – receive to your bank instead |
| 🇺🇲 Is Xe regulated in the US? | Yes – licensing details are available on the Xe Money Transfer website |
*Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025
Vanguard wire transfer fees
Vanguard has a 10 USD fee for wire transfers when you redeem a holding. This fee is waived for customers with 1 million USD or more in qualifying Vanguard assets.
Vanguard exchange rate
If you need to send funds from your Vanguard holdings overseas, or if currency conversion is needed as part of the transaction for any other reason, the rate used may be set by Vanguard or a partner bank. Depending on the nature of the transfer needed, Vanguard might choose the rate, or it may be set by an intermediary or your own bank. A fee might be included which can push up the cost of your payment.
If you’re looking to make an international transfer to someone else, the exchange rate applied on the wire makes a big difference to the overall cost. Here’s how some popular providers set exchange rates for international wires:
| Providers | Exchange rates for International transfers |
|---|---|
| Wise | Mid-market exchange rate with no markup |
| OFX | Exchange rates may include a small markup |
| Xe Money Transfer | Exchange rates may include a small markup |
| Remitly | Exchange rates may include a small markup |
How long does it take to transfer money from Vanguard?
When you redeem a holding from Vanguard you’ll need to check how long it’s likely to take for the money to arrive in the destination account. Delivery times can vary depending on the details of the payment.
It’s helpful to know that transfers from other investment platforms into Vanguard could take as much as 4 to 6 weeks to complete. You’ll be given a more accurate delivery estimate at the point you start the transfer process.
Vanguard international transfer limits
There is no limit on the amount you can transfer from a Vanguard account in most cases. Other limits – including incoming payment limits – may apply, which could be set by Vanguard, or required by law.
How to make an international money transfer with Vanguard
You can transfer money from other investment platforms into Vanguard, or add money to your Vanguard settlement fund to invest with Vanguard directly. When you sell holdings with Vanguard, your funds are deposited to your Vanguard settlement fund initially, and you can then access the Vanguard international wire transfer instructions to request a withdrawal to your bank.
You can move your funds from other investments into Vanguard digitally in many cases, or you can do so using a paper form which you need to mail to Vanguard. Vanguard will then work with the investment platform you’re moving assets from, to ensure the transfer goes smoothly.
What information do you need to make an international transfer with Vanguard?
The information needed to arrange your Vanguard transfer depends on the nature of the payment. If you’re looking to move funds from your Vanguard settlement account to your bank you’ll usually be asked to provide the following information:
| 📌 Information needed to send an international wire with Vanguard |
|---|
|
Large amount transfers from Vanguard
There’s no limit on the amount of money you can transfer from your Vanguard account. If you’re making a large amount transfer you may want to call Vanguard directly to check if any additional paperwork or information is required to process your payment smoothly.
Vanguard SWIFT code
If you’re paying money into a Vanguard account you might be asked to provide the Vanguard SWIFT code. This is used to ensure funds can be safely received – like a zip code for receiving mail.
| 🏦 Vanguard SWIFT code |
|---|
| VGRDUS33 XXX |
Vanguard customer service for international transfers
The Vanguard website has a comprehensive support section which offers FAQs, guides and advice on common problems. You can also log into your account online to get direct help, or call the support team.
| 📞 Vanguard contact info: |
|---|
| Personal investors can get in touch on 877-662-7447 |
Conclusion
Vanguard offers wire transfers as a way of funding your investments, and also as a way of withdrawing a holding once you have sold assets. Fees may apply on your Vanguard wire.
As Vanguard is an investment platform, not a bank or money transfer specialist, the options for sending international wires are a little limited. If you want to send money to someone overseas you may find you’re better off using a service like OFX or Wise, which allow international transfers between bank accounts all over the world.
