Which banks receive international transfers (and why Retorna is the best alternative)

October 21, 2025

Lectura de 4 minutos

Index of contents

  1. What does receiving an international transfer mean?
  2. The best-known banks that receive international transfers
    • Banks in the U.S. UU.
    • Banks in Europe
    • Banks in Latin America
  3. Key factors when receiving money from abroad
  4. Disadvantages of using traditional banks
  5. Retorna.app: the best alternative to receive money from abroad
  6. Comparison: traditional banks vs Retorna
  7. Final Tips

1. What does receiving an international transfer mean?

Receiving an international transfer means that a person or company receives money from another country, generally through global financial networks such as SWIFT or SEPA.

These operations allow you to move funds between banks in different countries and currencies, but they usually involve additional costs, currency conversion fees and waiting times of several days.

2. The best-known banks that receive international transfers

Below, we show you a list of globally recognized banks that allow you to receive international transfers, classified by region:

Banks in the United States

  • J.P. Morgan Chase: one of the largest banks in the world, receives international transfers through the system SWIFT.
  • Bank of America: offers multi-currency accounts and support for international remittances.
  • Citibank: makes it easy to send and receive money from more than 40 countries, with SEPA and SWIFT integration.
  • Wells Fargo: allows you to receive international transfers with fixed fees and personalized SWIFT code.

Banks in Europe

  • HSBC (UK): It operates globally with coverage in more than 60 countries.
  • Santander (Spain): one of the most popular banks in Europe and Latin America, ideal for receiving remittances and international payments.
  • BBVA (Spain): offers international accounts and payment reception via SEPA or SWIFT.
  • Deutsche Bank (Germany): specialized in international banking, with multi-currency support.

Banks in Latin America

  • Itaú Unibanco (Brazil): the largest bank in Latin America, with international agreements for receiving money orders.
  • Bank of Chile: allows you to receive transfers from more than 30 countries, using SWIFT.
  • Bancolombia (Colombia): It has international money order services and agreements with remittances.
  • Banco de Crédito del Peru (BCP): receives funds from abroad and allows transfers in dollars and euros.

*Although all of these banks allow you to receive international transfers, the costs and times vary depending on the country, type of account and currency.

Recommended sources:

  • Wise — Guide to receiving international transfers
  • Banco Santander — International Transfers

3. Key factors when receiving money from abroad

Before choosing a bank or platform to receive international money, consider:

  • Cost per reception: Some banks charge between 10 and 40 USD by transfer.
  • Time of arrival: it usually takes between 2 and 5 business days.
  • Exchange rate: Banks apply conversion margins that reduce the final amount.
  • Network of intermediaries: the more banks participate, the more fees there will be.
  • Documentation: You may be asked to justify the origin of the money.

4. Disadvantages of using traditional banks

  • 🕒 Deloras: Transfers can take several days to be credited.
  • 💰 High commissions: charges for reception, for currency exchange and for intermediaries.
  • 🏦 Complex procedures: Many banks require documentation or physical presence.
  • 💱 Uncompetitive rates: The exchange rate is often unfavorable to the customer.

5. Retorna.app: the best alternative to receive money from abroad

Return.app It's a digital platform for international shipping What allows you to send money in a way fast, transparent and secure, since Chile, Colombia, Europe, Brazil and Peru to several destination countries in Latin America.

🚀 Why choose Retorna instead of a bank?

  • Speed: transfers can arrive in minutes, not days.
  • Low costs: without hidden fees or abusive exchange margins.
  • Transparency: you see the exact amount the recipient will receive before sending.
  • Comfort: the entire process is done from the cell phone or the web, without face-to-face procedures.
  • Coverage: available to users in America and Europe.

Sign in to Return.app and find out how you can sending and receiving money from abroad easier and faster than with a traditional bank.

6. Comparison: traditional banks vs Retorna

7. Final Tips

  • Always compare the total amount received after commissions and exchange rates.
  • Use large banks only if you need corporate accounts or large amounts.
  • For personal or family transfers, Return.app It usually is faster, cheaper and more practical.
  • Verify that the platform or bank is authorized and regulated in your country.

Conclusion

Los traditional banks are still a safe option for receiving international transfers, but their costs, delays and formalities make them inconvenient for many users.

If you are looking speed, savings and simplicity, Return.app It's the best digital alternative to send or receive money from abroad.

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