DBS international transfer: Fees, limits & how it works (2026)

Key Takeaways:

• DBS offers two main ways to send money internationally: DBS Remit, which has no upfront transfer fees to 50+ countries, and the Outward Telegraphic Transfer (OTT), which reaches 200+ destinations.

• Business account holders can use DBS PriorityPay to speed up transfers to DBS accounts in 8 markets, with no cable charges.

• For businesses that send international payments regularly, Airwallex offers free transfers in 120+ countries via local rails and competitive FX rates that let you save up to 80% on FX fees.

DBS international transfers work differently depending on who you are and where you're sending money. Whether you're an individual supporting family abroad or a business paying overseas suppliers, DBS has a transfer method for you.

This guide covers the fees, limits, and transfer steps for each method. It also helps you compare DBS against other options like Airwallex, so you can choose the most cost-effective option for your needs.

DBS international transfer options: What's available

DBS offers three main ways to send money overseas. Each method suits a different situation, and the fees, speed, and coverage vary significantly between them. Here's a quick overview before we go into the details.

Option 1: DBS Remit

DBS Remit is DBS's zero-fee transfer service for personal banking customers. You can send money to 50+ destinations in 19 currencies¹, with same-day processing when you submit before the cut-off time for your destination. Transfers are made via the DBS digibank app — no branch visit required.

The catch: DBS Remit doesn't charge an upfront fee, but it does apply a markup to the exchange rate. More on this in the fees section below.

Option 2: Outward Telegraphic Transfer (OTT)

The Outward Telegraphic Transfer (OTT) is DBS's standard international wire service. It covers 200+ destinations and supports transfers in over 30 currencies¹. Use it when your destination or currency isn't supported by DBS Remit.

OTT transfers go through the SWIFT network, which means they take 1–4 working days³ and carry additional fees including cable charges and handling commissions.

Option 3: DBS PriorityPay (for businesses)

DBS PriorityPay is a faster telegraphic transfer service for DBS SME and corporate banking clients. It lets you send funds to any DBS account in eight markets — Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Australia, and Vietnam — with no cable or telex charges².

Transfers are processed automatically through DBS IDEAL, DBS's online banking platform for businesses. If your recipient doesn't hold a DBS account, the payment goes through SWIFT instead, and standard OTT fees apply.

Worth knowing: If your business sends international payments beyond the DBS network, PriorityPay's advantages are limited. Standard OTT rates and SWIFT delays kick in for non-DBS recipients.

DBS Remit: Fees, limits, and cut-off times

DBS Remit is the most cost-effective way to send money internationally as a DBS personal banking customer. You can send to 50+ destinations in 19 currencies, and same-day transfers are available when you submit before your destination's cut-off time.

DBS Remit fees: Is it really free?

DBS Remit charges no upfront transfer fee¹ and no cable charges. But "zero fees" doesn't mean zero cost.

DBS Remit applies a markup to the exchange rate — meaning the rate you get is less favourable than the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google). The difference is how DBS earns on these transfers. The size of the markup varies by currency and isn't displayed upfront.

In practical terms, this means a transfer using DBS Remit can still cost more than it appears. If your recipient gets S$10,000 worth of USD, the actual amount they receive depends on the exchange rate applied.

The takeaway: DBS Remit suits smaller, less frequent transfers where convenience matters. For larger or regular business payments, the FX markup can add up quickly.

DBS Remit cut-off times and transfer limits

To get same-day processing, you need to submit your transfer before the cut-off time for your destination. Transfers submitted after the cut-off, on weekends, or on public holidays in Singapore or the destination country are sent on the next business day:

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 13 April 2026. For the full list of 50+ destinations and cut-off times, see the DBS Remit page.⁴

Worth knowing: Transfers to Mainland China are subject to regulations from China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Each recipient in Mainland China can receive a maximum of US$50,000 or equivalent per year.

For transfers above S$200,000, you need to visit a DBS or POSB branch⁴.

DBS Outward Telegraphic Transfer (OTT) fees

You'd typically use OTT when your destination isn't covered by DBS Remit, or when you need to send a currency that isn't the local currency of your destination. OTT covers 200+ destinations¹ and processes via the SWIFT network.

Fees depend on how you initiate the transfer and how much you send. As of April 2026, DBS revised its handling charges for online OTT transfers⁵:

OTT fees via DBS digibank (online)

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 13 April 2026.

Worth knowing: Cable charges are waived for transfers to DBS accounts in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Handling commission is also waived for transfers to those same DBS entities⁵. Agent bank fees are charged on top of the figures above and vary by destination — you won't know the exact amount until after the transfer is sent.

OTT fees via DBS branches

If you transact at a DBS branch instead of online, a different fee structure applies⁵:

• Handling commission: 1/8% of the transfer amount (minimum S$10, maximum S$120)

• Cable charge: S$20

• Additional over-the-counter fee may apply

Additional charges (all methods)

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 13 April 2026.

These apply regardless of whether you initiated the transfer online or at a branch.

DBS PriorityPay: Faster transfers for business accounts

DBS PriorityPay is designed for SME and corporate banking clients. If your overseas supplier, subsidiary, or partner holds a DBS account in one of 8 supported markets, PriorityPay offers a faster and cheaper way to settle payments compared to a standard SWIFT transfer.

How PriorityPay works

You don't need to sign up for PriorityPay separately. When you initiate a telegraphic transfer via DBS IDEAL to a DBS account in a participating market, the payment is automatically routed through PriorityPay² — provided you send in a supported currency.

Supported markets are: Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Australia, and Vietnam².

PriorityPay supported currencies

PriorityPay supports 10 currencies²: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, NZD, JPY, SGD, and HKD.

Worth knowing: CAD and CHF are not available for transfers to DBS Vietnam and DBS Australia. NZD is not available for DBS Vietnam.

PriorityPay transfer fees

Fees depend on your DBS business account type⁴:

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 13 April 2026.

Agent bank fees are not included above and may be charged on top.

For branch or manual transfers, the Business Multi-Currency Account is charged at 1/8% commission (min S$10, max S$120) plus a S$35 cable charge.

PriorityPay transfer speed

Because PriorityPay runs on DBS's regional network rather than the global SWIFT system, funds arrive significantly faster. Transfers between DBS Singapore and DBS Hong Kong, for example, are credited in as little as 10 minutes³.

Speed is subject to the regulations of the recipient's market and the cut-off times for each corridor.

When PriorityPay doesn't apply

PriorityPay only works for transfers to DBS accounts in the eight supported markets. If your recipient banks with a different institution, or if you're sending to a country outside the PriorityPay network, the payment goes through SWIFT instead.

Standard OTT fees and 1–4 working day transfer times apply.

How to make a DBS international transfer

Before you start, have these details ready for your recipient:

• Full name (as registered with their bank)

• Bank name and address

• SWIFT/BIC code

• Account number (IBAN for European transfers)

• Transfer amount and currency

• Purpose of transfer (required for regulatory reporting)

For personal banking customers: DBS digibank

Via the DBS digibank mobile app:

• Step 1: Log in using Touch ID, Face ID, or your User ID and PIN. 

• Step 2: Tap Pay & Transfer, then select Overseas. 

• Step 3: Select an existing recipient or add a new one. For new recipients, enter their full name, country, bank details, and account number. 

• Step 4: Enter the amount and select your currency. 

• Step 5: Select the purpose of your transfer. 

• Step 6: Review the exchange rate and fees, then tap Transfer Now.

Via DBS digibank online:

• Step 1: Log in to digibank online. 

• Step 2: Click Pay and Transfer, then select Overseas Transfer. 

• Step 3: Select or add a recipient. 

• Step 4: Enter the transfer amount and currency. 

• Step 5: Review details and confirm.

Look for the DBS Remit or Zero-Fee icon on the transfer page to confirm no upfront fees apply⁵. If the icon doesn't appear, your transfer will be processed as an OTT instead.

For business banking customers: DBS IDEAL

• Step 1: Log in to DBS IDEAL and go to Payments. 

• Step 2: Select the account you're transferring from, the amount, and the currency. 

• Step 3: Select an existing payee or create a new one. For new payees, enter their country, name, address, bank ID, and account number. 

• Step 4: Set the payment date. You can choose the earliest available date or schedule up to 90 days in advance⁶. 

• Step 5: Select the purpose of payment — this is required for regulatory reporting. 

• Step 6: Choose your bank charge option: SHA (shared fees), OUR (you pay all fees), or BEN (recipient pays all fees). 

• Step 7: Add any notes or payment references for your recipient. 

• Step 8: Review all payment details. You can save the payment as a template for future use. 

• Step 9: Submit. If no approval is required, your transfer is confirmed immediately.

Worth knowing: If your recipient holds a DBS account in a PriorityPay market and you're sending in a supported currency, the transfer is automatically routed through PriorityPay — no extra steps needed².

DBS international transfer vs UOB vs Wise: how do they compare?

DBS is not your only option for international transfers from Singapore. UOB and Wise both serve different segments of the market. Here's how they stack up against DBS's main transfer methods.

DBS vs UOB

UOB offers telegraphic transfers to a wide range of international destinations via its UOB Infinity platform and branch network. Unlike DBS, UOB does not have a service equivalent to DBS Remit or DBS PriorityPay — all overseas payments are processed as standard SWIFT telegraphic transfers⁷.

This means UOB business customers do not have access to a faster intra-bank transfer network or a zero-fee remittance service. Every international payment incurs cable charges, handling commission, and potential agent fees, regardless of the destination or amount⁷.

For specific UOB fee amounts, check UOB's official outward remittance fees page⁸ directly.

Worth knowing: If your business primarily sends payments to other DBS accounts in Asia, PriorityPay gives you a meaningful speed and cost advantage over UOB's standard SWIFT process.

DBS vs Wise

Wise is a strong alternative for both personal and business international transfers, particularly if your recipients bank outside the DBS network.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate — the rate you see on Google — with no markup. Transfer fees start from 0.26%, and 70% of transfers arrive in 20 seconds, with 95% completing within 24 hours⁹.

Compare this to DBS Remit, which charges no upfront fee but applies an undisclosed FX markup. For larger transfers, the FX markup on DBS Remit can exceed what you'd pay in Wise's transparent fee.

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 13 April 2026.

Worth knowing: Wise Business is free to set up, but they charge a one-off S$99 fee to unlock local account details⁸.

Why Singapore businesses choose Airwallex over DBS

DBS, UOB, and Wise each have their strengths. But for businesses that send international payments regularly — across multiple countries, currencies, and recipients — none of the three is purpose-built for that use case the way Airwallex is.

Here's where Airwallex pulls ahead of each:

Airwallex vs DBS

DBS PriorityPay only works for transfers to other DBS accounts. Outside that network, you're back on SWIFT, with cable charges, handling commissions, and agent fees on every transfer. Airwallex uses local payment rails in 120+ countries instead, which means you get free transfers to all 120+ of these countries.

Airwallex vs UOB

UOB routes all international payments through SWIFT, with no zero-fee or fast-track alternative. Airwallex's local rails bypass SWIFT entirely for 120+ countries, so you get free transfers in those countries, with 93% of transfers arriving on the same day.

Airwallex vs Wise

Wise is a solid option for transparent FX and straightforward transfers. But it's built primarily for individuals and small businesses.

Airwallex is designed for business operations at scale — bulk payments to 1,000+ recipients, multi-currency Global Accounts with local bank details, FX rate locking, and real-time monitoring. These are tools Wise doesn't offer in the same depth.

What Airwallex gives you

Aside from free transfers to 120+ countries via local rails, here’s what you get with Airwallex:

Competitive exchange rates

Our FX rates are transparent (0.4% - 0.6% above interbank), with no hidden FX markup. You see the rate, the fee, and the total before you confirm. With our rates, businesses typically save up to 80% on FX fees compared to traditional banks.

Global Accounts in 20+ currencies

Open local currency accounts with dedicated account numbers in 20+ currencies. Receive payments from overseas clients without conversion fees, hold the balance, and pay suppliers in the same currency.

FX risk management

Lock in exchange rates in advance so currency swings don't eat into your margins between invoicing and payment. Airwallex lets you fix rates for 1,000+ currency pairs across 60+ currencies, with settlement dates you control — from same-day up to 180 days in the future.

This is useful if you're managing long-term supplier contracts or holding large foreign currency balances.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the SWIFT code for DBS international transfers?

The SWIFT code for DBS Bank Singapore is DBSSSGSG. You'll need to share this with anyone sending money into your DBS account from overseas. If your sender asks for an 11-character code, add XXX at the end: DBSSSGSGXXX.

How long does a DBS international transfer take?

It depends on the method. DBS Remit transfers are sent the same day if submitted before the cut-off time for your destination⁴. Outward Telegraphic Transfers (OTT) via the SWIFT network typically take 1–4 working days³. DBS PriorityPay transfers between DBS accounts in supported markets can arrive in as little as 10 minutes³.

What is the transfer limit for DBS international transfers?

For DBS Remit, the daily limit is S$200,000 for most destinations⁴. Online OTT transfers are also capped at S$200,000 per day⁴. For transfers above S$200,000, you need to visit a DBS or POSB branch⁴.

Does DBS Remit really have zero fees?

DBS Remit charges no upfront transfer fee¹. However, it applies a markup to the exchange rate, which means your recipient may receive slightly less than the mid-market rate implies. The markup size varies by currency and isn't displayed before you confirm. For large transfers, comparing the all-in cost — including the FX rate — against alternatives is worth doing.

Can I cancel or amend a DBS international transfer?

Yes, but it's not free. Amendments cost S$30⁵ and cancellations cost S$35⁵, both on a best-effort basis. For scheduled transfers that haven't been processed yet, business account holders must contact DBS before the scheduled date via an authorised signatory.

What's the difference between DBS Remit, OTT, and PriorityPay?

DBS Remit is for personal banking customers sending to 50+ supported destinations at zero upfront fee¹. OTT is the standard SWIFT transfer option covering 200+ destinations¹, with cable and handling charges. PriorityPay is a business-only service that speeds up transfers to DBS accounts in 8 markets², with no cable charges². If your recipient doesn't hold a DBS account, PriorityPay doesn't apply. Airwallex is an alternative worth considering if your business sends payments beyond the DBS network regularly.

Sources:

1.  https://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/deposits/pay-with-ease/international-transfers

2.  https://www.dbs.com.sg/sme/day-to-day/payments/prioritypay-telegraphic-transfer

3. https://www.dbs.com.sg/sme/day-to-day/payments/cross-border-fund-transfers/telegraphic-transfers

4. https://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/support/bank-overseas-funds-transfer-service-standards.html

5. https://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/support/bank-overseas-funds-transfer-fees-and-charges.html

6.  https://www.dbs.com.sg/documents/276102/282855/pricing-guide.pdf

7.  https://www.uob.com.sg/business/transact/payments/telegraphic-transfers.page

8. https://www.uob.com.sg/business/transact/payments/telegraphic-transfers.page

9.  https://wise.com/sg/pricing/business

This publication does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice from Airwallex, nor does it substitute seeking such advice, and makes no express or implied representations / warranties / guarantees regarding content accuracy, completeness, or currency. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. Airwallex (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (201626561Z) is licensed as a Major Payment Institution and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.