Send money to Israel from the United States
Send high-speed business transfers to global suppliers and employees in Israel from the United States at low interbank rates. Funds are received quickly, securely, and in as little as one business day. Get an Airwallex Business Account and benefit from market-leading FX rates on every transaction, big or small, with zero hidden fees.
Save more on every transaction with Airwallex
Where possible, payments are made using Airwallex’s local network to eliminate transaction fees and deliver your funds faster. The rate available at the time you book a FX conversion on the Airwallex platform may be different to the rate displayed above. We may charge a mark-up on the conversion plus transfer fees, for example to cover the cost of using the SWIFT network. For more information, please review our Terms and Conditions, Fee Schedule and Country Payout Guide.
Fast, cost-effective international transfers
How to send money to Israel from the United States with Airwallex
Fund Your Account
Start by depositing USD or your preferred currency into your Airwallex Business Account. You can fund the account with a local bank transfer, wire, or card.
Convert USD to ILS Instantly
Then in your Airwallex account, convert the funds into ILS at mid-market rates. In real-time, you can lock in FX rates to ensure you get the most value for your transfer.
Send your payment
Finally, enter your recipient's details and send the payment. Airwallex uses local payment networks in Israel so your recipient receives the full amount without being hit by unexpected bank fees.
Stop paying up to 3% FX markups and hidden fees. Airwallex doesn't
How to receive money in Israel
To receive funds successfully in Israel, recipients must navigate a standardized identification system designed to ensure security and traceability across the nation's banking infrastructure.
Local Bank Account
In Israel, a local bank account is identified by its specific national banking identifier. This standardized code is a comprehensive requirement for all domestic and international interbank transfers, ensuring that funds are routed accurately and securely.
The structure of this identifier is typically designed to eliminate errors and rejections through several key components:
Bank/Entity Code: Identifies the specific financial institution or credit union.
Branch/Geographic Code: Indicates the specific region or office where the account was established.
Account Number: The unique internal sequence assigned to the individual recipient.
Check/Control Digit: A calculated digit used to mathematically verify the validity of the preceding numbers.
Efficient Transfer Methods
When a business sends money to a bank account in Israel through a global-first financial platform, the transaction is often processed via the country's local real-time payment network.
This approach is highly efficient because:
Speed: Funds are often available within minutes or even seconds of the transfer being initiated.
Cost: Localized transfers typically bypass the high incoming wire fees and intermediary costs associated with the traditional SWIFT network.
Our global transfer method network
How long does it take to send money to Israel with Airwallex
Sending money to Israel with Airwallex is significantly faster than traditional banking, typically arriving within 0 to 1 business day when using local payment rails. While approximately 90% of Airwallex transactions are processed within a few hours to one business day, the exact flight time depends on your chosen method: local transfers are the fastest, often arriving the same day, while international SWIFT transfers can take between 0 to 3 business days.
To ensure the quickest delivery, it’s best to initiate the transfer during business hours and use the local payout option to bypass the delays often found in the traditional correspondent banking system.
Best ways to send money to Israel
The best way to send money to Israel is with an Airwallex account. Airwallex uses local payment rails so your transfer arrives in ILS almost immediately. Wire transfers are slower, more expensive, and a headache to track so you’re saving time and money.
Direct Debit
ACH is the workhorse for businesses that care about the bottom line more than instant speed.
Average time to receive: Typically, funds transferred via direct debit take between one and three business days to clear. Expect a 1-3 day wait: that’s just the reality of how the ACH network batches and settles transactions.
Pros: The main advantage is cost as ACH transfers are often much cheaper than wire transfers costing less than $1 or even being offered for free by modern platforms. Direct debit also offers a layer of protection as these transactions are usually reversible in the event of unauthorized or fraudulent activity.
Cons: The main drawback is the settlement speed. If capital is needed urgently in Israel, the multi-day clearing window can disrupt operations. ACH is also a domestic US system so the funds must still be converted and transitioned to an international rail (like SPEI or SWIFT) to reach a local bank account.
Best ways to send money to Israel
The best way to send money to Israel is with an Airwallex account. Airwallex uses local payment rails so your transfer arrives in ILS almost immediately. Wire transfers are slower, more expensive, and a headache to track so you’re saving time and money.
Direct Debit
Direct Debit
ACH is the workhorse for businesses that care about the bottom line more than instant speed.
Average time to receive: Typically, funds transferred via direct debit take between one and three business days to clear. Expect a 1-3 day wait: that’s just the reality of how the ACH network batches and settles transactions.
Pros: The main advantage is cost as ACH transfers are often much cheaper than wire transfers costing less than $1 or even being offered for free by modern platforms. Direct debit also offers a layer of protection as these transactions are usually reversible in the event of unauthorized or fraudulent activity.
Cons: The main drawback is the settlement speed. If capital is needed urgently in Israel, the multi-day clearing window can disrupt operations. ACH is also a domestic US system so the funds must still be converted and transitioned to an international rail (like SPEI or SWIFT) to reach a local bank account.
Bank Transfer
Bank Transfer
Traditional wires are still the go-to for massive capital moves but they’re also the most expensive way to move money.
Average time to receive: International wires usually require one to five business days. Once your money hits the SWIFT network, it’s at the mercy of multiple intermediary banks, all of which add time and cost.
Pros: Bank transfers can handle the highest transaction limits, making them essential for major capital investments or large-scale procurement. They are also supported by virtually every financial institution in both the US and Israel .
Cons: This is frequently the most expensive method. Banks often charge outgoing fees between $25 and $50, and the recipient's bank may also charge an incoming fee. The exchange rates offered by traditional banks are also often uncompetitive, including markups which can reach 5% above the mid-market rate
Debit Card
Debit Card
Use a debit card if you’re in a hurry and don’t mind paying a premium for instant funding.
Average time to receive: Funds sent via debit card can arrive within seconds or a few hours. Because the card network (Visa or Mastercard) authorizes the funds in real-time, the transfer provider can initiate the payout to Israel almost immediately.
Pros: High speed and user convenience are the standout features. There is no need to wait for a bank to clear an ACH pull; the transaction is confirmed instantly, which is vital for time-sensitive payments.
Cons: Processing fees for card transactions are higher than bank-to-bank methods. Providers typically pass on the interchange and network fees, which can range from 1% to 3% of the total amount. Additionally, card issuers may have lower daily spending limits compared to bank accounts.
Credit Card
Credit Card
A credit card is a short-term fix for cash flow gaps but the interest rates make it a last resort for regular payments.
Average time to receive: Similar to debit cards, credit card transfers are typically processed within seconds or minutes.
Pros: The ability to send money without immediate cash on hand provides operational flexibility. Some businesses also use this to earn rewards or points but the high fees often wipe out these benefits.
Cons: This is generally the most expensive funding method. Credit card issuers usually treat international transfers as "cash advances," which carry immediate high-interest rates and additional upfront fees. Combined with the transfer platform’s own fees, the total cost can be substantial.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Think of Apple Pay as a faster, more secure way to use your existing cards without exposing your data.
Average time to receive: Minutes to a few hours, depending on the speed of the card used within the wallet.
Pros: Security is the main benefit. Apple Pay uses tokenization, meaning the merchant or transfer platform never sees the actual card number. It also offers a simple biometric-authenticated user experience on iPhones and other Apple devices.
Cons: Apple Pay itself doesn’t support direct international peer-to-peer transfers (Apple Cash is US-only). Therefore, it must be used as a checkout option within a specialized transfer app. There are also transaction limits imposed by both Apple and the linked bank.
Google Pay
Google Pay
Google Pay provides a similar digital wallet infrastructure for Android and web-based users, often integrating directly with remittance partners.
Average time to receive: Seconds to minutes when using integrated partners like Wise or Western Union within the Google Pay ecosystem.
Pros: The platform is highly accessible and has established partnerships that allow users in the US to trigger international transfers directly to countries like Israel with just a few taps.
Cons: Limits on unverified accounts are quite low, typically $1,000 balance limit without ID verification. For business use, it lacks the robust invoicing, batch processing, and accounting integration required for professional financial operations.
Tips for saving money when you send money to Israel
Don’t pay attention to just the initial transfer fee when moving cross-border capital. Rather, pay attention to the transfer fee plus the exchange rate you’re charged. For a business, a seemingly small 2% difference in the exchange rate on a $50,000 monthly payroll to Israel equates to $1,000 in lost margin for $12,000 annually.
Identify the "Forced Conversion" Trap: Many banks automatically convert foreign revenue into USD at a high markup, only to charge another markup when you send those funds back out. Using a platform that allows you to hold and spend ILS natively preserves your margins.
Compare Against the Mid-Market Rate: The mid-market (or interbank) rate is the "real" exchange rate. Any deviation from this is an additional fee. Demand transparency and look for markups under 1%.
Avoid SWIFT Fees with Local Rails: Traditional wires can cost $15-$50 in flat fees plus unpredictable intermediary bank cuts. Using local rails (SPEI) ensures 100% of the sent amount is delivered.
Leverage Batch Payments: When paying multiple contractors or suppliers, processing them as a single batch reduces administrative time and often simplifies fee structures.
Monitor Currency Volatility: Rates between the USD and ILS can fluctuate throughout the day. Using rate alerts or scheduling transfers for periods of USD strength can yield significant savings over time.
Secure and reliable global money movement
Secure money transfers to Israel from United States
24/7 proactive security
We combine advanced encryption, real-time fraud detection, and best-in-class security providers to ensure your accounts remain impenetrable.
Top international security standards
We set security standards by adhering to the most rigorous international security frameworks, including PCI DSS Level 1, SOC1, and SOC2 compliance. We operate in full alignment with local regulatory requirements across every market we serve.
Fully Licensed and regulated
Your trust is backed by law. Airwallex US, LLC is a licensed money transmitter authorized to operate across United States jurisdictions. View our full list of licenses here.
See what brands work with Airwallex
"Airwallex will save us $150,000 to $180,000 annually in hidden FX markups compared to traditional banking service providers. They are banking and foreign currency simplified. With Airwallex, we have one website where we can do everything it took three people to do before.”
Dean Beck
Vice President, HJS Packaging and Distribution
"Airwallex saves us about $70,000 annually just in lower bank transfer fees. They are helping us build a stronger financial foundation for a growing global company. Airwallex's platform offers speed and transparency at a lower cost. We always know where our money is going and when it will get there with Airwallex."
Hari Polavarapu
CEO, Taxila Stone
“Airwallex has been a game changer for us. I cannot recommend these guys enough. The forex services are super efficient and super competitive. The customer service is not gold-plated, it's solid gold. One of the best eCommerce services for merchants we have come across since PayPal hit the scene 20 years ago."
Murray Kester
CEO, Cosmetics Now – eCommerce
"Airwallex has made it possible for us to grow quickly across global markets while controlling our FX and transfer fee costs. Clocky wants to expand its product offering beyond alarm clocks and increase revenue per channel. Airwallex will be a big part of achieving those goals."
Gauri Nanda
CEO, Clocky
Frequently asked questions about sending money to Israel
Who can I send ILS to?
You can send ILS to any person or business entity with a bank account at a regulated financial institution. For example, you can pay suppliers for raw materials, settle invoices with service providers, or process payroll for local employees and remote contractors. The system is designed to facilitate both high-volume business transactions and individual professional payments.
What information do I need from my recipient?
To ensure a successful transfer via local rails or international networks, you must collect the following essential details from your recipient in Israel:
Full Legal Name: The recipient’s complete name exactly as it appears on their official bank statement.
National Bank Identifier: The standardized account identifier used in Israel, such as an 18-digit CLABE, IBAN, or local account number.
Bank Name: The formal name of the recipient’s financial institution.
SWIFT/BIC Code: Required specifically for international SWIFT transfers to identify the recipient bank globally.
Payment Purpose: A brief, clear description of the transfer(e.g., Invoice #1234 or Monthly Salary) to meet local regulatory and reporting requirements.
How much can I send to Israel?
When transferring money to Mexico via Airwallex, there’s no hard limit on the total amount sent, but higher values require increased transparency to satisfy Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Since Airwallex is built for business scale, we utilize the local SPEI (Sistema de Pagos Electrónicos Interbancarios) network, which usually doesn't impose a hard maximum on transaction amounts.
These are limitations set by systems and platforms to be aware of, including:
Network Limits: Using the local SPEI rail (the fastest way to send ILS), there is no maximum transaction limit specified by Airwallex. You can send what your business needs, provided you have the balance in your wallet.
The $25,000 Milestone: While you can send more, once your monthly transfers to a single beneficiary exceed $25,000 USD (or the ILS equivalent), Airwallex might step in to ask for a bit of paperwork—think invoices or contracts. It’s a standard compliance check to keep things secure.
Conversion Caps: If you are converting USD to ILS within the platform, you can generally swap up to $5,000,000 at a time. If you’re playing in a league higher than that, you’d usually just coordinate with your account manager to clear the path.
SWIFT vs. Local: If you opt for SWIFT instead of the local network, limits are often dictated by the receiving bank in Mexico rather than Airwallex itself. Stick to the local rails for higher limits and faster delivery (usually 0-1 business days).
Is it better to pay with a debit card or a bank transfer (ACH)?
For business operations, bank transfers via ACH or Direct Debit are almost always the first choice due to cost efficiency. While a debit card provides near-instant funding, the processing fees are percentage-based, which can become expensive for large amounts. An ACH pull is free or has a low fee, making it the most cost-effective way to fund large-scale vendor payments where a 24-48 hour window is acceptable.
Can I send money to someone in Israel who doesn't have a bank account?
While cash pickup services exist through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram, they’re less ideal for B2B transactions. Cash pickup is usually more expensive for the sender and less secure for the recipient. Sending to a bank account via Israel's standardized identifier is the industry standard for several reasons:
- Reliability: Direct deposits are less prone to manual collection errors.
- Traceability: Electronic transfers provide a clear paper trail for tax and accounting purposes.
- Cost-Efficiency: Utilizing local banking rails avoids the high premiums associated with retail cash services.
How much can I send before I have to report it to the IRS or FinCEN?
US regulations focus on transparency for large capital movements and foreign holdings. The $10,000 threshold is the most critical figure for US persons (citizens, residents, or entities).
Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines up to $16,536 for non-willful violations, adjusted for inflation, or 50% of the account balance for willful violations.
Can I use Venmo or Cash App to send money to Israel?
No. Venmo and Cash App are locked to the US and UK. They won't work for your Mexican suppliers. For international business needs, use Airwallex or other cross-border platforms.
Borderless global transfers
See other popular international money transfers that Airwallex serves.
