SWIFT-WISE Breakeven?

[OJAS]

An important thing that IMHO needs to be factored in to any SWIFT/Wise comparison is the cost of any phone call which you may need to make to your home country bank from Thailand in order to set up a SWIFT transfer - where, as in the case of mine, it is impossible to do this online through their website.

 

[jwest10]

On 6/23/2025 at 6:44 AM, NoDisplayName said:

I've read WISE is better for small amounts, but fees add up.

SWIFT should be better for larger sums.

Is this true?  If so, where is the breakeven?

 

I was thinking of bringing over US$60,000, or approximately 2 million baht.

USD Exchange rate at Bangkok Bank 6/20 was 32.30, the Wise rate was 32.80.

 

Swift fee from a US bank was $35, (assume no additional correspondent bank fees).

Deposit fee at Bangkok Bank is 500 baht.

Would receive 1,936,370 baht after fees.

 

Sending cash to Wise via ACH is free in the US.

Wise fee would be $325, discounted over GBP20,000 equivalent to $291.

A single transfer would receive 1,958,455 baht after fees.

 

Sending in batches of $10,000, Wise fee is $55, receive total 1,957,176.

Sending in batches of $5,000, Wise fee is $28, receive total 1,956,979.

Not taking into account fee discount if transfer >GBP20,000 equivalent in one month.

 

Transferring US$240,000:

Wise transfers 4x $60,000 results in 7,833,820 baht.

One Swift transfer of $240,000 results in 7,750,369 baht.

 

wOW!!!