Money

Sent Money Abroad but the Recipient Got Less? Why It Happens and What to Do

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Why can the amount received be lower?
  2. How to avoid surprises
  3. What to do if you think there was a mistake
  4. Common mistakes
  5. Frequently asked questions
    1. Is it always an error if less arrives?
    2. How long do I have to report a problem?
  6. Key takeaways
  7. Related guides
  8. Sources

Quick answer: The recipient of an international transfer can get less than you sent because fees or taxes may be deducted by your provider, by a third-party company that processes the transfer or by the recipient’s bank. If you think there was a mistake, contact the provider right away. You have the right to send a notice of error, and the provider must investigate.

You sent $200, but your family says less arrived. Before you worry, read this short guide based on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) advice.

Why can the amount received be lower?

Who may deduct What you should know
Your provider Must tell you its fees and taxes before you pay.
A third-party company in the process May deduct fees separate from your provider. The provider must tell you about certain fees, and in most cases the exact amount, though estimates are allowed in some cases.
The recipient’s bank May deduct fees and foreign taxes. The provider must tell you up front if this may apply, but the law does not require them to give the exact amount.

How to avoid surprises

  • Check the “amount expected to be delivered” on your receipt. See our international wire transfer guide.
  • Ask the recipient whether they have priced in additional fees and taxes.
  • Compare providers by what the recipient receives, not just the sending fee. Read about hidden fees.

What to do if you think there was a mistake

  1. Contact the money transfer service right away.
  2. Submit an oral or written notice of error. A remittance transfer provider must investigate and tell you the result.
  3. For some errors, such as money not arriving by the promised date, you may be able to get a refund or have the transfer sent again.
  4. If you are not satisfied, submit a complaint to the CFPB.

You have 180 days to notify the provider of a mistake, and providers generally have 90 days to investigate.

Common mistakes

  • Not saving the receipt. You need the numbers on it.
  • Waiting too long. Report as soon as you notice.
  • Using only the sending fee to compare. The delivered amount matters.

Frequently asked questions

Is it always an error if less arrives?

No. Fees or taxes may have been deducted. Check the disclosure first.

How long do I have to report a problem?

180 days from the date the provider disclosed for when the money would be available, according to the CFPB.

Key takeaways

  • Fees and foreign taxes can lower the amount received.
  • Providers must disclose what they know before you pay.
  • You can file a notice of error and a CFPB complaint.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not financial or legal advice.

Sources

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): I sent money to someone in a foreign country, but the amount received was less than what I sent
  • CFPB: What is a remittance transfer and what are my rights?

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