Limits on Sending Money Abroad From the US: What the Rules Say
In this guide
Quick answer: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) consumer pages on sending money abroad do not list a dollar cap on how much you can send. They describe rules that protect you when you send more than $15 through a remittance transfer provider. In practice, limits usually come from your bank or transfer company, so check with them.
Many people search for a US regulation that limits how much money you can send abroad. The honest answer from the official source is more about protections than limits. This guide explains what the rules do cover and where to look for the limits you will actually face.
What the federal rules cover
The CFPB explains that federal law defines remittance transfers as electronic transfers of more than $15, sent by consumers in the United States to people or companies in foreign countries through a remittance transfer provider. The rules protect you by requiring disclosures, giving you a short window to cancel and letting you report errors. See our remittance transfer rights guide.
| Protection | What it means |
|---|---|
| Disclosures | Fees, taxes, exchange rate and the amount to be delivered, shown before you pay. |
| Language | Receipts and disclosures in your language in many cases. |
| Cancellation | Up to 30 minutes to cancel at no charge, under conditions. |
| Errors | 180 days to report; providers generally have 90 days to investigate. |
Where do limits come from?
Your bank, credit union or transfer company can set its own limits and may charge fees. The CFPB’s page on ACH, for example, notes that a bank or credit union might limit the amount you can transfer. Limits may also depend on the sending method, account type and the provider’s checks. Ask the provider for its limits before you plan a large transfer.
Which companies are covered?
A company is not a remittance transfer provider if it made 500 or fewer remittance transfers in the prior calendar year and makes 500 or fewer in the current year. If you use a company that does not qualify, federal law does not require the protections described above.
What should you do before a large transfer?
- Ask your provider about per-transfer and daily limits.
- Compare what the recipient will receive. See international wire transfers.
- Check for scams, which often involve large urgent transfers. Read how to avoid money transfer scams.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a single national limit. The CFPB pages do not give one.
- Ignoring provider rules. They decide what you can send in practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a federal cap on international transfers?
The CFPB consumer pages we reviewed do not state one. Ask your provider, and check official government sources for any reporting rules that may apply.
Do the rules apply to small transfers?
The remittance protections apply to transfers of more than $15.
Key takeaways
- The CFPB rules are about protections, not a set cap.
- Limits usually come from your provider.
- Always ask before a large transfer.
Related guides
- Send money home from abroad
- Moving abroad checklist
- What is a remittance?
- Is it safe to send money abroad?
- How long does an ACH transfer take?
Last updated: October 2026. General information, not financial or legal advice.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): What is a remittance transfer and what are my rights?
- CFPB: What is an ACH transaction?