Remittance Fee Calculator
See how much a recipient actually gets after flat fees, percentage fees and the exchange-rate margin.
What does the undefined do?
It shows how much a recipient receives after flat fees, percentage fees and the exchange-rate margin are deducted.
- Inputs: the amount sent, a flat fee, a percentage fee and the exchange-rate margin.
- Output: the amount the recipient receives and the effective total cost percentage.
- Method: the amount minus the flat fee, the percentage fee and the FX margin.
Quick answer
Sending 1,000 with a 5 flat fee, one percent fee and a two percent exchange margin leaves the recipient about 965, an effective cost of 3.5 percent.
What This Calculator Really Does
The true cost of sending money abroad is rarely just the headline fee. Three charges usually apply: a flat fee per transfer, a percentage fee on the amount, and an exchange-rate margin, which is the gap between the mid-market rate and the rate the provider offers. The margin is often the largest and the least visible, because it is baked into the rate rather than shown as a fee. This tool adds all three and shows what the recipient actually gets, which is the only number that matters for comparison. A provider advertising no fee can be more expensive than one charging a fee but using a near mid-market rate, so always compare the received amount. Fees matter more on small transfers and margins matter more on large ones. Batch transfers, regular transfers and transfers to a bank account often beat instant cash pick-up on cost, so weigh speed against price.
The formula it uses
Cost = flat fee + amount x fee percent / 100 + amount x FX margin percent / 100. Recipient receives = amount minus cost. Effective cost percent = cost / amount x 100.
Worked example with real numbers
Sending 1,000 with a 5 flat fee, a one percent fee and a two percent exchange margin costs 5 plus 10 plus 20, which is 35. The recipient gets 965, an effective cost of 3.5 percent.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Comparing headline fees and ignoring the exchange-rate margin.
- Sending several small transfers instead of one larger one, which multiplies the flat fee.
- Not checking what the recipient actually receives once converted into local currency.
Assumptions and limitations
The amount sent is fixed and all charges are deducted from the transfer. Bank-to-bank timing, receiving fees at the destination bank and currency timing are not modelled.
Disclaimer
This is an educational estimate, not financial advice. Fees and rates change and vary by provider and corridor, so compare the amount received and confirm terms before sending.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the undefined calculated?
The flat fee, the percentage fee and the exchange margin are added, then subtracted from the amount to show what the recipient gets. The steps panel lists each charge.
What do I need to use the undefined?
The amount you send, the flat fee, the percentage fee and the exchange-rate margin.
What does the result from the undefined show?
The amount the recipient receives and the effective total cost as a percentage of the amount sent.
What is the exchange-rate margin?
It is the gap between the mid-market rate and the rate the provider gives you. It is often the largest cost in a transfer and is hidden inside the exchange rate.
Are cheap transfers always best?
Not always, because speed, reliability and payout options matter too. But for regular remittances, comparing the amount received is the quickest way to cut cost.
Is the undefined really free?
Yes — 100 percent free, no sign-up, and everything runs in your browser.