When Will Your Bank Transfer Arrive?

Calculate the exact arrival time of your Canadian domestic or international bank transfer. Supporting EFT, Interac e-Transfer, wire transfers, and SWIFT across major banks in Canada and worldwide.

Interac e-Transfer
EFT Transfers
SWIFT International
30+ Countries

Bank Transfer Time Calculator

Select your sending and receiving banks, choose a payment method, and enter the time you're making the transfer.

How to Use the Calculator

Three simple steps to find out when your money will arrive.

Select Your Banks

Choose the bank you're sending money from and the bank that will receive it. We support all major Canadian banks and credit unions.

Choose Payment Method

Select whether you're using EFT (standard 1–2 days), Interac e-Transfer (instant), or a domestic wire transfer (same day via LVTS).

Enter Transfer Time

Tell us when you're sending the payment and we'll calculate exactly when the funds will arrive in the recipient's account.

Canadian Payment Systems Explained

Understanding the three main ways to send money between Canadian bank accounts.

EFT — Electronic Funds Transfer

The standard method for batch-processed transfers in Canada, processed through the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) operated by Payments Canada. Commonly used for payroll, bill payments, and pre-authorized debits. Only processes on business days.

Speed 1–2 business days
Availability Business days only
Max Amount No standard limit
Cost Free / low cost

Interac e-Transfer

Canada's most popular person-to-person payment system. Interac e-Transfer sends money instantly using just an email address or phone number. With autodeposit enabled, funds arrive within minutes. Available 24/7, including weekends and statutory holidays.

Speed Instant (with autodeposit)
Availability 24/7, 365 days
Max Amount Up to $10,000
Cost Free at most banks

Domestic Wire Transfer (LVTS / Lynx)

A same-day, high-value payment system processed through the Large Value Transfer System (LVTS), now known as Lynx, operated by Payments Canada. Used for real estate closings, large business transactions, and urgent high-value payments. Irrevocable once sent.

Speed Same day (before cutoff)
Availability Business days, until cutoff
Max Amount No limit
Cost $15 – $50 typically

Supported Canadian Banks

Our calculator covers all major Canadian banks, credit unions, and digital banks.

RBC Royal Bank
TD Canada Trust
Scotiabank
BMO
CIBC
National Bank
Desjardins
HSBC Canada
Tangerine
Simplii Financial
EQ Bank
Laurentian Bank

Complete Guide to Canadian Bank Transfer Times

Sending money between Canadian bank accounts is something millions of Canadians do every day. Whether you're paying rent, sending money to family, settling a bill, or closing on a home purchase, understanding how long your bank transfer will take is essential for financial planning.

How Long Does an EFT Take in Canada?

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is the standard batch-processing method for moving money between Canadian bank accounts. EFT is processed through the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) operated by Payments Canada.

Most EFT transfers take 1 to 2 business days to complete. The exact timing depends on when the transfer is initiated and the processing schedules of both the sending and receiving banks. Common uses include:

  • Payroll and salary deposits from employers
  • Pre-authorized bill payments and debits
  • Government benefits such as CRA refunds and GST/HST credits
  • Insurance claim payments and pension deposits

Understanding Interac e-Transfer

Interac e-Transfer is Canada's most widely used real-time payment system, processing over 1 billion transactions per year. It allows you to send money to anyone with a Canadian bank account using just their email address or mobile phone number.

Key features of Interac e-Transfer:

  • Autodeposit: When the recipient has autodeposit enabled, funds arrive instantly — no need to answer a security question
  • 24/7 availability: Works around the clock, including weekends and statutory holidays
  • Limits: Up to $10,000 per transaction for most personal accounts (bank-specific limits may apply)
  • Request Money: You can also request funds from others via Interac e-Transfer
  • Free at most banks: Most major Canadian banks no longer charge fees for personal Interac e-Transfers

When to Use a Wire Transfer

Domestic wire transfers in Canada are processed through the Large Value Transfer System (LVTS), now known as Lynx, operated by Payments Canada. Wire transfers are same-day, irrevocable, and typically used for high-value transactions.

Key facts about Canadian wire transfers:

  • Payments are irrevocable — once sent, they cannot be recalled
  • Each bank sets its own cutoff time, typically between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM ET
  • Banks usually charge $15–$50 for domestic wire transfers
  • Only available on business days

Statutory Holidays and Transfer Times

Canadian statutory holidays affect EFT and wire transfer processing. On these days, batch processing and LVTS do not operate, which means transfers are delayed to the next business day. Interac e-Transfer, however, continues to operate 24/7, including on statutory holidays and weekends.

The 2026 Canadian federal statutory holidays are: New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday (3 April), Victoria Day (18 May), Canada Day (1 July), Labour Day (7 September), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (30 September), Thanksgiving (12 October), Remembrance Day (11 November), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December).

International Transfers from Canada

Sending money abroad from Canada typically involves the SWIFT network for international wire transfers. Our advanced international calculator covers 30+ countries and hundreds of banks worldwide.

SWIFT Transfer Times by Region

SWIFT transfer times from Canada vary by destination:

  • United States: 1–2 business days (strong correspondent banking relationships)
  • United Kingdom & Europe: 1–4 business days
  • Australia & New Zealand: 2–5 business days
  • Asia (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong): 1–4 business days
  • India, China, Middle East: 2–5 business days
  • Africa & South America: 3–5 business days

Canadian banks typically have SWIFT cutoff times between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM ET. Transfers sent after cutoff will begin processing on the next business day.

Tips for Faster Transfers

  • Use Interac e-Transfer for domestic transfers — it's free at most banks and instant with autodeposit
  • Enable autodeposit — ask recipients to register for Interac autodeposit so funds arrive without delay
  • Check your bank's limits — if your transfer exceeds the Interac e-Transfer limit, consider a wire transfer
  • Send before cutoff times — for wire transfers and international transfers, instruct your bank well before their daily cutoff
  • Verify recipient details — incorrect transit numbers, account numbers, or SWIFT/BIC codes cause delays
  • Plan around statutory holidays — check holidays in both Canada and the destination country
  • Consider specialist providers — services like Wise or Remitly often offer faster and cheaper international transfers than traditional banks

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Canadian bank transfers.

It depends on the payment method used. Interac e-Transfer is typically instant when the recipient has autodeposit enabled and is available 24/7. EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) takes 1–2 business days and only processes on business days. Wire transfers via LVTS/Lynx arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time (usually 3:00–5:00 PM ET). Most personal transfers in Canada use Interac e-Transfer by default.

Interac e-Transfer operates 24/7, including weekends and statutory holidays, so your transfer will still arrive almost instantly. However, EFT and wire transfers only process on business days. If you send an EFT on Friday, it won't begin processing until Monday, arriving on Tuesday or Wednesday. Wire transfers sent after cutoff or on non-business days will settle on the next business day.

The standard Interac e-Transfer limit is up to $10,000 per transaction. However, each bank sets its own daily and weekly sending limits for customers. Most personal accounts allow between $3,000 and $10,000 per transaction and $10,000 to $25,000 per week. Business accounts often have higher limits. Check with your bank for your specific Interac e-Transfer limits — some banks allow you to request temporary increases for large payments.

Interac e-Transfer is the default for person-to-person transfers — instant, free at most banks, available 24/7, up to $10,000. EFT is a batch processing system used for payroll, bill payments, and pre-authorized debits — takes 1–2 business days, very low cost, no standard upper limit. Wire transfer (via LVTS/Lynx) is for guaranteed same-day high-value payments — used for real estate closings and urgent large transfers, costs $15–$50, only available on business days before the bank's cutoff time. For everyday transfers, Interac e-Transfer is the best choice.

Wire transfers are irrevocable — once sent via LVTS/Lynx, they cannot be recalled. Interac e-Transfer can be cancelled before the recipient deposits it, but once autodeposited, the funds cannot be reversed. If you've sent money to the wrong person, contact your bank immediately. EFT pre-authorized debits can be reversed within 90 days under Payments Canada rules if you did not authorize the transaction. Always double-check recipient details before confirming a transfer.

International transfer times depend on the destination and method used. SWIFT transfers to the United States typically take 1–2 business days due to strong correspondent banking relationships. Transfers to the UK and Europe usually take 1–4 business days. Transfers to Asia, Africa, or South America may take 2–5 business days. Factors such as correspondent banks, compliance checks, time zones, and local holidays in the destination country all affect delivery times. Use our international calculator for estimates specific to your bank and destination.