AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. vs Wise: The Complete Comparison
Sending money internationally? You might be considering using AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. for your transfer, but there's a cheaper alternative. In this detailed comparison, we'll show you exactly how much you can save by using Wise instead of AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. for international money transfers.
The Bottom Line
Wise is typically 5-8x cheaper than AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. for international transfers. While AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. charges high fees and uses poor exchange rates, Wise offers transparent pricing and the real mid-market exchange rate.
Transfer Fees Comparison
AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. Transfer Fees
- Fixed fee: $25-45 per transfer
- Exchange rate markup: 2-4% above mid-market rate
- Correspondent bank fees: $10-25 additional
- Total cost for $1,000 transfer: $45-85
Wise Transfer Fees
- Transparent fee: 0.4-2% of transfer amount
- Exchange rate: Real mid-market rate (no markup)
- No hidden fees: What you see is what you pay
- Total cost for $1,000 transfer: $4-20
Real Example: Sending $5,000
Let's look at a real example of sending $5,000 from the US to Europe:
AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A.
- Transfer fee: $45
- Exchange rate markup (3%): $150
- Correspondent bank fee: $25
- Total cost: $220
- Recipient receives: €4,320
Wise
- Transfer fee: $32
- Exchange rate markup: $0 (mid-market rate)
- Hidden fees: $0
- Total cost: $32
- Recipient receives: €4,508
By using Wise instead of AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A., you save $188 and the recipient gets €188 more!
Transfer Speed Comparison
- AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A.: 3-5 business days
- Wise: Usually within hours, sometimes instant
User Experience
AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A.
- Requires visit to branch or lengthy phone calls
- Complex paperwork and documentation
- Limited tracking and updates
- Poor exchange rates not disclosed upfront
Wise
- Simple online and mobile app process
- Complete transparency on all fees
- Real-time tracking and notifications
- Rate alerts and multi-currency account options
When to Use AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. vs Wise
Use AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. when:
- You need to send very large amounts ($100,000+)
- You require specialized business banking services
- You prefer in-person service
Use Wise when:
- You want to save money on transfer fees
- You need fast, reliable transfers
- You prefer transparent pricing
- You want the best exchange rates
How to Switch from AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. to Wise
- Calculate your savings: Use our transfer calculator
- Sign up for Wise: Quick online verification process
- Set up your first transfer: Enter recipient details
- Fund your transfer: Bank transfer, debit card, or ACH
- Track your money: Real-time updates until delivery
Customer Reviews
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what customers say about switching from AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. to Wise:
"I was paying $65 per transfer with AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A.. With Wise, I pay $8 for the same transfer. It's a no-brainer." - Sarah M., Expat in Germany
Conclusion
While AMERICAN BANK OF INVESTMENTS S.A. is a reliable bank for domestic banking needs, it's not the best choice for international money transfers. Wise offers significant savings, better exchange rates, and a superior user experience.
Ready to start saving? Calculate how much you can save with Wise →