Why do bank transfers have limits? How payment limits work
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
Almost every bank and money app limits how much you can send. It can be frustrating when you need to move a large sum, but the limits exist for good reasons, and there is usually a way to send more.
Why limits exist
- To reduce losses if a fraudster gets into your account.
- Because each payment system has its own maximum payment size.
- Because the provider has to check larger or unusual payments more closely.
- Because newer accounts often start with lower limits until the provider knows more about you.
Kinds of limit
Providers often set a limit per payment, a daily or monthly total, and sometimes a lower limit for new payees or for payments made in the app rather than online banking. Each provider sets its own figures, so check its help pages.
If you need to send more
Ask your provider whether it can raise the limit for a one-off payment, often after extra checks. For very large sums, such as a house purchase, banks may use a different payment system that takes larger amounts. Splitting a payment to get round a limit can trigger fraud checks, so ask first.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms let you launch accounts and transfers under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. Ask us how limits work for your platform type before you launch.
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.