Find the best ways to transfer money to Denmark

The exchange rate determines how much DKK the recipient will receive.

For instance, in the past 7 days average exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Danish Krone was 6.3738 DKK.

Since USD - DKK exchange rates fluctuate based on market conditions, waiting a few days can result in a better rate and more DKK for your recipient.

If you urgently need the money in Denmark, we recommend using Wise, which offers the best DKK exchange rates.

The cheapest way to fund your transfer to Denmark is by using a bank transfer with Key Currency, which is 0.01% cheaper than the next best option.

How you pay for your transfer impacts the cost, speed, and the amount of DKK received.

Based on a $7,000 transfer to Denmark using our live data, the options you have are:

• A bank transfer with Key Currency will cost you $0 in fees and a 0.25% markup

• Debit card transfer with Xe costs $0 with 1.39% markup

We recommend not using debit card when sending money to Denmark, as they tend to be the most expensive.

Credit card transfers tend to add cash advance fees and might have higher interest rates on DKK.

Whenever possible, avoid sending DKK over the SWIFT network. Despite the name, DKK transfers over SWIFT are slower and come with higher fees.

Money transfer companies will often have minimum and maximum limits on how much DKK you can send.

Often, the amount will also impact the fees and the DKK rate you get.

For example, we found Wise to be the best option for sending large amounts to Denmark.

There might also be government-imposed restrictions, commercial restrictions, and many more.

This is why it’s important to compare your transfer options to Denmark.

The speed of transferring DKK to Denmark depends on several factors, including the amount being sent, the timing of the transfer, and the chosen payment method.

Usually, the quicker you need your DKK, the more it will cost you in fees.

For example, consider a transfer of $7,000 from the US to Denmark:

• Fastest provider: Among 17 companies servicing Denmark, Currencyflow consistently offers the quickest delivery times across all deposit methods.

• Bank or debit card deposits: Services like Currencyflow for bank account deposits and Xe for card deposits provide almost instant and cost-effective DKK transfers. Fees are approximately $0 for bank deposits and $0 for debit card deposits, with a minimal 1.39% markup.

• Credit card deposits are another option, but be mindful of potential cash advance fees.

• Urgent transfers: For the fastest possible transfers, we recommend opting for cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or Ria Money.

Avoid making DKK transfers over SWIFT

SWIFT is slower for DKK transfers due to the involvement of intermediary banks in Denmark, so it’s best to avoid it if speed is your priority.

For DKK transfers, you have the following options:

Money transfer companies

You can send Danish Krones via an FX broker (a managed service) or via an online-only company (self-managed).

According to our analysis, we found that Wise is the overall best way to transfer money to Denmark.

App

Most money transfer services to Denmark offer mobile apps, which often provide better DKK exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that fits your needs.

In-person

Cash transfers to Denmark can be made in person through services like Ria Money Transfers or Western Union.

Cash transfers are almost always instant but require the recipient to physically visit the nearest agent to collect DKK.

Bank transfers

We advise you not to use your bank to wire money to DK because of the fees but rather use it to fund your DKK transfer.

There are several ways to receive money in Denmark, including direct bank deposits, cash pickups, home deliveries, and mobile wallets.

Here are your options:

• Direct bank deposits: to deposit money into the recipient's account in Denmark, we recommend using Key Currency.

• Cash pickup: if you need immediate access to cash in Denmark, consider using cash pickup, but check availability.

• Mobile wallets: you can receive DKK directly into your digital wallet like PayPal, but they come with limitations and higher costs compared to using Key Currency.

In most cases, DKK will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you’re sending Danish Krone as cash, or in large amounts, the receiver might need the following*:

• Valid forms of ID: such as passport, or driver’s license.

• Sender's information: the full name and address.

• Transfer details: the amount of DKK to be received.

• Transfer confirmation number: the sender should give it to the recipient.

• SWIFT code / IBAN: sometimes you may need to include IBAN and/or the SWIFT code.

*The exact documents you need might vary by the company you use.

For larger Danish Krone transfers, money transfer companies may ask for a source of funds and proof of address. This is done in accordance with AML policies.

If you’re making a large transfer to Denmark, we recommend using Wise.

There might be tax implications and government-imposed limits when sending Danish Krones to Denmark.

Some DKK transfers may be subject to various taxes, including gift tax and commercial tax.

Even if there are no limits or taxation involved, certain DKK transfers need to be reported to the tax authorities in Denmark.

When in doubt, please contact a tax professional in Denmark or in your country.