Traditional bank or international payments specialist: the real cost of the default choice

When it comes to paying a supplier abroad, most business leaders turn to their usual bank—out of habit rather than choice. However, three types of providers currently compete in this market: traditional banks, neobanks, and international payment specialists. Each operates on a different model, with tangible consequences for the cost, turnaround times, and support surrounding your international payments.

Three models, three ways to pay your suppliers

A traditional bank treats international transfers as just one service among many, with an organisation designed for individuals and large corporations, rarely for the specific needs of an SME that regularly imports or exports. A neobank often advertises lower rates, but offers limited support and imposes limits that can hinder high-value payments. An international payment specialist, by contrast, builds its offering entirely around international payments: it is their core business, not an ancillary activity.

What the table doesn't show: the importance of verification

A comparison table provides a general overview, but each provider deserves to be verified individually, particularly regarding their regulatory status (see our article on how to verify whether a payment intermediary is reliable). An unregistered or unauthorised provider exposes your funds to risks that neither price nor speed can justify.

How to make the right choice for your business

The choice depends primarily on the volume and frequency of your foreign currency payments. For an occasional transfer of a small amount, the difference between the options remains limited. For regular payments or significant amounts (see our article on the true cost of an international transfer), the cost difference between a traditional bank and an international payment specialist can amount to several thousand euros per year, not to mention the time saved thanks to dedicated support.

Summary

Defaulting to your usual bank is not always the most expensive option, but it is rarely the most optimised for regular international payments. Comparing models, verifying regulatory statuses, and challenging applied margins allows you to identify concrete savings without complicating your day-to-day management.

International payment specialists such as OSolto, registered with ORIAS (no. 26004337), support SMEs in this comparison and in selecting tools tailored to their foreign currency flows.

FAQ

Is a neobank a good option for my international payments?

It depends on your volumes: neobanks can be suitable for one-off payments of low amounts, but their limits and restricted support make them less suitable for regular or large transactions.

How can I verify that an international payment specialist is reliable?

An intermediary must be registered with ORIAS, and the institution executing your payments must be authorised, which can be checked on the REGAFI register. Both of these official registers can be consulted in just a few minutes before entrusting your payments.

Is an international payment specialist necessarily cheaper than a bank?

Not systematically, but their cost structure is generally more transparent and their exchange rate margin more competitive, which often translates into real savings on regular payments.

Can I keep my usual bank account while using a specialist for my international transfers?

Yes, the two solutions are complementary: your bank account remains your day-to-day management tool, while the specialist handles your foreign currency payments specifically.