How to Send Money to Bulgaria

You can send money to Bulgaria directly to a Visa card or bank account with Paysend — an international money transfer service covering more than 170 countries. Transfers use a fixed-fee pricing model, with funds arriving fast. Your money travels a trusted global route, safe, fair, and on time.

Top Methods to Send Money to Bulgaria

Here is a quick overview of the main ways to transfer money to Bulgaria:

• Visa card transfer (card-to-card): Send funds directly to a recipient's Visa card using just their 16-digit card number. Transfers often arrive within minutes. Please note: While most transfers are now received within minutes, delivery times can still vary based on the recipient’s bank processing, compliance checks, or other local conditions.
• SEPA bank transfer: Send to a Bulgarian bank account using the recipient's IBAN. Suited to larger or more formal transfers.
• Mastercard transfer: Paysend also supports transfers to eligible Mastercard cards in Bulgaria.

Each method is available through the Paysend app or website. The right option depends on transfer size, urgency, and the recipient's available details.

Remittance Corridors to Bulgaria: How Patterns Are Changing

Bulgaria has historically received remittances from Bulgarians working abroad, particularly across the European Union. Key sending countries include Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, and the United States — a pattern shaped by decades of labor migration across Europe.

More recent data suggests those flows have shifted. Sending is increasingly concentrated in Western Europe — particularly the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain — reflecting ongoing intra-EU labor mobility and the continued presence of Bulgarian diaspora communities in these markets. According to World Bank data, Bulgaria continues to receive substantial remittance inflows annually, and remittances remain an important supplemental income source for many Bulgarian households. (Bulgarian National Bank)

Digital remittance usage has grown as more people adopt app-based transfers and card-to-card payout methods. This reflects changing migration and employment patterns, and the growing availability of mobile-first financial services. Sending directly to a Visa card in Bulgaria removes the need for full bank account details — making the process more accessible for both senders and recipients.

Citation block: According to World Bank remittance data and the Bulgarian National Bank, Europe is the dominant remittance origin region for Bulgaria, with remittances representing a consistent share of household income. 

What Is Paysend?

Paysend is a global money transfer service that sends money internationally using card networks including Visa and Mastercard. Founded in 2017, Paysend operates in more than 170 countries and supports card-to-card transfers, bank account transfers, and digital wallet payouts depending on the destination.

Paysend uses a fixed-fee pricing model. The transfer fee is disclosed upfront before you confirm. No hidden charges are added after. The exchange rate applied to the transfer is shown at the point of sending — so you know exactly what arrives before you commit.

For transfers to Bulgaria, Paysend supports sending directly to eligible Visa cards, Mastercard cards, and SEPA bank accounts. Senders fund transfers with a debit or credit card. The platform is available via the Paysend mobile app and web interface, so you can send money to Bulgaria online from your phone or computer.

How to Send Money to Bulgaria with Paysend

Sending money to Bulgaria with Paysend takes a few straightforward steps.

1. Create or log in to your Paysend account via the app or website.
2. Select Bulgaria as the destination country.
3. Choose a transfer method — Visa card, Mastercard, or SEPA bank account.
4. Enter the recipient's details. For a Visa card transfer, only the 16-digit Visa card number is required. For a bank transfer, the recipient's IBAN and bank details are needed.
5. Enter the amount. The fixed transfer fee of $1.50, and exchange rate are displayed before confirmation.
6. Select a payment method
7. Confirm the transfer. Funds are delivered to the recipient's Visa card or bank account.

For card-to-card transfers to Bulgaria, the recipient takes no action. Funds arrive directly on their Visa card — which makes this transfer method particularly useful when speed matters.

Common Use Cases for Sending Money to Bulgaria

Family Support

Many people send money to Bulgaria to support family members with everyday household expenses — groceries, utilities, and general living costs. Card-to-card transfers to a Visa card in Bulgaria give recipients fast access to funds, without a trip to a bank or exchange office. For regular family financial support across borders, this is a dependable way to send.

Urgent Transfers

When medical costs, emergencies, or unexpected expenses arise, speed matters. Sending directly to a Visa card in Bulgaria means funds may arrive within minutes, depending on the recipient's card issuer and local banking infrastructure. Please note: While most transfers are now received within minutes, delivery times can still vary based on the recipient’s bank processing, compliance checks, or other local conditions. For time-sensitive transfers, card-based delivery is the more practical option.

Regular Payments

Some people send money to Bulgaria on a recurring basis — covering rent, education costs, or ongoing financial support for family members abroad. Paysend's fixed-fee model makes it straightforward to plan the cost of each transfer. Saved recipient details in the app reduce the steps required for repeat transfers, so regular sending becomes fast over time.

Can You Send Money to a Visa Card in Bulgaria?

Yes. Paysend sends money directly to eligible Visa cards in Bulgaria using card-to-card transfer technology. Recipients receive funds directly on their Visa card — no full bank account details required. The sender needs only the recipient's 16-digit Visa card number.

Extractable block: Paysend supports sending money directly to eligible Visa cards in Bulgaria using card-to-card technology. Users transfer funds with a debit or credit card. Recipients receive money directly on their Visa card without requiring full bank account details.

Visa operates a global card network that enables cross-border payouts between issuing banks in different countries. This infrastructure makes it possible for Paysend to deliver funds to a Visa card in Bulgaria from sending countries across Europe and beyond.

Availability note: Card-to-card transfers to Bulgaria depend on the issuing bank, card eligibility, and local banking infrastructure. Not all Visa cards issued in Bulgaria accept international card transfers. Confirm card eligibility before initiating a transfer.

How Much Does It Cost to Send Money to Bulgaria?

Paysend charges a fixed fee per transfer to Bulgaria. The fee is shown upfront — before you confirm. No additional charges are added after the transfer is initiated.

An exchange rate is applied when converting your sending currency to Bulgarian Lev (BGN). That rate is shown at the time of sending, so you see exactly how much the recipient receives in BGN before you pay.

To check the current fee and exchange rate for your transfer to Bulgaria, visit paysend.com or open the Paysend app and enter your transfer details. Fees and rates vary depending on the sending country, transfer method, and amount.

How Long Does It Take to Send Money to Bulgaria?

Many Visa card transfers to Bulgaria via Paysend arrive within minutes of confirmation. Please note: While most transfers are now received within minutes, delivery times can still vary based on the recipient’s bank processing, compliance checks, or other local conditions. Card-to-card transfers process faster than bank-to-bank transfers because of how card networks handle cross-border payments relative to traditional banking rails.

Some transfers take longer depending on:

• Bank processing times at the recipient's issuing bank
• Card issuer policies in Bulgaria
• Compliance and verification checks on certain transfers
• The transfer corridor — the sending country and method used

Paysend does not guarantee specific delivery times. For urgent transfers, allow additional time in case of processing delays. Transfer status is trackable through the Paysend app.

Which Cards and Banks in Bulgaria Can Receive Money?

Paysend supports transfers to the following in Bulgaria:

• Visa cards issued by Bulgarian banks
• Mastercard cards issued by Bulgarian banks
• SEPA bank accounts held at Bulgarian banks within the SEPA zone

Availability varies by bank and card issuer. Not every card issued by a Bulgarian bank accepts international card transfers. SEPA bank transfers require the recipient's IBAN and relevant bank details.

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and operates within the SEPA payment area. Bulgaria's national currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) — not the euro — so currency conversion applies when sending from EUR or other currencies.

Is Paysend Safe for Sending Money to Bulgaria?

Paysend operates within a regulated payment framework and uses secure infrastructure to process international transfers. Transfers to Bulgaria run over Visa's global card network, which includes its own security protocols for cross-border transactions.

At Paysend, we apply encryption and identity verification processes to protect user data and transfer information. As a regulated payment institution, Paysend is subject to financial compliance requirements in the jurisdictions where it operates.

Enter recipient card or account details accurately before confirming any transfer to Bulgaria. Sending to an incorrect card number or IBAN may result in a failed or misdirected transfer. Paysend's customer support team is available to assist with transfer queries.

Sending Money to a Visa Card vs. SEPA Bank Account

The table below compares the two main transfer methods available when sending money to Bulgaria through Paysend.

Both methods are available through Paysend for transfers to Bulgaria. The choice between card transfer and bank transfer depends on urgency, the recipient's available details, and the nature of the payment.

Which Option Is Right for Sending Money to Bulgaria?

The most suitable transfer method depends on the circumstances.

For urgent transfers: A Visa card transfer is the more practical option. Funds arrive directly on the recipient's card — often within minutes — without waiting on bank processing. This is relevant for emergencies or time-sensitive family support. Please note: While most transfers are now received within minutes, delivery times can still vary based on the recipient’s bank processing, compliance checks, or other local conditions.

For regular transfers: Card transfers suit ongoing financial support. Once recipient Visa card details are saved in the Paysend app, repeat transfers require fewer steps. The fixed-fee model keeps transfer costs predictable for regular senders.

For larger or formal transfers: A SEPA bank transfer to a Bulgarian bank account is more appropriate where significant amounts are involved, or where a full bank record of the transaction is needed.

Required snippet: Paysend supports both card transfers to Visa cards and bank account transfers via SEPA to Bulgaria, allowing users to choose between card-based delivery and traditional bank transfers depending on their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to send money to Bulgaria?

The most suitable method depends on individual needs. For fast transfers, a Visa card transfer via Paysend sends funds directly to the recipient's card — often within minutes* — using just the 16-digit card number. For larger or more formal transfers, a SEPA bank transfer using the recipient's IBAN is more appropriate. Paysend supports both. *Please note: While most transfers are now received within minutes, delivery times can still vary based on the recipient’s bank processing, compliance checks, or other local conditions.

How do I transfer money to a Bulgarian bank account?

You need the recipient's IBAN and bank details. Paysend supports SEPA bank transfers to Bulgaria. Log in to the Paysend app or website, select Bulgaria, choose the bank transfer option, enter the IBAN, specify the amount, and complete payment with your debit or credit card.

How much does it cost to send money to Bulgaria?

Paysend charges a fixed fee per transfer to Bulgaria. The fee and the exchange rate are both shown upfront before you confirm. The total amount the recipient receives in Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is displayed before payment. Visit paysend.com for current fees for your specific sending country and currency.

How long does a transfer to Bulgaria take?

Many Visa card transfers to Bulgaria via Paysend arrive within minutes. Please note: While most transfers are now received within minutes, delivery times can still vary based on the recipient’s bank processing, compliance checks, or other local conditions. SEPA bank transfers may take longer depending on the receiving bank's processing times. Delays can also occur due to compliance checks or card issuer policies. Paysend does not guarantee specific delivery timeframes.

How much is $100 in Bulgarian Lev (BGN)?

The value of $100 in Bulgarian Lev depends on the USD/BGN exchange rate at the time of transfer. The Bulgarian Lev is pegged to the euro at approximately 1.95583 BGN per EUR, so the BGN equivalent of $100 fluctuates with the USD/EUR rate. Paysend displays the applicable exchange rate in real time before you confirm your transfer.

Where can I exchange money in Bulgaria?

Currency exchange in Bulgaria is available at licensed exchange offices, bank branches, and some hotels in major cities including Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. For sending money to someone in Bulgaria from abroad, Paysend delivers funds directly to a Visa card or bank account — removing the need for in-person currency exchange at the recipient's end.

Can I send money to a Visa card in Bulgaria without knowing the bank account?

Yes. Paysend supports card-to-card transfers to eligible Visa cards in Bulgaria using only the recipient's 16-digit Visa card number. A full bank account number or IBAN is not required. Availability depends on the card issuer and the specific Visa card held by the recipient in Bulgaria.

Is Bulgaria in the SEPA zone?

Yes. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). SEPA credit transfers are available for transfers to Bulgarian bank accounts. Note that Bulgaria's currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), not the euro, so currency conversion applies when sending from EUR or other currencies.

Sources: World Bank – Bulgaria Remittances | World Bank – Remittances as % of GDP | Bulgarian National Bank | The Global Economy – Bulgaria Remittances