At a Glance
Helping family members who live in other countries is now an important habit to keep relationships strong worldwide. On the other hand, using wire or money transfer services often means you must pay high fees, wait for an extended period, and complete many forms. Benefits of using gift cards include convenience, faster delivery, and fewer fees. Fortunately, sending money to other countries with gift cards has become very popular.
Physical or digital gift cards make it easier and more flexible to show your support for family and friends internationally without significant time and effort. Here are the main reasons families transfer their money and how you can do it.
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Why More Families Are Choosing Gift Cards for International Support
Traditional international money transfers involve many hurdles. Banks and remittance services can charge fees as high as 10% of the total transfer amount, add currency conversion markups, and take several days to deliver funds. These slow, costly processes can be stressful, especially when trying to help a family member in an emergency or during a busy season.
In contrast, gift cards offer a more straightforward, faster, and affordable way to send money abroad. They’re becoming the go-to choice for family support with digital delivery, no transfer fees, and the ability to spend funds directly at local or online retailers. Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits.
Read related blogs: Start Sending Money Globally: A Step-by-Step Guide for US Residents
Key Benefits of Sending Money Abroad with Gift Cards
Gift cards bring together convenience and practicality in a way that traditional money transfers can’t match. Here are five of the most significant advantages.
Zero or Low Transfer Fees
One of the biggest frustrations of sending money abroad is the high cost. Banks and money transfer services often charge a percentage of the transaction, anywhere from 5% to 10%, or impose flat fees up to $50. These fees eat away at the money you want your family to receive.
Digital gift cards, by contrast, usually don’t come with any transfer fees at all. If you buy a $100 gift card, the recipient will get the full $100 value to spend. There are no hidden charges or deductions—just the full amount you intended to send.
The savings can add up quickly for those who regularly send small or medium-sized amounts. Instead of paying fees month after month, you can put more of your money directly into your family’s hands.
Benefits of Using Gift Cards to Send Money with Instant Delivery and Speed
Emergencies and urgent needs can’t wait for the slow pace of traditional money transfers. Bank wires and remittance services often take several days to process, leaving your family waiting.
Gift cards offer instant delivery. Digital gift cards are sent by email or text within minutes, so your family can access the funds immediately. No waiting for the bank to clear a transaction or for a relative to pick up cash at a physical location. This speed is a significant advantage in emergencies, unexpected bills, or other immediate needs.
Fast delivery brings peace of mind even when it’s not an emergency. You know your loved ones have received your support, and they can start using it immediately.
Accessibility for the Unbanked
Many people worldwide still don’t have access to traditional banking services. In some countries, banking infrastructure is limited, and millions remain unbanked. This can make sending money through conventional channels a challenge.
Gift cards solve this problem because they don’t require a bank account. The recipient doesn’t need to visit a bank or deal with complicated paperwork. They shop at local stores or online retailers using the gift card code.
This accessibility is particularly valuable for families in rural areas or countries with underdeveloped banking systems. It also makes gift cards an ideal choice for elderly relatives, students, or others who don’t have access to a bank account but still need support.
High Redemption Value and No Currency Surprises
Traditional international transfers often involve currency conversion fees and unfavorable exchange rates. When you send money this way, your recipient might not get the full value because of these extra charges.
Gift cards offer a solution by bypassing currency conversion altogether. If you buy a gift card from a retailer in your recipient’s country, like Amazon India, Flipkart, or Mercado Libre, they’ll redeem it in the local currency. Worrying about poor exchange rates or surprise conversion fees is unnecessary.
Your family gets the full value you intended to send, with no hidden deductions. They can use the gift card for groceries, school supplies, home essentials, or anything else they need at trusted retailers.
Security and Privacy
Traditional bank transfers often involve sharing sensitive information, such as account numbers and personal details. This can be risky, especially if you’re worried about fraud or identity theft.
Gift cards provide a much safer alternative. There’s no need to share sensitive banking information—just the gift card code or link. If a digital gift card is ever lost, many platforms allow you to reissue or cancel the card, adding an extra layer of security.
This makes gift cards a particularly attractive choice for families who want to send money safely and privately without worrying about the exposure of personal data.
How to Send Gift Cards Internationally—A Simple Process
One of the best parts about using gift cards to support family abroad is the simple process. Here’s how you can do it:
Choose a trusted retailer or platform in your recipient’s country.
Purchase a digital gift card directly from the retailer’s website or a trusted online marketplace. Ensure the card you buy can be redeemed in the recipient’s country and currency.
Send the digital gift card to your family member’s email address or phone number. Most platforms offer instant delivery, so they’ll receive it in just a few minutes.
Depending on the retailer, the recipient can redeem and spend the gift card locally, in-store, or online. This keeps things simple and ensures your family gets the full value of your gift right away.
Read related blogs: The Fastest Way to Transfer Money to Friends and Family Abroad
When Gift Cards Are the Best Choice
Gift cards aren’t the best option for every situation, but they’re an excellent fit for many types of support. Here’s when they’re most useful:
Small or medium-sized transfers: If you send smaller amounts each month, gift cards can help you avoid hefty fees and give your family more to spend.
Urgent or emergencies: Fast digital delivery makes them perfect for last-minute needs.
Everyday essentials: Gift cards are ideal for groceries, school supplies, or home repairs—anything your family might need from a local or online retailer.
Avoiding conversion fees: Since the card’s value is in the local currency, there’s no need to worry about fluctuating exchange rates or hidden conversion costs.
However, gift cards aren’t always the best choice for sending large sums of money, such as paying off medical debt or making a down payment on property. A traditional bank transfer or remittance service might be more practical. But gift cards offer speed, value, and convenience for day-to-day support, emergencies, and smaller transfers.
Conclusion: A Smarter, Cheaper Way to Support Family Abroad
Sending money abroad with gift cards is becoming a popular, modern way to help family and friends across borders. With no transfer fees, instant delivery, and the flexibility to spend funds on what matters most, gift cards are an effective alternative to traditional remittance services.
By skipping hidden charges and currency conversions, you can be sure your family gets the full value of your support. Plus, the simplicity of buying and sending digital gift cards makes it easier to stay connected and share your care, even from thousands of miles away.
Need to send money but tight on cash? With Beem’s Send Now, Pay Later™, you can transfer funds instantly and handle the payment later. Say goodbye to high fees and slow transfers—Beem makes sending money quick, easy, and stress-free.
Whether for emergencies, everyday shopping, or a special treat for your loved ones, sending gift cards internationally is a practical, cost-effective way to provide real support. It’s a slight change in how you send money abroad, but it can make a big difference for your family’s financial well-being and peace of mind.
