At A Glance
Sending money abroad isn’t a one-size-fits-all task. The best service for sending money to India may not be the best for Mexico or the Philippines. Each country has unique banking systems, payout preferences, and regulations. Add to that the wide range of fees, exchange rates, and delivery speeds, and it’s no wonder so many people want a clear, up-to-date guide. Let’s explore the best services for sending money to different countries.
This blog breaks down the top-rated money transfer services for the most popular destinations from the US, what to consider before you send, and the smartest ways to ensure your recipient gets the most value.
What to Consider When Choosing a Money Transfer Service
Choosing the right service is about more than just picking the cheapest fee. Here’s what matters most:
- Fees and exchange rates: Always look at both. A poor exchange rate can offset a low upfront fee.
- Transfer speed: Some services deliver in minutes; others take days.
- Payout options: Does your recipient want a bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, or gift card?
- Recipient access: Not all recipients have bank accounts or nearby agent locations.
- Customer support and security: This is especially important for large or urgent transfers.
- Transparency: Ensure you see the final amount your recipient will get and that all costs are disclosed upfront.
Best Services for Sending Money to Popular Destinations
India
Wise
Wise is a favorite for US-to-India transfers because of its transparency, low fees, and the real mid-market exchange rate. Transfers are usually completed within a day or two, and you can send directly to Indian bank accounts. Wise supports high transfer limits and is known for its reliability and easy-to-use app.
Remitly
Remitly offers both economy (slower, cheaper) and express (faster, higher fee) options. In some cities, you can send money for bank deposit, cash pickup, or even home delivery. Remitly is popular for its flexibility and clear fee structure.
Xoom (PayPal)
Xoom is great for rapid delivery to bank accounts, cash pick-up locations, or even bill pay in India. Xoom is integrated with PayPal, making it convenient for those already using PayPal for other payments.
OFX
OFX is best for large transfers. There are no transfer fees, and the exchange rate margin is low. Transfers can take a couple of days, but the savings on larger amounts are significant.
Gift Cards
Prepaid Visa and Amazon India cards are a smart option for instant, fee-free support. They’re ideal for gifts or small-value transfers and can be emailed instantly. For more on this, see Beem’s guide to sending money with gift cards.
Mexico
Western Union
Western Union’s vast agent network makes it easy for recipients to pick up cash almost anywhere in Mexico. Transfers can be instant, especially if you pay with a debit card or cash at an agent’s location.
MoneyGram
MoneyGram is another top choice for Mexico. It offers multiple payout options and 24/7 agent locations. Fees and exchange rates are competitive, especially for cash pickups.
Remitly
Remitly is known for its fast, affordable, and flexible delivery. You can send it to bank accounts, cash pickup, or mobile wallets.
Xoom
Xoom offers bank deposits, cash pickup, and bill pay. Its integration with PayPal makes it especially convenient for US senders.
Gift Cards
Walmart Mexico and prepaid Visa cards are popular for everyday needs. They can be delivered instantly for emergencies or gifts.
Also Read: How to Send Money Overseas Without Paying Fees
The Philippines
Remitly
Remitly is a leader in US-to-Philippines transfers, offering bank deposits, cash pickup, mobile wallets (like GCash), and even home delivery. Transfers are often completed in minutes.
WorldRemit
WorldRemit offers many payout options, including mobile airtime top-up and cash pickup. Their fees are transparent, and the app is easy to use.
Xoom
Xoom is strong for fast cash pickup and bank deposits, often within minutes, and supports bill pay.
Gift Cards
GCash and retailer cards are popular for digital support, especially for mobile wallet recipients.
Europe (UK, France, Germany, etc.)
Wise
Wise is the go-to for bank-to-bank transfers to Europe. Fees are low, the exchange rate is the real mid-market rate, and transfers are usually completed within a day.
OFX
OFX is best for large amounts, with no transfer fees and competitive exchange rates.
Revolut
Revolut offers multi-currency accounts and instant transfers within Europe. It’s beneficial for those who travel or work across borders.
PayPal/Xoom
PayPal and Xoom are fast and convenient, but their exchange rates aren’t as favorable as Wise or OFX.
Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa)
Remitly
Remitly offers mobile wallet, cash pickup, and bank deposit options, making reaching recipients even in rural areas easy.
WorldRemit
WorldRemit is strong for mobile money and airtime top-up, especially in countries where mobile wallets are popular.
MoneyGram
MoneyGram is a reliable option for cash pickup in remote areas, with a broad agent network.
Gift Cards
Prepaid Visa/Mastercard and retailer cards are options, but always check local usability before sending.
Also Read: What Are the Cheapest Ways to Send Money Internationally?
Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, etc.)
Western Union
Western Union is best for cash pickup and rural access, with thousands of agent locations across Latin America.
Remitly
Remitly offers flexible delivery, competitive fees, and fast transfers to bank accounts or for cash pickup.
Xoom
Xoom supports fast transfers, bill pay, and mobile reloads, making it a solid choice for many Latin American countries.
China
Wise
Wise is a top pick for bank deposits to China, with transparent fees and a good exchange rate.
Western Union
Western Union supports cash pickup and bank deposits in China, making it a versatile choice.
Alipay/WeChat Pay
Alipay and WeChat Pay are popular payout methods for recipients with Chinese e-wallets, but you’ll need a provider that supports these methods.
Other Countries
OFX
OFX offers low fees and good exchange rates for large or less common transfer corridors.
Xe Money Transfer
Xe is known for high limits, currency flexibility, and a user-friendly online experience.
Gift Cards
Gift cards can be a practical solution for countries with limited banking infrastructure — check their usability and restrictions.
When Gift Cards Make Sense for International Transfers
Digital gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amazon, Walmart, GCash, etc.) can be a fee-free or low-fee way to send small amounts or gifts, especially when your recipient doesn’t have a bank account or needs funds instantly. They’re also great for emergencies or when you want to add a personal touch. For more, see Beem’s guide to sending money with gift cards.
Pros of Gift Cards
- Instant delivery, no bank account required
- No transfer fees or exchange rate markups if the card is in local currency
- Personal and flexible for the recipient
Cons of Gift Cards
- Regional restrictions and spending limitations
- It is not ideal for large transfers or business payments
- Cash conversion may be tricky in some countries
How to Compare and Choose the Right Service for Your Destination
- Use online comparison tools: Platforms like Wise, Remitly, Beem, and NerdWallet let you compare fees, rates, and delivery times for your specific corridor.
- Read genuine user reviews: Check Trustpilot, Google, or the app store for honest feedback on reliability and customer support.
- Check transfer limits and speed: Ensure the service supports your desired amount and delivers as quickly as needed.
- Test with a small transfer: Before sending a large amount, run a trial to confirm everything works smoothly.
Tips for a Smooth International Transfer
- Double-check recipient details and payout method to avoid costly errors.
- Watch for hidden fees and unfavorable exchange rates – always review the final amount your recipient will get.
- Keep records and tracking info for every transfer in case you need to resolve a dispute.
- Communicate with your recipient about delivery times, payout options, and any steps they must take (especially for gift cards or mobile wallets).
FAQs on Best Services for Sending Money to Different Countries
What’s the cheapest way to send money to another country?
The cheapest option depends on the destination, amount, and how your recipient wants to receive the funds. Wise, OFX, and Remitly offer low fees and good exchange rates for many countries. Digital gift cards can be a fee-free choice for small, instant transfers or gifts if they’re usable in your recipient’s country.
How fast will my transfer arrive?
Transfer speed varies by provider, destination, and payout method. Some services deliver in minutes (especially for cash pickup or mobile wallets), while others may take 1–3 business days for bank deposits. Always check the estimated delivery time before you send it.
Can I send money if my recipient doesn’t have a bank account?
Yes. Many services support cash pickup, mobile wallets, or digital gift cards, so your recipient doesn’t need a bank account. Just make sure they have access to the payout method you choose.
Are online money transfer services safe?
Reputable services like Wise, Remitly, OFX, and MoneyGram use bank-level encryption and two-factor authentication and are regulated by financial authorities. Always use official apps or websites and keep your transaction details secure.
How do I avoid hidden fees and bad exchange rates?
Compare both the upfront fee and the exchange rate before sending. Transparent providers like Wise and Remitly show you the real rate and total cost. Avoid “no fee” offers that hide costs in poor exchange rates.
What if my transfer fails or is delayed?
If your transfer doesn’t arrive on time, check your provider’s tracking tool and contact customer support with your transaction ID. Most services offer real-time tracking and have responsive support teams to help resolve issues.
Smart Money Transfers: Choose the Best Service for Every Country
So, what are the best services for sending money to different countries? The answer is that there’s no single best service for every destination or situation. The smartest approach is to compare your options, consider your recipient’s needs, and use the provider that offers the best cost, speed, and convenience for your specific transfer. Whether sending to India, Mexico, the Philippines, or beyond, you have more choices than ever to ensure your money goes further.
Ready to send? Explore Beem’s send money online guide and confidently start your next transfer.
Any financial guidance goes a long way. Don’t forget to try Beem for more tips on improving your financial health, building credit, and discovering better alternatives. Download the Beem app here.
