Key Summary
The right money transfer service depends entirely on where you are sending, how your recipient wants to receive the funds, and what total cost you are willing to accept. A service that works perfectly for sending to India may be expensive or unavailable for Mexico or Kenya. Fees, exchange rates, payout methods, and delivery speeds all vary significantly by corridor.
According to the World Bank, the global average cost of sending $200 internationally was 6.35% in Q1 2025. That means on a $200 transfer, the average sender pays $12.70 in total costs before the recipient sees a single dollar. Knowing which service minimises that cost for your specific destination is the most practical thing this guide can help you with.
What to Consider When Choosing a Money Transfer Service
Picking the right service is not just about finding the lowest stated fee. Two services with identical fees can produce very different amounts received if their exchange rates differ. Before you send anything, there are six things worth checking.
- Fees and exchange rates: Always look at both together. A low upfront fee paired with a poor exchange rate costs more than a service with a slightly higher fee and a better rate.
- Transfer speed: Some services deliver in minutes for cash pickup or mobile wallets. Bank deposits can take 1 to 3 business days, depending on the corridor.
- Payout options: Does your recipient prefer a bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, or gift card? Not every service supports every method in every country.
- Recipient access: Not all recipients have bank accounts or live near agent locations. Mobile wallet and cash pickup options matter here.
- Transparency: Confirm the exact amount your recipient will receive, including all fees and the exchange rate, before confirming the transfer.
- Customer support and security: For large or time-sensitive transfers, responsive support and strong fraud protection are worth a slight premium.
Best Services for Sending Money to Popular Destinations
Each major destination has a different mix of services that work best, based on local banking infrastructure, mobile wallet adoption, and agent network coverage. The sections below cover the top options for a particular region with enough detail to make a real comparison.
How to Send Money To India?
India receives more remittances than any other country. The World Bank estimated India received over $120 billion in remittances in 2023, making it the largest recipient globally. That volume means competition between services is high, and costs are generally lower than for smaller corridors.
Wise is a strong option for US-to-India transfers. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate, charges a transparent fee of around 0.5% to 1.5% depending on the amount, and delivers to Indian bank accounts within 1 to 2 business days. Transfer limits are high, and the app is straightforward.
Remitly offers two delivery options: economy (1 to 5 business days, lower fee) and Express (often minutes, slightly higher fee). In major cities, you can also choose bank deposit, cash pickup at partner banks, or home delivery. Remitly’s fee for a $200 transfer to India typically runs $2 to $4 with competitive exchange rates.
OFX charges no transfer fees on international transfers and offers exchange rates with a margin of around 0.4% to 1.5%. Transfers take 1 to 2 business days. OFX is most cost-effective for larger amounts, typically $1,000 and above, where the zero-fee structure generates real savings.
Xoom (PayPal) supports bank deposits, cash pickup at partner locations, and bill pay. It is useful if your recipient needs funds at a specific cash pickup network, but exchange rates are less favourable than those of Wise or Remitly for standard transfers.
Read: How to Track a Money Transfer
Best Ways to Send Money to Mexico
Mexico is the second-largest remittance recipient in Latin America. For recipients in rural areas or smaller cities, cash pickup through a large agent network is often more practical than a bank deposit.
Western Union has one of the largest physical agent networks in Mexico, with thousands of pickup locations, including convenience stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. Transfers funded by debit card or cash can arrive in minutes. Fees and exchange rates are competitive for cash pickup transfers.
MoneyGram is a solid alternative with broad agent coverage and multiple payout options, including cash pickup, bank deposit, and mobile wallets. It offers 24/7 availability at many agent locations, which is useful for time-sensitive transfers.
Remitly supports bank deposits, cash pickup, and mobile wallets for Mexico. Its Express option delivers in minutes for eligible transfers. Economy transfers take 3 to 5 business days but carry lower fees.
Xoom offers bank deposits, cash pickup, and bill pay for Mexico. PayPal integration makes it easy for US senders already on the platform.
How Can You Send Money to the Philippines?
The Philippines receives around $40 billion in annual remittances, according to World Bank data, making it one of the highest per-capita remittance destinations in the world. Mobile wallets like GCash are widely used.
Remitly leads for US-to-Philippines transfers, with support for bank deposits, cash pickup at major banks and pharmacies, GCash transfers, and home delivery in some areas. Express transfers often arrive within minutes.
WorldRemit supports mobile airtime top-up, cash pickup, and bank deposits to the Philippines. The fee structure is transparent, and the app is easy to navigate. Airtime top-up is available as a payout option, which is rare among larger providers.
Xoom is strong for fast cash pickup and bank deposits, often delivering within minutes, and supports bill pay for select providers.
How To Transfer Money to Europe (UK, France, Germany, and Others)
Bank-to-bank transfers dominate for Europe-based recipients. Most European countries have a strong banking infrastructure, which means mobile wallet and cash pickup options are less critical than in other regions.
Wise is the standard choice for Europe. It offers the real mid-market rate, low fees, and fast bank-to-bank delivery, typically within 1 business day for major European currencies. Transfers from the US to the UK, to the Euro Zone, and to other European countries are supported.
OFX is best for large transfers to Europe. No transfer fees and competitive exchange rate margins make it more cost-effective than Wise for amounts above $5,000.
Revolut offers multi-currency accounts and instant transfers within Europe, which is especially useful for recipients who already use Revolut or who travel across borders frequently.
PayPal and Xoom are fast and widely accepted in Europe, but their exchange rate margins are less favourable than those of Wise or OFX for larger amounts.
How To Transfer Funds in Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa)
Africa has strong mobile money adoption, particularly in East and West Africa. For many recipients, mobile wallets like M-Pesa in Kenya or mobile airtime top-up are more accessible than bank deposits.
Remitly covers mobile wallet, cash pickup, and bank deposit options across multiple African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. It reaches recipients in more rural areas through partner agent networks.
WorldRemit is particularly strong for mobile money in Africa. It supports M-Pesa in Kenya, MTN Mobile Money in Ghana, and similar services across the continent. Its agent network covers cash pickup in many smaller cities and towns.
MoneyGram maintains a broad agent network in Africa and is a reliable option for cash pickup in areas where mobile wallets are not yet widely adopted. Exchange rates and fees vary by country.
How to Send Money To Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Others)
Latin America has a mix of well-banked urban populations and underbanked rural communities, which means the best service depends heavily on the recipient’s location and preferred payout method.
Western Union is the strongest choice for cash pickup and rural access in Latin America. Its agent network covers remote areas where banking infrastructure is limited.
Remitly offers flexible delivery options across the region with competitive fees and fast transfers. Bank deposits and cash pickup are both well-supported in Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala.
Xoom supports bank deposits, bill pay, and mobile reloads across Latin America. It works well for recipients in urban areas with strong banking access.
How To Transfer Funds to China
Bank deposits and mobile wallets dominate in China. Wise supports direct bank deposits with transparent fees and competitive exchange rates. Western Union supports both cash pickup and bank deposits, covering a wider range of recipient preferences. For recipients with Alipay or WeChat Pay accounts, choosing a provider that supports these wallets directly ensures the fastest and most convenient delivery.
Service Comparison by Destination
| Destination | Recommended Services | Best For | Typical Payout Speed |
| India | Wise, Remitly, OFX | Bank deposit, low fees, large amounts | 1–2 Business Days |
| Mexico | Western Union, MoneyGram, Remitly | Cash pickup, fast delivery | Minutes (Cash) / 3 Days (Econ) |
| Philippines | Remitly, WorldRemit, Xoom | Mobile wallet, cash pickup, bank deposit | Near-Instant |
| Europe | Wise, OFX, Revolut | Bank-to-bank, large amounts | 1-5 business days |
| Africa | Remitly, WorldRemit, MoneyGram | Mobile money, cash pickup, rural access | Instant to 2 business days |
| Latin America | Western Union, Remitly, Xoom | Cash pickup, bank deposit, bill pay | 1-5 business days |
| China | Wise, Western Union | Bank deposit, mobile wallets | Instant to a few hours |
| Other countries | OFX, Xe Money Transfer | Low fees, wide corridor coverage | Instant to 5 business days |
Beem’s Send Money Feature
For US residents who need to send money domestically to family or friends without fees, Beem’s send money feature handles that alongside its other financial tools. You can send money to any US bank account with no transfer fees and no delays. This is separate from international wire services but useful if you are also managing domestic transfers alongside an international one.
Beem does not currently process international wire transfers to foreign bank accounts. For international sending, use one of the services listed above based on your destination and the recipient’s payout preference.
When Do Gift Cards Make Sense for International Transfers?
Digital gift cards can work well for small amounts or gifts when your recipient does not have a bank account or when you want instant, fee-free delivery. Visa, Mastercard, Amazon, Walmart, and country-specific cards like GCash in the Philippines can be emailed instantly with no transfer fees if the card is in local currency.
The primary limitations include spending restrictions, regional availability, and limited or impossible cash conversion. Gift cards work well for specific purchases or gifts, but are not practical for large transfers or regular remittances.
Pros of Gift Cards
- Instant digital delivery, no bank account required
- No transfer fees or exchange rate markups if the card is in local currency
- Flexible for the recipient and easy to send as a gift
Cons of Gift Cards
- Regional restrictions may limit where and what the recipient can spend
- Not suitable for large transfers or recurring remittances
- Cash conversion is typically not possible
How to Compare and Choose the Right Service for Your Destination
Most people send to the same one or two countries. Spending 10 minutes comparing the total cost, delivery speed, and payout options for your specific corridor before your first transfer will save you money on every following transfer.
- Use online comparison tools: Wise, Remitly, and third-party comparison sites let you enter the amount and destination and compare the exact amount your recipient will receive from each service.
- Read user reviews: Check Trustpilot, Google reviews, and app store ratings for feedback on reliability and customer support. Delivery speed claims are often the most discussed issue in reviews.
- Check transfer limits: Some services cap per-transfer or monthly amounts. OFX and Xe are better for large transfers. Remitly and WorldRemit work better for smaller, frequent transfers.
- Test with a small transfer: Before sending a large amount through a new service, send $20 to $50 first and confirm receipt, delivery time, and the actual exchange rate applied.
Tips for a Smooth International Transfer
Small preparation steps prevent the most common transfer mistakes, and most of them take under two minutes to complete.
- Double-check all recipient details, including full legal name, account number, and routing or SWIFT/BIC code, before confirming. A single-digit error can route funds to the wrong account, and recovery is rarely guaranteed.
- Before you confirm, review the exchange rate and the final received amount, not just the stated fee.
- The rate shown in the app at confirmation is the rate that will be applied.
- Keep your transaction reference number and confirmation email. You will need these if you need to trace a delayed transfer or file a dispute.
- Communicate with your recipient about expected delivery times and what steps they need to take, especially for cash pickup or mobile wallet transfers, where they may need to present an ID or accept a mobile transfer.
- Monitor your bank account after sending. Authorised push payment fraud is a growing issue in international transfers. If your transfer is solicited by someone you do not know personally, verify the request through a separate channel before sending.
FAQs: Sending Money to Different Countries
What is the cheapest way to send money to another country?
The cheapest option depends on the destination, amount, and payout method. Wise, OFX, and Remitly consistently offer low total costs for major corridors. Always compare both the fee and the exchange rate together. A “no fee” offer that applies a poor exchange rate is often more expensive than a service with a transparent fee.
How fast will my transfer arrive?
Speed varies by service, destination, and payout method. Cash pickup and mobile wallet transfers can arrive in minutes. Bank deposits typically take 1 to 3 business days. Express delivery options through Remitly and Xoom are faster but carry a higher fee than standard delivery.
Can I send money if my recipient does not have a bank account?
Yes. Cash pickup through Western Union, MoneyGram, and Remitly does not require a bank account. Mobile wallets like GCash, M-Pesa, and MTN Mobile Money are also available in many countries. Digital gift cards are another option for recipients without bank accounts.
Are online money transfer services safe to use?
Reputable services, including Wise, Remitly, OFX, and MoneyGram, are regulated by financial authorities in their operating countries and use bank-level encryption. Always use official apps or websites directly, not links from emails or messages, and enable two-factor authentication on your account.
What should I do if my transfer is delayed?
Check the service’s tracking tool using your transaction reference number. Contact customer support directly with your transaction ID if the transfer does not arrive within the stated delivery window. Most regulated services have processes to investigate and resolve delayed transfers, and you can also file a complaint with the CFPB if a US-regulated provider does not respond.
Does the exchange rate change between when I confirm a transfer and when it arrives?
Most services lock in the exchange rate at the time of confirmation, so the rate shown when you click send is what your recipient receives. Some services, particularly for bank-to-bank transfers with variable delivery times, may note that rates are subject to change. Check the terms before confirming a large transfer.
How do I know if a money transfer service is legitimate?
Legitimate services are registered money transmitters with regulatory licenses in the states or countries where they operate. In the US, check the NMLS database or your state’s financial regulator for licensing status. Well-established services like Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and MoneyGram all publicly disclose their regulatory status.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account internationally?
Contact the service immediately and provide your transaction reference number. The service can attempt a recall through the SWIFT network for bank transfers, but the receiving bank is not legally required to return the funds. Recovery is not guaranteed. Speed matters: the faster you report the error, the higher the chance of recovery.
Can I send money internationally without a US bank account?
Some services accept funding via cash at agent locations, including Western Union and MoneyGram. Others require a linked US bank account or debit card. If you do not have a US bank account, cash-funded transfers at agent locations are the most accessible option.
Finding the Right Transfer for Each Country
There is no single service that is cheapest, fastest, and most flexible for every destination. The right choice depends on where you are sending, how much, and how your recipient wants to receive it. For most major corridors, Wise and Remitly offer the best combination of low total cost and flexible delivery options. For cash pickup and rural access, Western Union and MoneyGram maintain the broadest agent networks.
Before every transfer, compare the total received amount across at least two services. That single habit will save you money on every transfer you make. For domestic transfers to family and friends in the US, Beem’s send money feature offers instant delivery to any US bank account with zero transfer fees.
