Learn how to compare your options — including fees, exchange rates and transfer speeds — to find the best service when sending money to the Golden State.
Compare your options for sending money to CA
Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
Your options will vary depending on whether you’re in the US or abroad.
Domestic transfers
Most major US banks offer free bank-to-bank domestic transfers (or waive fees for account holders). However, you’re limited to transferring cash from your bank account to your recipient’s bank account.
If your recipient doesn’t have a bank account or needs the cash more quickly than a bank transfer will offer, Western Union and Walmart offer fast cash pickups at thousands of locations in California.
Online options like PayPal and Venmo can also get money quickly to your recipient.
International transfers
Your bank will typically be your most expensive option when sending money internationally. Banks offer weaker exchange rates, higher fees and fewer options to send and receive cash when compared to other options.
International transfers is where an online money transfer specialist shines. Providers like Wise and OFX can often safely get your money overseas to California faster, with lower fees and stronger exchange rates.
Case Study: Calvin sends money to California
Calvin needs to send 1,000 Australian dollars from Australia to his wife in Los Angeles.
Bank
Money transfer service
Exchange rate
1 AUD = 0.721 USD
1 AUD = 0.746 USD
Transfer fee
$22 AUD or more
$5 AUD
Transfer speed
2–4 business days
Up to 2 business days
Amount received in USD
$721
$746
For a transfer of 1,000 Australian dollars, an independent online money transfer provider will save more. Not only does Calvin save at least 17 AUD on the transfer fee, but his wife also receives $25 more and at least two days sooner.
Fees. Banks and other providers will typically charge a fee for its services, especially for international transfers. Confirm whether it charges a flat fee or a percentage of the total transfer.
Exchange rates. For international transfers, consider how close to the mid-market rate the rate you’re being offered is. You’re looking for a minimal margin between the two rates.
Transfer options. For domestic transfers, any bank or service will allow you to transfer money online. Independent services like OFX and Xe offer competitive exchange rates and fees for transfers.
Transfer speeds. Whether your transfer is foreign or domestic, the time it takes for your recipient to get your money will vary. If you need to send cash right away, compare options WorldRemit or Western Union over your bank, which is typically not your cheapest or fastest option.
Pickup methods. Most services offer bank-to-bank transfers; others will include cash pickups at an agent location. Know your options to find one that fits your needs.
Minimum amounts. Your best option may depend on how much you’re sending. For larger international transfers, you can often avoid fees with a money transfer specialist.
Frequency and purpose. If you need to send money at set times of the year, see if you can set up recurring payments to save on rates and fees in the long run.
Customer service. For those walking through a transfer for the first time, you may find it helpful to speak to a representative. Most companies offer a telephone number that you can call to speak with a representative or financial specialist to help walk you through your options.
Ways to send money to California
Bank to bank transfers. Quick and efficient, these wire transfers may incur higher service fees than an independent service.
Money transfer specialists. If you live outside the US, an independent provider like MoneyGram or OFX offers lower fees and exchange rates than banks can provide.
Cash pickups. While you’ll pay a bit more for a cash pickup, you have options that include time-tested standbys like MoneyGram and newer services like WorldRemit.
P2P services. Peer-to-peer services like PayPal and Venmo can get your money to your recipient without hassle in minutes.
Checks. If you’ve time on your side, checks are an option.
Emergency cash transfers in California
Sometimes you or a loved one is in an emergency and needs funds quickly — and in cash. Thankfully there are global money transfer providers with tons of agent locations that allow you to pay and pick up in cash, often within minutes. If you have a little more time, however, consider an independent transfer provider that can get you much lower fees and stronger exchange rates.
How to send money to California
Depending on your bank or service, you may need to sign up for a free account before you can begin sending money. Generally, you’ll:
Provide your recipient’s details. Their name, contact and banking info, if they’ll be receiving your money as a bank deposit.
Specify the details of your transaction. How much and what currency.
Review your transaction. Confirming total fees and how much your recipient will receive.
Pay for your transfer. Methods could include bank account, debit or credit card or cash.
Track your transaction. You’ll receive confirmation that includes a unique number or receipt for monitoring the progress of your transfer.
When sending money to California, you have many options. If you live in a country other than the US, compare your money transfer options to receive the best rates and lowest fees for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the quickest way to send money to the US from another country?
Most independent money transfer companies take two to four days to deliver your money, while banks will take slightly longer.
What’s the maximum amount I can send overseas?
The maximum you can send depends on both the transfer service you use and the type of transfer you’re making.
Money orders through USPS are capped at $1,000, although you can send multiple orders. MoneyGram has a per-transfer limit of $10,000 and Ria has a per-transfer limit of $2,999.99 with a 30-day transfer limit of $7,999.
Services like Xoom allow you to transfer up to $2,999 per transaction with a 30-day limit of $6,000 but can increase this limit if you provide more information.
How safe are international money transfers?
Yes. It’s industry standard for international money services to use 128-bit SSL encryption systems at a minimum. Many also are licensed with US financial regulators.
When processed through a reputable bank or company, your funds are safely tracked until in the hands of your recipient. And if you’re sending money internationally, federal protections are in place that require banks, credit unions and money transfer companies to, for example, disclose all fees up front and give you 30 minutes to cancel a transfer, assuming it hasn’t yet been picked up or deposited.
Code
Zero fees on your first THREE money transfers
Send money with WorldRemit using the code '3FREE' and pay no fees on your first three money transfers
Kevin Chen is a personal finance expert and a former writer at Finder. His expertise has been featured in CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Lifehacker and CreditCards.com, among other top media.
How do you know if your international money transfer made it safely? Learn how to track or cancel, and find out what your rights are when it comes to sending money.
From bank transfers to specialist money transfer companies, there are several options available when you need to transfer money overseas from your bank account.
If you need to transfer money overseas using your credit card, you can do so via your bank, MoneyGram, Western Union and PayPal. This can be useful in emergency situations, but credit card transfers are usually not a cost-effective option.
If you’re looking for a secure way to send money overseas, an international bank draft could be for you — but if speed is important, consider using a money transfer service instead.
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
How much is the exchange rate for 1dollar?
As i am planning to send money from Philippines to Los angeles CA.
Hi Maria,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.
Our guide on foreign exchange will help you find the best exchange rates, fees and services. Philippine peso is in the table in that page.
Cheers,
Joel