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Fastest ways to make a money transfer

If you have a loved one overseas who needs money within minutes, here are your best options.

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Online money transfer services offer some of the fastest ways to transfer money internationally to someone in cash or for direct deposit in an emergency – but which provider you should use depends on how much you’re sending and how quickly you need it to arrive.

The fastest way to transfer money internationally

  1. Select an online money transfer specialist. They’re faster and cheaper than banks.
  2. Pay by credit or debit card. These may come with extra fees, but the process will be quicker.
  3. Deliver via cash pickup. Money transfer specialists have hundreds and thousands of locations for your recipient to pick up cash.

Compare quick international money transfers

Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
1 - 8 of 8
Name Product _compare_ Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise (TransferWise)
24 hours
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Xe Money Transfers
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
Instarem
Within minutes
From $0
Use code HELLO to get $20 off on first two transfers on a min transfer of $250. Valid until November 30, 2023.
Instarem offers zero transfer fees on all transfers.
Africhange
Within minutes
From $0
Send money in CAD to Africa on this blockchain and P2P powered provider.
Remitly
Finder Award
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
MoneyGram
Finder Award
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $4.99
For a limited time, get $0 fees on your first money transfer from Canada. Conditions apply.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX
24 hours
$0
Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
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Which are the fastest money transfer specialists to use when sending money abroad?

When there is an emergency, getting money out as quickly as possible is key. WorldRemit, MoneyGram and Western Union are three providers with the fastest money transfer services.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is entirely online, which means you can access it from the convenience of your computer or via its app. Your fastest option would be to use mobile money (if available) or cash pickup at a WorldRemit agent location. If you need to find a cash pickup location for WorldRemit you can check out our locations guide.

WorldRemit
WorldRemit at a glance
  • Maximum transfer: $40,000
  • Minimum transfer: $1
  • Fastest speed: Within minutes
  • Cash transfer fee: $2.99-$4.99
How can I send money quickly?

You’ll need to sign up for a free account with WorldRemit. You’ll also need to provide your personal information, the transaction details and your payment information.

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What happens next?

WorldRemit will confirm the transaction with both you and your recipient by email or text and notify you when the funds are received or picked up. If you have any problems, you can contact customer service 24/7 at 888-772-7771 or online through live chat.

MoneyGram

MoneyGram is the second-largest provider of international money transfers in the world. It has an extensive network of 350,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries. Your fastest option is to pay with a credit or debit card (or with cash at an agent location) and choose the cash pickup option. In some countries, you could even use the mobile wallet option.

MoneyGram
MoneyGram at a glance
  • Maximum transfer: $990
  • Minimum transfer: $1
  • Fastest transfer speed: within minutes
  • Cash transfer fee: From $4.99
How can I send money quickly?
  • Head to the MoneyGram site and start a transfer using your bank account, credit card or debit card.
  • Use MoneyGram’s online locator tool or call to find a location near you.
What happens after?

Once the money transfer is complete, the receiver can visit their nearest MoneyGram location to collect it. Remind them to bring along their reference number (which is included in the confirmation emails for online transfer) and ID for pickup. If you have a problem, contact customer service through the site or toll-free at 800-666-3947.

RemitBee

RemitBee is an online money transfer specialist with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. It offers a variety of payment and delivery methods, and transfers can be completed within minutes.

RemitBee
RemitBee at a glance
  • Maximum transfer: No limit
  • Minimum transfer: $10
  • Fastest speed: Within minutes
  • Cash transfer fee: $0
How can I send money quickly?

Sign up for a free account with RemitBee. You can also download its app. You’ll need to provide your personal information, the transaction details and your payment information. RemitBee also offers a money-back guarantee.

What happens next?

RemitBee will confirm the transaction with both you and your recipient. If you have any problems, you can contact customer service 24/7 at 1-647-689-2323 or online through live chat.

Western Union

Western Union has 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries, making it the largest provider of international money transfers in the world. As with MoneyGram, your fastest option is to pay by debit or credit card for cash pickup.

Western Union

Western Union at a glance
  • Maximum transfer: $7,500
  • Minimum transfer: $1
  • Transfer speed:
  • Cash transfer fee: From $7
How can I send money quickly?
  • Head to Western Union’s website. You’ll need your personal information, your recipient’s details and a valid method of payment to make the transfer.
  • Visit a Western Union location near you with cash or a debit card.
What happens next?

You’ll receive a unique Money Transfer Control Number with your confirmation. You can track your transfer online with this number. If you have any problem, contact customer service 24/7 at 800-325-6000 or through the online form on Western Union’s site.

What factors affect the speed of a money transfer?

There are several factors that can affect how fast your intended recipient receives their transfer, and they are worth keeping in mind if you need to send money in an emergency.

  • Transfer destination. Where you are sending money to will impact the speed of your transfer. It’s often faster to send money between countries where financial exchange is commonplace, such as India and the Philippines. Just remember that every transfer destination involves specific banking regulations and procedures, which could potentially delay transfers.
  • Payment method. How you choose to pay for your transfer will determine the processing speed. Typically paying by credit or debit card is your fastest option.
  • Receiving method. The form your intended recipient chooses to receive their funds will also affect the transfer time. You will find that a cash pickup can be done almost instantaneously.
  • Signing up to an account. If you are not already registered with a money transfer service, it can take time to apply for an account and provide the required supporting documents.

What do I need to look out for when sending cash quickly?

Fees for emergency transfers will vary among banks and money transfer services. Before you make your transfer, try to compare the following:

  • Exchange rates. Money transfer services make money by skewing exchange rates. You’ll want to look for a rate that’s as close to the mid-market rate as possible, but also keep an eye on transfer fees.
  • Transfer fees. Fees can range from flat fees of a few dollars to up to $80 or more, depending on how you’re sending it or picking it up.
  • Transfer options. Can your recipient accept a bank account transfer, or do they need to pick up cash right away?
  • Security. For emergencies, you’ll appreciate being able to track your transfer through to receipt.

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