Best international money transfer apps in Canada
It’s easy to send money overseas with these mobile apps.
Mobile money transfer apps make sending money internationally easy, but which app is the best? Depending on where you are sending to and how fast you need the money to arrive, you may find what you need in these highly-rated apps.
WorldRemit
With the WorldRemit app, you can send money to more than 150 countries for bank deposit, mobile airtime top-up and even cash pickup. WorldRemit has no minimum transfer amount, but its maximums vary depending on the destination country. Learn more about WorldRemit in our review before downloading the app to make sure its the right fit for you.
Features in the app
Live exchange rates | Set rate alerts | Track your transfer |
| Available on iPhone | Available on Android | Available in other languages |
Pros
- Cash pickup available
- No minimum transfer
- Large range of destinations
- Competitive exchange rates
- Funds can be received through mobile money
Cons
- Limit on how much you can send
- Fees change depending on the amount you transfer
- Not as many extra features as other money transfer apps
| Data from May 4, 2020 | Google Play | Apple Store | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2.8 | Not available | Average rating: 56% |
| # of reviews | 171 | Not available | Total reviews: 171 |
TransferWise
Send payments to friends, family and businesses in 30 countries with the TransferWise app. It includes a calculator you can use get exchange rates and fees for specific transfers and offers an easy way to upload a photo of any personal ID needed to get started with TransferWise.
Features in the app
Live exchange rates | Set rate alerts | Track your transfer |
| Available on iPhone | Available on Android | Available in other languages |
Pros
- No minimum transfer amount
- Uses the mid-market rate
- Transparent with fees
- Can pay with Apple Pay (although paying by card incurs higher fees)
Cons
- No cash pickup
- Not as many currencies as other providers
| Data from May 4, 2020 | Google Play | Apple Store | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.6 | Average rating: 88% |
| # of reviews | 78,769 | 2,200 | Total reviews: 80,969 |
Calculate your transfer with TransferWise
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
Western Union
Use Western Union’s Money Transfer app to transfer funds to more than 200 countries and territories around the world. You’ll also gain access to a map of worldwide agent locations and their directions and hours for cash pickups.
Features in the app
Live exchange rates | Set rate alerts | Track your transfer |
| Available on iPhone | Available on Android | Available in other languages |
Pros
- Almost-instant transfers to cash pickup
- Can pay with bank transfer, cash, card or Apple Pay
- Transfers to many currencies
Cons
- Less competitive exchange rates
- Transfer fees to some countries can be significant
| Data from May 4, 2020 | Google Play | Apple Store | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.6 | Average rating: 91% |
| # of reviews | 8,392 | 4,500 | Total reviews: 12,892 |
Calculate your transfer with Western Union
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
CurrencyFair
The CurrencyFair app lets you exchange money at a fairer exchange rate than what you’d find at the bank. With low fees and minimum transfer amounts, the app makes international money transfers convenient.
Features in the app
Live exchange rates | Set rate alerts | Track your transfer |
| Available on iPhone | Available on Android | Available in other languages |
Pros
- Low fees
- Minimum transfer amount is small ($5)
Cons
- Limited number of currencies
- Only bank-to-bank transfers
- App only available in English
| Data from May 4, 2020 | Google Play | Apple Store | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 | 4.6 | Average rating: 86% |
| # of reviews | 311 | 19 | Total reviews: 330 |
Calculate your transfer with CurrencyFair
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
OFX
With OFX’s mobile app, send money transfers of $1,000 or more to 195 countries worldwide. You can also use the app to register for an OFX account, monitor current and historical exchange rates, track your transfers and set rate alerts. Transactions are free, but OFX takes a slight margin on currency exchange rates.
Features in the app
Live exchange rates | Set rate alerts | Track your transfer |
| Available on iPhone | Available on Android | Available in other languages |
Pros
- Can monitor current and historical exchange rates
- Track your transfers
- Set rate alerts
- Free transactions
- Better exchange rates than banks
Cons
- Transfers must be above $250
- Doesn’t accept credit card or cash as payment
- App only available in English
| Data from May 4, 2020 | Google Play | Apple Store | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 | 4.8 | Average rating: 92% |
| # of reviews | 2,188 | 222 | Total reviews: 2,410 |
Calculate your transfer with OFX
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
How can I compare money transfer services?
A key factor in choosing an app is the service behind it. Compare these features before making your decision.
Exchange rates
Different providers will offer you different exchange rates. It’s generally not the one you’ll see on Google or XE, otherwise known as the mid-market rate. To make a profit, transfer services add on a margin to the exchange rate to cover their own fees. So a provider may have no fees, but a bad exchange rate – this is why it’s important to compare.
Fees
Providers charge fees in either flat rates, percentages or not at all. These fees can also change depending on what you’re sending and how you’re sending it. For example, larger transfers are generally cheaper, while money transfers using your credit card can incur higher fees.
Speed
Sometimes you need to get money to someone fast. Some providers specialize in cash pickup, which means your recipient can pick up the money you send almost instantly. This does come at a higher price, however. If you’re not too fussed with timing, most providers take anywhere between one to four days to deliver the money at a much lower fee.
Send money internationally with WorldRemit
An online money transfer service with cash pick-up, bank account to bank account and airtime transfers available.
- Use promo code 3FREE to send your first three transfers with no fee.
- Choose how you want to send your money - via bank transfer, cash pickup or mobile money
- Instant money transfers available
Next steps
If you want to up your money transfer game and send cash on the go, a money transfer app may be for you. Just be sure to compare the exchange rates, transfer fees and other details of money transfer specialists to ensure you get the best deal for your needs.
