Fastest ways to make a money transfer
If you have a loved one overseas who needs money within minutes, here are your best options.
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
- Select an online money transfer specialist. They’re faster and cheaper than banks.
- Pay by credit or debit card. These may come with extra fees, but the process will be quicker.
- 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
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 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.
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 at a glance
- Maximum transfer: Not specified
- Minimum transfer: $1
- Fastest transfer speed: within minutes
- Cash transfer fee: From $0
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 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 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.
Finder survey: What is the most popular service for sending money overseas?
Response | |
|---|---|
| Bank (ie: RBC, BMO, CIBC, etc.) | 26.03% |
| Western Union | 20.68% |
| Canada Post | 10.22% |
| Remitly | 6.81% |
| Wise | 6.33% |
| MoneyGram | 4.62% |
| Credit Union (ie: Meridian, Vancity, etc.) | 4.14% |
| Simplii Financial | 3.89% |
| WorldRemit | 3.65% |
| Cash advance | 2.19% |
| TransferWise | 2.19% |
| XE Money Transfers | 1.46% |
| Africhange | 0.97% |
| Instarem | 0.73% |
| PayPal | 0.73% |
| Other | 0.49% |
| Paypal | 0.49% |
| Bitcoin | 0.24% |
| CurrencyFair | 0.24% |
| Dunno | 0.24% |
| I don’t send any | 0.24% |
| Interact | 0.24% |
| Lemonade finance | 0.24% |
| N/A | 0.24% |
| NA | 0.24% |
| Not sure | 0.24% |
| Pay-pal | 0.24% |
| PayPal orXoom | 0.24% |
| Paypal. | 0.24% |
| Swiss Franc GMBH | 0.24% |
| Taptap | 0.24% |
| Third party | 0.24% |
| Wealth simple and funx | 0.24% |
| paypal | 0.24% |
| ria | 0.24% |
Source: Finder survey by Pollfish of 1013 Canadians, August 2023
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.
Frequently asked questions
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
-
Alternatives to TorFX
Looking for alternatives to TorFX for sending money abroad? Check out these reputable money transfer services.
-
How to pay off an overseas debt
Paying off an overseas debt with an international money transfer can lead to huge savings on fees and interest.
-
How to transfer large sums of money
Wondering how to send large sums of money overseas? Compare bank transfers, money transfer services, bitcoin and more.
-
What is a telegraphic transfer?
Find out how a telegraphic transfer (also known as a wire transfer) works, and compare alternative online money transfer services.
-
Apps like Remitly
Browse money transfer services like Remitly to see if you can send send money overseas faster and cheaper.
-
10 apps like Venmo in Canada
We compare 10 Venmo alternatives to help you find the mobile payment app that suits you.
-
4 Wise alternatives in Canada
Looking for a money transfer service like Wise? Check out these four Wise alternatives.
-
Best money transfer apps
Fast, affordable, safe and easy to use — these are the best money transfer apps in Canada.
-
How long does an international wire transfer take?
Ever wondered how long it takes for an international wire transfer to arrive in your recipient’s bank account? Find out here.
-
How to transfer money internationally from a bank account
From bank transfers to specialist money transfer companies, there are several options available when you need to transfer money overseas from your bank account.