Fastest ways to make a money transfer

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

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Filter Values	Fastest Transfer Speed	Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise (TransferWise) Finder Award		Within minutes	From 0.48%	Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
RemitBee		Within minutes	From $0	Continue View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Xe Money Transfers		Within minutes	$0	Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Instarem		Within minutes	From $0	Instarem offers zero transfer fees on all transfers.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Africhange		Within minutes	From $0	Send money in CAD to Africa on this blockchain and P2P powered provider.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
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.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
WorldRemit		Within minutes	From $0	Continue View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
MoneyGram		Within minutes	From $0	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
OFX Exclusive		24 hours	From $0	Finder exclusive: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee. T&Cs apply.	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 45+ currencies.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Xe Money Transfers		Within minutes	$0	Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Airwallex		Within an hour	$0 - $35	Get up to $500 in FX fees refunded for international money transfers sent within the first 3 months of opening a new account. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading

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How we picked these

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.

Read our review on WorldRemit

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.

Read our review on MoneyGram

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.

Read our review on RemitBee

Western Union

Read our review on Western Union

Finder survey: What is the most popular service for sending money overseas?

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

• How do I make an instant international money transfer?

  The quickest, near-instant way to send money internationally is by going with an online money transfer specialist, paying by debit or credit card and delivering via cash pickup.

• What is the fastest and safest way to send money?

  If you or a loved one needs emergency funds urgently, the fastest way to send money is to use an online money transfer service. Your quickest option would be to pay with your credit or debit card online and choose cash pickup at an agent location near you or your recipient. With most services, the money is available within an hour.

• Should I be suspicious of emails from friends asking for emergency cash?

  Beware of scams that involve an email from 'friends', often ones traveling abroad, who find themselves in trouble and need money wired immediately. Try to confirm the details of your email with other family and friends before sending money, and reference our detailed guide on money transfer scams for further help.

• Should I just send money using my bank account?

  No. Bank transfers typically take more time and cost more money. With a money transfer service you can send money internationally almost instantaneously.

• Can my recipient pick up their transfer in a different country than I sent it to?

  Due to security, most service providers don't allow for pickups in a different country. If your friends or family are no longer in the country you've intended to send your money to, cancel your transaction and resend it.

• Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?

  Depending on the emergency, you may be more comfortable sending more than needed. Most banks have a maximum amount that you can send per day. But if you opt to use a money transfer service, you will find that the maximum amount you can send will be higher, or even unlimited. Some money transfer services have a fee free threshold, which means that sending a larger amount could help you to avoid paying transfer fees altogether.

Written by

Zak Killermann

Publisher

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Zak Killermann was a technical publisher at Finder who specialized in currencies and investing. Zak’s expertise was in breaking down technical finance concepts into approachable, digestible nuggets of information. See full bio