Banks aren’t your only option when you need to send money overseas. In fact, you’ll often get better exchange rates, lower fees and more convenient transfer options with a money transfer app.
We’ve scoured the market to find the best money transfer app for you, whatever your transfer needs may be. Here are our top picks.
The products on this page are based on providers available through Finder and online in the Canadian money transfers marketplace. These services are not representative of the entire market.
When researching the best money transfer apps in Canada, we examined each provider’s app ratings and experiences, fees and rates, supported currencies, supported countries, transfer amounts, transfer speeds, payment methods, delivery methods, customer reviews, customer service options, special perks and rankings in Finder’s International Money Transfer Awards. No single money transfer app is best for everyone, so compare your options to find the right app for your needs.
Remitly won the award for Best International Money Transfer App in the 2023 Finder International Money Transfer Awards, so it's easy to see why it's our pick as the best easy-to-use money transfer app. It takes a few taps to set up a transfer in the app, and you can send money to over 170 countries. And if you ever need help with a transfer, 24/7 support is available. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Highly-rated app. The Remitly app has received hundreds of thousands of 5-star reviews from Apple and Android users in Canada and around the world.
Fast transfers. With express transfers available, you can get funds to your recipient within minutes.
Wide range of transfer methods. You can pay for your transfer by credit card, debit card or bank transfer. Your recipient can get the funds sent to their bank account, collect the cash in person, receive it in their mobile wallet or get cash delivered to their home.
Competitive exchange rates
Express transfer options available
Has an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 43,000 Trustpilot reviews
Low maximum transfer limits
No hedging tools
Rate markups vary between currencies
Transfer Amount
$1 – $999
Payout Method
Cash pickup location Bank account Mobile wallet Home delivery
Pay By Method
Credit card Debit card Bank transfer
Transfer Methods
Online Bank Account to Bank Account
Remitly app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
4.8/5 stars based on over 801,000 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.9/5 stars based on over 412,000 reviews
Other highly rated apps with easy-to-use money transfers
Wise: Get the mid-market rate and see the cost of your transfer upfront
If you're searching for competitive exchange rates and low fees, the Xe app is well worth downloading. It's quick and easy to check live rates on the app, and you can get an instant quote to check the full cost of your transfer. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Affordable transfers. It's simple to check live rates, see how your send rate compares to the mid-market rate and get an instant transfer quote.
Large transfer network. Xe lets you send money in 100+ currencies to 200+ countries.
Rate alerts. You can also set up rate alerts to ensure that you send money when the exchange rate you want becomes available.
Has earned an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 64,000 Trustpilot reviews
Supports a wide range of payment methods
Send to a bank account, mobile wallet or over 500,000 cash pickup locations
Transfers to bank accounts can take up to three business days
Transfer calculator on the Xe website shows the mid-market rate, not the rate you will get
You need to sign up for an account to get a quote
Transfer Amount
$1 – $750,000 online (no max offline)
Payout Method
Bank account
Pay By Method
Credit card Debit card Bank transfer
Transfer Methods
By phone call Through app Online
Xe app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
4.8/5 stars based on over 202,000 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.8/5 stars based on over 25,000 reviews
Other highly rated apps with cheap money transfers
Wise: Get the mid-market exchange rate on transfers
The Wise money transfer app lets you send money to 76 countries. You get the mid-market exchange rate on transfers, and with six payment methods available, you can easily send money wherever you want. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Payment methods. You can pay for your transfer by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Interac e-Transfer, online bill payment or direct debit (EFT).
Easy to use. Wise was named the best transfer service for beginners in the 2023 Finder International Money Transfer Awards.
Large transfer limit. You can send up to $1,500,000 per transfer with Wise.
No hidden fees
Simple and straightforward transfer process
Send money to over 76 countries
Has earned an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars from almost 200,000 Trustpilot reviews
No cash pickup transfers
Fees make your transfer more expensive
Doesn't support as many destinations as some other providers
Transfer Amount
$1 – $1,500,000
Payout Method
Bank account Alipay (China only)
Pay By Method
Credit card Debit card Bank transfer Interac e-Transfer Online bill payment Direct debit (EFT)
Transfer Methods
Through app Online
Wise app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
4.7/5 stars based on over 839,000 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.7/5 stars based on over 14,300 reviews
Other highly rated apps with flexible payment methods
MoneyGram: Supports credit card, debit card and cash
Western Union: Supports credit card, debit card, bank account transfer and cash
Best money transfer app for flexible delivery methods: WorldRemit
WorldRemit lets you send quick and easy money transfers to 130 countries in 70 different currencies. And with four transfer methods supported along with a host of different payment options, it's simple to get money wherever you need it to go. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Delivery methods. WorldRemit lets you send an airtime top-up to a prepaid mobile number, a bank transfer, a cash pickup transfer or mobile money to a registered mobile number.
Fast transfers. Cash pickup and mobile money transfers make it possible to get funds to your recipient within minutes.
24/7 support. If you need help with a transfer, WorldRemit offers 24/7 support in 6 languages.
Simple to send money via the app
No minimum transfer amount
Wide range of payment and payout methods
Has an average score of 4 out of 5 stars from over 84,000 Trustpilot reviews
Low maximum transfer limits
No currency hedging options
Fees vary depending on currency, payment method and type of transfer
Transfer Amount
$1 – $40,000
Payout Method
Cash pickup location Bank account Mobile wallet Home delivery Prepaid phone credit
Pay By Method
Credit card Debit card Bank transfer Apple Pay
Transfer Methods
Through app Online
WorldRemit app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
4.6/5 stars based on over 201,000 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.7/5 stars based on over 44,700 reviews
Other highly rated apps with flexible delivery methods
MoneyGram: Send a cash pickup transfer or send money to a bank account, debit card or mobile wallet
Western Union:Supports cash pickup, mobile wallet and bank transfers
If security is your number-one concern when sending an international transfer, we recommend checking out MoneyGram. It's quick and easy to log in and set up a transfer, and MoneyGram's transfer network means you can send funds just about anywhere. MoneyGram was also the winner of the Coverage category in the 2023 Finder International Money Transfer Awards. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Biometric login. This feature ensures that you have secure and fast access to your MoneyGram account.
24/7 monitoring. MoneyGram also provides 24/7 monitoring of online activity to protect its customers against fraud.
Huge network. MoneyGram lets you send money to over 200 countries and territories, and it boasts over 430,000 agent locations worldwide.
Over 430,000 cash pickup locations worldwide
Send money just about anywhere
Supports online, mobile and in-person transfers
Has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 37,000 Trustpilot reviews
Low maximum transfer limits
Watch out for high fees
No hedging tools to help you save money
Transfer Amount
$1 – $990
Payout Method
Cash pickup location Bank account Mobile wallet Home delivery
Pay By Method
Cash Credit card Debit card Bank transfer
Transfer Methods
In person Online
MoneyGram app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
4.5/5 stars based on over 63,300 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.8/5 stars based on over 26,100 reviews
Other highly rated safe money transfer apps
Western Union: Established provider that offers security features like multi-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption
Wise: Dedicated fraud team, two-factor authentication and real-time alerts
If you have the need for speed when you send an international money transfer, Remitly is the best money transfer app for you. It provides transfer options like cash pickup and mobile money transfer that lets you get money to your recipient within minutes, and its intuitive user interface means you can send money with just a few taps. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Award winner. Remitly won the award for Best International Money Transfer App in the 2023 Finder International Money Transfer Awards.
Delivery methods. Remitly supports bank transfers, debit card deposits, mobile money transfers, cash pickups and even home delivery, so it's possible to get money to your recipient very quickly.
Large transfer network. You can transfer money to over 170 countries and territories around the world.
Competitive exchange rates
Express transfer options available
Has an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 43,000 Trustpilot reviews
Low maximum transfer limits
No hedging tools
Rate markups vary between currencies
Transfer Amount
$1 – $999
Payout Method
Cash pickup location Bank account Mobile wallet Home delivery
Pay By Method
Credit card Debit card Bank transfer
Transfer Methods
Online Bank Account to Bank Account
Remitly app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
4.8/5 stars based on over 801,000 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.9/5 stars based on over 412,000 reviews
Other highly rated apps for instant money transfers
In the 2023 Finder International Money Transfer Awards, Xe was named the best transfer service to send money to India, the Philippines and the USA. This transfer app offers competitive rates when transferring Canadian dollars to rupees, pesos and US dollars, and it's simple to get an instant transfer quote once you open the app. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Competitive exchange rates. Xe consistently offers competitive rates on transfers to India, the Philippines and the USA.
Large transfer network. You can send money to 200+ countries and in 100+ currencies with Xe.
Payment options. You can pay for your transaction by bank or wire transfer, EFT, debit card, credit card, e-Transfer or bill payment.
Has earned an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 64,000 Trustpilot reviews
Supports a wide range of payment methods
Send to a bank account, mobile wallet or over 500,000 cash pickup locations
Transfers to bank accounts can take up to three business days
Transfer calculator on the Xe website shows the mid-market rate, not the rate you will get
You need to sign up for an account to get a quote
Transfer Amount
$1 – $750,000 online (no max offline)
Payout Method
Bank account
Pay By Method
Credit card Debit card Bank transfer
Transfer Methods
By phone call Through app Online
Xe app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
4.8/5 stars based on over 202,000 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.8/5 stars based on over 25,000 reviews
Other highly rated apps for sending money to India, Philippines or US
Remitbee:Competitive exchange rates on popular currencies
Established in 2001, OFX offers transfers to over 170+ countries. It also supports batch payments for businesses, accounting software integrations, and advanced transfer options like forward contracts and limit orders. And with no maximum transfer limit, it's perfect for large transfers. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Award winner. OFX was named the best international transfer service for features in the 2023 Finder International Money Transfer Awards. It also took home the win in the Business category.
Fee-free transfers. You won't pay any transfer fees when you send $10,000 or more.
24/7 support. If you need help with a transaction, OFX customer support is available 24/7.
No account fees
Easy-to-use online platform
Mobile app also available
Has earned an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 Trustpilot reviews
You can only send transfers to bank accounts
Fee applies when you transfer less than $10,000
Transfer Amount
$250 – Unlimited
Payout Method
Bank account
Pay By Method
Debit card Bank transfer
Transfer Methods
By phone call Through app Online
OFX app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
4.5/5 stars based on over 3,850 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.8/5 stars based on over 900 reviews
Other highly rated apps for large money transfers
Xe: Personal transfer limit of $560,000, zero fees on most international business payments
Wise: Get the mid-market rate and high transfer limits
Best money transfer app for currency options: Western Union
If you're searching for the best international money transfer app in terms of supported currencies, it's hard to go past Western Union. With the ability to transfer funds in 128 currencies via its user-friendly app, Western Union offers impressive global coverage. A wide range of supported payment and payout methods also makes it easy to move money around the world. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Huge transfer network. Western Union makes it easy to send money to over 200 countries and territories around the world.
Established provider. Western Union was founded in 1851, so it's a well-established name in the world of money transfers.
Transfer methods. Supports cash pickup, mobile wallet and bank transfers, so choose the option that's most convenient for you and your recipient.
Easy to use
Send money just about anywhere in the world
Wide range of payment and payout methods available
Rather send your transfer with a homegrown provider? RemitBee has got you covered. This Mississauga-based money transfer service charges low fees and lets you send money to over 80 countries worldwide. RemitBee also took home the Speed award in the 2023 Finder International Money Transfer Awards. Full Review
Why it's one of the best
Fee-free transfers. There are no fees on transfers of $500 or more.
Competitive exchange rates. We found that RemitBee's markup generally ranges from 0.0050% to 3%, with competitive rates to popular destinations such as India.
Transfer types. RemitBee supports bank transfers, mobile wallet transfers, mobile top-ups and cash pick-up transfers.
Wide range of payment and payout methods
Supports personal and business transfers
No fees when you send more than $500
Has scored an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 211 Trustpilot reviews
Higher markups on some currencies
You can't pay with a credit card
No advanced transfer tools
Transfer Amount
$10 – No limit
Payout Method
Cash pickup location Bank account Mobile wallet e-Wallet
Pay By Method
Debit card Bank transfer Interac e-Transfer Online bill payment Direct debit (EFT) Interac Online
Transfer Methods
Online
RemitBee app store reviews
Google Play app reviews
3.8/5 stars based on over 950 reviews
Apple App Store Canada app reviews
4.5/5 stars based on over 1,100 reviews
Best app for money transfers within Canada
If you’re searching for the best e-Transfer app to send money within Canada, you’ll find competitive offerings from all of the major banks. Banks give you the option to sign up for Interac e-Transfers, which allow you to send fast and safe money transfers. As long as you know your recipient’s phone number or email address that’s attached to their bank account, and as long as they have also signed up to receive e-Transfers), you can send money to them in seconds.
e-Transfers may be quick and convenient, but transaction limits apply. Your e-Transfer limit is set by your financial institution, but it’s typically around $2,000 to $3,000 per transaction.
So the best e-Transfer app is essentially the same as the best mobile banking app. Check out our guide to the best mobile banking apps for more information.
We’ve also included the app store user ratings for the mobile apps of the “Big Five” below:
RBC Mobile
Google Play: 3.8/5 stars based on 38,308 reviews.
Apple App Store: 4.8/5 stars based on 207,661 reviews.
Scotiabank Mobile Banking
Google Play: 4.6/5 stars based on 150,795 reviews.
Apple App Store: 4.7/5 stars based on 679,546 reviews.
TD Canada
Google Play: 3.9/5 stars based on 104,949 reviews.
Apple App Store: 4.5/5 stars based on 77,721 reviews.
BMO Canada
Google Play: 4.2/5 stars based on 78,471 reviews.
Apple App Store: 4.6/5 stars based on 110,478 reviews.
CIBC Mobile Banking
Google Play: 3.1/5 stars based on 42,347 reviews.
Apple App Store: 4.3/5 stars based on 19,985 reviews.
How do I find the best money transfer app?
Consider the following factors when you compare money transfer services:
Exchange rates
Mid-market rate. This is the “true” exchange rate between a pair of currencies (without any fees deducted for transfer services).
Exchange rate markup. Many transfer services add a margin on top of the mid-market rate when they convert your Canadian dollars to another currency.
Exchange rate vs fees. Pay attention to both fees and exchange rates. Some services offer $0 fees but charge a wide margin on the exchange rate.
Fees
Transfer fee. This could be a flat fee, a percentage fee or free.
Transfer amount. Percentage fees add up for large transfers. Some providers waive the fee on large transfers.
Payment method. Credit card payments can be expensive. Paying by bank transfer is often cheaper.
Receiving fee. Your recipient’s bank may charge a fee for receiving funds.
Currencies and countries
Supported currencies. Some apps support a handful of currencies, while others let you send money to just about any country around the world.
Receiving method. Not all receiving methods are available in all destinations — for example, a provider may only offer cash pickup or mobile wallet transfers in specific locations.
Speed
Financial network. Money typically passes through a complex network of intermediary banks to get to its destination. This impacts the speed of the transfer.
Transfer methods. Cash, debit and credit card transfers typically arrive quicker than bank wire transfers. Time of transfer. Your transfer may be delayed if you send on weekends or holidays.
Security
Encryption and account protection. Transfer services often use SSL certificates to encrypt user data and multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to accounts.
Customer reviews. Find out which money transfer apps are reputable by checking out real customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Customer support
In-app support. It’s typically easy to access live chat support through the transfer app.
Other support options. Check whether customer support is also available via phone and email, and during which hours you can expect a response.
Bottom line
To find the best international money transfer app, you need to compare fees, exchange rates, transfer options, speed and safety. Consider whether you’ll be sending small or large transfers, how often you need to send money, where you need to send it and which payment methods are the most convenient for you. To learn more about sending money overseas, check out our guide to international money transfers.
Frequently asked questions about the best money transfer apps
Some of the highest-rated money transfer apps for Android among users include Remitly, Xe and Wise. However, the best Android money transfer app for you will depend on where you need to send money, how you want to pay, and how your recipient will access the money you send.
Some of the highest-rated money transfer apps for iOS devices include Remitly, Xe, MoneyGram and OFX. However, you'll need to consider the supported currencies, payment and payout methods an app offers before deciding if it's right for you.
No, Zelle is not available in Canada. It is only available in the US.
If you need to send an international money transfer from Canada, apps such as Remitly, WorldRemit, Xe, OFX, MoneyGram, Western Union and RemitBee let you send money from your smartphone. If you're searching for an app you can use to make in-store and online payments, options include Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
There are several money transfer apps you can use to send an international money transfer from Canada. Some of the popular options include Remitly, Xe, WorldRemit, Western Union and MoneyGram. Search the app store for your device to find relevant money transfer apps.
Your list of destination countries depends on the money transfer service you're using. Some like Remitly, WorldRemit and Western Union support transfers to well over 100 countries, while other providers specialize in transfers to specific geographic regions.
International money transfers often take anywhere between minutes and several business days to process. The transfer speed ultimately depends on the financial network your transfer service uses to transmit funds, how you pay for the transaction and the type of transfer you're sending. Typically, bank wire transfers take the longest, while transfers funded by cash or debit can be processed almost instantly.
Money transfer service providers usually follow industry-standard practices for protecting customers' sensitive information and handling money securely. This includes data encryption, multi-factor authentication, 24/7 fraud monitoring and more. Banks and other financial institutions follow these types of security practices as well.
Additionally, money transfer services are required to comply with regulations established by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to prevent fraud and money laundering.
There are many international money transfer apps you can use to send money from Canada to the USA. Consider using the providers listed in this guide, or search the app store for your device to compare the available apps.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio
An international money order may not be the best option for sending money overseas. Learn more about money orders in Canada, and find out about other ways to transfer funds abroad.
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