In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Product details
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Your reviews
  • Ask a question
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Sendwave

Sendwave isn't available on Finder right now.

Minimum Transfer Amount
CAD$1
Fastest Transfer Speed
Within an hour
Receiving Options
Bank account

Our verdict

A fee-free way to send money to select African and Asian countries.

If you need to transfer money to Africa and Asia, Sendwave is a decent option but you'll need to find another option to send anywhere else. That said, transfers start from as little as $1 and the mobile app makes it even easier to transfer on the go.

While transfers can only be sent through the app and not the website, recipients can receive funds through a bank account, mobile wallet or cashpickup. Delivery is quick and almost instant in some cases while cash pickups and bank transfers will take longer. And your only option for depositing money into a Sendwave account is with debit cards. Credit card or PayPal payments are not supported.

Pros

  • Send money on the go
  • Easy signup
  • Low minimum transfer limit
  • Quick transfers

Cons

  • Limited sending destinations
  • Limited payment options
  • Only for mobile

In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Product details
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Your reviews
  • Ask a question

Details

Product details

Product Name Sendwave
Pay By Bank transfer
Receiving Options Bank account
Customer Service Phone, Email
Available Currencies CAD, EUR, GBP, GHS, KES, NGN, TZS, UGX, USD

Why should I use Sendwave?

  • Send money on the go.
    Manage all of your Sendwave money transfers through the Sendwave app, at home or on the go.
  • Easy signup.
    To get started all you need to submit is your name, email and phone number.
  • Low minimum transfer limit.
    Transfer as little as $1 to most destinations.
  • Quick transfers.
    Transfers are nearly instantaneous, according to Sendwave.

What should I watch out for?

  • Limited sending destinations.
    Sendwave is only available for transfers to a handful of countries in Africa and Asia.
  • Limited payment options.
    Sendwave only accepts payment by debit card when sending from Canada.
  • Only for mobile.
    Sendwave transfers must be sent through your phone, transfers cannot be sent through the Sendwave website.

How does Sendwave work?

Sendwave lets you send money from a debit card to select Asian and African countries abroad, from South Africa to India. You sign up for the app, enter sending and payment details and then send money at your leisure.

Sendwave doesn’t charge transfer fees for most destinations. Instead, it makes money by offering you rates slightly worse than the mid-market rate when you exchange currency.

Keep in mind that other big players in Canada like Western Union and MoneyGram make money on both exchange rate markups and fees that can be higher for specific types of transactions, like paying with your debit card. With Sendwave, you cut out the fee altogether and only have to worry about the exchange rate.

What are Sendwave’s fees and exchange rates?

When you make an international money transfer with Sendwave in Canada, you typically enjoy fee-free transfers to most destinations in Asia and Africa — including Hong Kong, Indonesia and Kenya. Do note that some locations, like Liberia and Senegal, are subject to transfer fees.

Depending on your recipient’s currency, you’ll see a spread on the mid-market rate that could range from 1-5%.

What would your Sendwave transfer look like?

Use the table below to find out more details about what making a money transfer with OFX looks like. Click the Go to site button to visit OFX’s site and get a quote for your transfer.

Name Product CAFMT Offer Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Sendwave
Within an hour
$1
Sendwave is a fee-free way to send money to Africa in about 30 seconds.
loading

What are Sendwave’s payment options?

Sendwave allows transfers from Canada to mobile wallets like M-Pesa, MTN and Airtel, bank accounts and cash pickup locations. Delivery methods depend on the country you are sending to, and include:

Mobile wallets

  • Bangladesh
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Senegal
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda

Bank accounts

  • Bangladesh
  • Kenya
  • Uganda
  • Sri Lanka

Cash pickup locations

  • Nigeria
  • Senegal

How to create an account with Sendwave

To send money abroad with Sendwave in Canada, you first need to register an account. It’s quick and easy to do — just complete the following steps:

How to make an international money transfer with Sendwave

Once your account is set up you can send a transfer in Canada. Enter your recipient’s name and phone number, input the chosen currency and amount, and send your money over.

Sendwave money transfer banner with cellphones

What are Sendwave’s payment options?

When sending from Canada, debit cards are the only accepted form of payment for Sendwave transfers. Sendwave says it doesn’t accept credit card or PayPal payments in order to keep costs down.

How long does a transfer with Sendwave take?

Sendwave money transfers in Canada are typically delivered within 30 seconds to your recipient’s mobile wallet.

In other cases, money transfers could take a couple of minutes to be fully processed.

Transfers can take longer if you’re sending money for cash pickup, so double-check delivery speeds before sending if time is crucial.

Transfers typically takeClock icon for transfer speed

Within an hour

Is Sendwave safe to use?

Sendwave is a licensed money transmitter in every country it operates in. It encrypts transactions through a 128-bit connection and doesn’t store your personal or financial info in its databases. Additionally, Sendwave doesn’t hold any of your money in its own bank accounts, all money is instantly moved to your recipient. It is therefore typically considered safe to use.

How does Sendwave compare to other services?

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.
Name Product CAFMT Offer Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise (TransferWise)
24 hours
From 0.43%
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.
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.
Xe Money Transfers
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
loading

Want to compare Sendwave with other services side-by-side?

Bottom line

Sendwave is a simple way to get money to Asian and African countries not often served by other money transfer services. It charges no fees to transfer funds directly to mobile money accounts – and it’s as easy as sending a text. Combine Sendwave with other money transfer services in Canada to find the best option for you.

Frequently asked questions

What are Sendwave's sending limits?

Sendwave's sending limits for new customers in Canada start out at:

  • $999 per day.
  • $2,999 per month.

If you verify your account with Sendwave using a government-issued ID, limits can be raised to:

  • $2,999 per day.
  • $12,000 per month.

Additionally, due to Thailand's domestic regulations, you can only send up to 50,000 THB at a time per transfer.

What currencies can I send with Sendwave?

When sending from Canada, Sendwave supports transfers to a growing number of destinations. Supported countries and associated currencies include:

  • Bangladesh (BDT)
  • Ghana (GHS)
  • Kenya (KES)
  • Nigeria (USD)
  • Senegal (CFA/XOF)
  • Sri Lanka (LKR)
  • Tanzania (TSH)
  • Uganda (UGX)

Does Sendwave have a mobile app?

Yes, money transfers through Sendwave are mainly done via its mobile app.

Sendwave App Screenshot

Sendwave's app is available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app makes it possible to:

  • Signup in minutes. Creating your account typically takes only a few minutes using an email and phone number.
  • Track orders. Get real-time status updates on your transfer so you'll know exactly when it will arrive.
  • Send money on the go. Sending money through Sendwave is as easy as sending a text message.
Ratings accurate as of June 2022
Google Play Store4.5 out of 5 – based on 27,831 customer ratings
Apple App Store4.6 out of 5 – based on 10,580 customer ratings

How do I track my Sendwave transfer?

Once the recipient receives your transfer, Sendwave emails you confirmation to track your money transfer. Also, you'll see your transfer marked Funds Delivered in the app's transaction tab. If the transaction runs into any issues Sendwave will contact you to sort it out.

Can I cancel a Sendwave transaction?

Yes, as long as the funds haven't been delivered yet. Because Sendwave sends fast transactions, canceling may be difficult even if you do it immediately after sending. To cancel, select the transaction in the Sendwave app and choose Cancel.

How do I contact Sendwave's customer support?

Customer support information can be found in the Sendwave app. The app also allows you to call or text customer support, whichever is easier for you.

Your reviews

No reviews yet. Write a review

Ask a question

Ask a question
Avatar

Zak Finder

Publisher

Hi there, looking for more information? Ask us a question.

Error label

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked
Accept and continue

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy and Privacy and Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Go to site