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Cheapest ways to send money internationally

Need to send money overseas? Compare different international money transfer services to find the best one for you.

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WorldRemit

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Zak Killermann
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Without a doubt, some money transfer services are cheaper than others. We used our 14+ years of money sending experience combined with data from the World Bank Group to determine the cheapest ways to send money internationally.

Spoiler alert: It’s not your bank.

What is the cheapest way to send money internationally?

The costs to send money varies based on sending amount, destination and more. We compared sending $5,000 from the US to Mexico and found that the cheapest ways to send money were:

1. Digital money transfers

These specialists offer more affordable transfers than banks, allowing you to manage your transactions from home. In our experience, digital money transfer services are typically the cheapest way to send money internationally.

Cheapest digital transfer services:

2. Send money for cash pickup

Cash transfers can get money to your recipient fast — sometimes within minutes. You can often pay online or at one of the thousands of agent locations worldwide.

Cheapest cash transfer services:

3. PayPal transfers

PayPal offers transfers to more than 100 countries and supports multiple currencies. Its exchange rates are often better than those you’ll get from a bank but not quite as strong as rates offered by money transfer companies. PayPal calculates its transfer fee as a percentage of the amount you’re sending — meaning it’s often better for sending smaller amounts of money.

Compare some of the cheapest ways to send money internationally

Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
Data updated regularly
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer) Learn More
OFX
OFX
24 hours
$0
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OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
CurrencyTransfer
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
SPECIAL OFFER ✓ Minimum transfer of $1,000 for Finder readers (normally £5,000)
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Exclusive: Minimum transfer of $1,000 for Finder readers (normally $5,000).
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
Dunbridge Financial
Dunbridge Financial
24 hours
$10
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Dunbridge Financial offers diverse transfer options to more than 120 countries.
XE
XE
Within minutes
$3
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XE has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
Wise (TransferWise)
Wise (TransferWise)
Within an hour
From $2.26
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Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Remitly
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
SPECIAL OFFER ✓ Free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers
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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.
WorldRemit
WorldRemit
Within an hour
From $1.99
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WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
Western Union
Western Union
Within an hour
From $0
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Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries around the world.
MoneyGram
MoneyGram
Within an hour
From $0
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MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
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Bottom line

Although it can be tempting to use a bank for an international money transfer convenience over price, it’s usually the most expensive option. When comparing services, pay attention to fees and exchange rates that can quickly eat into your transfer.

Still not sure about your best way to cheaply send money? Use our hand-picked list of money transfer services to help make your decision.

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