Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

Cheapest ways to send money internationally

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

Promoted

WorldRemit

WorldRemit logo
  • Use promo code FREE to get a free transfer
  • Competitive rates and fees
  • Get cash to family and friends in minutes
Go to site
Avatar
Zak Killermann
Updated . What changed?
Fact checked

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
Go to site

View details
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Dunbridge Financial
Dunbridge Financial
24 hours
$0
Go to site

View details
Dunbridge Financial offers diverse transfer options to more than 120 countries.
CurrencyTransfer
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
SPECIAL OFFER ✓ Minimum transfer of $1,000 for Finder readers (normally £5,000)
Go to site

View details
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.
XE
XE
Within minutes
$3
Go to site

View details
XE has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
WorldRemit
WorldRemit
Within an hour
From $1.99
Go to site

View details
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
Wise (TransferWise)
Wise (TransferWise)
Within an hour
From $2.26
Go to site

View details
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Instarem
Instarem
Within an hour
$1
Go to site

View details
Exclusive: Use code GET60 and save $30 on each transaction over $200. Valid for the first two transactions and till 31st July 2021. T&Cs apply.
Instarem offers zero transfer fees on all transfers.
Remitly
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
SPECIAL OFFER ✓ Free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers
Go to site

View details
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.
Western Union
Western Union
Within an hour
From $0
Go to site

View details
Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries around the world.
MoneyGram
MoneyGram
Within an hour
From $0
Go to site

View details
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

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.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

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

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site