Fastest ways to make an emergency money transfer

Money transfer services offer some of the fastest ways to transfer money 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.

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Compare the fastest international money transfers

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Name	Product		Filter Values	Fastest Transfer Speed	Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)	Learn More
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.		loading Fetching your data...
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.		loading Fetching your data...
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.		loading Fetching your data...
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 Fetching your data...
Ria				Within an hour	From $1.00	Go to site View details	Ria lets you send money to 130+ countries with cash pick-up at 240,000 locations.		loading Fetching your data...

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Three of the fastest services to transfer money

When there’s an emergency, getting money out as quickly as possible is key. These three service providers deliver the fastest money transfer services easily and safely.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is entirely online, meaning you can access it from the convenience of your computer or its app. It operates in more than 140 countries around the world with flexible transfer options from your bank account, credit card or debit card.

Your fastest option is mobile money (if available) or for cash pickup at a WorldRemit agent location.

Read our review on WorldRemit

MoneyGram

As the second-largest provider of international money transfers in the world, MoneyGram is one of the most trusted. Its extensive network of 350,000 agent locations has a presence in more than 200 countries.

With MoneyGram, sending funds can take minutes depending on local regulations and procedures. 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. Once the money is sent, it arrives for almost immediate cash pickup at locations worldwide. In some countries, you even have a mobile wallet option.

Read our review on MoneyGram

Western Union

Read our review on Western Union

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, compare:

• 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.
• 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.

Bottom line

Being robbed of your valuables, needing emergency medical treatment or missing your return flight home can be stressful. But having the ability to quickly receive funds or help loved ones far away can let off at least some of the pressure. If you have a little more time, however, compare your available options for international money transfers.

Compare fast money transfer services now

Frequently asked questions

• 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.

• What's the fastest way to receive emergency money?

  If you or a loved one needs emergency funds urgently, the fastest way is to pay with your credit or debit card online or with cash at an agent location 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 just send money using my bank account?

  No. Bank transfers typically take more time and cost more money. Learn our top reasons for why a money transfer service is better than your bank when moving money internationally.

• 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 your maximum will be higher — or unlimited — if you use an online money transfer service. Some money transfer services have fee-free thresholds. Which means that sending a larger amount could help you avoid paying transfer fees altogether.

• I just received an email from a friend who's traveling, in trouble and needs cash fast. Should I be suspicious?

  Yes. A typical wire transfer scam involves an email from “friends,” often ones traveling abroad, who find themselves in trouble and need money wired immediately. Other scams claim that you’ve won a prize or the lottery, but that you need to first pay a fee to receive it. When in doubt, slow down. 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. If you confirm a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or ftc.gov/complaint.