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Find the best way to send money to Ukraine

Learn how to send money to Ukraine from the US in our step-by-step guide.

Must read: Russia-Ukraine war

Russian sanctions

On February 27, 2022 the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation issued a warning that the provision of any assistance to a foreign state, including money transfers, during its military operation in Ukraine will be regarded as treason under Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The punishment for this crime is up to 20 years imprisonment.

This means that, at the time of writing, a money transfer from a Russian national to any Ukrainian legal body or Ukrainian person will be considered high treason punishable with up to 20 years of jail time.

National Bank of Ukraine measures

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine has adopted a resolution in connection with the declaration of martial law. These measures will affect anyone looking to send money from Ukraine to other countries. Measures include the following:
  • A moratorium has been introduced on cross-border foreign currency payments - this is a temporary suspension of international money transfer activity.
  • Cash releases in foreign currency have been prohibited.
  • Banks issuing e-money are to suspend the issuance of e-money, replenishing e-wallets with e-money and e-money distribution - this is likely referring to fiat currencies held in digital accounts through platforms like Venmo or PayPal.
  • The foreign exchange market has been suspended, with the official exchange rate fixed as of February 24, 2022.
  • Cash withdrawals from banks accounts have been limited to UAH 100,000 per day (excluding salary and social benefits).

Given the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it is currently challenging to send money to family, friends or businesses in the country. However, it isn't impossible. Several international money transfer companies and banks are still supporting transfers to Ukraine, with some even temporarily waiving their money transfer fees in order to support the people of Ukraine. Here you can learn more about what money transfer options are at your disposal, as well as compare transfer speeds and any fees attached to sending funds.

Looking for the best way to send money from the United States to family, friends or businesses in Ukraine (or even to your own overseas bank account)?

Don't head straight to your American bank – compare specialist money transfer services instead. They nearly always offer better UAH exchange rates and lower fees, so for the same amount of US dollars you send, your recipient will receive more hryvnias.

Of the companies we've compared, Western Union is among the cheapest, with competitive exchange rates and fees starting from $0. Need a really fast transfer? Western Union can get money to your recipient in Ukraine within minutes.

Best ways to send money to Ukraine from the US

The best way to send money to Ukraine depends on your payment method, how you want your money to be received and how fast you need it to arrive.
  • Online money transfer provider. When buying US dollars or hryvnias money transfer specialists typically offer better rates and cheaper fees than a local bank.
  • Bank transfer. Bank transfers are an easy way to send money to Ukraine but they charge extra for the convenience and are often slower than other methods. US banks generally add a 3% to 6% markup onto exchange rates.
  • Cash pickup. If you need your money to arrive fast, cash pickup gives your recipient instant access to the money you've sent when they collect it from their agent location in Ukraine.
  • Mobile wallet. Essentially an electronic wallet service, mobile wallets allow users to store, send and receive eligible currencies using their phone, often with fees attached.
  • Home delivery. If your recipient may struggle to get to a cash pickup location, you may be able to opt for door-to-door cash delivery.

Compare the best money transfer companies to send money to Ukraine

Use our table to compare the best money transfer companies to send money to Ukraine. You can compare deposit and receiving options, fees and transfer speeds, then click the "Go to site" button when you've found the best one to get your money to Ukraine.
1 - 4 of 4
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Western Union
Within minutes
From $0
Enjoy $0 fee on your first online transfer. Western Union makes money from currency exchange. Not valid on credit cards or sends to Cuba.
Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries and territories around the world.
Airwallex
Airwallex
Within minutes
$0
After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion.
Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
First online transfer is free.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
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Cheapest way to send money to Ukraine

Bank transfers are typically the cheapest way to get your money to Ukraine. Western Union and MoneyGram have some of the lowest bank transfer fees of the brands we've compared.

When you're hunting down the cheapest ways to send money to Ukraine, it's more important to look at the overall cost of your transfer. This has a couple of elements:

  • Transfer fees. While still cheaper than your American bank, some money transfer services charge either a fixed or percentage-based fee for making your transfer.
  • Exchange rates. Another way money transfer providers make money is to add a margin to the mid-market USD/UAH exchange rate.

Some providers may charge the mid-market rate but add fees on top. Others may have very low fees but apply a markup on the exchange rate. This means it is important to compare exactly how many hryvnias your recipient will end up with.

Fastest way to send money to Ukraine

Many online providers can offer transfers to Ukraine within minutes, although you're likely to pay a premium for the convenience.

Here are some of the fastest average transfer speeds to Ukraine:
  • Western Union — within minutes
  • Wise (TransferWise) — within minutes
  • MoneyGram — within minutes

Actual transfer times from the United States to Ukraine can depend on several different factors including transfer amount, payment method and currency.

Safest way to send money to Ukraine

The safest way to get your money to Ukraine is to use a provider registered with the United States's industry regulator, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. All of the companies we've compared in our table are overseen by a local regulator and comply with the relevant laws and regulations in both the United States and Ukraine.

A great way to dive deeper is by reading our extended reviews of each transfer service and researching first-hand customer feedback on Trustpilot and similar platforms.

Large money transfers to Ukraine

If you need to make a sizable money transfer to Ukraine, consider using a provider such as to benefit from its expertise in handling larger transfer amounts.

Using a large transfer specialist can have the following advantages:
  • Tax guidance. Large transfers to Ukraine may have tax implications for you or your recipient. A transfer specialist can help get you up to speed on IRS's latest advice.
  • Foreign exchange (forex) tools. Advanced tools such as forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders can help you lock in the UAH exchange rate you want.
  • Account manager. Some money transfer providers assign a personal account manager who can help and advise you on your transfer needs.
  • Phone service. If you want to talk your transfer through with someone, providers such as Western Union and Airwallex can give you support over the phone.

How to send money to Ukraine from the US

To send money to Ukraine, you'll need the necessary documentation, your recipient's details and a way to pay.

  1. Compare your options.
    Use our table to find a money transfer provider that sends funds to Ukraine. One may be better for cash pickups while another may suit a bank transfer. Once you've found the best one for your requirements, click "Go to site".
  2. Create an account.
    You'll need to give your name, address, contact details, proof of ID and method of payment.
  3. Provide your recipient's details.
    Enter your recipient's name and contact information. If you're sending straight to their Ukrainian bank account, you'll need the account number, SWIFT or IBAN plus their bank branch's address.
  4. Enter your transfer amount.
    Check you're happy with the fees, exchange rates and transfer speed, then enter the amount you wish to send. Double-check the total hryvnias your recipient gets.
  5. Complete your transfer.
    Send your money transfer to Ukraine. Keep your transaction reference number safe so you can track your transfer. Your recipient may need it too.

How to choose the best money transfer companies to send money to Ukraine

When choosing a money transfer provider to send money from the United States to Ukraine, it's important to consider the cost, how you want your recipient to receive the funds and the turnaround time. Here are other features to review:

  • Exchange rates. Banks and transfer services use the mid-market rate to trade with one another. It is the best rate you can get. However, not all money transfer providers offer you this mid-market rate so compare the UAH you're offered to the mid-market rate and look for the smallest difference.
  • Transfer fees. Are you being charged a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer amount? For example, a provider offering to transfer your money to Ukraine for a flat or low fee might work out better if you plan to send a large amount.
  • Transfer type. Does your recipient have a Ukrainian bank account or is cash or cell phone top-up a better option? Each transfer type will have different fees. For example, instant cash pickups tend to be more expensive than bank transfers.
  • Transfer speed. If you need your transfer to arrive quickly, you can pay for an express delivery. Companies such as MoneyGram offer instant cash pickups but may charge more. If you're not in a rush, online money transfer services offer the best value and get your money to Ukraine faster and cheaper than banks.
  • Transfer limits. Find out how much you can send with each service. For example, MoneyGram has a transfer limit of $25,000 while Wise (TransferWise) allows transfers up to $20,000,000.
  • Discounts. Some providers may offer you a free transfer simply for signing up. Others may offer a discount if you transfer more than a specific amount of hryvnias.

Frequently asked questions

Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.

Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
PayPal (business)
Within minutes
$0
Provides business solutions for small business owners in over 24 currencies worldwide. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers Business
Within minutes
From $8.16
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 20 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
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.
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.
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.
PayPal
Within minutes
From $0
Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
First online transfer is free.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    MichaelMay 29, 2019

    Can I transfer the money to Ukraine (Kiev) to their Relay Phone?

      AvatarFinder
      JhezMay 30, 2019Finder

      Hello Michael,

      Thank you for your comment.

      If you are referring to a Phone Relay Service, you must get in touch with the support team of a certain money transfer company that you will use to send money. They should be able to help you with the transfer process.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

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