One of the most convenient ways to receive an international money transfer is by cash.
WorldRemit International Money Transfers
Send money to more than 120 countries and enjoy a variety of transfer options when you send funds overseas with WorldRemit.
- Low fees and upfront exchange rates.
- Easy to use with around-the-lock help.
- Get your money to family and friends in minutes.
- A history of millions of transfers to more than 125 countries.
Compare international cash pickup money transfers
Use our comparison calculator to assess transfer fees, exchange rates and other details for sending funds overseas with our money transfer partners for cash pickup.
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With over 17 years of foreign exchange expertise and over $100 billion transferred, OFX can help with all your currency exchange needs, including:
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How does a cash transfer work?
The basic premise behind a cash transfer is quite simple. In a nutshell, you send money overseas to your friends or family who can then visit an agent or office to pick up the cash you send.
The best-known providers of this service are Western Union and MoneyGram. Western Union allows you to send money online or in person at more than 500,000 locations in over 200 countries. MoneyGram also offers online and in-person transfers to more than 200 countries, with some 350,000 agent locations around the globe.
Digital provider WorldRemit is another option for a cash pickup. It sends your money overseas that your recipient can then collect from a local bank branch.
Cash transfers are designed to be both secure and convenient, giving your recipient fast access to the cash you send. However, the costs involved in sending a cash transfer can be steep, so it’s a good idea to compare your range of options.
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Back to topHow do I compare cash transfer services?
Compare the following features when weighing the pros and cons of cash transfer companies:
- Exchange rates. Nearly all providers skew exchange rates for a profit. Compare the rate you’re offered to the mid-market rate — the rate banks and transfer services use when they trade among themselves — and look for the smallest margin between them.
- Fees. Does the provider charge a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer? Do the fees vary by method of payment? If you’re sending a large amount, will you qualify for a fee-free transfer?
- Pickup locations. How many agent locations are there in the area you’re planning to send money to? Make sure the location and operating hours are convenient for your recipient.
- Transfer speed. How long will it take for the money you send to be available for your recipient to collect? If you need to send an emergency transfer, can the cash be ready for pickup within minutes?
- Payment methods. Can you pay with cash, credit or debit cards or a bank account transfer?
- Transfer methods. Can you initiate the transfer online, by phone or with an agent? Does the provider offer an online app?
- Customer support. Most companies offer customer service by Internet chat, phone, in person or by email. Make sure help will be available if you need it.
What are the pros and cons of cash transfers?
Pros
- Cash transfers are fast. Cash pickups offer an incredibly quick way to send money overseas — some for pickup within minutes.
- Plenty of choice. Several trusted companies operate in the money transfer industry, giving you the freedom to shop around for a better deal.
- Safe and secure. Reliable providers like Western Union and MoneyGram can offer secure international transfers.
- Convenient. Picking up cash from a transfer agent makes it simple and convenient for your recipient to access the funds you send.
Cons
- Can be expensive. Cash pickup money transfers are typically more expensive and offer weaker exchange rates than bank account deposits.
What should I look out for?
- Transfer fees. You’ll often pay more for a cash pickup over a transfer deposited into your recipient’s bank account. Confirm all of the fees involved in cash pickups before handing over your cash.
- Weak exchange rates. Exchange rates on cash transfers can be weaker than those you’d receive from an online money transfer specialist — and even a small difference in rates can mean a lot less money received by friends and family. Compare the exchange rate you’re offered against the mid-market rate before making your decision.
- Untrustworthy providers. Compare reputable providers to find one that’s best for you.
- Picking up cash. In certain parts of the world, picking up cash from a transfer agent can expose you to the risk of theft.
What are some tips for picking up cash?
No matter where you are in the world, picking up cash from a transfer agent can be dangerous. Stay safe with these tips:
- Avoid unsafe areas. Find a location that’s safe and convenient.
- Call ahead. Confirm an agent’s location and business hours before visiting.
- Bring a friend. Carrying money alone can be dangerous. Ask a friend to come along.
- Deposit your money immediately. The likelihood of losing your money grows the longer you have it with you, so head straight to the bank after pickup.
- Keep your cash hidden. Openly carrying cash could make you a target. Put your money in a purse or wallet before leaving the office.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which cash transfer provider is right for me?
To choose the right provider, consider your specific transfer needs — including where you’re send your money and how you want to send it. Compare the transfer networks and branch locations offered by various providers as well as the payment methods and transfer options they offer.
Where can I send cash transfers to?
The list of countries you can send a transfer to will depend on the provider you choose. Each offers slightly different coverage; however, they usually provide a list to places they do not service. Countries commonly on this list include Iran, Iraq, North Korea and Myanmar (Burma).
Can I send instant cash transfers?
Yes, MoneyGram, Western Union and other providers can make the funds you send available for collection by your beneficiary within minutes.
How do I initiate an international money transfer?
Common ways to initiate an instant cash transfer are by visiting a branch or through a website. Some companies also allow you to send money over the phone or through a mobile app.
What if I don’t want to send a cash transfer?
If you’d rather transfer money to your recipient’s overseas bank account, you have plenty of online money transfer companies that can help, including Xoom, WorldRemit, World First, OFX, HiFX and Payza.
