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Compare instant money transfer services

Learn how to make instant money transfers and find the best services for fast cash transfers.

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WorldRemit

WorldRemit logo
  • No minimum transfers
  • Wide range of destinations
  • Competitive exchange rate

If you want to make a fast international money transfer, using instant money transfer services that offer cash pickup is the fastest option — but it’s not always the cheapest. Comparing instant cash transfer services can help you save on fees, leaving more cash in the hands of your recipient. Read on to discover if speed is really what you need or if another option might be best — for you and your wallet.

Compare and send an instant money transfer today

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.
1 - 14 of 14
Name Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
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.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
Currencies Direct
24 hours
$0
CurrenciesDirect makes transferring money abroad simple with bank-beating exchange rates. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
Currencies Direct (business)
24 hours
$0
Minimizes costs of international transactions and offers custom solutions for business clients. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
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.
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
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How can I send money abroad instantly?

The quickest way to send an international money transfer is with an instant cash transfer. These transfers allow you to send money that will then be available for collection as cash within as little as 20 seconds.

Some providers also offer the option of transferring funds directly to your recipient’s bank account, but these transactions take longer to complete.

Once you’ve chosen a money transfer service, it’s quick and easy to send an instant cash transfer. Although some providers allow you to pay for the transaction online, the most common transfer method is to pay cash in person at a transfer provider’s agent location.

The exact transfer process varies slightly from one company to the next but you will usually have to follow these steps:

  1. Visit your nearest cash transfer provider location.
  2. Make sure you have a valid form of photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) and enough cash to pay for the transaction.
  3. Fill out a form with all the details of your transaction, including your recipient’s full name and address and the currency they will collect the cash in. The name you give must exactly match the name on your recipient’s ID. Be sure to fill this up carefully, especially for money transfers abroad.
  4. Pay for the transaction and make note of the transaction reference number or PIN you are given.
  5. Contact your recipient and give them the PIN or transaction reference number.
  6. Your recipient can visit their nearest transfer provider location with photo ID and the reference number and can collect their cash.

Who are the three largest instant money transfer services?

WorldRemit logo
WorldRemit is an international transfer provider that offers instant transactions of up to $10,000 around the world. With a global base of more than 130 countries, WorldRemit offers fast transfer options, including:
  • Cash pickup. Money is available for collection instantly from WorldRemit agent locations around the world.
  • Bank deposit. Instant transfers are only available to selected banks in selected countries.
  • Airtime top-up. Mobile airtime top-ups are usually added instantly.
  • Mobile money. Funds are added to the recipient’s mobile money account instantly.

Read more in our WorldRemit review.

MoneyGram Logo
MoneyGram has an international money transfer network of more than 350,000 agents in over 200 countries, so it also provides significant global coverage when you need to send money overseas. You can send an instant cash transfer in a number of ways:
  • Cash pickup. Money is available at a MoneyGram location around the world.
  • Bank deposit. Be aware that transfer times may vary bank-by-bank.
  • Mobile wallet. Send your MoneyGram transfer to a mobile wallet and the funds are instantly available.

For both online and in person, you can only send up to $10,000 to most countries — though limits can vary. Read our MoneyGram review for more information.

WesternUnion Logo
Western Union has more than 550,000 cash pickup locations across 200 countries and territories, making it the world’s largest provider of international transfers. There are three ways to send a quick cash transfer with Western Union:
  • Send online. Transfer online using your credit or debit card.
  • Agent location. Send in person at a Western Union agent location by paying in cash or with a card.
  • By telephone. Send money over the phone by calling 1-800-CALL-CASH.

Read our Western Union review for information on transfers and rates.

How long will an international money transfer take?

Some money transfers are as quick as 20 seconds, other international cash transfer services could take up to 5 business days. How long your international money transfer takes could depend on your chosen provider, recipient’s country and the transfer amount.

How much does an instant money transfer cost?

The fees you’ll pay depend on the provider you’ve chosen. In general, there are three types of fees. First, there’s the transfer fee. This is often a flat fee charged by instant cash transfer services for sending your money. Next, there are exchange rate fees which could involve a slightly marked-up exchange rate. Lastly, you should keep an eye out for miscellaneous fees, like third-party fees charged by your recipient’s bank.

Instant money transfers are typically more expensive than standard money transfers — that’s because you’re paying a slight premium for quicker speeds. These transfers use special routes to help your recipient receive your cash as quickly as possible. Such routes are more costly for the transfer company to utilize, so a fraction of this cost is often passed on to customers. Compare the premium you’re paying for an instant transfer versus the urgency with which you need to send your money to decide if a particular provider offers you the best bang for your buck.

Frequently asked questions

Are instant money transfers safe?

Instant money transfers are safe if you are using a regulated online money transfer service. When in doubt, check your money transfer provider’s website for the proper certification before opening an account.

How can I check the progress of my transfer?

Most providers allow you to track your transfer through the account you make with them. Others go the extra mile to send you text or email updates. If you want urgent updates on your money transfer, get in touch with your money transfer service provider either through email or their hotline number.

Are instant transfers more expensive?

Certain money transfer providers offer this service at a premium compared to regular money transfer services — after all, you’re sending your money much quicker than with standard transfer methods. However, more other platforms tend to keep their costs low by offering competitive exchange rates.

Is there a limit amount for instant transfers?

That depends on your provider — but in general, larger transfers could take a longer time to process.

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 USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
Xe
Within minutes
From $0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
WorldRemit - 4free
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
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 40 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
CurrencyFair
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
CurrencyFair
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
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.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
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Zak Killermann was a technical publisher at Finder who specialized in currencies and investing. Zak’s expertise was in breaking down technical finance concepts into approachable, digestible nuggets of information. See full bio

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