Wise (TransferWise)
Online money transfer companies offer a secure way to send money across borders almost instantly — but a tighter time frame usually means higher fees.
A same-day money transfer allows you to send funds abroad that will arrive with your beneficiary within 24 hours. It’s the same as any other overseas money transfer, but quicker. Also, some providers are able to offer instant transfers.
However, fast transfers usually cost more than regular transfers thanks to high fees and poor exchange rates.
Three main ways exist to transfer money overseas on the same day:
Companies like OFX and Currencies Direct specialize in foreign currencies, making them some of the most cost-effective transfers. These services are found online and typically have no physical offices.
You’ll need to visit a provider’s site and initiate the transfer online using a debit card, credit card or bank account.
MoneyGram, Western Union and WorldRemit offer cash pickups. Your money can typically be available for pickup within 15 minutes at hundreds of thousands of locations around the world.
To use this option, visit your nearest agent location to start your transfer. The funds can then be collected by your recipient at a branch in their country of residence.
Major US banks make it possible to send international money transfers. However, while transfers within 24 hours are possible to select countries and currencies, funds sent to other destinations could take as long as five days to arrive.
Visit your local bank branch or the bank’s website to initiate a transfer, just be sure to check the processing time.
Most providers either charge a set fee or a percentage of your transaction. Not all will charge an extra fee for expedited same-day service. For example, OFX and Citibank don’t charge rush fees for same-day transfers.
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Yes. You can use your established PayPal account to send personal payments in minutes to friends and family abroad. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can set one up in minutes if you have online access to your bank statements. This is because PayPal deposits small amounts into your account, and you’re required to verify your account based on the deposits.
You’ll typically receive a weaker exchange rate and pay higher transfer fees with same-day transfers, so carefully review the full details of your transfer before you hand over any money. Be aware that some transfer providers — for example, your bank — will not always be able to offer a same-day transfer to your destinations.
Using a transfer provider that offers cash pickup is the most reliable way to send funds overseas almost instantly. But if you have a little extra time, you may be able to get a better deal by sending a bank-to-bank transfer. Be sure to compare money transfer services to find out more about which provider will work best for you.
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.
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Can you only use these companies to transfer internationally or can it be done to someone else in the US?
Hi Kelli,
Yes, you can also use the money transfer companies listed above for sending money within the US, except for WorldRemit as they only handle international money transfers.
If you are looking for options you can use for domestic money transfers, compare other services that send to the USA and find one that may be suitable for you.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse