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Take advantage of low fees and competitive exchange rates when sending money to Mexico.
Mexico and the United States have shared a neighborly bond for centuries, so sending money from the United States to Mexico shouldn’t be complicated and costly. Whether you are sending some Christmas cash to family in Oaxaca or investing in a startup in Mexico City. when you compare the transfer fees and exchange rates of the range of options available you can get the best deal.
Why we like: World First International Money Transfers
Most Convenient money transfers with excellent customer service. Send to 140+ currencies in 45 countries.
Special $0 fee offer for finder.com readers:
Because World First is a trusted partner of finder.com, you can send your money transfer overseas for free.
- Enjoy competitive exchange rates.
- Get even better exchange rates with forward contracts and limit orders.
- Receive weekly updates on market exchange rates.
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The best services for money transfers to Mexico
To help you narrow down the “best,” we sent live transfers to Mexico through 13 top providers to see who rose to the top in cost, trust, speed, convenience and user experience.
Compare these providers to find which fits your needs best when sending money to any of Mexico’s 31 states:
| Best for | Winner | Why we picked it | Good for | Go to site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank deposits | OFX | No fees and strong rates in 55 currencies make for easy transfers to banks worldwide. | Large transfers — from $150 to as much as you need | Go to site |
| Customer service | World First | Award-winning customer service is available 24/7 to answer questions or set up transfers. | Transfers of $1,000+ | Go to site |
| Cash & speed | WorldRemit | At speeds that often beat its own estimates, you can get cash to Mexico quickly for pickup or deposit. | Limits vary by country, but good for $500 or more | Go to site |
| Most locations | Western Union | It’s not the cheapest, but fast and effective for same-day pickup. | Cash & convenience – 24,900 agents in Mexico | Learn more |
| Convenience | Xoom | Intuitive site, allows for signup and sending in minutes with clear rates and fees. | Cash pickups in 15 minutes at 14,500 agent locations and deposits to all major banks | Learn more |
| Exchange rates | TransferWise | Offers the mid-market rate on transfers to 74 countries worldwide. | Supports 40 currencies | Go to site |
What to know when transferring money to Mexico
- Exchange rate. See how the rates offered by one provider stack up against those offered by competitors. Also, remember that some providers may offer a great exchange rate but also charge high fees.
- Fees. Most companies charge a transfer fee when you send money overseas. Learn exactly what that fee is for each complete transfer. Some providers waive this fee if you transfer more than a set amount.
- Transfer methods, options and times. Can you schedule transfers online, over the phone or through an agent? Will they accept payment with your bank account, credit card or debit card? Can you schedule payments ahead of time or take advantage of changing market rates with a forward contract? How long will it take each provider to transfer funds to your recipient?
- Minimum amounts. If you need to transfer small amounts of money, stay away from providers that impose a high minimum transfer limit.
- Customer service. Is help available when you have a question regarding a transaction? Compare the availability of customer support options and hours.
Foreign exchange rates explained
The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it will yield more money when exchanging it in a country with a weak currency. For example, in January 2018, the US dollar was worth approximately 19.12 Mexican pesos. Like most countries, Mexico’s exchange rate is flexible, which means they can change from moment to moment. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.Currency exchange rate for Mexico
Compare international money transfers to Mexico
Find the best provider for your transfer
Answer three quick questions and we’ll give you an instant recommendation for a money transfer service based on your needs.
Question 1 of 3
How much do you plan to send?
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Does your recipient have a bank account?
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When can they receive the money?
Based on your answers, check out:
WorldRemit International Money Transfers
Send money to 110+ countries for bank deposit, instant e-wallet, mobile top-up or cash pickup at 30,000+ agent locations worldwide. Your first transfer is free with the code FINDER.
- Low upfront fees and exchange rates.
- Easy to use with round-the-clock help.
- Get cash to family and friends in minutes.
TransferWise International Money Transfers
When you need to send money overseas, benefit from competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees with TransferWise.
- Fair service fees and mid-market rates — a major market differentiator.
- Next-day delivery to your loved ones and businesses.
- Trusted the world over, with five-star ratings on Trustpilot.
World First International Money Transfers
Special offer for finder.com readers Because World First is a trusted partner of finder.com, you can send your money transfer overseas for free. No fees: There are no online transfer fees for all finder.com readers.
- Enjoy competitive exchange rates.
- Take advantage of spot contracts, forward contracts and limit orders.
- Receive weekly updates on market exchange rates.
What are all the ways I can send money to Mexico
- Bank transfers. Most major U.S. banks will allow you to send money to Mexico. Click here to see a list of all the SWIFT codes for Mexican banks.
- Money transfer providers. Providers like Xoom and WorldRemit can help you quickly and easily transfer your money online.
- Transfer companies with cash pickup. Providers like Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria allow you to send funds that can be picked up from an agent location in Mexico.
- PayPal. Given its fees, PayPal is an option when sending smaller amounts to Mexico.
- Checks. Although not the quickest method, sending an international check is an option when you need to send money overseas. These can be obtained from your bank.
What 10 countries are sending the most money to Mexico?
In 2015, Mexico received nearly $24.8 billion in remittances from around the globe – making them fourth in line for countries who received the most remittances. The country who sent the most cash by a landslide was Mexico’s northern neighbor, the United States. Who else is sending money to Mexico besides the US?
| Country | Remittances in 2015 |
|---|---|
| United States | $24,323,000,000 |
| Canada | $127,000,000 |
| Spain | $81,000,000 |
| Guatemala | $27,000,000 |
| France | $21,000,000 |
| United Kingdom | $20,000,000 |
| Argentina | $19,000,000 |
| Germany | $17,000,000 |
| Bolivia | $14,000,000 |
| Italy | $13,000,000 |
Banks vs. money transfer providers
We use banks to take care of all our other financial needs, so surely we should use them when sending an international money transfer, right? Not necessarily. While major US banks offer money transfer services, they usually present less competitive exchange rates coupled with high transfer fees.
You can save money by using the services of a dedicated money transfer company. These providers specialize in handling overseas money transfers, offering attractive exchange rates and affordable fees. Meaning you save money — and your recipient ends up with more pesos in their pocket.
Maria sends money to Mexico
Maria studies and works in the US. She’s saved up a sizable amount of money she wants to send home to her family in Mexico. She approaches her bank about transferring $1,000, but she’s dismayed to discover that the bank’s exchange rate is not nearly as good as she’d hoped. Eager to save as much money as possible, Maria compares her bank’s exchange rate and transfer fees with those of a specialist money transfer company.| Major US bank | Money transfer service | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = 14.65 MXN | 1 USD = 15.85 MXN |
| Transfer fee | $15 | $5 |
| Transfer method | Bank account deposit | Bank account deposit |
| Transfer speed | 2 business days | 2–4 business days |
| MXN received | 14,650 MXN | 15,850 MXN |
Maria’s family could receive 1,200 extra pesos (about $75) if she used a money transfer company over her local bank. Not only that, but Maria would also save $10 on the transfer fee.
Tips for sending money to Mexico
Steps to send money to Mexico
- Register for an account. Supply the provider with your name, address, contact details, proof of ID and information about your selected payment method.
- Sending to who? Provide your recipient’s name and contact information.
- How much? Select the amount of money you’d like to transfer and complete your transaction.
- Confirm. Keep a record of any transaction reference number you receive so that you can review the progress of your transfer.
How do international money transfers work?
An international money transfer allows you to send money to a recipient overseas. Generally, it involves you providing funds to a bank or an independent transfer provider, which then sends the money to your recipient in another country — in this case, Mexico. This can be done in person or online. You can use cash or transfer funds from your bank account, which are then either deposited into your recipient’s bank account or made available as cash for them to pick up at a location in their country.
What the US proposal to tax remittances to Mexico could mean for money transfers
The US Congress recently submitted a bill that proposes a 2% tax on remittances to Latin American countries that include Mexico, Brazil, Honduras and El Salvador. Called the “Border Wall Funding Act of 2017,” the bill delivers on President Donald Trump’s January 2017 promise to move forward with building a border wall between the US and Mexico, the tax a significant key to funding this wall.
According to Mexico’s Central Bank, currency transfers to Mexico from friends and family in the US and overseas exceed the amount that Mexico earns from its oil exports — some $24.6 billion in remittances versus $23.2 billion in oil. On the heels of President Trump’s recent proposals, remittances to Mexico are expected to increase even further. Only time will reveal the full impact of these proposals. Until then, with dollars becoming yet more valuable to those in Mexico, online money transfer specialists are available to keep the financial channels open to your families back home.
- If you’re sending money to Mexico, it’s more important than ever to compare exchange rates and fees to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.
- If you’re using a bank or cash transfer service, consider switching to an independent provider so you can maximize the currency transfer your loved ones will receive.
Same-day cash transfers in Mexico
You might need to send an emergency cash transfer to Mexico — for example, if a relative traveling through the country loses their wallet. When you need to transfer funds urgently, review the exchange rate and transfer fee that will apply to your transaction. The fastest possible transfer option will usually charge more, so compare the details of your transaction before you commit.
Tips for picking up cash in Mexico
Whether you’re picking up cash in Mexico or any other country, take a safety-first approach. Use common sense, such as keeping your cash hidden and depositing it with your bank as soon as possible. Taking a friend along with you to collect the funds is also a good idea.
What is the daily and monthly limit for money transfer to Mexican banks using a company such as Transferwise, WorldFirst or OFX?
Hi Mex,
Thanks for your question.
Most banks don’t have a set limit how much you can receive per month. But to be sure, please get in touch with your local bank to inquire.
Cheers,
Anndy