8 Western Union alternatives for sending money

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Western Union is a global brand with physical locations and cash pickup hubs in more than 200 countries, but its high fees and weak exchange rates may be driving you to seek out alternative options. Finding better exchange rates may be what brought you here, but these competitors have even more to offer than that.

We’ve listed out some of the more popular alternatives and highlighted what features they have that Western Union doesn’t.

PROMOTED

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Read review

Xe offers individual transfers in addition to its business account services, so you can use it for more than just sending money to friends and family abroad.

Pros

Low transfer fees

Max transfer is $500,000 per transaction

Support for over 55 currencies
Cons

They don't offer the mid-market rate

No credit card payments allowed for international transfers

Pay By	Credit card, Debit card, Bank transfer, Wire transfer
Receiving Options	Cash pickup location, Bank account
Available Currencies	AED, ALL, AMD, ARS, AUD, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BND, BOB, BSD, BTN, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, KZT, LKR, LSL, MAD, MGA, MKD, MUR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SBD, SEK, SGD, SRD, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UGX, VND, VUV, WST, XCD, XPF, ZAR

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PROMOTED

OFX

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Read review

OFX typically beats out Western Union with its fee-less transfers. You can also send a lot more money in one transaction with OFX.

Pros

Zero transfer fees

No maximum transfer limit

Exchange rates typically get better with larger transactions

Pay &amp

get paid with a global account
Cons

Must verify your identity for new accounts by phone

Can only send and receive from bank accounts

High minimum transfer amount of $1,000

Doesn't use the mid-market rate

Pay By	Bank transfer
Receiving Options	Bank account
Available Currencies	AUD, AZN, BGN, BHD, BND, CAD, DKK, EGP, EUR, FJD, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, KRW, KWD, LKR, MAD, MGA, MYR, NOK, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, THB, TOP, TRY, TWD, TZS, USD, VND, VUV, WST, XOF, XPF

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PROMOTED

Wise (TransferWise)

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Wise uses a peer-to-peer exchange system that allows you to exchange your funds with others seeking to convert their money to your currency.

Pros

Straightforward fees

Offers mid-market exchange rates

Maximum transfer of $1,000,000
Cons

High fees can offset the benefits of mid-market exchange rates

Only allows transfer to bank accounts

Requires a Social Security number (SSN) in the US to send money

Pay By	Credit card, Debit card, Bank transfer, SWIFT, Wire transfer, iDeal, Trustly, SOFORT, POLi, Educational transfers from BRL, PayPal
Receiving Options	Bank account, Alipay (China only), Amazon, Stripe, Upwork, Etsy, GOAT
Available Currencies	AED, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BYN, BZD, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, FKP, GBP, GEL, GGP, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, IMP, INR, ISK, JEP, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MMK, MNT, MOP, MRU, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SHP, SLL, SRD, SVC, SZL, THB, TJS, TMT, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, XPF, ZAR, ZMW

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Read review

PROMOTED

CurrencyTransfer

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CurrencyTransfer services fewer countries than Western Union, but it's best-price guarantee and zero fees make it a serious competitor.

Pros

Stronger exchange rates

No money transfer fees, no matter how much or little you are sending

Can send to more than one beneficiary using a single, guaranteed rate
Cons

Limited global reach

Limited sending and receiving options, typically restricted to bank-to-bank transfers

Transfers only go through Monday to Friday

May require proof of ID when signing up

Pay By	Bank transfer
Receiving Options	Bank account
Available Currencies	AED, AUD, BGN, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, MUR, MXN, NOK, NZD, PLN, QAR, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR

Go to site

PROMOTED

WorldRemit

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WorldRemit supports a large number of countries, currencies, payment and transfer options.

Pros

Flexible payment options

Quick transfer options

Transfer to mobile wallet accounts
Cons

Small daily maximum transfer amount of $9,000

Mobile airtime, cash pickups and door-to-door transfer not available in every country

Pay By	Credit card, Debit card, Bank transfer, Apple Pay
Receiving Options	Cash pickup location, Bank account, Mobile wallet, Home delivery, Prepaid phone credit
Available Currencies	AED, ALL, ARS, AUD, BDT, BIF, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, DOP, EGP, ETB, FJD, GBP, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HNL, IDR, INR, JMD, KES, KHR, LAK, LKR, MAD, MGA, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NGN, NPR, NZD, PEN, PHP, PKR, PYG, RWF, SGD, SRD, THB, TND, TRY, TZS, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, SLE

Read review

PROMOTED

MoneyGram

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Like Western Union, MoneyGram has a large global reach and may offer cheaper fees depending on your sending destination.

Pros

Pairs with Walmart for same-day in-store transfer service

Over 40,000 locations in the US

Fees can be reduced depending on payment type and transfer destination
Cons

Maximum online transfer amount of $10,000, although it can be lower for other currencies

Local exchange rates vary by transfer destination

Pay By	Cash, Credit card, Debit card, Bank transfer
Receiving Options	Cash pickup location, Bank account, Mobile wallet, Home delivery, FastSend, Debit card
Available Currencies	AED, AFN, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BYN, BZD, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, EGP, ERN, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, IQD, ISK, JEP, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, LYD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MMK, MNT, MRU, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RSD, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SDG, SEK, SGD, SRD, STN, SZL, THB, TMT, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VES, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, YER, ZAR, ZMW, SSP, SLE

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Read review

PROMOTED

Instarem

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Instarem is one of very few money transfer services to offer the mid-market currency exchange rate for some of its transfers during certain trading hours. It also offers a straightforward fee schedule to make calculating costs a breeze.

Pros

Transparent fees

Same-day transfers for most supported currencies

Loyalty points system that can be redeemed against transactions

Send money to over a dozen Filipino e-wallets
Cons

Transfers must be sent to a bank account outside of Philippines

Fewer supported currencies than many competitors

Pay By	Credit card, Debit card, Bank transfer, Wire transfer, ACH/Direct Debit
Receiving Options	Cash pickup location, Bank account, Mobile wallet, Alipay (China only)
Available Currencies	AUD, EUR, GBP, HKD, INR, MYR, SGD, USD

Go to site

Xoom

Xoom is a PayPal service and is one of the few money transfer services in the industry to back its transfer times with a money-back guarantee. This is useful when you need the money to get there by a certain time or not at all.

Pros

Money-back guarantee if your transfer doesn't arrive on time

Cash pickup in many countries

Home delivery in many countries
Cons

Requires a government-issued ID

Limited network compared to larger competitors

No live chat customer service option

Pay By	Credit card, Debit card, Bank transfer
Receiving Options	Cash pickup location, Bank account, Mobile wallet, Home delivery
Available Currencies	AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, USD

Still looking for other options?

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.

Alternatively, learn more about Western Union in our review.

{"niche":"USFMT"}

18 of 18 results

Filter Values	Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
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.	Go to site More info	loading
Wise (TransferWise)	Within minutes	From 0.41%	Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.	Go to site More info	loading
MoneyGram	Within minutes	From $0	MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
HSBC Global Money	Within minutes	0	The Global Money account allows you to manage up to eight currencies from one account through a mobile app. You must have an HSBC account.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)	24 hours	$0	Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.	Go to site More info	loading
CurrencyTransfer for Business	24 hours	$0	Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.	Go to site More info	loading
Xe Money Transfer for Business	24 hours	$0	Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
OFX	24 hours	$0	OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.	Go to site More info	loading
Lili	24 hours	From $15	Get 30 days free plus 40% off for 3 months. Send and receive U.S. dollars wire transfers in 25+ countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and more. This feature is available for all business customers (not SSN or DBA customers) regardless of the account plan.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
Xe	Within minutes	$3	Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.	Go to site More info	loading
Kraken Pay	Within minutes	0	Choose from over 300+ fiat and crypto assets to send payments to any Kraken client for free.	More info	loading
CurrencyTransfer	24 hours	$0	CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading

Showing 18 of 18 results

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.

{"niche":"USFMT"}

Filter Values	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.	Go to site More info	loading
Xe	Within minutes	From $0	Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.	Go to site More info	loading
MoneyGram	Within minutes	From $0	MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.	Go to site More info	loading
Remitly	Within minutes	From $0	Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	More info	loading
OFX	24 hours	$0	OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
Revolut	Within minutes	From $0	Revolut offers competitive international exchange rates for transfers to 140+ countries in 25+ currencies. Revolut is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Fees may apply. See revolut.com/en-US/ for details.	More info	loading
Wise (TransferWise)	Within minutes	From 0.41%	Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.	Go to site More info	loading
Wise (TransferWise)	Within minutes	From 0.41%	Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	More info	loading
CurrencyFair	24 hours	€3	CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.	More info	loading
OFX	24 hours	$0	OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.	Go to site More info	loading
CurrencyFair	24 hours	€3	CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.	More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
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.	Go to site More info	loading
Xe	Within minutes	$3	Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.	Go to site More info	loading

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

Leah Fallon

Editor

Leah Fallon is a freelance journalist and editor, specializing in personal finance and small business. She owns Birch Tree Bookstore in Leesburg, Virginia. See full bio

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8 Responses

PapeMay 14, 2019

I need expert help. I need someone who will assist me to transfer money.

Finder

JoshuaMay 15, 2019Finder

Hi Pape,

Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃

If you need help in transferring money, you may refer to the table that allows you to conveniently compare international money transfer service providers. You can compare based on the minimum transfer amount, transfer speed, and others. Moreover, you can also specify how much you want to send and which currency. Please note that our table’s calculator is only an estimate and you would need to check directly with the provider for the exact amount you will receive. Once you found the right one for you, click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more or start sending money.

If you need further help, please click the chat icon found on the lower right corner of this page.

I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Joshua

WilliamMarch 29, 2019

I need to transfer $6700 to court in New Jersey and I’m being refused by western union and RIA BECAUSE OF SOMEONE WHO HACKED ME AND STOLE MY IDENTITY. HOW CAN I DO IT I’VE TAKEN CARE OF THE HACKING THRU POLICE AND COURT BUT I CAN’T USE WU AND RIA. How can I transfer money?

Finder

JeniMarch 31, 2019Finder

Hi William,

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

Sorry to hear about your trouble with sending money to a court in New Jersey.

Our list of international money transfer services has various money transfer companies like Western Union. You may know more about their money transfer service by clicking their name as you will be redirected to their review page. Banks also process money transfers. I suggest that you contact your bank to help you transfer money to a court in New Jersey without any hassle.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Jeni

OwomugishaJanuary 24, 2019

How about Global Money Transfer Service, are they there or not?

Finder

ValJanuary 28, 2019Finder

Hi Owomugisha,

Thank you for leaving a question. There are 14 options for Global Money Transfer on the page that you are checking like XE Money Transfer, World First, WorldRemit, Western Union. TransferWire, Xoom, MoneyGram, Ria and many more. If you are pertaining to a particular one you may click on more info and get in touch with them. If not, you may want to consider checking on the fees and transfer rates they offer.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Val

RichardOctober 10, 2018

Please, can you please give me an online transfer site which is user friendly…which make transfers very easy.

nikkiangcoOctober 12, 2018

Hi Richard,

Thanks for reaching out!

We are unable to give you specific recommendations however, there are several international money transfer services you can use to send money online, from the US.

As of this time, we don’t have access to service providers that allows you to send money from Ukraine. You might want to check the money service providers available in Ukraine.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Nikki

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Alternatives to Western Union

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