Review: Travelex international money transfers

Our Verdict

Travelex might not offer the mid-market exchange rate for your overseas money transfer but you’ll always get real-time rates and see any fees that apply upfront. This makes Travelex a strong contender for your online and in-store money transfers where you can make use of spot, forward and option contracts. Transfers can be delivered within two days and can be sent to your recipient’s bank account or debit card. Cash pick-up is only available in the Philippines.

Although never hidden, rates and fees do vary. For example, from Australia, you can benefit from zero fees on online transfers. While in the UK, you’ll pay at least 3% of the amount you send online.

Get money overseas from the convenience of your home

Send money overseas without making a trip to the bank. Transfers start at $500, and Travelex’s Price Promise guarantees that you get the best exchange rate possible. Travelex supports 45-plus currencies and makes transfers to 50 different countries.

Highlights

• Multiple transfer options. You can make spot contract, forward contracts, limit orders and recurring payments.
• Bank-to-bank. Travelex supports only bank-to-bank transfers. Your recipient cannot pick up cash.
• Not in a hurry. Because you first have to wait for Travelex to receive your funds before they can transfer the money to you recipient, it’s not the speediest process.

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How much does it cost to send money with Travelex?

Fees

Travelex is so confident about its competitive rates, it challenges you to find a better price anywhere within 30 minutes — and they’ll beat it. Its standard transfer fee is $5 for transactions below $5,000 with a minimum transfer of $500. Better yet, transactions above $5,000 are free. Compare that to US banks, which charge between $25 to $30 for similar transfers.

Exchange rates

As a specialist provider of a wide range of foreign currency services, Travelex is typically able to offer better exchange rates than those you’d find at most banks. Whenever you want to send money overseas, you’ll receive a display of the relevant live exchange rate, allowing you to calculate the amount of money that will arrive in your recipient’s bank account in their local currency.

What types of transfers can I make with Travelex?

Travelex allows you to transfer funds into your International Payments account via electronic funds transfer. You can then transfer money into bank accounts all around the world. The following options are available for sending your funds:

• One-off transfers
• Forward contracts
• Limit orders
• Regular scheduled transfers

Minimum transfer amount and available countries

In order to send money overseas using the Travelex International Payments service, you’ll need to transfer an amount of at least $500. You can send your funds in more than 45 currencies to 50 countries; however, there are certain destinations to which Travelex will not transfer funds.

These blocked countries include:

Pros and cons of using Travelex

How does Travelex compare to other services?

Find out other alternatives to Travelex

How do I use Travelex?

Before transferring money through Travelex, you’ll need:

• Your recipient’s info. You’ll need the name, contact information and banking details, including the bank name, SWIFT code and account number.
• Your contact and banking information. Include the account number and security information for the account you’re transferring from.

The registration and transfer process

You’ll need to sign up for a Travelex account before you can transfer any funds. Registration can be completed online, which involves a simple process of providing your name, email address, country of residence and money transfer requirements.

Once you’ve registered you can transfer funds into your Travelex account via electronic funds transfer, and then you can start sending money overseas. You’ll need to provide details about how much money you wish to send, where you’re sending it and who you’re sending it to (including your recipient’s full name and bank account details).

Before you send any money, you will get a chance to review the exchange rate and fee that applies to your transaction. If you’re happy with the cost involved, you can send your funds to most locations around the world.

Ready to send your money? Steps to make a transfer.

1. Go to Travelex’s International Payments website. Go to Travelex’s International Payments website then click “Get started now” or “Get started & register.”
2. Click “Click here to get started.”
3. Enter your contact information and the details of your transfer. You can enter either an amount that you plan to send or an amount that your recipient needs. Click “Get a Quote.”
4. Create your account and initiate your transfer.

How long does the transfer take?

To work out the delivery time, add the amount of time it takes for your funds to be received by Travelex plus the amount of time it takes for a payment to arrive in your beneficiary’s account.

You can find a list of delivery times on Travelex’s website.

If there’s any delay, contact customer services at 877-414-6359 or online.orders.USA@travelex.com.

Bottom line

Travelex offers a competitive international transfer service to customers in the United States and around the world. Just ensure you compare the exchange rates, fees and benefits on offer with those of a number of other providers before deciding which company is best suited to handle your overseas money transfer.

Frequently asked questions about Travelex

• What is the minimum amount I can send?

  The smallest amount you can send using the Travelex International Payments service is $500.

• Are checks an acceptable method of payment?

  No. Travelex International Payments does not allow you to pay for your transfer with a check.

• Can I lock in an exchange rate ahead of time?

  Yes. Travelex allows you to take advantage of favorable market conditions by taking out a forward contract when a suitable exchange rate is available.

• Can my recipient pick up the cash from an agent location?

  No. The funds will be sent to your recipient’s bank account.

• Can I schedule regular payments with Travelex?

  Yes. You can even schedule a payment for a future date or get Travelex to watch the markets for you by automatically delaying your purchase until your currency hits the rate you decide.

• How can I pay for my money transfer?

  For money transfers, you pay by electronic funds transfer — or a transfer from your bank account. Be aware that your bank may charge you a fee for EFT.

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