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How to send money to someone in the military
Fast, affordable ways to transfer funds to a loved one stationed overseas.
Guides
Exchange Rates
A specialized money transfer company will offer more competitive exchange rates than a traditional bank — but which transfer service is best depends on where you’re sending the money and how fast you need it to arrive.
What are my options?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your options to send money internationally, even without the added complication of getting it to a military base. We’ll help you explore the options.
- Bank transfers. Most major US banks will allow you to wire money domestically or internationally to another bank account. A downside is the frustratingly high fees and weak exchange rates you’ll typically receive.
- Online money transfer services. It’s simple and convenient to send an online money transfer to loved ones in the military from the comfort of your home.
- Providers with cash pickup. Companies like Western Union and MoneyGram offer the option of cash pickups from thousands of agent locations worldwide.
- Peer-to-peer apps. Venmo, Circle and PayPal are just a few of the apps you can use to send money.
- Sending checks, money orders or gift cards. Although it’s not a quick or secure option, you can send physical items to your service member’s address.
Compare online money transfer services
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.
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Can I send an instant bank transfer?
Yes. Most service members will have the option to conduct their banking on the post, base or camp just as they do at home. A few banking options that are built specifically around the needs of service members, like the Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA, offer account-to-account transfers. If both you and your contact have USAA accounts, you can transfer money from your account to theirs almost immediately.
In addition to free money transfers across checking accounts, USAA and others offer the added benefits of withdrawals as well as branches and ATMs overseas.
USAA credit card rewards reviewed and compared
Compare your options
| Transfer option | Transfer methods | Cash | Bank account | Transfer time | International options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Online, in person, mobile | ✓1 | ✓ | 1 to 4 business days | ✓1 |
| Money transfer specialist | Online, in person, mobile | ✓1 | ✓ | Minutes to 4 business days | ✓1 |
| Peer-to-peer app | Online, mobile | ✕ | ✓2 | Minutes to 1 business day | ✕ |
| US Mail | In person | ✓ | ✕ | Several days to several weeks | ✓ |
1 Varies by transfer option and method.
2 Depending on the app, you may need to pay with a credit or debit card.
How to spot a military transfer scam
While there are many ways that a scammer will attempt to part you and your money, one is so prevalent that it’s under investigation by the US Army Criminal Investigation Command.
This scam involves a bond with somebody posing as a member of the military that you’ve met online through a dating site. That person may even offer their name, rank and where they are stationed. After cultivating a strong connection with you, they claim to be ready to meet in person. But first, they need your cash.
It may sound like an obvious red flag, but once you’re emotionally attached it’s easy to lose perspective. If a service member you’ve met online asks for money — especially for money to go on leave or to get to their next station — it may be time to walk away. These scams can cost thousands of dollars, not to mention heartbreak.
Bottom line
When somebody you care about is serving overseas in the military, you have many options to send some love and financial support. Ultimately, you’ll need to compare your options to find the service that’s right for you.
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Ask an Expert
Someone who claims to be in the military wants to send me some of his allowance, but states that in order to do that he needs my personal login details my username and password. Is this true and can he be trusted?
Hi California Girl,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Please be vigilant in providing your online log in details like your username and password. If he’s someone you just met online or not really connected – total stranger, I suggest that you think a thousand times on providing confidential financial info. You may want to know more about money transfer scams as this might help you learn more about this matter. If you’re in doubt, don’t grab and always be safe.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
In the US Military, can they get access to their accounts on base to book a flight ticket & does their commander have to stamp their flight ticket ?
Hi Jane,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
I’m afraid that we do not have further info on this matter. Technical details are not included in our pages specially if government related topics. You may seek info on this matter if you have military friends or relatives.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I have a friend who has a military boyfriend which she said he was based in Nigeria his a US military and before he can money to my friend my friend need to send him money first for confirmation. It is true?
Hi Ana,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
The rule of thumb is: Always follow your gut. If it feels too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. You can learn more about money transfer scams.
Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)
Cheers,
Joel
Been talking with a girl who says she is in Afghanistan and asked for some money. Though the address she sent was in Ghana, am I wrong thinking that this is a scam? I want to believe, but I also remain cautious.
Thanks
Hi Davey,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
The rule of thumb is: Always follow your gut. If it feels too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. You can learn more about money transfer scams.
Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)
Cheers,
Joel
Ive been talking to this army guy who says he needs money sent to citi bank New York so he can get home from Iraqi? Is this true or scam
Hi Cherie,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
Only you would determine if you are about to be scammed or not. If something sounds too good to be true and it’s coming from somebody you don’t know, it’s almost certainly a scam. You can research the person or business in question until you’re 100% certain that you’re not getting ripped off. Always remember that scammers can be very convincing and patient. They’ll talk with you for hours (over many weeks or months) to make you feel comfortable.
Ask for help from others who might not be as emotionally involved as you are. Talk about the situation with a friend or relative, and look for similar stories online – you might be surprised at what you find. Keep in mind that many internet money scams are tried-and-true hustles, sometimes conducted from far away (so you’re likely to find good information with a general internet search).
Cheers,
Joel