How to send money to friends and family in the military

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

I want to send

Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
$1,000	1 day	USD 0.00	0.814	EUR 4,072	OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, AZN, BGN, BHD, BND, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, FJD, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JPY, KRW, KWD, LKR, MAD, MGA, MXN, MYR, NOK, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, RUB, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, THB, TOP, TRY, TWD, TZS, USD, VND, VUV, WST, XOF, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 1,000	1 - 2 days	USD 0.00	0.814	EUR 4,072	Exclusive: Minimum transfer of $1,000 for Finder readers (normally $5,000). CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 1,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Chat Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, MXN, NOK, NZD, PLN, RON, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
$1	Same day	USD 0.00	0.819	EUR 4,094	XE has fast transfers with no fees and a range of foreign currency tools.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AFN, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BZD, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CUC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ERN, ETB, EUR, FJD, FKP, GBP, GEL, GGP, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, IMP, INR, IQD, IRR, ISK, JEP, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KPW, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, LYD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MMK, MNT, MOP, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SDG, SEK, SGD, SHP, SLL, SOS, SPL, SRD, SVC, SYP, SZL, THB, TJS, TMT, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TVD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XDR, XOF, XPF, YER, ZAR, ZMW, ZWD, BYN Go to site Read the full review
$10	Within an hour	USD 1.99	0.806	EUR 4,029	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	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 10.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies ALL, AMD, ARS, AZN, BAM, BDT, BGN, BIF, BOB, BRL, BSD, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KZT, LKR, LRD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MMK, MWK, MXN, MYR, NIO, NPR, PAB, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SLL, SRD, SVC, THB, TJS, TND, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VND, XAF, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
$1	1 - 2 days	USD 40.00	0.823	EUR 4,080	TransferWise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AED, ARS, AUD, BDT, BGN, BRL, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, GBP, GEL, GHS, HKD, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JPY, KES, KRW, LKR, MAD, MXN, MYR, NGN, NOK, NPR, NZD, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, RON, RUB, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, XOF, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review
$1	Within an hour	USD 3.99	0.819	EUR 4,092	WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RUB, RWF, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SOS, SRD, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TZS, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
USD 10,000	1 - 2 days	N/A	N/A	N/A	Dunbridge Financial offers diverse transfer options to more than 120 countries. Powered by Currencycloud.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount USD 10,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AED, AFN, ALL, AMD, ARS, AUD, AZN, BAM, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BOB, BRL, BWP, BYR, CAD, CHF, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, IQD, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MMK, MNT, MOP, MUR, MVR, MXN, MYR, MZN, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, THB, TJS, TND, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, VUV, WST, XOF, XPF, YER, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review

Compare up to 4 providers

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.

Thank you for your feedback!

Rhys Subitch

Rhys Subitch is a writer and editor at Finder who tackles topics across the site. With half a decade of experience researching, editing and writing for a Fortune 500 company, university and several independent publications, Rhys brings readers the most up-to-date and curated info on all things finance.

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20 Responses

CaliforniaMay 27, 2019

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?

finder Customer Care

JeniMay 27, 2019Staff

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

JaneFebruary 21, 2019

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 ?

finder Customer Care

JeniFebruary 22, 2019Staff

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

AnaOctober 15, 2018

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?

joelmarceloOctober 15, 2018

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

DaveyOctober 15, 2018

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

joelmarceloOctober 15, 2018

Hi Davey,

Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)

Cheers,
Joel

CherieJuly 24, 2018

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

joelmarceloJuly 24, 2018

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

Sher18June 11, 2018

I have a friend who is in the US Army currently stationed in the Ukraine and he says he is unable to access his funds from where he lived in Sacramento CA? Why can he not do this?

finder Customer Care

JoshuaJune 12, 2018Staff

Hi Sher18,

Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well for you. :)

Generally, your friend should be able to access his fund in Ukraine. If your friend is unable to do it, there could be a problem either with his bank or the facility he is using in Ukraine. In this case, it would be a good idea to directly get in touch with his bank.

In relation to this, you might want to read our article entitled, “Help! My bank account is frozen.”

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

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Joshua

RussellMay 13, 2018

I met a women who claims to be in the military. She claims that it will cost $798.00 to get eligible to send and recieve money to and from her. Is this true? I have never heard of having to be eligible.

finder Customer Care

JoshuaMay 13, 2018Staff

Hi Russell,

Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well for you. :)

The woman might be talking about a specific money transfer service company. It would be helpful to ask what that company is and from there, you can have a better way of determining the veracity of her statement.

However, if you are going to send money to someone in the military, there are a lot of options available to you and it should not cost you $798. These options include bank transfers, online money transfer services, providers with cash pickup, peer-to-peer apps, sending checks, and money orders or gift cards.

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

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Joshua

beverleeMay 5, 2018

I have a friend who wants to come home he has asked to send money but he is in Iraq, it has to go to another place to get to him. I am just wondering how all of that work. and how long it would take for him to get it?

joelmarceloMay 5, 2018

Hi Beverlee,

Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

We have outlined everything you need to know on how to transfer funds to someone in the military in the guide above. Given the ongoing political instability in Iraq and US relations with the country, it shouldn’t surprise you that sending an international money transfer to Iraq isn’t easy. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible — in fact, you have more options when sending money to friends and family in Iraq than you might expect.

Cheers,
Joel

JenApril 24, 2018

I have a guy saying he needs me to send money to a marine agent through money gram to pay for his fine for being in trouble. Is there a marine agent that will get it? The guy is in Afghanistan

AshApril 25, 2018

Hi Jen,

Thank you for visiting finder.

There are no Marine Agents in Afghanistan though there are Agent Locations from different Money Transfer Agencies wherein your recipient can claim the funds that you will send.

We do have a page that you may want to check if you wish to find a list of money transfer agencies which offer their services in Afghanistan. You may compare the fees and ways on how you can send/receive the money in choosing the provider that you will use.

I hope this helps.

Let us know if there is anything else that we may assist you with.

Cheers,
Ash

SaraApril 5, 2018

I’m not sending money. He works in a Rig. Can he get access to his bank account? If a man is working in a Rig, can he have access to his bank account?

finder Customer Care

JeniApril 5, 2018Staff

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for getting in touch with finder.

Currently online banking is very popular. Anyone can have an access to their bank account as long as they are connected to the internet. It would depends on that man’s rig if it has mobile or internet connection for that man to access his bank account. In addition, rigs also have satellite phones that can be used to communicate to the employees’ family, friends or institution they need to contact to.

I hope this helps.

Have a great day!

Cheers,
Jeni

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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

Services

Send Money To

Exchange Rates

Banks

What are my options?

Compare online money transfer services

Compare up to 4 providers

Can I send an instant bank transfer?

Compare your options

How to spot a military transfer scam

Bottom line

Rhys Subitch

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

20 Responses

How to send money to someone in the military

Fast, affordable ways to transfer funds to a loved one stationed overseas.

Guides

Services

Send Money To

Exchange Rates

Banks

Sign up & start saving!

What are my options?

Compare online money transfer services

Compare up to 4 providers

Can I send an instant bank transfer?

Compare your options

How to spot a military transfer scam

Bottom line

Rhys Subitch

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

20 Responses

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