Money transfer services offer some of the fastest ways to transfer money to someone in cash or for direct deposit in an emergency — but which provider you should use depends on how much you’re sending and how quickly you need it to arrive.
Compare the fastest international money transfers
Even though speed is crucial, compare exchange rates and fees to make sure you aren’t paying too much for your transfer.
Moving money domestically?
You may need to use a money transfer specialist when sending money internationally during an emergency, but domestic transfers have more options. Read our guide on the best way to send money, both domestically and internationally, to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your transfer.
Three of the fastest services to transfer money
When there’s an emergency, getting money out as quickly as possible is key. These three service providers deliver the fastest money transfer services easily and safely.
WorldRemit is entirely online, meaning you can access it from the convenience of your computer or its app. It operates in more than 140 countries around the world with flexible transfer options from your bank account, credit card or debit card.
Your fastest option is mobile money (if available) or for cash pickup at a WorldRemit agent location.
WorldRemit at a glance
Maximum transfer: Varies by country
Minimum transfer: $1
Transfer speed: Within 1 hour
Transaction fee:
How can I send money quickly?
You’ll need to sign up for a free account with WorldRemit. You’ll also need to provide your personal information, the transaction details and your payment information.
What happens next?
WorldRemit will confirm the transaction with both you and your recipient by email or text and notify you when the funds are received or picked up. If you have any problems, you can contact customer service 24/7 at 888-772-7771 or online through live chat.
As the second-largest provider of international money transfers in the world, MoneyGram is one of the most trusted. Its extensive network of 350,000 agent locations has a presence in more than 200 countries.
With MoneyGram, sending funds can take minutes depending on local regulations and procedures. Your fastest option is to pay with a credit or debit card (or with cash at an agent location) and choose the cash pickup option. Once the money is sent, it arrives for almost immediate cash pickup at locations worldwide. In some countries, you even have a mobile wallet option.
MoneyGram at a glance
Maximum transfer: USD$10,000
Minimum transfer: $1
Delivery speed: Typically within minutes, but up to 1 day
Transaction fee: USD$4.99 plus anywhere between 3% and 7% of the transfer
How can I send money quickly?
Head to the MoneyGram site and start a transfer using your bank account, credit card or debit card.
Use MoneyGram’s online locator tool or call to find a location near you.
What happens after?
Once the money transfer is complete, the receiver can visit their nearest MoneyGram location to collect it. Remind them to bring along their reference number (which is included in the confirmation emails for online transfer) and ID for pickup. If you have a problem, contact customer service through the site or toll-free at 800-666-3947.
Western Union has the biggest network of agent locations with 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries. You can send funds online, through a mobile app, in person or by phone. You’re able to pay with a bank transfer, cash, debit card or credit card.
As with MoneyGram, your fastest option is to pay by debit or credit card for cash pickup.
Western Union at a glance
Maximum transfer: $15,000
Minimum transfer: $1
Transfer speed: In minutes if using a debit or credit card for cash pickup
Transaction fee: Typically around 5% of the transfer
How can I send money quickly?
Head to Western Union’s website. You’ll need your personal information, your recipient’s details and a valid method of payment to make the transfer.
Visit a Western Union location near you with cash or a debit card.
What happens next?
You’ll receive a unique Money Transfer Control Number with your confirmation. You can track your transfer online with this number. If you have any problem, contact customer service 24/7 at 800-325-6000 or through the online form on Western Union’s site.
What do I need to look out for when sending cash quickly?
Fees for emergency transfers will vary among banks and money transfer services. Before you make your transfer, compare:
Exchange rates. Money transfer services make money by skewing exchange rates. You’ll want to look for a rate that’s as close to the mid-market rate as possible.
Transfer fees. Fees can range from flat fees of a few dollars to up to $80 or more, depending on how you’re sending it or picking it up.
Transfer options. Can your recipient accept a bank account transfer, or do they need to pick up cash right away?
Security. For emergencies, you’ll appreciate being able to track your transfer through to receipt.
Bottom line
Being robbed of your valuables, needing emergency medical treatment or missing your return flight home can be stressful. But having the ability to quickly receive funds or help loved ones far away can let off at least some of the pressure. If you have a little more time, however, compare your available options for international money transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Due to security, most service providers don’t allow for pickups in a different country. If your friends or family are no longer in the country you’ve intended to send your money to, cancel your transaction and resend it.
If you or a loved one needs emergency funds urgently, the fastest way is to pay with your credit or debit card online or with cash at an agent location and choose cash pickup at an agent location near you or your recipient. With most services, the money is available within an hour.
No. Bank transfers typically take more time and cost more money. Learn our top reasons for why a money transfer service is better than your bank when moving money internationally.
Depending on the emergency, you may be more comfortable sending more than needed. Most banks have a maximum amount that you can send per day. But your maximum will be higher — or unlimited — if you use an online money transfer service. Some money transfer services have fee-free thresholds. Which means that sending a larger amount could help you avoid paying transfer fees altogether.
Yes. A typical wire transfer scam involves an email from “friends,” often ones traveling abroad, who find themselves in trouble and need money wired immediately. Other scams claim that you’ve won a prize or the lottery, but that you need to first pay a fee to receive it. When in doubt, slow down. Try to confirm the details of your email with other family and friends before sending money, and reference our detailed guide on money transfer scams for further help. If you confirm a scam, contact the Department of Trade and Industry at https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/complaints/.
Adrienne Fuller is the head of publishing at Finder US. With a decade of experience creating guides in finance and education, she aims to deliver the accurate and transparent information she wishes she had when she made some of life's important financial decisions. For the past 3 years she has been the publisher of money transfers, helping readers save when they send money all over the globe. She has a BA from Colorado College and loves to hike with her two Catahoula dogs around her home in San Diego.
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