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Alternatives to World First

The best alternative companies to World First for sending a money transfer.

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World First has discontinued its services in the US effective January 30, 2019. The company will accept no new trades or transactions after this date, and inbound transfers received after 5 p.m. CT will be returned to the sender.

If you’re a personal or business customer who’s concerned about your account, call 737-226-5240 for assistance.

To find a suitable alternative, compare money transfer specialists to find the best rates, fees and turnaround you’re eligible for.

World First is an online money transfer company founded in the UK in 2004. Since then, it has transferred more than $56 billion worldwide, servicing over 75,000 customers regularly. Its wide array of services keeps people coming back transfer after transfer.

Xe Money Transfer Logo

1. Xe Money Transfer

Xe Money Transfer is a service designed to help you transfer your funds to a bank in a foreign currency. If you’re working far from home, Xe is ideal for getting cash to your family or making investments overseas. Given how easy it is to transfer your money to foreign companies in their currency, it’s especially ideal for business accounts.

Xe offers low transfer fees, with no transaction fees, commissions or ongoing fees for large transfers. However, a nominal fee of $3 (and its equivalent) applies to transfers below $500 and its equivalent in other currencies. World First, on the other hand, only offers no-fee transfers if you’re sending $10,000 or more. Both companies have competitive exchange rates, but World First goes above and beyond with its promise to beat any quote you get from another international transfer service — something that Xe doesn’t offer.

Why pick Xe Money Transfer instead?

  • Low transfer fees, $3 fee for transfers under $500
  • Trade in over 60 currencies, allowing for money transfers to over 170 countries
  • Competitive exchange rates save you money in the long run
  • No minimum or maximum transfer limit

Downsides

  • Exchange rate comparison tool not available until after you’ve registered with the site
  • Adds a small markup to the exchange rate
wise logo

2. Wise

Wise is a money transfer site designed to help you save money on exchanges through a peer-to-peer system. Its unique system allows you to exchange your funds with those of another seeking to convert their money to your currency. It’s basically trading money with another person, but it doesn’t cross borders. Wise has a lower minimum transfer amount of just $1, compared to World First’s $1,000 minimum.

While Wise has fees no matter how much money you’re sending, World First waives its fees if you’re sending more than $10,000. However, Wise has a maximum daily sending cap of $49,999, unlike World First’s unlimited transfer amount.

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Why pick Wise instead?

  • One of the few services to use the mid-market exchange rate and have no hidden fees
  • Low minimum transfer amount of $1
  • High transfer limits — can send up $1 million per transfer
  • Apps for both iOS and Android

Downsides

  • Transfers to bank accounts — no cash pickup option
  • Two-step process means you must first wire your money to Wise, which then deposits the money to your recipient’s bank account
  • Not as competitive for large transfers
WorldRemit logo

3. WorldRemit

Unlike World First, WorldRemit has a low minimum transfer amount of $1 and offers cash pickup as well as home delivery. However, World First offers no fees for transfers of $10,000 or more, while with WorldRemit the higher your transfer, the greater the transfer fees. WorldRemit also has a low maximum transfer cap of $9,000 in a 24-hour period.

Why pick WorldRemit instead?

  • Low minimum transfer amount of $1
  • Available in over 130 countries worldwide
  • Flexible payment options, including debit or credit card, bank transfer, Android Pay and ApplePay
  • Transfers to mobile wallet accounts
  • Cash pickup and home delivery available

Downsides

  • The higher your transfer, the greater the transfer fees
  • Low maximum transfer amount of $9,000
  • No hedging tools available
Currencies Direct logo

4. Currencies Direct

Unlike World First, which has fees for transfers under $10,000, Currencies Direct offers no-fee transfers 90% of the time. It also has a lower minimum transfer amount of $100, compared to World First’s $1,000 minimum. Both companies don’t have a maximum transfer limit and offer competitive exchange rates, but only World First has a promise to beat any quote you get from another international transfer service.

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Why pick Currencies Direct instead?

  • No fees for 90% of its transactions and has competitive exchange rates
  • Supports 40+ market currencies with a low minimum transfer of $100
  • Supports large transactions at a seemingly unlimited max
  • Monitors exchange rates for your ideal transfer

Downsides

  • No cash pickup option — bank-to-bank wire transfers only
  • Some US residents can’t use Currencies Direct due to money transfer restrictions in their state
RIA logo

5. Ria

In business for more than 30 years, Ria is a global monetary transfer network with more than 490,000 agent locations and is the third-largest international money transfer provider in the world.

Unlike World First, which has a high minimum transfer amount of $1,000, Ria offers a low minimum transfer amount of $1 and offers cash pickup and home delivery options. However, World First has no maximum transfer limit, while Ria has a maximum daily transfer cap of $2,999.99. Ria also doesn’t offer forward or limit orders the way that World First does.

Why pick Ria instead?

  • Low minimum transfer amount of $1
  • Wide variety of transfer payment options, including cash, debit card, credit card and bank account
  • Online price calculator simplifies money conversion
  • Home delivery option in select countries and cash pickup available
  • Fast turnaround if you send money with a debit or credit card, taking just 15 minutes

Downsides

  • Maximum daily transfer cap of $2,999.99; maximum amount you can send in 30 days is $7,999
  • Rates and fees depend on amount, location and method of transfer
  • Does not offer forward or limit orders
  • Bank account transfers take four business days

6. Western Union

In business for over 160 years, Western Union offers money transfers to 200+ countries and territories, with more than 500,000 agent locations worldwide. Western Union has a lower minimum transfer amount of $1, compared to World First’s $1,000 limit, and offers the ability for your recipient to pick up cash.

However, Western Union has weaker exchange rates that can be nearly 5% more than the mid-market rate and has high fees, whereas World First offers competitive exchange rates with no fees for transfers over $10,000. Moreover, World First has no maximum transfer cap, while Western Union has a low maximum transfer limit of $5,000.

Why pick Western Union instead?

  • Low minimum transfer of $1
  • Send money in minutes
  • Transfer to over 200 countries and territories across the globe
  • Multiple transfer options including paying with cash or your debit card, credit card or bank account
  • Cash pickup available
  • Trusted provider for over 160 years

Downsides

  • Weak exchange rates that can be nearly 5% more than the mid-market rate
  • High fees, whereas other companies offer free transfers or low-fee transfers
  • Low maximum transfer amount of $5,000
Moneygram logo

7. MoneyGram

The second-largest international money transfer service in the world, MoneyGram transfers currencies in over 200 countries and territories to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide. Unlike World First, MoneyGram offers home delivery and cash pickup options with a low minimum transfer amount of $1, compared to World First’s $1,000 minimum. However, if you’re looking to transfer larger amounts of money, you can send up to 10,000 per month with MoneyGram .

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Why pick MoneyGram instead?

  • Extensive global network of 350,000 agent locations in over 200 countries and territories
  • Large pool of services available for sending, receiving or financing
  • Fast transfers, with same-day service in many locations
  • Home delivery and cash pickup options
  • Low minimum transfer amount of $1

Downsides

  • Maximum online transfer amount of $10,000 per month
  • Fees vary depending on payment type and transfer destination
  • Transfers must be made in US dollars from the US (no exchanges before transfer)
  • Local exchange rates vary by transfer destination
OFX Logo

8. OFX

OFX has no maximum transfer limit and both have high minimum transfer amounts of $1,000 per year — making both companies ideal for transferring larger amounts of money. While OFX offers no transfer fees at all, World First doesn’t offer no-fee transfers unless you’re sending $10,000 or more.

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Why pick OFX instead?

  • No transfer fees
  • 24-hour customer support
  • Available in 195 countries and territories and 55 currencies
  • Offers scheduled and recurring transfers
  • iOS and Android apps available for mobile transfer and tracking
  • No maximum transfer limit

Downsides

  • No cash pickup — no bank-to-bank transfers only
  • Need to verify new accounts by phone
  • High minimum transfer amount of $1,000 per year

9. Xoom

Xoom is a leading provider in the digital money transfer market that offers transfers to 57 countries around the world. Unlike World First, which has a high minimum transfer amount of $1,000, Xoom has a low minimum transfer amount of $10 and also offers cash pickup and home delivery options depending on where you’re sending your funds to. However, while World First offer no-fee transfers over $10,000, Xoom’s transfer fees vary depending on where you’re sending money to, the amount you’re sending and the method you choose to send the funds.

Why pick Xoom instead?

  • Low minimum transfer amount of $10
  • Money-back guarantee if your transfer doesn’t arrive on time
  • Cash pickup and home delivery available, depending on where you’re sending your funds to

Downsides

  • Transfer fees vary depending on where you’re sending money to, the amount you’re sending and the method you choose

10. PayPal

You likely know PayPal’s digital service for online purchases, but you may not know that it supports wireless overseas transfers. Its popularity around the world makes it possible to transfer up to 20 currencies across more than 200 countries.

Unlike World First, which has a high minimum transfer amount of $1,000, PayPal allows you to transfer as little as $1. However, while World First doesn’t have fees for transfers over $10,000, PayPal charges larger fees on the money you transfer.

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Why pick PayPal instead?

  • Send money inside the US for free
  • Available in 203 countries
  • Offers recurring payments
  • Low minimum transfer amount of $1
  • Multiple digital safeguards in place to protect against fraud and hacking

Downsides

  • Fees are proportionate to the amount transferred — the larger the transfer, the more money it charges
  • Fees vary by location of transfer and method, with better deals for using a PayPal credit card or account
  • No cash pickup available

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.
1 - 14 of 14
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
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.
Airwallex
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.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
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.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
First online transfer is free.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Cash App
Within minutes
From $0
With this peer-to-peer payment app make payments to your friends and family with no transfer fees within the US or from the US to the UK or EU.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
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.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
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.
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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.

Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed 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.
Xe
Within minutes
$4
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
First online transfer is free.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
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.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
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.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
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.
Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers Business
Within minutes
From $8.16
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 20 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
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.
CurrencyFair
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
CurrencyFair
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    GregoireMay 13, 2017

    I need to transfer MUR from Mauritius to France Euro.
    From 40000 to 400000 MUR. Bank in Mauritius and France.

    Any chance to fond a good player ?

      AvatarFinder
      AnndyJuly 3, 2017Finder

      Hi Gregoire,

      Thanks for your question.

      Thankfully, we have a page that lists money transfer service providers who can help you send money from Mauritius to France.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

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