Receiving a money transfer from overseas

The ins and outs of receiving money from an overseas sender.

Updated Oct 8, 2020. What changed?

Fact checked

With the right tools at your disposal, you can find the best deal and have quick access to your funds when you need to receive money from overseas.

What is the best way to receive money from overseas?

The best way to receive money from overseas depends on your specific situation. For many people, getting the money straight to their bank through an international wire transfer is the most convenient option, even if it can be expensive.

Typically it is cheaper to use a money transfer company since these types of companies specialise in sending money overseas and offer lower fees and stronger exchange rates than banks.

Here are the best ways to receive money from overseas, from the cheapest to the most expensive:

International money transfer company – Find one that fits your needs by comparing a variety of providers before you receive your transfer.
Banker’s draft – Sometimes called an international money order, this is an inexpensive but slow way to receive money.
Mobile wallet – Having money delivered to a mobile wallet is a convenient way to receive money from overseas if it’s available.
Cash delivery – Consider having your money sent to a local money transfer agent location so that you can pick it up in cash. Some services will even deliver it straight to your home.
International wire transfer – International wires through the bank often get charged fees on both ends, both to send and to receive the transfer from abroad.

What's in this guide?

Compare money transfer companies to receive money from overseas
Bank information needed to receive money from overseas
How do I receive money from overseas?
What type of money transfer should I use?
How do I compare money transfer services to receive money from overseas?
Pros and cons of using an international money transfer service
Bottom line

Compare money transfer companies to receive money from overseas

Use our comparison table to see how much money you could receive through different money transfer companies. Enter the amount you’ll be receiving, the currency in which it will be sent, then click Calculate.

How to receive money from overseas using our comparison tool

View. Sort through different international money transfer providers and services by exchange rate, amount received, transfer speed and more.
Compare. Figure out your best option by comparing companies side-by-side.
Save. To read more about a product, click on the company’s logo. To start an application or transfer, click Go to Site.

Table: sorted by a combination of service offering and the amount your recipient will receive

I want to send

Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
GBP 2,000	1 day	GBP 0.00	1.09	EUR 5,450	Get bank-beating exchange rates and no fees when you transfer with TorFX.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 5,000	Same day	GBP 0.00	1.09	EUR 5,450	Universal Partners FX offers competitive exchange rates and same-day transfers for 100+ currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 5,000.00 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, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BWP, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, CRC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SRD, STD, SZL, THB, TND, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, XAF, XCD, XOF, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 2,000	1 day	GBP 0.00	1.09	EUR 5,450	Make transferring money abroad as simple and safe as possible with bank-beating exchange rates - online, via the app or over the phone.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 5,000	1 day	GBP 0.00	1.095	EUR 5,475	Take advantage of fee lock-ins and live bookable rates, helping you save up to 85% in hidden bank fees.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 5,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AUD, BDT, BMD, CAD, CNY, DZD, EUR, GBP, HKD, ILS, INR, JMD, JPY, NZD, PHP, PLN, RUB, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 2,500	Same day	GBP 0.00	1.09	EUR 5,450	Central FX’s dedicated private client team will guide you through the money transfer process from first call to final payment.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 2,500.00 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, Branch Available currencies AED, ANG, AUD, BBD, BGN, BHD, BRL, BSD, BWP, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, FJD, GBP, GHS, GMD, HKD, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KWD, KYD, LKR, MAD, MUR, MWK, MXN, NGN, NOK, NZD, OMR, PHP, PKR, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, SAR, SEK, SGD, SZL, THB, TND, TRY, UGX, USD, XCD, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review
GBP 1	Same day	GBP 0.00	1.095	EUR 5,476	Whatever amount you transfer, XE will not charge you a fee for using their service.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email, Branch Available currencies AED, AMD, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BND, BRL, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, KZT, LKR, LSL, MAD, MKD, MUR, MWK, MXN, MYR, NAD, NOK, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SZL, THB, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UGX, USD, VUV, WST, XCD, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 3,000	1 day	GBP 0.00	1.09	EUR 5,450	Get no fees as a Finder customer when you transfer your money overseas with Global Reach.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 3,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, BBD, BGN, BHD, BSD, BWP, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, GHS, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, ISK, JOD, JPY, KES, KWD, KYD, LKR, MAD, MUR, MXN, NOK, NZD, OMR, PKR, PLN, QAR, RON, RUB, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TND, TRY, TTD, UGX, USD, XCD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 1	1 - 2 days	GBP 1.99	1.087	EUR 5,432	Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers. Quick, affordable transfers around the world with both express and economy options.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies ARS, BDT, BGN, BOB, BRL, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, GBP, GHS, GTQ, GYD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, INR, JMD, KES, KMF, KRW, LKR, MAD, MXN, MYR, NGN, NIO, NPR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RWF, THB, TND, TRY, TZS, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, XAF, XOF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 5	2 days	EUR 3.00	1.096	EUR 5,478	Special offer: Zero fees on your first 10 transfers. Get bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 5.00 Transfer methods Online Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, NOK, NZD, PHP, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 10	Within an hour	GBP 2.00	1.095	EUR 5,474	First two transfers free for new customers. Instant or 1 hour transfers to over 50 countries, send money directly to bank accounts or over 280,000 cash pickup points.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 10.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Agent, Cash Transfer Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email, Branch Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, LAK, LBP, LKR, MAD, MDL, MGA, MNT, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SZL, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XOF, XPF, ZAR, ZMW, ZWD, BYN Go to site Read the full review
GBP 50	Same day	GBP 2.99	1.09	EUR 5,447	Use promo code 3FREE to send your first 3 transfers with no fee. Conditions apply. An online money transfer service with cash pick-up, bank account to bank account and airtime transfers available.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 50.00 Transfer methods Online Transfer options N/A Customer service Chat, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, 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, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RUB, RWF, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SOS, SRD, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review

Compare up to 4 providers

Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.

Bank information needed to receive money from overseas

In order to receive money from overseas, you’ll need to provide specific details about your bank, including:

Bank account number and sort code
BIC/Swift Code – you can get this from your bank
Full name
Address

If you decide to pick the transfer up as cash or have it delivered to a digital wallet, the information you’ll need to provide will vary.

How do I receive money from overseas?

The process may differ depending on the service provider used to send the funds. With some money transfer services, you need to request the transaction reference number from the sender and present the number along with your identification documents. You may also be required to fill out a receive form to access your funds.

With online transfers, the funds are deposited straight into your account, after which you can withdraw them. You can also receive funds through a prepaid card or mobile wallet.

What type of money transfer should I use?

Money transfers come in many varieties, all of which can be used to receive money from overseas.

Online transfer. You can use online payment services to transfer and receive funds. The funds are converted into the recipient’s currency.
Money transfer. Money transfer companies that offer cash pickup are an easy way to receive money. Just double check that there’s an agent location near you before agreeing to receive a cash transfer.
Prepaid card. You can access your funds through a cashpoint when using a prepaid card to receive money.
Mobile wallet. Receive and send funds directly from your smartphone when using a mobile wallet, such as PayPal, Pingit, Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

How do I compare money transfer services to receive money from overseas?

Fees. This is one of the most essential considerations when comparing money transfer providers. Comparing fees lets you find the most cost-effective option. But remember to find out about the fees that apply to both the sender and the recipient.
Accessibility. Make sure money transfer providers operate in your area. Find out if the funds are widely accessible in the areas and via the methods you need.
Exchange rates. As the funds are received in the recipient’s currency, you need to determine which of the providers you wish to use has the best rates. Exchange rates could work to greatly decrease the amount sent.
Reputation. There are many money transfer companies to be found online, but the only way you can ensure that your funds are safe is by going with a trusted provider. Look at each company’s history and customer reviews before making a decision.

Pros and cons of using an international money transfer service

What are the pros and cons of receiving money from an international money transfer service, rather than a bank?

Pros

Simplicity. It’s usually really simple to send and receive money from overseas with money transfer providers. You can also access funds immediately once they’re transferred.
Variety. There are various methods you can use to receive money, so you’re not forced to work with one service provider.
Security. If you use a trusted money transfer provider, your transaction is safe and secure.

Cons

Fees. Most money transfer providers have applicable fees that could make their services costly.

Bottom line

It doesn’t have to be an expensive or stressful process when you need to receive money from overseas. By comparing your options, you can make sure you aren’t paying too much in fees or losing money to a poor exchange rate. Before making a final decision, learn more about how to save money when sending and receiving money from overseas.

Thank you for your feedback!

Alison Banney

Alison Banney is the banking and investments editor at Finder. She has written about finance for over six years, with her work featured on sites including Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Dynamic Business. She has previously worked at Westpac, and has written for several other major banks including BCU, Greater Bank and Gateway Credit Union. Alison has a Bachelor of Communications from Newcastle University, with a double major in Journalism and Public Relations. She has ASIC RG146 compliance certificates for Financial Advice, Securities and Managed Investments and Superannuation. Outside of Finder, you’ll likely find her somewhere near the ocean.

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8 Responses

ZamaMarch 8, 2018

Please tell me where I can receive money in South Africa in Durban, because my bank don’t have a clue about your service.

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  joelmarceloMarch 15, 2018Staff
  
  Hi Zama,
  
  Thanks for leaving a question on finder. Please note that we are a comparison website and we do not represent any of the providers on our page.
  
  If you are looking to send money to South Africa, please go to this link for our guide and comparison. If you need anything else aside from this, please send me a message anytime.
  
  Cheers,
  Joel
  
  Reply
JitOctober 30, 2017

Hi, I am in the USA and I want to send funds to my sister in the UK but directly to her Checking or Savings account. Can I do that and does she necessarly have to go in person a WU location ?

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  JoanneOctober 31, 2017Staff
  
  Hi Jit,
  
  Thanks for reaching out.
  
  Other options in sending money from the USA to the UK without going directly to a Western Union branch would be via wire transfers. You may need to directly reach out to your bank to avail of this service (and check the availability) either at the branch, over the phone or online and at the same time for you to check how much an international wire transfer fee would cost.
  
  Other options in sending money to the UK would be further discussed on this page. You may want to check on each of the services available for you to determine which one is most ideal for you.
  
  Cheers,
  Joanne
  
  Reply
JeslaOctober 18, 2017

Can you send funds state by state using HiFX

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  JonathanOctober 19, 2017Staff
  
  Hi Jesla,
  
  Thank you for your inquiry.
  
  HiFX is a transfer platform for sending money overseas.
  
  Hope this clarifies.
  
  Cheers,
  Jonathan
  
  Reply
LesleyMay 30, 2017

How can i receive western union money transfer into my account or credit card because i cannot go to the agent location to do so

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  AnndyJuly 21, 2017Staff
  
  Hi Lesley,
  
  Thanks for the question.
  
  With Western Union, the recipient could receive the funds via cash pick up or deposit to a bank account. But the sender needs to specify this at the time of transfer. Kindly note that there is no option to receive the funds in your credit card account.
  
  Cheers,
  Anndy
  
  Reply

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