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7 Cheapest Ways to Receive, Send, and Transfer Money from United States

Top 9 most cost-effective online platforms for international money transfers. User-friendly with instant calculation of transfer fees and final amount post-conversion, prior to confirmation. Supporting over 40 currencies in more than 70 countries, including transactions with the United States!

Click here to directly access the full list of the top nine options.

Although it may not seem directly related to travel, it can be incredibly useful for individuals who are traveling or have relatives living overseas and require financial transfers. (I’ll explain later how this article can benefit travelers and immigrants).

(Also, if you or someone you know is planning or considering moving abroad, check out our page with 10 alternative countries to relocate to).

 

 

 

Here are some scenarios in which you might find the services of the companies mentioned below useful for sending money to other countries:

It’s important to note that the website options presented below are available to residents or citizens of any country worldwide, including Portugal, the United States, Ireland, Argentina, Spain, and more. So let’s dive in!

So let’s get started!

 

 

 

Important note: Official/spot exchange rate vs. retail/tourist exchange rate

In this article, we will explore the distinction between the “official/commercial exchange rate” and the “tourism exchange rate.”

Simply put, exchanging your money at the commercial exchange rate or the closest possible rate is always more advantageous as it results in fewer losses when converting currencies. The commercial exchange rate is the rate used in the financial market for trading large sums of money, much like “wholesale” exchange rates.

Most of the companies we recommend below use the official/commercial exchange rate or something very close to it, except for the few that don’t, which we will mention.

In contrast, the tourism exchange rate is the rate offered by airports, banks, and exchange offices when you exchange money. They use this rate because they have additional costs and want to make more money from you during the transaction. This is the least favorable exchange rate.

Therefore, always aim to exchange currencies using the official/commercial exchange rate and NOT the retail/tourist exchange rate. We have specified which rate each company uses in the list below.

 

How to Send Money Abroad and Save Money While Traveling?

As you may know from our previous article on handling money and exchanging while traveling, using your debit, credit or prepaid card abroad while traveling results in a 6.38% IOF charge on the value of each transaction. This amounts to a significant sum of money!

The most cost-effective option would be to exchange money in your home country before traveling, buying dollars, euros, or other currencies at commercial rates from banks or exchange offices and using them while abroad. However, carrying a lot of cash while traveling is not recommended, and the quotes used by exchange brokers are tourism quotations and may not be very attractive, resulting in a loss of money.

A more affordable alternative for travelers is to use one of the options below to send money to family and friends in the countries you plan to visit during your trip. Upon arrival, you can retrieve the money in the local currency from the acquaintances who received your money from your home country.

For example, if you’re in Brazil and plan to travel to Australia, where your brother is studying, you can use one of the nine companies listed below to transfer money to your brother’s checking account. He can withdraw the money in dollars and return it to you upon your arrival in Australia. This way, you don’t have to exchange money before leaving Brazil or upon arriving in Australia.

Now, let’s explore the nine best and most cost-effective companies and websites for sending, receiving, and transferring money abroad. But first…

 

What’re the 3 ways you should NEVER send and receive money abroad?

 

#1) BANKS

Numerous people around the world assume that using a bank is a straightforward and economical method for sending or receiving funds internationally. However, this notion is entirely untrue!

International transfers through banks are COSTLY! Banks use SWIFT code (or BIC) and IBAN for incoming and outgoing global wire transfers…and they will take advantage of you!

Typically, they levy a percentage of the total transferred amount, as well as a fee that can sometimes be almost equal to the transfer itself…and to make matters worse, the exchange rate they offer is appalling! Therefore, if you transfer money to another country using a bank, it’s probable that you’ll lose a significant amount of unnecessary money.

For instance, if you use an American bank to transfer money to a European bank, charges could rapidly add up to at least $45 for a single wire transfer (plus a poor exchange rate).

Xe (one of the companies I suggest below) offers a thorough comparison of their rates and the rates of major banks for global wire transfers (previously known as HiFX, which was acquired).

 

 

And this table gives you an idea of the fees charged by banks for incoming and outgoing international wire transfers…ouch!

 

 

#2) and #3) Western Union or MoneyGram

 

 

 

 

These are two of the largest money transfer companies worldwide. Unfortunately, this also implies that many people use them and unwittingly waste their money, simply because they are unaware of better alternatives.

But if so many others use Western Union and MoneyGram, why should you steer clear of them?

Because they…

 

One last time, here are the 3 ways you should NOT do international transfers to United States:

#1) Banks

#2) Western Union

#3) MoneyGram

 

 

Then what are the cheapest and most practical ways to do international money transfers?

I will now share my recommended choices based on affordability and convenience, whether through mobile apps or web platforms. However, I strongly suggest that you try out all the available options to determine which one suits your requirements and budget the best.

 

    1. Wise (formerly Transferwise)

Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) is a cost-effective and user-friendly choice for sending money internationally. It’s my personal preferred option and one I use often.

To use Wise, you need a bank account in the currency of the recipient’s country. It doesn’t have to be in your name, making it ideal for sending money to friends and family. Simply enter the currency and amount you want to send, such as BRL to EUR, and the amount you want to transfer, such as BRL 1,000. Wise will provide you with the final amount the recipient will receive in euros, including all fees, taxes, and other charges.

It’s important to note that Wise uses Google’s official exchange rate for BRL to EUR conversions, ensuring you receive the best rate possible, regardless of the transfer direction or currencies involved.

To proceed, enter your details, including the recipient’s bank information, even if it’s your overseas account. Wise will provide you with a payment slip to pay the transfer amount, with no additional fees for issuing the slip. You can pay the slip at a bank, even if you don’t have an account there, or pay online using internet banking from your home.

In some instances, depending on the country of origin, you can transfer money to Wise using a domestic transfer, debit card, or credit card (with an additional fee for credit card payments).

The funds will typically reach the recipient’s account within 1-3 business days, although this may vary depending on the location.

 

 

And notice that the currency exchange rate from Wise is pretty much the same as the official one given by Google!

 

 

Pros of using Wise for international money transfers:

 

By the way, if you want to send money to Spain, Portugal, Ireland, or other countries that use the Euro, the process is the same. All you need is to select Euro when you begin your transfer and then put the info of the bank account in the country receiving the money.

 

*Countries that use the Euro:

Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican, Kosovo, Montenegro.

 

Cons of using Wise for international money transfers:

However, if in the country you are in this service is not yet available, an easy way to circumvent this problem is by using the checking account of someone you trust. Here in Sweden, for example, I helped a fellow Brazilian receive money here from his family in Brazil. They transferred the money to my Swedish bank account, I withdrew the money from the ATM and gave it to him.

 

Personal experience with Wise:

I’ve used Wise to send money from the United States to Brazil (which can be done with a credit card!), from the United States to Sweden, from Australia to Sweden, from Australia to Sweden, and from Sweden to the United States. It’s always worked smoothly for me! So, I’d definitely recommend it.

 

If you want to see, here’s a video explaining how Wise works:

 

 

 

    2. Xe

Xe is a reputable platform that enables individuals to transfer funds globally. Similar to CurrencyFair and Wise, Xe also provides this service.

Furthermore, Xe is one of the world’s largest websites for checking exchange rates between any two currencies, including their historical values. This feature is incredibly valuable in determining if a specific currency is appreciating or depreciating compared to another.

To determine transfer fees, you must create a free account with them in advance.

It’s important to note that Xe doesn’t offer money transfer services to certain countries. However, it’s an excellent option for individuals of other nationalities who want to transfer funds to and from various countries globally.

 

 

PROS of using Xe for international money transfers:

You can see which currencies they work with on their homepage here.

And you can easily sign up on Xe for free to check how much you’d save on a transfer.

 

Cons of using Xe to transfer money:

 

My personal experience with Xe: 

Honestly, I’ve never used Xe. But I have a friend who tried using it to send money from the United States to Sweden and she said everything worked just fine and the cost was pretty good. Plus, I use them all the time to check currency exchange rates when I’m traveling overseas. 

 

 

   3. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is headquartered in Brussels and fully authorized by the National Bank of Belgium. With a presence in over 150 countries, including the US, the UK, India, Brazil, and several European countries, they facilitate transactions in more than 90 currencies.

Apart from money transfers, WorldRemit provides mobile top-ups in over 110 destinations. They charge low service and exchange fees, and the first international money transfer is free of charge.

 

 

Pros of using WorldRemit for international money transfers:

 

Cons of using WorldRemit for international transfers:

 

Personal experience with WorldRemit: WorldRemit really does work at low rates, so it’s worth making a quote through this site and comparing it to others on the list. Also, your first download is completely free!

 

 

   4. Remitly

Remitly is a popular player in the global money transfer market. Although it initially provided services exclusively in the United States, it has since expanded its reach to various countries worldwide.

One of the significant advantages of using Remitly is its ability to offer remote remittance services. This allows users to send money to a different country and have it delivered to the recipient’s preferred location in cash using their delivery service.

Moreover, in addition to their delivery service, Remitly also offers online transfers to both traditional and digital bank accounts.

 

 

Pros of using Remitly for international money transfers:

 

Cons of using Remitly for international transfers:

 

Personal experience with Remitly:

I’ve never used Remitly, but user feedback is pretty positive. This is really a great option if you need to send money to someone who is not comfortable with technology or if you need cash on hand for a trip, for example.

 

 

    5. CurrencyFair

CurrencyFair functions similarly to Wise and has an identical money transfer process.

However, compared to Wise, CurrencyFair has a drawback in that it supports fewer currencies and does not provide services for certain currencies like the Brazilian reais.


 

 

Pros of using CurrencyFair for international money transfers:

 

Cons of transferring money with CurrencyFair:

 

Personal experience with CurrencyFair:

I’ve also used CurrencyFair to send money from the United States to Sweden, and it worked just as well as Wise did.

Here’s a quick video on how to sign up for free:

 

 

And how to do a transfer with CurrencyFair:

 

 

 

   6. Instarem

Instarem is a fintech company that specializes in global currency exchange and money transfer services. Established in 2014 in Singapore, the firm operates in over 25 countries, utilizing cutting-edge technology to offer efficient, convenient, and cost-effective financial services to its clients.

Instarem’s rates are highly competitive and transparently displayed for customers. Additionally, the company offers a rewards program that enables you to earn points when you make fast and hassle-free money transfers from any location.

Regarding travel insurance, Instarem provides a comprehensive range of products that include coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unforeseen incidents. Its insurance solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client and can be easily purchased through the mobile app or website. Moreover, Instarem collaborates with top insurance providers to ensure that its customers receive the most optimal coverage.

 

 

Pros of using Instarem for international money transfers:

 

Cons of transferring money with Instarem:

 

Personal experience with Instarem:

Although I have never used Instarem, user feedback is generally very positive. This can be an excellent choice if you need to send someone money!

 

 

   7. Ria

Ria is a prominent financial services firm that provides money transfer options to individuals globally. It was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in the US, with a significant global presence.

Ria’s range of services includes wire transfers, bank deposits, and bill payments. It has a massive global reach with over 436,000 agent locations in more than 160 countries worldwide.

The company strives to offer safe, convenient, and cost-effective money transfer options for people and families who want to send money to their loved ones worldwide.

 

 

Pros of using Ria for international money transfers:

 

Cons of using Ria for international transfers:

 

Personal experience with Ria:

Although I don’t have personal experience with Ria, user feedback is often highly positive. This can be an excellent option if you need to send someone money.

 

 

Bonus: Online International Money Transfer Companies

 

   Bonus 1. TransferGo

TransferGo is a renowned European-based financial institution that specializes in providing international money transfer services to European residents and visitors who intend to transfer money overseas.

Their services are accessible in over 60 countries globally, except for Brazil where the services are currently limited to customers with European bank accounts. Despite this restriction, TransferGo offers various transfer options with competitive fees to its customers.

Customers can initiate the transfer process directly from their bank account, debit card, or credit card. They offer both fast transfers that can be completed within 30 minutes and low-cost economic transfers that may take up to three days to complete.

The transfer process is easy-to-use and customer-friendly, making TransferGo a convenient option for international money transfers.

When making transfers with TransferGo, you can use this code or coupon: HMSESq

 

 

Pros of using TransferGo for international money transfers:

 

Cons of using TransferGo for international transfers:

 

Personal experience with TransferGo:

If you are looking for a company to transfer money from Europe to the rest of the world, this is a great option. In my experience, the whole process is done very simply and cheaply.

 

 

   Bonus 2. OFX

OFX is a major global financial institution that specializes in international money transfer services for individuals and businesses. Established in 1988 in Australia, the company has since grown its operations worldwide, including in Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. OFX offers highly competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees, as well as customized services tailored to meet each customer’s unique requirements.

The company’s primary goal is to provide safe, swift, and cost-effective money transfer services with 24/7 customer support. OFX offers various transfer options, including wire transfers, bill payments, and recurring transfers.

OFX is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses that need to transfer significant sums of money overseas, such as expats, international students, and companies involved in global commerce. With a track record of excellent customer service and satisfaction, OFX is a reputable and well-known name in the international money transfer industry.

 

 

Pros of using OFX for international money transfers:

Cons of transferring money using OFX:

Personal experience with OFX:

Although I haven’t had the opportunity to personally use OFX’s services, user reports are often highly positive. Based on this positive review, OFX can be considered an excellent option for those who need to send someone money.

 

 

   Bonus 3. PayPal

Paypal is a popular online payment platform used for transactions with various parties. If you have ever made a purchase on eBay, you may have utilized Paypal to complete the payment.

Paypal also offers international money transfer services, although a drawback is that you need a US bank account linked to withdraw funds.

 

One option is to use the funds in your Paypal account to make purchases at online merchants that accept Paypal payments, such as eBay. You can also transfer your Paypal balance to another person.

 

 

Pros of using Paypal for international transfers:

 

Cons of using Paypal for international transfers:

 

Personal experience with Paypal:

I use Paypal directly to buy things on eBay and to receive payments from a few companies that only pay with Paypal. But I don’t use it for international transfers because I think the exchange rate is bad and the options above are better, so it’s up to you.

 

 

BONUS CRIPTO:

How to do international transfers using digital currency

Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are a relatively new addition to the global financial market. While still in their infancy, they are gaining traction rapidly.

One significant advantage of digital currencies is their ability to facilitate low-cost international money transfers compared to traditional methods. Moreover, transactions can be completed within minutes, regardless of the recipient’s location.

 

I recommend utilizing Coinbase as a reliable platform for sending money internationally through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It is recognized as the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange and has gained the trust of many.

To get started, register for a free Coinbase account and provide your personal information. Then, transfer funds from your bank account to your digital wallet and purchase the cryptocurrency you prefer. Coinbase provides popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Once you have obtained the cryptocurrency, you can send it to anyone around the globe who has a digital wallet. Simply input their wallet address and transmit the coins through your digital wallet.

When the recipient gets the cryptocurrency, they can convert it into their local currency (such as Brazilian reais, Euros, or Dollars) and transfer it to their bank account using the Coinbase platform.

The platform is simple to use, and the process is uncomplicated. Furthermore, if you’re interested in investing in cryptocurrencies, Coinbase is a fantastic option due to its size and reputation.

 

 

 

How to invest in Bitcoins or other digital currencies

Opting to retain digital currencies after purchasing them gives you the opportunity to wait for their value to rise, and potentially sell them in the future. Nonetheless, it is vital to bear in mind that there is no assurance that the currency will appreciate in value, and it is possible that it could even decline in value.

So be careful with investing in digital currencies! Don’t use money that you’ll need in short or midterm!

 

Pros of using cryptocurrency for international transfers through Coinbase:

 

Cons of using cryptocurrency for international transfers through Coinbase:

 

Personal experience with Coinbase:

On a previous occasion, I opted to use digital currencies to pay for an online purchase, as it was more cost-effective compared to using credit cards. I chose to utilize Coinbase to purchase a small amount of Bitcoins and transferred them to the online store. The process was straightforward and the transaction went smoothly.

 

Summing up…

The 7 cheapest ways to receive, send, and transfer money abroad:

  1. Wise
  2. Xe
  3. World Remit
  4. Remitly
  5. Currency Fair
  6. Instarem
  7. Ria
  8. TransferGo
  9. OFX
  10. Paypal
  11. Coinbase

 

In Brief….  

Just as with any important financial decision, it’s important to do your research and compare options when it comes to sending and receiving money abroad. Taking the time to compare exchange rates, transfer fees, and other factors can make a big difference in the amount of money you end up sending or receiving.

To make the process easier, you can choose a specific amount, such as $500 USD, and test each of the options listed above to see which one gives you the best value in terms of the amount received. While this may take a bit of extra time, it can ultimately help you save money and get the best deal possible.

 

Protect yourself against fraud and common scams with international money transfers!!

Use only the companies listed above to transfer money to trusted individuals or reputable companies with positive feedback. Do not transfer money to anyone you don’t know personally. Additionally, be cautious if a family member or friend sends you an urgent message requesting money but you are unable to contact them through phone, Skype, WhatsApp, or other reliable means.

 

By paying attention to strange signs like the ones below, you can tell if you’re being the victim of a scam or not….and then avoid it if you are. Think very carefully before making a transfer. If you’re not sure, don’t take the risk!

Don’t send/transfer money to people or companies:

Use only the companies listed above to transfer money to trusted individuals or reputable companies with positive feedback. Do not transfer money to anyone you don’t know personally. Additionally, be cautious if a family member or friend sends you an urgent message requesting money but you are unable to contact them through phone, Skype, WhatsApp, or other reliable means.

 

Conclusion…

That concludes my guide on how to carry out global money transfers in a secure, economical, and trouble-free way.

If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment in the section provided below, and I will make every effort to resolve them as quickly as possible.

 

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