Sending money internationally is easiest today through online transfer services and digital banking apps, but the “best” method depends on how fast you need it to arrive, how much you’re sending, the countries involved, and how much you’re willing to pay in fees.

Core ways to send money

  • Specialist transfer apps (Wise, Revolut, Xe, OFX, WorldRemit, etc.) let you send from your bank card or account to a foreign bank account or sometimes to a mobile wallet or cash pickup location, often with lower fees and better exchange rates than banks.
  • Traditional money transfer companies like Western Union and MoneyGram are strong if your recipient needs cash pickup, or doesn’t have a bank account, with hundreds of thousands of in-person locations worldwide.
  • Banks can send international wire transfers directly from your account, but they often charge higher flat fees and use weaker exchange rates compared to modern online services.
  • Some digital banks and fintechs (for example, Wise accounts or Revolut) let you hold multiple currencies and send money abroad within their app, often instantly between users.

Step‑by‑step: sending money abroad

  1. Clarify your needs
    • How much are you sending, how urgent is it, and does your recipient prefer bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup?
 * Check whether the destination country has good coverage from popular services (not all apps work everywhere).
  1. Compare total cost (not just fees)
    • Look at both:
      • Transfer fee (what you pay upfront).
      • Exchange rate markup (difference between mid‑market rate and the rate you’re offered).
 * A “zero fee” transfer with a bad exchange rate can be more expensive than a small fee with a fair rate.
  1. Choose a transfer method
    • Bank transfer to a specialist service is usually the cheapest, but can be slower.
 * **Debit/credit card funding** is faster but often has higher fees.

 * **Cash at an agent location** (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram) is useful if you or the recipient deal mainly in cash.
  1. Gather recipient details
    • For bank transfers, you’ll typically need: full name, bank name, account number, and depending on region, IBAN and SWIFT/BIC.
 * For cash pickup, make sure the recipient’s name matches their ID, and confirm which branch or location they’ll use.
  1. Create an account and verify your identity
    • Online services usually require ID checks to comply with anti‑money‑laundering rules, especially for larger amounts.
 * You may be asked to upload an ID and sometimes proof of address before or during your first larger transfer.
  1. Send, then track the transfer
    • After you confirm the amount and rate, you’ll receive a confirmation and, often, a tracking number.
 * Share the reference or tracking details with your recipient, especially for cash pickup.

Popular services at a glance

Here’s a simplified comparison of common options mentioned in recent guides.

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Service type / name Best for Typical costs Speed How recipient gets money
Wise Low fees & transparent rates for bank transfers.Small upfront fee + near‑mid‑market FX.Seconds to a few days depending on route.Bank account or Wise balance.
Revolut App users sending between supported countries.Competitive FX, some plan‑based limits.Often instant between Revolut users.Bank account or in‑app balance.
Xe / OFX Larger transfers with customized rates.No/low transfer fee, FX markup on rate.Typically 1–3 business days.Bank account.
Western Union / MoneyGram Cash pickup and broad global reach.Fees + FX markup; can be higher for cards and urgent transfers.Minutes to same day for many routes.Cash pickup, bank deposit, or mobile wallet (varies by country).
Bank wire transfer Sending directly from a traditional bank account.Higher fixed fees + less favorable FX.1–5 business days.Recipient’s bank account.

Safety and common pitfalls

  • Always double‑check recipient details before sending; correcting an international transfer can be slow or impossible.
  • Avoid sending money to strangers who contact you online with urgent stories; many scams exploit international transfers.
  • Use services that clearly show the exchange rate, all fees, and estimated delivery time before you confirm.
  • For larger amounts, check if you can lock in a rate or use forward contracts with specialists like OFX or similar providers.

What people are discussing lately

Recent guides and blog posts in 2025 highlight:

  • Growing use of multi‑currency apps like Wise and Revolut as people work remotely, study abroad, and freelance across borders.
  • Increased attention to hidden costs and FX markups, with travelers and expats on forums urging others to focus on total cost rather than only upfront fees.
  • More options for mobile wallet and cash pickup to serve people without traditional bank accounts, especially in emerging markets.

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Learn how to send money internationally in 2025 with lower fees and better exchange rates. Compare banks, online transfer apps, and cash pickup services, plus safety tips and real‑world trends.

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