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Jul 06, 2025
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FAQs About Money Transfer
What is the cheapest way to transfer money abroad from the USA?
Typically, using an online money-transfer specialist that offers transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates is the cheapest way. Many banks charge more.
How long does it take when I wire money abroad online?
It depends on the destination, funding method, and payment/delivery method. Some transfers arrive within minutes; others (especially bank-to-bank “wire money abroad”) may take 1–2 business days.
Can I send money internationally without a bank account?
Yes, via e-wallets or cash-pickup services in some destinations, you can still fund your transaction using a bank/debit card in the USA, and the recipient collects via wallet or an agent.
Why do I see different fees when I send money internationally?
Fees vary depending on the destination country, the method of payment (bank, card, e-wallet), the recipient's method of receipt, the amount sent, and the provider’s policies.
Is it safe to send money internationally online?
Yes, it is generally safe when using licensed and regulated money transfer services. Ensure the provider utilizes encryption, adheres to compliance standards, and provides fraud protection. Always double-check the recipient's details to avoid misdirected transfers.
How to Send Money Online To Friends and Family Overseas
Before you get started sending your money across the world, you may have some questions. The money transfer process should be easy, inexpensive, and timely, but it pays to understand the journey before sending your money. You'll find answers to the top 10 frequently asked questions here.
Q: Why do some people prefer money transfer companies over banks?
A: Money transfer services often provide users with better exchange rates and lower fees than they would receive at their bank. These services are also often faster than banks and are optimized for use with mobile devices.
Q: What are the fees for sending money?
A: The fees—or lack thereof—depend on the money transfer company you use. There isn’t a single fixed fee for sending money, rather most companies charge either a flat transfer fee or a small percentage of the amount that you send. Other companies don’t charge any fees, rather, they make money by working with the exchange rate differences on currencies. Keep in mind though that even if the company doesn’t charge any fees, if you’re doing a bank to bank transfer, you may be charged processing fees by the bank.
Check out International Money Transfer Services Below
XE
XE offers fast and easy international wire transfers with no fees. XE uses enterprise-grade security to handle transactions in 139 currencies across the world, with no minimum or maximum daily transfer. The company allows you to track your account online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct was the first European wire transfer service to open its doors over 2 decades ago. With branches in 21 locations all over the world, over 40 currencies to trade in, and helpful features, Currencies Direct makes transferring money internationally fast, easy, and simple for everyone.
OFX
OFX provides individuals and businesses with international money transfers at significantly cheaper rates than traditional banks. It serves customers around the world, offering to convert transfers from 15 major currencies into 55 currencies – and counting.
Q: How long do money transfers take to process/get received?
A: The amount of time it takes for a money transfer to reach its destination can depend on a number of factors. If it’s a bank-to-bank transfer, it may take at least one business day to transfer, especially if the banks are in different countries—especially in the developing world, where there can be more delays. Some companies also don’t carry out bank-to-bank transfers on the weekend or on bank holidays. If you’re doing a direct person-to-person digital transfer, some companies can process the transfer instantaneously.
Q: How do companies determine the exchange rate you receive?
A: Money transfer companies determine the exchange rate based on the daily rates given by the foreign exchange market. Users are shown the exchange rate by the transfer company before the transaction goes through, so they have the ability to take their business elsewhere if they don’t like the rate. A number of companies will also allow you to lock in a specific exchange rate for a set period of time, while some also vow to match any exchange rate given by your bank.
Q: If I’m quoted a good rate, can I lock it in for future use?
A: Many companies allow users to lock in an exchange rate for a future exchange, even for a year or more. These companies do often stipulate that the agreement is final though, so be sure it’s the right rate for you. Look for a time when the currency you’re using—or that you’re paid in—is higher than the one that you’re sending to.
Q: What are the options for delivery?
A: There are quite a few options for money transfer delivery, and long gone are the days when your only option was your local bank branch. In addition to bank-to-bank transfers, you can do mobile-to-mobile transfers, and a number of companies even operate their own storefronts where you can pick up the money, and even will deliver the funds to a physical address. When it comes to mobile phone top-ups, these can be done directly to the other person’s phone, from anywhere in the world.
Q: Is there a minimum or maximum amount you can send?
A: Many money transfer companies will state that they don’t have a minimum or maximum sending limit, though this isn’t technically true. Typically you can’t send less than a dollar and if you try to send $1,000,000, most won’t allow it. For those companies that do have a minimum amount it can usually hover around $100-$200 or so, while the daily maximum can be in the several thousand dollars range, and often less if the transfer is international.
Q: How are the transfers secured?
A: Money transfer companies put in a number of security measures including encryption and cybersecurity tools to keep data and transactions safe. They also take steps to screen the person sending the money, and if it’s a bank-to-bank transfer, then the bank’s own security measures should come into play as well. Regardless, when comparing money transfer companies, always take a look at the security measures that the company implements and see if they go the extra mile.
Q: What is a mobile top-up transfer?
A: If someone has a prepaid mobile phone, many transfer companies will allow you to send money to fill up the minutes on the phone (i.e., to “top up” the phone). This is a great way to maintain contact with someone who is overseas and may not be able to afford a cell phone plan or have reliable access to the internet.
Ready to go?
Sending money for business or pleasure can be simple. Consider the sending times, methods and currencies available for your chosen money transfer company, create an online account (or download the mobile phone app), and click go. If you're ready to compare providers, take a look at the top 10 on our homepage to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Western Union Disclosure
*Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options.
Chime® Disclosure
Chime® is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.,Members FDIC.