💸 Compare Best Money Transfers Online

🌎 What is an international money transfer?

When it comes to sending funds to another country, there are various options available, such as utilizing a bank or a money transfer service provider. The way in which the money is received can vary, with options like direct deposit to a bank account or even hand-delivery of cash. The SWIFT network is the traditional method for international money transfers, but new technologies and peer-to-peer networks are becoming more popular as they offer cost and time advantages.

📌 What to look for in a money transfer company?

When it comes to making an international money transfer, there are many options to choose from. Online money transfer companies, for example, can often save you money and time compared to traditional banks. To make it easier to find the right provider for you, here are some key factors to consider:

• Reliability and security: Research a company's reputation to ensure they have a history of providing good service. Additionally, make sure the company is registered with the appropriate financial authorities and follows all regulatory measures to keep your money and identity secure.
• Countries available: Not all providers offer transfers to all countries, and some even specialize in specific transfer corridors. Check that the provider you're considering can facilitate the transfer you want to make.
• Transfer fees: Fees can vary greatly among providers and even within a single provider's service offerings. Make sure the fees charged are appropriate for the transfer you're making.
• Exchange rates: Keep in mind that the rate you see on Google is not always the rate you'll get. Money transfer providers often charge a small margin on top of the mid-market exchange rate. Compare providers to find rates of less than 1%.
• Payment options: Some providers only allow for certain payment methods, such as bank transfers and debit card payments. Others offer a wider variety, such as digital wallets, mobile payments, and cash. Choose a provider that offers a payment method that works for you.
• Collection options: Different providers offer different ways to receive money, such as direct deposit, cash pick-up, or home delivery. Consider which option would be most convenient for the recipient.
• Transfer limits: Some providers have limits on the amount that can be transferred at once and over certain time frames. Check the limits to ensure they meet your needs.
• Customer service: Make sure the provider you choose offers efficient customer support in case of any issues.

🏦 Why shouldn’t I just transfer money using my bank?

When it comes to international money transfers, many people first consider using their bank. This is a natural choice as you already have an account, and the process of making a transfer is simple. However, it's important to be aware that transferring money through a bank is often the most expensive option. High fees and exchange rate margins of up to 5% can be incurred.

An alternative option is to use a money transfer company, which can offer lower costs with zero fees and exchange rate margins of just 1-2%. Additionally, these providers often have faster transfer times and more diverse delivery options than banks.

While using a bank for an international money transfer may seem like the obvious choice due to the well-known and trusted brand, it's important to be aware that these institutions often charge high fees for such transactions. In most cases, using an online money transfer provider is a more cost-effective and efficient option.

🔮 How do international money transfers work?

International money transfers are similar to domestic transfers you would make with an online bank account. The process will vary depending on the service provider you choose, but typically you'll need to register with a service and provide all relevant payment information before authorising the transfer. The time it takes for the funds to be transferred can vary, depending on the delivery and payment method selected. It can take anywhere from seconds to a few days for the transfer to complete.

Many international money transfers are enabled through the SWIFT network. The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) payment system is a secure, standardized way for banks and money transfer providers to send and receive information about financial transactions. This allows money to be transferred quickly and efficiently between banks in different countries and currencies.

An alternative to the SWIFT network is peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, which some money transfer companies use to send money overseas. This method uses a pool of money in different countries to quickly transfer funds to the recipient. P2P transfer providers are generally faster but are best suited for smaller transfers as it may be difficult to find matching transactions for larger amounts.

💶 How do I make an international money transfer?

The first step to making an international money transfer is to select a money transfer provider. If you want to compare your options instantly, you can use our comparison tool to display the best options for the transfer you’re planning to make. After you’ve found a provider, simply follow these 6 steps:

1. Register for an account: You will usually need to provide your personal details such as name, address, phone and email.
2. Verify your details: The money transfer provider will ask for a valid ID such as passport or driver’s license for proof of identity and proof of address. Some providers will also request additional information (such as evidence of your income). They will then verify your details before allowing you to make your first transfer. This step may take from a few hours to a couple of days.
3. Set up the transfer: At this step, you will have to enter the amount you wish to transfer, alsong with the beneficiary’s details including the person’s name, address, account number, Bank Identifier Code (SWIFT or IBAN) or branch number.
4. Pay for the transfer: Some providers will only accept bank transfers, while some others will accept credit/debit card, cash, or mobile wallet payments. Check to see what options are offered by your provider for funding your transfer.
5. Make the transfer and track progress: It may take a few minutes to 5 days for the funds to reach the beneficiary account depending on a variety of factors such as the currency, destination country, payment/collection method, and the amount being transferred. You can track the progress of your transfer within your account.
6. Funds arrive: The money will arrive with your beneficiary in the manner you selected – from a bank deposit to a cash pickup or home delivery. Congratulations, you’ve transferred your money internationally!

🫰 How much does it cost to transfer money internationally?

• Sending Fee: In most cases, there is no sending fee. However, some providers may charge you a sending fee depending on the method you choose to fund the transaction.
• Transfer fee: This is a fixed fee charged by the money transfer company. Some providers claim that they do not charge a transfer fee. This does not mean they let you make a transfer for free, as they will charge you in other ways.
• Exchange Rate: The rates that you see on Google are the mid-market or interbank rates (i.e. the rates which the banks use when swapping currency between each other). When making an international money transfer, you may not get the same rate. Transfer providers often charge a mark-up on the mid-market rate. So, when you read “No” transfer fee, make sure you check the exchange rate being charged to make sure it’s not been inflated too much. A low or no transfer fee will make no sense if you end up paying a huge margin on the exchange rate, especially if making a large transfer.
• Receiving Fee: Sometimes, the beneficiary has to pay a fixed fee to receive an international money transfer. However, this fee is eliminated if the transfer company has local bank accounts in the receiving country.

🌍 Can I send money anywhere in the world?

It is possible to transfer money to any country in the world, but you'll need to choose a money transfer company that serves your desired transfer corridor. Luckily, there are many providers that offer services in a wide range of countries. You can easily find a provider that serves your needs by shopping around and comparing options.

⏰ Does transferring money abroad take a long time?

The time it takes for an international money transfer to be completed can vary depending on various factors such as the payment method, currencies, countries involved and the amount of money being transferred. While you may be able to make quick or same-day transfers to most destinations, the speed of transfer may also depend on the service provider you choose. It is important to note that faster transfers may come with additional fees or higher exchange rate margins.

🎨 How to choose between different international money transfer services

When choosing a money transfer service to send funds internationally, it's crucial to keep in mind the payment/delivery methods, fees, and exchange rate margins offered by the provider. These three elements will greatly affect the cost and speed of your transfer and will also help you determine if the provider offers the specific service you require, such as cash pickup. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have composed detailed reviews of the most renowned money transfer providers, compiled a list of the top 10 money transfer companies, and developed a free comparison tool that will instantly display your options when you input the details of the transfer you wish to make.

✍️ International Money Transfer Overview Summary

With international money transfers, you have the ability to send any amount of money to any location around the world - as long as you choose the right provider. It's important to keep in mind that when using these services, you may have to pay a fixed transfer fee as well as a margin on the exchange rate. These fees and rates can vary between providers, so it's crucial to choose a company that is transparent about the fees charged and also supports the payment and withdrawal methods you're looking to use.

Additionally, you'll want to choose a company that is regulated in the countries in which they operate, and that has effective security systems in place to ensure that your money is secure and reaches the destination safely. Researching a company's reputation for customer service is another important factor to consider and you can find this information in our in-depth reviews.

If you're planning a transfer and want to find the best options right away, use our comparison tool and we'll show you the companies that best meet your needs.