5 Best Apps for International Money Transfers (2026)
Finding the best apps for international money transfers is harder than it looks. The market is full of services claiming to offer the cheapest rates, the fastest delivery, and the most reliable experience. The reality is that a handful of specialist apps genuinely deliver on those promises, while banks and general-purpose platforms like PayPal quietly charge two to five times more than they should.
The best international money transfer app for you depends on what you are sending, where you are sending it, and how fast it needs to arrive. A sender making a one-off payment to Europe has different priorities than someone regularly sending money to family in the Philippines or India. The five apps in this guide cover every major use case.
Each app has been assessed on fees, exchange rates, transfer speed, safety credentials, and ease of use. All five are legitimate, regulated services used by millions of people. But they are not identical, and the differences matter when real money is at stake.
Use the comparison tool below to see live rates before you commit, then read the full breakdown to understand which of the best apps to send money abroad is the right match for your situation.
What to look for in the best international money transfer app
Not all money transfer apps are equal. The cheapest app to send money internationally is not always the fastest, and the most widely available is not always the most transparent. Before picking an app, four factors determine whether you are getting a good deal.
- Exchange rate markup: The biggest hidden cost in any transfer. Banks and some apps add 2-5% above the mid-market rate. The best apps use the mid-market rate with a small transparent fee instead.
- Transfer fees: A flat fee or percentage on top of the exchange rate. Always check the total cost, not just the headline fee.
- Transfer speed: Most specialist apps deliver within minutes or hours. Bank transfers via SWIFT take 2-5 business days. Speed matters more for some corridors than others.
- Coverage: Some apps cover 200+ countries and 100+ currencies. Others focus on specific corridors where they offer the best rates. Check your destination is supported.
The comparison form above shows live rates from multiple providers side by side. That is the fastest way to find the best app to send money abroad for a specific amount and corridor.
1. Wise: Best for exchange rates
Wise is the most widely recommended of the best apps for international money transfer, and for good reason. It uses the mid-market rate on every transfer, the same rate you see on Google, with no markup. The fee is charged separately and shown upfront before you confirm, typically 0.4-1.5% depending on the currency pair and payment method.
As a best international money transfer app, Wise supports over 40 currencies and 160 countries. A transfer from the UK to India, for example, costs around 0.55% in fees with no exchange rate markup at all. Compare that to a high street bank charging 2-3% in hidden FX markup plus a flat SWIFT fee of 20-30 pounds, and the difference on a 1,000 pound transfer is 20 to 30 pounds in your favour with Wise.
Beyond transfers, Wise offers a multi-currency account with a debit card, local account details in multiple countries, and an app that is consistently rated among the best money transfer apps for usability. It is regulated by the FCA in the UK, FinCEN in the US, and equivalent bodies in the EU and Australia. Customer funds are safeguarded in separate accounts away from company assets.
Wise consistently delivers the lowest total cost on major corridors. The mid-market rate with no markup is the differentiator. Here is what you get:
- Mid-market exchange rate on every transfer, no hidden FX markup
- Fees from 0.4% shown upfront before you confirm
- 40+ currencies, 160+ countries supported
- FCA, FinCEN and multi-jurisdiction regulated
- Multi-currency account and debit card available
2. Remitly: Best for speed and low-cost corridor transfers
Remitly is built specifically for remittance corridors, which makes it one of the best apps to send money internationally to emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Its Express option delivers funds within minutes to supported bank accounts and mobile wallets. The Economy option is slower but cheaper, often completing within 3-5 business days.
As an international transfer app, Remitly is particularly strong for sending money from the US, UK, Canada, and Europe to countries like the Philippines, India, Mexico, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. First-time senders typically receive a promotional rate. Ongoing fees vary by corridor, payment method, and delivery speed, but the total cost is consistently lower than banks. On a 500 USD transfer to the Philippines, Remitly typically saves 15-25 USD versus a standard bank wire.
Remitly is regulated by FinCEN in the US and holds money transfer licences across the EU and UK. The app is one of the most highly rated money transfer apps on both iOS and Android, with particular praise for its straightforward delivery tracking and clear fee display before confirmation.
Remitly specialises in fast, low-cost transfers to high-demand corridors. It is the best international money transfer app for senders who need speed to bank accounts or mobile wallets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
- Express delivery in minutes to 100+ countries
- Economy option for lowest-cost transfers
- Strong corridor coverage for Asia, Latin America, Africa
- Mobile wallet delivery to GCash, bKash, M-Pesa and more
- Regulated in the US, UK, and EU
3. Xe: Best for wide currency coverage
Xe is one of the longest-established names in foreign exchange, originally built as a currency data provider before expanding into money transfers. As an international transfer app, it covers 130+ currencies and 200+ countries, which is the widest reach of any of the best apps for international money transfer reviewed here. That reach makes it the strongest choice for less common currency pairs that Wise or Remitly do not cover as competitively.
Xe uses a small spread on the exchange rate rather than a flat fee, and does not charge a transfer fee on most transactions above a minimum amount. For large transfers, the pricing becomes very competitive. Delivery is typically same-day or next-day for major corridors. The Xe app is straightforward to use and supports scheduling transfers in advance, which is useful for businesses or regular senders who want to lock in a rate.
Xe is owned by Euronet Worldwide and regulated by the FCA in the UK, FinCEN in the US, and FINTRAC in Canada. It has processed over 230 million transactions globally. For anyone sending to an exotic currency or an unusual corridor, Xe is frequently the best international money transfer app by availability and total cost.
Xe covers more currencies and countries than almost any other service. It is the go-to best app to send money abroad when the destination currency is not served well by other providers.
- 130+ currencies, 200+ countries
- No transfer fee on most transactions above minimum
- Same-day delivery on major corridors
- Rate scheduling for business and regular senders
- FCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC regulated
4. CurrencyFair: Best for large transfers
CurrencyFair operates a peer-to-peer marketplace model that makes it particularly competitive for larger transfers, typically above 2,000 euros or equivalent. Rather than quoting a fixed rate, it matches your transfer with someone doing the reverse exchange, which can result in rates that beat even the best apps for international money transfer on smaller amounts. The typical fee is around 3 euros plus a small exchange rate margin that shrinks as transfer size increases.
The platform is well-suited for expats, property buyers, and businesses moving larger sums regularly between Europe, Australia, the US, and the UK. Transfer speeds are usually 1-3 business days. CurrencyFair is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and has transferred over 10 billion euros since launch. As a specialist large-transfer app, it consistently ranks among the best international money transfer apps for high-value transactions.
For everyday smaller transfers under 1,000 euros, Wise or Remitly will usually be cheaper. CurrencyFair is best treated as a large-transfer specialist in the lineup of best apps to send money internationally. There is no cash pickup option, and mobile wallet delivery is not supported.
5. Western Union: Best for cash pickup worldwide
Western Union is the oldest money transfer network in the world, with over 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries. While it is not the cheapest international transfer app for bank-to-bank transfers, it holds a unique position as the most accessible send money internationally from your phone option for recipients who do not have a bank account. Cash pickup at a local agent is usually available within minutes of the sender completing the transfer.
The Western Union app is well-designed and supports transfers from a bank account, debit card, or credit card. Transfers to bank accounts are typically cheaper than cash pickup options, but still more expensive than Wise or Remitly for most corridors. A 500 USD transfer from the US to Mexico, for example, costs around 4-5 USD to a bank account but 10-15 USD for cash pickup. The cost is the trade-off for unmatched reach and instant availability.
If the recipient you are sending to has a bank account and a smartphone, one of the other best apps for international money transfer will almost certainly save you money. But when the recipient needs cash in hand and lives somewhere remote or underbanked, Western Union is the practical choice. For cash pickup specifically, it is genuinely the best app to send money internationally to those locations.
How traditional banks compare to the best money transfer apps
Banks process international transfers using the SWIFT network, which adds a 2-5% exchange rate markup on top of a flat wire transfer fee that typically ranges from 15 to 50 USD. On a 1,000 USD transfer, that combination costs 35 to 100 USD in total. The same transfer via Wise costs around 5 to 12 USD. That is a saving of 25 to 90 USD on a single transaction.
Method | Exchange Rate | Typical Fee | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Wise | Mid-market rate | 0.4-1.5% | Instant to 1 day |
Remitly | Competitive rate | 0.5-2% or flat | Minutes to 5 days |
Xe | Competitive rate | Small spread | Same day to 2 days |
Major bank | 2-5% above mid-market | 15-50 USD flat | 2-5 business days |
The numbers are not close. Every specialist app on this list delivers more to the recipient than any high street bank. The only question is which of the best apps to send money internationally is the right match for your specific corridor and amount.
How to choose the best app to send money abroad
The best international money transfer app depends on three variables: where you are sending, how much you are sending, and how fast it needs to arrive.
- For the lowest total cost: Use Wise. The mid-market rate with a transparent fee is the hardest to beat on most corridors.
- For fast delivery to emerging markets: Use Remitly. The Express option delivers within minutes to most major corridors in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
- For unusual currencies or wide country reach: Use Xe. The 130+ currency coverage makes it the safest choice when the destination is not a major corridor.
- For large transfers above 5,000 euros: Consider CurrencyFair. The peer-to-peer marketplace rate can undercut fixed-rate apps at higher amounts.
- For cash pickup in remote locations: Use Western Union. No other service matches the 500,000-location agent network for recipients who need physical cash.
The best approach when sending money internationally from your phone is to compare live rates across at least two providers before confirming. Rates fluctuate, promotions come and go, and the cheapest app to send money internationally for one corridor may not be the cheapest for another.
Frequently asked questions about the best apps for international money transfer
What is the best app for international money transfer?
Wise is the best app for international money transfer for most users. It uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup and charges a transparent fee of 0.4-1.5% depending on the corridor. For senders to emerging markets who need speed, Remitly is often a better match. For unusual currencies, Xe covers the widest range.
The honest answer is that the best international money transfer app depends on where you are sending and how much. The comparison form in this guide shows live rates side by side so you can see the cheapest option for your specific transfer.
Which is the cheapest app to send money internationally?
Wise is consistently among the cheapest apps to send money internationally because it charges the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup. The only cost is a transparent percentage fee shown before you confirm. On a 1,000 USD transfer to Europe, that typically amounts to 4-7 USD total.
Remitly is cheaper than Wise on specific high-volume corridors like US to Philippines or UK to India, particularly if you use the Economy option and are not in a rush. Always compare live rates for your specific amount before choosing.
Is it safe to use money transfer apps?
Yes. All five apps reviewed in this guide are regulated by major financial authorities. Wise is regulated by the FCA in the UK and FinCEN in the US. Remitly holds money transfer licences across the US, EU, and UK. Xe is FCA and FinCEN regulated. CurrencyFair is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Western Union is one of the most heavily regulated financial services companies in the world.
The key safety indicators are: regulatory status, how customer funds are held (they should be safeguarded separately from company assets), and the company's track record. All five services on this list meet those criteria.
How do I send money internationally from my phone?
To send money internationally from your phone, download the app for your chosen provider, create an account, complete the identity verification (usually a passport or driving licence photo), and add the recipient's bank account details. The full process from registration to first transfer takes 15-30 minutes on most apps.
After the first transfer, subsequent sends typically take under two minutes. Most apps store your recipient details so you do not need to re-enter them. Wise, Remitly, and Xe all support both iOS and Android with well-reviewed apps.
What is the best international money transfer app for sending to India?
Wise and Remitly are consistently among the best international money transfer apps for sending to India. Wise uses the mid-market GBP/USD to INR rate with a fee of around 0.55-0.65%, which is among the lowest available. Remitly offers competitive rates on the UK to India and US to India corridors, with Express delivery to major Indian banks within minutes.
The bank alternative, sending via SWIFT, typically costs 2-4% in exchange rate markup plus a flat transfer fee of 15-30 USD or GBP. On a 1,000 GBP transfer, that is 35-70 GBP in costs versus 5-7 GBP with Wise.
How long do international money transfers take with apps?
Transfer times vary by provider, corridor, and delivery method. Wise typically delivers within minutes to a few hours for major currency pairs when the funding method is instant (debit card or faster payment). Bank funding adds 1-2 business days.
Remitly Express delivers within minutes to most supported bank accounts and mobile wallets. The Economy option takes 3-5 business days. Xe is typically same-day or next-day. Western Union cash pickup is usually available within minutes of the transfer being confirmed.
Do money transfer apps charge a currency conversion fee?
It depends on the app. Wise does not add any markup to the exchange rate. The fee is a separate transparent percentage charge. This is the most honest pricing model in the industry.
Remitly and Xe build a small margin into the exchange rate, but both are substantially cheaper than banks. Banks typically add 2-5% to the mid-market rate plus a flat SWIFT fee. On a 2,000 USD transfer, that hidden margin can cost 40-100 USD. The best money transfer apps cost a fraction of that.
Can I use a money transfer app for large transfers?
Yes. All five apps in this guide handle large transfers. Wise supports transfers up to 1 million USD or equivalent in many corridors. Xe is well-suited to large transfers and does not charge a transfer fee on most amounts above a minimum. CurrencyFair is specifically built for large transfers and becomes more competitive the larger the amount.
For transfers above 10,000 USD or equivalent, always compare Wise, Xe, and CurrencyFair side by side. The exchange rate margin on large transfers can be worth hundreds of dollars.
What information do I need to send money internationally using an app?
You need the recipient's full name, bank account number or IBAN, and the bank's SWIFT or BIC code for international transfers. For some corridors, additional routing information is required. Most apps guide you through exactly what is needed for the destination country.
For mobile wallet deliveries (available on Remitly and Western Union), you only need the recipient's phone number registered to the mobile wallet. For cash pickup, the recipient collects with a reference number you provide.
Is Wise the best app to send money internationally?
Wise is the best app to send money internationally for most users on most corridors, primarily because of its mid-market rate pricing. There is no hidden exchange rate markup, which is where banks and some competitors hide their profit.
That said, Remitly is often better for high-speed transfers to specific corridors in Asia and Latin America. Xe is better for unusual currencies. CurrencyFair beats Wise on very large amounts. The right choice depends on your specific transfer. The comparison form above shows the live total cost for your exact amount.
How do money transfer apps make money?
Most money transfer apps make money in two ways: a transparent fee charged on each transfer, and a small margin built into the exchange rate. Wise is unusual in that it charges only a transparent fee with no exchange rate markup. Remitly, Xe, and most others use a small spread on the rate.
Banks make money primarily through the exchange rate markup, which is typically 2-5% above the mid-market rate. Because this cost is hidden inside the rate rather than shown as a fee, many customers do not realise how much they are paying. The best money transfer apps make their pricing clear before you confirm.
Can I schedule recurring international transfers using an app?
Yes. Wise, Xe, and several others support recurring or scheduled transfers. Xe is particularly strong for this use case and allows you to set up forward contracts that lock in a rate for future transfers. Wise supports recurring payments from the app and web interface.
Recurring transfer functionality is useful for anyone sending a fixed amount at regular intervals, such as paying a mortgage in another country or supporting family abroad. Setting up a recurring transfer also removes the need to manually initiate each payment.
Which money transfer app has the best exchange rates?
Wise offers the best exchange rates in the sense that it uses the mid-market rate with no markup. Every other provider, including banks, adds a margin above the mid-market rate. The mid-market rate is the fairest benchmark because it is the rate banks use when trading with each other.
Remitly and Xe offer competitive rates that are far better than banks, but Wise's mid-market rate is the gold standard. For most corridors, Wise will show the highest recipient amount for a given send amount.
Do I need a bank account to use a money transfer app?
To send money via most transfer apps, you need a payment source in your country: a bank account, debit card, or credit card. You do not need a bank account in the destination country if you are sending to someone else's account or a mobile wallet.
The recipient typically needs a bank account or mobile wallet to receive funds digitally. If the recipient has neither, Western Union's cash pickup network is the best option. Over 500,000 agent locations worldwide allow recipients to collect cash with a reference number.
The best apps for international money transfer all share one quality: they are dramatically cheaper than banks. Whether you choose Wise for the lowest exchange rate cost, Remitly for speed to emerging markets, Xe for wide currency coverage, CurrencyFair for large transfers, or Western Union for cash pickup, you will pay less and the recipient will receive more than with any high street bank. Use the comparison form above to see the live difference for your specific transfer before you send. All five are available to download for free, making it easy to send money internationally from your phone in minutes.
Mohammad Humaid
Verified AuthorMo is the founder of MoneyTransferStore. As an expat who has experienced the challenges of sending money across borders himself, he set out to help others like him avoid hidden fees and unfair exchange rates on international transfers. With a background spanning fintech, payments, and Web3, Mo brings years of practical experience to building a platform focused on transparency and trust.
