Best Ways to Send Money Internationally in 2026
Finding the best way to send money internationally can save you hundreds of dollars, pounds, or euros every year. Millions of people send money across borders every day, yet most still use a bank, which is almost always the most expensive option available. The best ways to transfer money internationally have changed enormously over the past decade: specialist digital services now offer the mid-market exchange rate, transparent fees from as little as 0.4%, and delivery times ranging from a few seconds to a couple of business days.
Banks have dominated cross-border payments for decades, but they remain one of the costliest choices. A typical bank applies a foreign exchange markup of 2-4% above the mid-market rate and charges a flat wire fee of $15-$50 per transfer. On a $1,000 transfer, that combination can easily cost $50-$75 before the recipient sees a single cent. Specialist money transfer services charge a fraction of this, and the best ones let you see the full cost before you confirm.
This guide covers all the major ways to send money internationally, explains the real cost of each one, and helps you identify the best way to send money internationally for your specific situation. Whether you are supporting family overseas, paying an international invoice, or moving a large sum between countries, the right choice will make a noticeable difference.
Compare the Best Ways to Send Money Internationally Right Now
The tool below shows the best ways to transfer money internationally for your specific amount and destination. It calculates the real recipient amount from multiple providers side by side, so you compare total cost rather than headline figures.
Quick Comparison: Best Ways to Transfer Money Internationally
Not every way to send money internationally works equally well. The table below compares the major options on the factors that matter most: cost, exchange rate treatment, and delivery speed. The differences are significant.
Method | Best For | Fee on $1,000 | Exchange Rate | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wise | Exchange rate accuracy | Approx. $6-12 | Mid-market rate (no markup) | Instant to 2 business days |
Xe | Large transfers, wide reach | $0 flat fee | Small rate margin applied | Same day to 2 business days |
Remitly | Speed and cash delivery options | Varies by corridor | Close to mid-market | Minutes to 3 business days |
Your bank | Existing account only | $15-50 wire fee | 2-4% above mid-market | 2-5 business days |
The pattern is consistent: the best way to send money internationally is almost never your bank. Specialist services offer better exchange rates, lower fees, and faster delivery. The sections below explain how each provider works and what it is best suited for.
The Best Way to Send Money Internationally: Specialist Services
Dedicated money transfer services exist to solve one problem: moving money across borders at the lowest possible cost. Unlike banks, which treat international transfers as a peripheral product, these companies have built their entire infrastructure around efficient international payments. The best way to send money internationally for most people is through one of the three services below. Each one offers a rate close to mid-market, transparent fees, and a fully regulated environment.
Wise: Best for Exchange Rate Transparency
Wise is widely regarded as one of the best ways to transfer money internationally when exchange rate accuracy matters most. Serving more than 16 million customers across 160 countries, Wise always uses the mid-market exchange rate, the same rate you see on Google or Reuters, with no hidden markup built into the rate. It charges instead a small transparent fee, typically between 0.41% and 2% depending on the currency pair and payment method. On a $1,000 transfer to Europe, the total cost is usually around $6-12, compared to $50-75 at a typical bank.
In addition to sending money internationally, Wise offers a multi-currency account with local bank details in over 10 currencies, including GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, and SGD. This makes Wise one of the best ways to send money internationally for freelancers, expats, and small businesses that regularly receive and pay in multiple currencies. The Wise debit card lets you spend in any of 170 currencies at the mid-market rate wherever Mastercard is accepted, with no foreign transaction fees.
Wise is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, FinCEN in the United States, and over 20 other financial regulators globally. Customer funds are held in segregated accounts, entirely separate from Wise's own operating capital. With more than $100 billion processed annually and a Trustpilot score of 4.2 out of 5 from over 215,000 reviews, Wise is one of the most established and trusted names in international money transfer.
Wise stands out because it separates the exchange rate from the fee, so you always know exactly what the recipient will get before you confirm the transfer.
- Mid-market exchange rate: no hidden markup built into the rate itself
- Transparent fees from 0.41%: the total cost is shown in full before you confirm
- 160 countries supported: all major sending and receiving markets covered
- FCA regulated: customer funds held in segregated accounts separate from company capital
- Multi-currency account: hold, send, and receive in 40 plus currencies
Xe: Best for Large Transfers and Wide Currency Coverage
Xe is one of the most established names in foreign exchange, used by millions of people daily as a currency reference tool and as a live transfer service. For sending money internationally, Xe charges no flat transfer fee and earns its margin from the exchange rate instead. The rate margin typically ranges from 0.5% to 2% above mid-market depending on the currency pair and amount. This no-flat-fee structure makes Xe one of the best ways to send money internationally for large transfers, where a fixed fee would be disproportionately small relative to the amount.
Xe covers more than 130 countries and over 100 currency pairs, making it one of the widest-reaching transfer services available for less common or exotic currencies where other providers have limited coverage. Transfers are tracked in real time through the Xe app and are typically delivered same-day to 2 business days on major routes. For amounts above $50,000, Xe offers a dedicated transfer service where exchange rates and delivery terms can be discussed directly.
Xe is part of Euronet Worldwide, a publicly listed payments group, which gives it a level of corporate backing that few purely digital transfer services can match. It is regulated by FinCEN in the United States, the FCA in the United Kingdom, and AUSTRAC in Australia, among other authorities. Trustpilot reviews for Xe are consistently positive, with particular praise for ease of use and the breadth of currency coverage.
Xe's no-flat-fee model and wide currency coverage make it one of the best ways to transfer money internationally when the amount is large or the currency is less common.
- No flat transfer fee: you pay only the exchange rate margin, which scales better on large amounts
- 130 plus countries: one of the widest coverage footprints available
- Competitive on large amounts: no fixed fee means proportional cost across all transfer sizes
- FCA and FinCEN regulated: fully licensed in all major operating markets
- Part of Euronet Worldwide: publicly listed company with decades of FX experience
Remitly: Best for Speed and Flexible Delivery Options
Remitly is designed specifically for the international remittance market, with deep corridor coverage to Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It offers two delivery tiers on most routes: Economy (lower fee, standard exchange rate, 3-5 business days) and Express (slightly higher fee, same-day or next-day delivery). For major corridors like US to India, US to Philippines, or UK to Nigeria, Remitly regularly runs fee promotions, making it one of the best ways to send money internationally on those specific routes, especially for new customers.
One of Remitly's key advantages is delivery flexibility. Recipients can receive funds directly to a bank account, to a mobile wallet such as M-Pesa, GCash, or bKash, or as cash pickup at a local agent location. This makes Remitly one of the best ways to transfer money internationally when the recipient does not have a traditional bank account or when cash delivery is the most practical option. The cash pickup network covers thousands of agent locations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Remitly is regulated by FinCEN in the United States, the FCA in the United Kingdom, and equivalent regulators in all operating markets. It has processed over $40 billion in transfers and serves more than 5 million active customers. Reviews consistently highlight the reliability and speed of Express transfers as the strongest feature, particularly for popular remittance corridors.
Remitly offers more payout options than most digital services, making it one of the best ways to send money internationally when speed or cash pickup is a priority.
- Express delivery option: same-day or next-day on many popular corridors
- Multiple payout methods: bank deposit, mobile wallet, and cash pickup
- Strong remittance corridor coverage: US, UK, and Canada to Asia, Africa, and Latin America
- First-transfer promotions: frequently discounted or zero-fee transfers for new customers
- FCA regulated: fully licensed in all major operating markets
How to Choose the Best Way to Send Money Internationally
The best way to send money internationally for one person may not be the right choice for another. Four factors determine the best option for any given transfer: the exchange rate, the fee structure, the delivery speed, and the payout methods available to the recipient. Understanding each factor helps you make a comparison based on total cost rather than a single headline number.
Exchange Rates: The Biggest Hidden Cost
The exchange rate is almost always where the largest cost is hidden. The mid-market rate is the real exchange rate at any given moment, and you can check it on Google or XE.com. Any rate worse than mid-market means the provider is keeping a margin on top of the real rate. Banks typically mark up the exchange rate by 2-4% above mid-market. On a $5,000 transfer, a 3% markup means $150 goes to the bank as a hidden cost, completely separate from any wire fees. Wise passes the mid-market rate to the customer in full and charges only a transparent separate fee.
When evaluating ways to transfer money internationally, always look at the recipient amount rather than the advertised exchange rate or headline fee in isolation. A service advertising no fees but applying a 3% exchange rate margin will cost more than a service charging a 0.5% fee at the mid-market rate. The comparison tool at the top of this page shows the recipient amount from multiple providers side by side, which is the only meaningful number to compare.
Transfer Fees: Flat, Percentage, or Both
International transfer fees come in three forms: a flat fee (a fixed charge regardless of amount, such as $5 per transfer), a percentage fee (scales with the amount, such as 1% of the total), or a combination of both. For small transfers under $500, a flat fee tends to dominate the total cost, and a percentage-based service like Wise is often cheaper. For transfers above $5,000, the flat fee matters less and the exchange rate margin matters more. Xe, which charges no flat fee, often becomes the most cost-effective option at higher amounts. Always calculate the total cost including both the fee and the exchange rate margin to get the real comparison figure.
Transfer Speed: From Seconds to Several Days
Delivery speed varies significantly between services. Bank SWIFT transfers take 2-5 business days because each payment moves through a chain of correspondent banks before reaching the recipient. Specialist services are typically much faster: Wise delivers most transfers in seconds to 24 hours using local payment networks rather than SWIFT. Remitly Express delivers same-day or next-day on most popular corridors. Xe typically delivers within 1-2 business days on major routes. If the transfer is urgent, always check the delivery estimate for your specific currency pair before committing to a provider.
Safety and Regulation: What to Check
All three services featured in this guide are regulated by major financial authorities. Wise holds licences from the FCA in the UK, FinCEN in the US, and over 20 other regulators globally. Remitly and Xe hold equivalent licences in every market where they operate. Regulation requires these companies to hold customer funds in segregated accounts, entirely separate from their operating capital, which protects your money even if the company runs into financial difficulty. Before using any transfer service, verify that it holds a valid licence in your country of residence.
Best Way to Send Large Amounts of Money Internationally
Sending large amounts internationally involves different cost dynamics than routine small transfers. The exchange rate becomes proportionally more significant as the amount increases, because a 1% rate difference on a $50,000 transfer represents $500. The best way to send large amounts of money internationally is typically a service that minimises the exchange rate margin and charges no flat fee or a very small one, so the total cost scales predictably.
Wise is the most transparent choice for large transfers. It passes the mid-market rate without any markup and charges a small percentage fee, typically 0.41-2% depending on the currency. On a $20,000 transfer, the Wise fee is typically $80-400 depending on the currency pair, compared to $600-1,000 in combined fees and exchange rate markup at a major bank. For transfers above $50,000, some specialist services also offer a private dealing desk where rates can be discussed and locked in advance through a forward contract.
Banks are rarely the best way to send large amounts of money internationally. Even when wire fees are waived for premium account holders, the foreign exchange markup of 2-4% still applies in full. On a $100,000 transfer, a 3% exchange rate markup represents $3,000 lost compared to less than $500 in a typical Wise fee for the same amount. The best way to send large amounts of money internationally is almost always a specialist service, not a bank.
See What Your Transfer Actually Costs
Enter your transfer amount and destination below. The comparison tool shows the real recipient amount from leading providers so you can see the best way to transfer money internationally for your specific numbers.
Bank Transfers: Familiar but Expensive
Bank transfers remain the most familiar way to send money internationally, but familiarity comes at a high cost. Most banks charge international wire fees between $15 and $50 per transfer. On top of that flat fee, they apply a foreign exchange markup of 2-4% above the mid-market rate, embedded invisibly into the quoted rate. The recipient's bank often also charges an incoming wire fee of $10-20, deducted automatically from the received amount.
The real-money cost adds up quickly. Sending $1,000 from a US bank to the UK typically costs $30-45 in wire fees plus $20-30 in exchange rate markup, for a total cost of $50-75. The same transfer via Wise costs approximately $7-12. On a $5,000 transfer, the bank takes $30-45 in fees plus $100-150 in exchange rate markup, totalling $130-195. Wise charges $25-50 for the same amount. The more you send, the larger the gap becomes: on a $20,000 transfer, the difference between a bank and a specialist service can easily exceed $800.
SWIFT, the international messaging network used by most banks for cross-border payments, typically takes 2-5 business days because each payment moves through a chain of correspondent banks. Each bank in the chain may deduct its own intermediary fee from the transfer amount, and these intermediate charges are rarely disclosed upfront. This combination of high cost, slow delivery, and opacity makes bank wire transfers one of the worst options for personal international money transfers when a specialist service is available.
Bank transfers are sometimes unavoidable. Some businesses and institutions only accept payments via SWIFT wire. Some recipients, particularly in countries with limited digital infrastructure, may have no alternative. And some people simply prefer the familiarity of their existing bank relationship. In those cases, a bank transfer may be the only practical option. But for anyone who has a few minutes to set up a specialist service account, the savings on the very first transfer typically cover the setup effort many times over.
How to Send Money Internationally Without High Fees
The phrase 'no fee' in international money transfer is almost always misleading. Many people searching for the best way to send money internationally without fees find the reality more nuanced. When a provider charges no flat transfer fee, it typically earns its margin from the exchange rate instead. True zero-cost international transfers do not exist: every service needs to capture value somewhere. The right question is not 'which service charges no fee' but 'which service has the lowest total cost when fees and exchange rate margin are combined.'
Xe's model is the closest to sending money internationally without fees in the traditional sense: it charges no flat fee and applies only a rate margin, typically 0.5-2% depending on the currency. For large transfers where a flat fee would be disproportionately small, Xe often results in the lowest total cost. Remitly regularly offers zero-fee promotions for first-time customers on many corridors, making the initial transfer genuinely very affordable. Wise charges a transparent percentage fee of 0.41-2% but passes the mid-market rate in full, so the total cost is predictable and independently verifiable.
The best way to send money internationally without paying unnecessary fees is to compare total cost rather than look for a zero-fee headline. A service charging no fee but applying a 3% exchange rate margin will cost more than a service charging a 0.5% fee at the mid-market rate. Always use the recipient amount as the single comparison figure when evaluating the best ways to transfer money internationally available for your route.
What Is the Best Way to Send Money Internationally for Your Situation?
What's the best way to send money internationally depends on what matters most for that specific transfer. The right service varies by corridor, amount, urgency, and the delivery options available to the recipient. Here are the most common use cases and which approach works best for each.
Sending Regular Remittances to Family Abroad
For regular remittance transfers to family in countries such as India, the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, or Bangladesh, Remitly and Wise are typically the best ways to transfer money internationally. Both offer competitive rates on major remittance corridors and mobile wallet delivery options that work well in markets where digital wallets are widely used. Remitly tends to offer particularly competitive fees on US-to-Philippines and US-to-India corridors, while Wise leads on exchange rate transparency across most routes. If the recipient needs cash, Remitly's cash pickup network covers thousands of agent locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Paying Overseas Invoices or International Suppliers
For business payments and international invoices, Wise is often the best way to send money internationally. Its multi-currency account with local bank details in multiple currencies makes it straightforward to pay in the required currency without a conversion markup on top. Xe is worth comparing for large invoice amounts where its no-flat-fee structure makes a meaningful difference. Bank transfers are rarely competitive here unless the recipient cannot accept payments via any digital service.
Moving Large Sums Between Countries
The best way to send large amounts of money internationally requires close attention to the exchange rate, since this is where the greatest costs occur on high-value transfers. Wise is the most transparent choice, passing the mid-market rate with a small percentage fee that scales predictably. Xe is worth comparing on amounts above $20,000 due to its no-flat-fee structure. For sums above $50,000, some specialist services offer dedicated transfer accounts where rates can be discussed directly and forward contracts arranged to lock in a rate in advance.
Sending to a Recipient Without a Bank Account
When the recipient does not have a bank account, cash pickup is often the most practical option for sending money internationally. Remitly covers cash pickup in many markets across Africa, Asia, and Latin America through a network of local agent locations. Western Union and MoneyGram also have extensive cash pickup networks, though their exchange rates and fees tend to be less competitive than digital specialists. If cash pickup is needed, always compare the total cost including the exchange rate before selecting a provider. For recipients open to receiving funds via mobile wallet, services like Remitly also support M-Pesa, GCash, and bKash, which is often faster and cheaper than cash pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to send money internationally?
The best way to send money internationally for most people is through a specialist money transfer service rather than a bank. Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees from 0.41%, making it the most cost-effective choice for exchange rate accuracy. Remitly is better suited for speed and cash pickup on major remittance corridors. Xe is particularly competitive for large transfers due to its no-flat-fee structure. The right choice depends on your corridor, transfer amount, delivery speed requirements, and how the recipient wants to receive the funds.
What is the best way to send money internationally without high fees?
The best way to send money internationally without paying high fees is to avoid bank wire transfers and use a specialist service instead. Xe charges no flat transfer fee and earns only a small exchange rate margin, typically 0.5-2%. Wise charges a transparent percentage fee of 0.41-2% and applies the mid-market rate in full, so the total cost is often lower than providers claiming no fees but applying a higher exchange rate margin. Remitly offers fee promotions for new customers on many corridors. Always compare the total cost, including both fees and the exchange rate margin together, rather than looking only at the headline fee.
What's the best way to send money internationally compared to a bank?
The best way to send money internationally is almost never through a bank. Banks charge $15-50 in wire fees per transfer plus a foreign exchange markup of 2-4% above the mid-market rate. On a $1,000 transfer, a bank might take $50-75 in total costs. A specialist service like Wise typically charges $7-12 for the same transfer at the mid-market rate. Over a year of regular transfers, the savings from using a specialist service can be very significant. Banks also tend to be slower, typically taking 2-5 business days compared to same-day or next-day delivery from digital transfer services.
What is the best way to send large amounts of money internationally?
The best way to send large amounts of money internationally is through a specialist service that minimises the exchange rate margin, since this is where the greatest costs occur at high transfer amounts. Wise passes the mid-market rate with a small percentage fee, making total costs transparent and predictable. Xe's no-flat-fee model is worth comparing on amounts above $10,000. For transfers above $50,000, some providers offer dedicated transfer accounts or forward contracts to lock in a rate in advance. Banks are rarely competitive for large international transfers: a 3% exchange rate markup on a $100,000 transfer costs $3,000 in unnecessary fees.
How long does an international money transfer take?
Delivery speed depends on the service and the currencies involved. Wise delivers most transfers in seconds to 24 hours using local payment networks rather than the SWIFT system. Remitly Express delivers same-day or next-day on many major corridors. Xe typically delivers within 1-2 business days on popular routes. Bank SWIFT transfers take 2-5 business days because the payment moves through a chain of correspondent banks, each adding processing time. If speed is a priority, always check the delivery estimate for your specific currency pair before choosing a provider.
Is it safe to use specialist money transfer services internationally?
Yes, the major specialist money transfer services are safe to use and are regulated by leading financial authorities. Wise is regulated by the FCA in the UK, FinCEN in the US, and over 20 other regulators globally. Remitly and Xe hold equivalent licences in every market where they operate. All are required by regulation to hold customer funds in segregated accounts, entirely separate from their own operating capital, which protects your money. Wise has processed over $100 billion in transfers, Remitly has processed over $40 billion, and Xe is part of publicly listed Euronet Worldwide. All three have strong track records and extensive independent reviews.
What is the cheapest way to transfer money internationally?
The cheapest way to transfer money internationally depends on the corridor and transfer amount. For most common routes, Wise is the most transparent and competitive option: it applies the mid-market rate with no markup and charges only a fee from 0.41%, so the total cost is verifiable before you send. Xe can be cheaper on large transfers because it charges no flat fee. Remitly is often the cheapest for specific high-volume corridors where it runs promotional rates. Banks are almost never the cheapest option for international transfers: their combination of wire fees and exchange rate markups makes them 5-10 times more expensive than specialist services on most routes.
What exchange rate should I expect for an international transfer?
The rate you should aim for is as close to the mid-market rate as possible. The mid-market rate is the real exchange rate at any moment, available on Google or XE.com. Wise passes the mid-market rate in full with no markup added. Xe applies a rate margin of approximately 0.5-2% depending on the currency. Remitly's rate varies by corridor and delivery method. Banks typically apply 2-4% above mid-market, which is the primary driver of their high cost. When comparing providers, always check what the recipient will actually receive and compare that figure against the mid-market rate to understand the true exchange rate cost built into each option.
Can I send money internationally for free?
Truly free international transfers do not exist. When a service advertises no fee, it almost always earns its margin through the exchange rate instead. The most cost-effective approach is to find the service with the lowest total cost, evaluating both the fee and the exchange rate margin together. Xe charges no flat fee but applies a rate margin. Remitly offers no-fee promotions for first transfers on selected corridors. Wise charges a transparent percentage fee but applies the mid-market rate in full. Comparing the actual recipient amount across services is the only reliable way to identify which option is genuinely cheapest for your specific transfer.
What is the best way to send money internationally from the US?
From the US, the best way to send money internationally is through a specialist service. Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate from USD to most major currencies with fees from approximately 0.41%. Remitly is particularly strong for US-to-India, US-to-Philippines, and US-to-Mexico transfers, offering same-day Express delivery on many routes and first-transfer promotions. Xe is competitive for large USD transfers due to its no-flat-fee structure. All three services are licensed by FinCEN in the US Treasury and operate legally across all US states. Bank wire transfers from the US are among the most expensive options available and rarely competitive with specialist services.
Why do banks charge so much for international transfers?
Banks charge so much for international transfers because they use the SWIFT correspondent banking network, which routes each payment through multiple intermediary banks, each of which takes a processing fee. Banks also apply a foreign exchange markup of 2-4% above the mid-market rate, which is their primary source of profit on these transactions. This markup is rarely clearly disclosed and is embedded in the rate quoted at the time of the transfer. Specialist services like Wise have reduced costs dramatically by building direct local payment networks that bypass the correspondent banking chain entirely, sending funds locally on both sides of the transfer.
What's the best way to send money internationally to India or the Philippines?
The best ways to transfer money internationally to India and the Philippines include Wise and Remitly. Wise offers the mid-market GBP-to-INR, USD-to-INR, and USD-to-PHP rate with transparent fees and same-day delivery on many transfers. Remitly offers particularly competitive rates on US-to-India and US-to-Philippines corridors, with Express delivery within minutes or hours to most Indian and Philippine banks and mobile wallets including GCash and bKash. Xe is also available for both corridors. Avoid bank wire transfers to India or the Philippines: the combination of wire fees and exchange rate markup typically costs $50-80 on a $1,000 transfer, compared to $5-15 via a specialist service.
How do I compare the best ways to transfer money internationally?
The most reliable way to compare the best ways to transfer money internationally is to look at the recipient amount for a given send amount, not the headline fee or advertised exchange rate separately. The recipient amount already incorporates both the fee and the exchange rate margin together, giving you the true total cost of each option in a single number. Use the comparison tool on this page to see recipient amounts from multiple providers side by side for your specific currency pair. Also check the estimated delivery time and available payout methods (bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup) before making your final decision.
The Bottom Line
The best ways to transfer money internationally have never been more accessible or affordable. Wise, Xe, and Remitly each offer a significant improvement over bank wire transfers on cost, speed, and transparency. Wise is the best choice when exchange rate accuracy is the priority. Xe is worth comparing for large transfers or exotic currencies. Remitly is best for speed and flexible delivery options on major remittance corridors. What's the best way to send money internationally for you? Use the comparison tool at the top of this page to find out. Entering the amount and destination takes less than a minute, and the savings versus a bank transfer can be substantial.
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.
