How to Send Money to Someone: A Complete Guide
Understanding how to send money to someone quickly and at the lowest possible cost can make a real difference, whether you are splitting a bill with a friend, paying a freelancer overseas, or supporting family abroad. The method you choose determines how much you pay and how fast the recipient gets their money, and the gap between the best and worst options is often much larger than most people expect.
How do you send money to someone and what are your options? The short answer is that there are more ways than ever: bank transfers, specialist money transfer apps, digital wallets, and cash services all work, each with different costs, speeds, and requirements. Understanding those differences is the first step to making sure you do not overpay.
This guide covers how to send money to someone using every major method available today, what information you will need about the recipient, how much each option typically costs, and which services deliver the best value for domestic and international transfers. For international sending in particular, specialist services like Wise, Remitly, and Xe almost always beat bank rates by a meaningful margin.
Whether you are sending to someone in the same country or on the other side of the world, comparing your options before committing is the most effective way to save money. Use the comparison tool below to see live rates right now.
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What Information Do You Need to Send Money to Someone?
Before you can send money to someone, you will need a few key details about the recipient. The exact information required depends on the method and whether you are sending domestically or internationally, but most transfers ask for some combination of the following.
- Full name -- as it appears on the recipient's bank account or official ID
- Bank account number or IBAN -- required for bank transfers and most specialist services
- Sort code, routing number, or SWIFT/BIC code -- needed for bank-to-bank transfers, especially cross-border
- Bank name and branch address -- sometimes requested for international wire transfers
- Email address or phone number -- used by app-based services like Wise, PayPal, and Remitly
- Transfer amount and destination currency -- you confirm the amount you want to send or the amount the recipient should receive
For domestic transfers between accounts at the same bank, you may only need an account number and sort code, or even just a phone number linked to the recipient's account. International transfers require more detail because funds pass through multiple systems. Always double-check every digit before confirming, as sending to a wrong account can be difficult and slow to reverse.
How Do I Send Money to Someone? Your Main Options
How can you send money to someone today? There are five main methods in common use, each suited to different situations. Some work better for domestic transfers, some for international routes, and the right choice depends on speed, cost, and what the recipient can actually receive.
Bank Transfer
A direct bank transfer is one of the most familiar ways to send money to someone who has a bank account. In the UK, Faster Payments handles most transfers and money typically arrives on the same day or within a couple of hours. In Europe, SEPA Credit Transfers take one business day. In the US, ACH transfers are the domestic standard and usually arrive in one to two business days.
Domestic bank transfers are generally free or very low cost. International bank transfers are a different matter. Most banks apply an exchange rate markup of 2 to 4 percentage points above the mid-market rate, and SWIFT wire fees of $10 to $50 are common on top of that. On a $1,000 international transfer, a recipient can end up with $60 to $90 less than expected simply because of the bank's exchange rate margin. Specialist services nearly always work out cheaper for cross-border sending.
Money Transfer Apps
Dedicated money transfer services like Wise, Remitly, and Xe are purpose-built for sending money across borders and consistently offer better rates and lower fees than banks. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee of around 0.4% to 2% depending on the currencies and payment method. Remitly focuses on popular remittance corridors such as US to the Philippines, Mexico, or India, offering both a fast Express option and a cheaper Economy option. Xe covers more than 130 currencies and is especially useful for less common pairs.
For most people who need to send money to someone internationally, a specialist app is the first option to consider. Setup is quick, transfers can be initiated on a phone or desktop, and many corridors arrive within hours or the next business day.
Cash Transfer Services
Cash pickup services like Western Union and MoneyGram allow the recipient to collect funds in cash from an agent location. This is the most practical route when the person you are sending to does not have a bank account. Coverage is extensive, with agent networks operating in more than 200 countries. The trade-off is cost: fees and exchange rate margins are typically higher than digital alternatives. For recipients without bank access, cash pickup is often the most accessible option regardless of the cost.
Digital Wallets and Payment Apps
Apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App make it easy to send money to someone using just their email address or mobile number. PayPal works internationally in many countries, though cross-border transfers carry a currency conversion charge of around 3 to 4% above the mid-market rate. Venmo and Cash App are primarily US-domestic tools. How do you send money to someone quickly for a small domestic amount? These apps are often the most convenient answer. For larger international transfers, the cost difference versus a specialist service is hard to justify.
Cheque or Money Order
Sending a physical cheque or money order is the slowest option and is increasingly uncommon. Postal delivery takes days, the recipient has to deposit it in person, and cheques are vulnerable to loss and fraud. Money orders are a more secure form of the same concept but still require a physical visit to a bank or post office. Unless no other method is available, digital options are preferable in every practical respect.
How to Send Money to Someone Online: Step by Step
If you are wondering how to send money to someone online using a specialist service, the process is straightforward once you know what to expect. The steps below apply to most digital money transfer platforms, including Wise, Remitly, and Xe.
- Create an account with your chosen service. You will need your email address, a phone number, and proof of identity such as a passport or driving licence for the one-time verification step.
- Enter the amount you want to send and select the destination currency. Most services show you the exchange rate and exact fee upfront so you can see precisely how much the recipient will receive.
- Add the recipient's details including their full name, bank account number or IBAN, and any routing or SWIFT codes required for their country.
- Choose your payment method. Bank transfer is usually cheaper; debit or credit card is faster. Check both options before deciding.
- Review the full transfer summary: the exchange rate, total fee, and the amount arriving in the recipient's local currency. Do not skip this step.
- Confirm the transfer. You will receive a confirmation email and a reference number for tracking.
- The recipient receives the funds, typically within minutes to two business days depending on the service, corridor, and payment method you chose.
Most platforms allow you to save recipient details after the first transfer, so future payments to the same person take just a minute or two. If you send to the same person regularly, a saved recipient profile makes the whole process much faster.
How to Send Money to Someone Internationally
Sending money across borders involves a currency conversion, and that is where most of the cost is hidden. Banks handle this conversion themselves and apply a markup above the mid-market rate: the difference between the rate they offer you and the actual interbank rate is how they profit on international transfers. That markup is rarely disclosed as a fee, which is why a transfer can appear to have a low fixed charge but still deliver far less to the recipient than expected.
Specialist services work differently. Wise uses the mid-market rate and charges a small transparent percentage fee. On a 1,000 pound transfer from the UK to Europe, the difference between a high street bank and Wise can easily be 30 to 60 pounds. On larger amounts, the absolute saving grows proportionally.
How can I send money to someone internationally without paying over the odds? The most cost-effective approach is to use a dedicated money transfer app for the conversion and delivery rather than going through your bank. You will need the recipient's IBAN or local account number, a SWIFT or BIC code for their bank, and you will need to complete a one-time identity verification on whichever platform you choose. That verification step is a regulatory requirement and typically takes a few minutes.
Delivery times for international transfers vary. Wise typically completes transfers in zero to two business days, with some corridors arriving in minutes when you pay by card. Remitly's Express option delivers within hours on most major routes. Xe is usually same-day or next-day for major currency pairs. Bank SWIFT transfers typically take two to five business days and sometimes longer when intermediary banks are involved.
Best Services to Use When You Want to Send Money to Someone
For anyone looking for the best way to send money to someone internationally, specialist services consistently outperform banks on cost, speed, and transparency. Here are the three services we recommend most, each with distinct strengths depending on your corridor and priorities.
Wise
Wise is one of the best options when you want to send money to someone abroad. It uses the mid-market exchange rate on every transfer, with no hidden markup on the rate itself, and charges a small transparent fee shown upfront before you confirm. Fees typically range from 0.4% to 2% depending on the currency pair and how you pay. On a $1,000 transfer, you might pay $5 to $20 in fees compared to $50 to $90 or more via a bank when you account for the hidden FX margin.
Wise also offers a multi-currency account with local bank details in 10-plus currencies, meaning recipients can receive money as if they have a local account in their country. Wise is FCA-regulated in the UK, licensed by FinCEN in the US, and authorised across the EU and most other major markets, with customer funds held separately from company capital.
Wise gives you the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to send money to someone internationally.
- Mid-market exchange rate -- no markup on the rate, ever
- Transparent fee shown upfront -- typically 0.4% to 2% of the transfer amount
- Supports 40-plus currencies -- covering most major international corridors
- Fast delivery -- most transfers arrive in 0 to 2 business days
- FCA regulated -- customer funds safeguarded separately from company assets
Remitly
Remitly is purpose-built for remittance, which means sending money to someone in a developing or emerging market country. It has strong coverage across popular corridors including US to Mexico, Philippines, India, and Colombia, as well as UK to Nigeria, Kenya, and Pakistan. Remitly offers two delivery speeds: Economy for lower fees with a delivery window of three to five business days, and Express for delivery within hours at a slightly higher cost.
For recipients without a bank account, Remitly also supports cash pickup at a large network of agent locations and mobile wallet delivery to platforms like GCash, bKash, and M-Pesa. Remitly is a strong choice for families who need to send money to someone abroad on a regular basis, with competitive rates on the corridors where it specialises.
Remitly specialises in remittance corridors and is one of the best options for sending money to someone in Asia, Africa, or Latin America.
- Express and Economy options -- choose between speed and cost depending on urgency
- Cash pickup available -- useful when the recipient does not have a bank account
- Mobile wallet delivery -- supports GCash, bKash, M-Pesa, and others
- Competitive rates on popular corridors -- especially strong for US, UK, and EU senders
- Fully regulated -- licensed in the US, UK, EU, and other major markets
Xe
Xe is one of the most established names in international foreign exchange and is particularly strong for large transfers and less common currency pairs. If you need to send money to someone in a country not fully supported by Wise or Remitly, Xe is often the next best option. It covers more than 130 currencies, one of the broadest ranges available from any specialist service.
Xe charges no fixed upfront fee and instead applies a small exchange rate margin, which means the rate you receive is slightly below the mid-market rate. For large transfers in particular, the total cost is still significantly lower than a bank. Delivery is fast: most transfers to major corridors arrive the same day or next business day. Xe is regulated by the FCA in the UK and licensed by financial authorities in the US and Canada.
Xe is worth considering when you need to send money to someone in a country that other services do not fully support, or when transferring a larger amount where exchange rate margin matters.
- 130-plus currencies -- one of the widest ranges of any specialist transfer service
- No fixed transfer fee -- cost built into a competitive exchange rate margin
- Fast delivery -- same-day or next-day on most major currency pairs
- Strong for large transfers -- rate margin becomes very competitive at higher amounts
- FCA regulated -- authorised in the UK, US, and Canada
What Does It Cost to Send Money to Someone?
How can you send money to someone at the lowest possible cost? The answer depends heavily on which method you use and whether the transfer is domestic or international. For domestic transfers, most bank apps and payment services charge little or nothing. For international transfers, the hidden exchange rate margin is often the biggest expense, even when the service advertises a zero-fee transfer. The table below shows typical costs across the main options for a $1,000 international transfer.
Method | Typical Fee | Exchange Rate Markup | Total Cost on $1,000 | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wise | 0.4% to 2% | None (mid-market) | ~$4 to $20 | 0 to 2 days |
Remitly Express | $0 to $3.99 | Small margin | ~$5 to $25 | Minutes to hours |
Xe | None | 0.5% to 1.5% margin | ~$5 to $15 | Same day to 1 day |
Bank (wire transfer) | $10 to $50 | 2% to 4% markup | $30 to $90+ | 2 to 5 days |
PayPal | Variable | 3% to 4% markup | $35 to $60+ | Instant to 1 day |
Western Union (cash) | $5 to $20+ | 1% to 3% margin | $15 to $50 | Minutes to 1 day |
The gap between a specialist service and a bank is especially striking on larger amounts. On a $5,000 transfer, a 3% exchange rate markup at a bank means $150 less arriving with the recipient compared to using Wise or Xe at near-zero markup. Comparing before you send rather than defaulting to the most familiar option is the single most effective way to improve that number.
How Long Does It Take to Send Money to Someone?
Transfer times vary by method, service, and corridor. Within the same country, most bank transfers arrive on the same day or within a few hours. In the UK, Faster Payments handles domestic transfers almost instantly. In Europe, SEPA transfers take one business day. In the US, ACH transfers typically arrive in one to two business days, though many banks now offer instant domestic payment options.
For international transfers, specialist services are generally faster than banks. Wise completes most transfers in zero to two business days, and some corridors arrive in minutes when payment is made by card. Remitly's Express option delivers within hours on most major routes. Xe is typically same-day or next-day for popular currency pairs. Bank SWIFT transfers usually take two to five business days and sometimes longer when intermediary banks are involved.
How do you send money to someone faster when timing matters? The payment method you choose affects speed significantly: paying by debit or credit card typically clears faster than a bank transfer because the funds are available immediately. If the recipient needs the money urgently, always check the estimated delivery time for your specific corridor before confirming, as it can vary by service and time of day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to send money to someone without a bank account?
If you need to send money to someone who does not have a bank account, cash pickup services are the most practical option. Western Union and MoneyGram have agent networks in more than 200 countries, allowing the recipient to collect funds in cash from a local location. Remitly also supports cash pickup across many corridors, often at competitive rates. In some countries, mobile wallet delivery is an alternative: services like GCash in the Philippines, bKash in Bangladesh, and M-Pesa in Kenya accept transfers directly to a registered mobile number, no bank account required.
How do I send money to someone internationally?
To send money to someone internationally, the most cost-effective method is to use a dedicated money transfer service rather than your bank. Services like Wise, Remitly, and Xe offer significantly better exchange rates and lower total costs than most high street banks. You will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number or IBAN, and a SWIFT or BIC code for international routing. After completing a one-time identity verification on your chosen platform, most transfers arrive in one to two business days, with some corridors completing within hours.
How can I send money to someone without paying high fees?
To send money to someone without paying high fees, avoid using your bank for international transfers. Banks typically apply an exchange rate markup of 2 to 4% on top of any fixed wire transfer fees, and that markup is rarely shown transparently. Wise charges a transparent fee of 0.4% to 2% and uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup, saving you a significant amount compared to bank rates. On a $1,000 transfer, you could save $40 to $70 by choosing Wise or Remitly over a bank.
How can you send money to someone for free?
How can you send money to someone for free? Truly free transfers are uncommon for international payments, but many domestic options carry no charge. In the UK, Faster Payments transfers between bank accounts are free. In the US, many banks offer free ACH transfers domestically. For international transfers, Xe charges no fixed fee and builds its cost into a small exchange rate margin, which some senders find more transparent than a percentage fee. Using a bank transfer as your funding method rather than a credit card also avoids cash advance fees that some platforms apply.
How do you send money to someone online?
How do you send money to someone online? Choose a service like Wise, Remitly, or Xe, create an account, and complete a one-time identity verification using your passport or driving licence. Enter the recipient's details and the amount you want to send, choose a payment method, and review the fee and exchange rate shown upfront. Confirm the transfer and you will receive a reference number to track the payment. Most services complete this process in under ten minutes the first time, and much faster once you have saved a recipient's details.
How can I send money to someone instantly?
How can I send money to someone instantly? For domestic transfers within the same country, most Faster Payments transfers in the UK arrive within seconds. In the US, services like Zelle deliver funds instantly to other Zelle-linked bank accounts. For international transfers, Wise can complete some corridors within minutes when you pay by card and the destination supports fast delivery. Remitly's Express option typically delivers within hours on major routes. Xe is usually same-day. Always check the estimated delivery time for your specific corridor before confirming.
What information do I need to send money to someone?
To send money to someone, you typically need their full name as it appears on their bank account, their account number or IBAN, and for international transfers a SWIFT or BIC code for their bank. For app-based services like Wise or PayPal, an email address or registered phone number may be enough. For cash pickup transfers, the recipient's name and a collection code are usually sufficient. Always verify the details directly with the recipient before sending, as errors in account information can cause transfers to fail or go to the wrong account.
Is it safe to send money to someone online?
Yes, sending money to someone online through a regulated service is safe. Providers like Wise, Remitly, and Xe are authorised by financial regulators including the FCA in the UK and FinCEN in the US. They are legally required to hold customer funds separately from their own operating capital, which means your money is protected if the company encounters financial difficulties. Always use a regulated service, verify the platform through its regulator's website if in doubt, and never send money in response to an unsolicited request you were not expecting.
How do I send money to someone with a different bank?
Sending money to someone with a different bank is straightforward for domestic transfers. In the UK, Faster Payments automatically routes transfers between different banks, and you just need the recipient's account number and sort code. In the US, ACH transfers work across all banks using the routing and account number. For international transfers between banks in different countries, using a specialist service like Wise or Remitly is almost always cheaper than a bank-to-bank SWIFT wire transfer, and often faster too.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account?
If you send money to an account with incorrect details, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank and returned to your account, which typically takes one to five business days. If the details are wrong but the account exists and accepts the payment, recovering the funds is much harder. The receiving bank has to cooperate to reverse the transfer, and there is no guarantee of recovery. Most transfer services have a dedicated process for reporting misdirected payments and will work with the receiving bank on your behalf, but acting quickly gives you the best chance of recovery.
How can I send money to someone using just their email address?
Several services let you send money to someone using just their email address. PayPal is the most widely known option, allowing transfers to any email linked to a PayPal account. Wise also supports email-based sending: if the recipient has a Wise account, funds arrive instantly; if not, they receive a link to claim the transfer. Domestically in the US, Zelle allows payments to an email or phone number registered with a participating bank. These methods are convenient for smaller domestic amounts, but for international transfers, sending directly to a bank account is usually cheaper and more reliable.
How long does it take to send money to someone internationally?
International transfer times vary by service and destination. Wise completes most transfers in zero to two business days, with some corridors arriving within minutes when payment is made by card. Remitly's Express option delivers within hours on most major routes, while the Economy option takes three to five business days. Xe is typically same-day or next-day for popular currency pairs. Bank SWIFT transfers usually take two to five business days, and sometimes longer when multiple correspondent banks are involved. The payment method you use also affects speed: card payments are generally faster than bank transfers.
How do I send money to someone with Wise?
To send money to someone with Wise, go to wise.com or open the app and create a free account. Complete identity verification using a passport or driving licence. Once verified, select Send money, enter the amount and destination currency, and add the recipient's bank details including their name, account number, and IBAN or local routing information. Choose whether to pay by bank transfer or card, review the fee and exchange rate shown clearly upfront, and confirm. Most transfers arrive in zero to two business days. You can save the recipient's details to make future payments faster.
What is the cheapest way to send money to someone internationally?
The cheapest way to send money to someone internationally is generally to use a specialist transfer service rather than a bank. Wise is consistently among the cheapest options for most major currency pairs, applying the mid-market rate with a transparent fee of 0.4% to 2%. Remitly is often the cheapest for specific remittance corridors such as US to Philippines, Mexico, or India. Xe is competitive for larger transfers and offers broad currency coverage. Running a comparison across these three services before each transfer takes less than a minute and ensures you always get the best available rate for your specific amount and currency pair.
Sending money to someone has never been more accessible, but the cost and speed vary enormously depending on which method you choose. For domestic transfers, most bank apps and payment platforms do the job well at minimal cost. For international transfers, the difference between using a bank and a specialist service like Wise, Remitly, or Xe can be substantial. Comparing your options before each transfer, rather than defaulting to the most familiar name, is the simplest and most effective thing you can do to make sure the person you are sending to receives as much as possible.
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.
