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Remember when sending money abroad meant paper forms, bank queues, and "check back in 3–5 business days"? Today, some of the best international money transfer services offer instant cash transfers worldwide, charge low-to-no fees, and are easy to use.
Of course, they're not all the same, and which one is the "best" depends on your needs – maybe you’re looking for a new generation money transfer app that simplifies the whole process, or maybe you just need a traditional provider that offers cash pickup options.
Either way, I’ll go over the top 7 international money transfer services, each with its own strengths:
- Ogvio - Best to Be for Low-to-Zero Costs
- Wise - Best for Managing a Multi-Currency Account
- Krak - Best for Handling Fiat and Crypto in One App
- Remitly - Best for Home Delivery
- Xoom - Best for Fast Cash Pickup
- Western Union - Best for Global Availability
- MoneyGram - Best for Cash-to-Digital Transfers
Let’s find your best option!
1. Ogvio - Best to Be for Low-to-Zero Costs
Ranks #1 out of 7 Crypto Exchanges
- + Remittance-oriented
- + Instant transfers
- + Incremental-to-no fees
- + Crypto support
- + @username functionality
- + Free transfers between users
- - Only supports USD & EUR (conversions possible)
While not yet launched, Ogvio has the potential to become the best international money transfer service for fast, simple, and low–to-no-cost remittances. You’ll easily be able to send funds in seconds to your friends and family locally and all around the world.
On top of that, Ogvio will help you hedge against inflation because your funds will be stored in the world’s two most stable currencies (USD and EUR).
Traditional fiat transfers will only be one side of the coin, as it will also allow crypto transfers that will be instant and free (you’ll only need to cover gas fees).
Supported Countries & Currencies | 160+ countries & 40+ currencies |
---|---|
Transfer Fees | Free internal transfers; other fees shown upfront (no hidden costs); crypto transfers - only gas fee |
Transfer Speed | Nearly instant domestically and internationally |
Payment Options | Credit/debit card, Apple/Google Pay, bank transfer, crypto deposit |
Delivery Options | Another Ogvio account |
Transfer limits | TBA |
Table: Ogvio at a glance
So, it’s evident even now that Ogvio will be one of the best international money transfer services for low fees.
On top of that, it will also simplify the whole money transfer process with Ogvio @Tags. You’ll be able to send money as easily as sending a message, without long account numbers, IBANs, or routing codes. Plus, payment requests will come in handy to speed up the whole process even more.
Key Aspects
Now, let’s take a closer look at the features Ogvio will bring to the table:
- Costs. Overall, most of the transfers on Ogvio will be free. The ones that will have fees, however, are going to be very cheap. All fees will be shown upfront, and there will be no exchange rate markup.
- Speed & Delivery. Your funds will be transferred in seconds all around the world, with a few exceptions. That means there will be no "payment under review" messages and sitting around waiting hours or days for clearance.
- Security. With Ogvio, your funds will be stored on-chain in secure smart contract vaults, protected from hidden access or interference. Also, every OGVIO wallet will be locked down with advanced 256-bit AES encryption and biometric login.
- Customer Support. Exact options for customer support will be clear closer to launch, but you definitely won’t be left hanging if any problems occur.
That said, it seems that Ogvio will be the best international money transfer service for those seeking speed, simplicity, and, most importantly, low costs. It's made for everyone: people working abroad, freelancers, travelers, students, and even crypto users.
If these are the things you’re looking for, enroll in Ogvio's waitlist and be the first to hear about the launch!
2. Wise - Best for Managing a Multi-Currency Account
Ranks #2 out of 7 Crypto Exchanges
- + Mid-market exchange rates
- + Transparent fee structure
- + Fast transfer speeds
- + Industry-leading security
- + Easy access to services
- - No cash pickup options
- - Not ideal for very small transfers
Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) is a global money platform built around a multi-currency account and low-cost bank-to-bank transfers (so your recipient must have a bank account to receive money). Its big promise is pricing that’s shown upfront and an exchange rate set at, or very close to, the mid-market rate.
Supported Countries & Currencies | 160+ countries & 40+ currencies |
---|---|
Transfer Fees | Mid-market rate + upfront fee (no exchange rate markup) |
Transfer Speed | Minutes to 1–2 days (route-dependent) |
Payment Options | Bank transfer, credit/debit card, Apple/Google Pay, wire transfer, ACH, SWIFT |
Delivery Options | Bank deposit or another Wise account |
Transfer limits | Vary by currency/method (e.g., USD via local ACH is up to $1M/transfer, while international SWIFT transfer is up to $1,6M/transfer) |
Table: Wise at a glance
Wise is a good choice for those looking for low-cost, transparent bank transfers and a multi-currency account for everyday international money management.
Key Aspects
Here's a more extensive look at Wise:
- Costs. Wise shows the transfer fee upfront and uses the mid-market rate, which means there’s no exchange rate markup that many providers add. Its transfer fee depends on the assets in question, the amount, and the payment method.
Once you reach over 20K GBP (or equivalent) in transfers, Wise applies tiered discounts on fees for the rest of the month.
- Speed & Delivery. Arrival time on Wise depends on how you fund and where you send. Card funding is often near-instant to Wise, while manual bank transfers (especially via SWIFT) can take a few days. Wise shows an ETA before you confirm and updates it as funds land.
- Security. Wise operates as a regulated EMI in multiple regions (it’s FCA-authorised in the UK; Wise Europe SA supervised by the National Bank of Belgium; regulated across US states). When it comes to security measures, it offers 2FA, biometrics, data encryption, and a 24/7 anti-fraud team.
- Customer Support. If you face any difficulties, you can either check the Help Center, where you might find answers to the most common questions, or contact Wise’s customer support via phone 24/7.
Wise might be one of the best international money transfer services for you if you seek transparent, low-cost bank transfers and a multi-currency account for holding, receiving, and spending globally. It’s especially useful for regular international payments, travel spending, and freelancers getting paid in foreign currencies.
3. Krak - Best for Handling Fiat and Crypto in One App
Ranks #3 out of 7 Crypto Exchanges
- + Smooth payment flow
- + Quick fiat & crypto transfers
- + Reward earning functionality
- + Strong security features
- + Responsive customer support
- - Lacks some features for advanced traders
- - Krakback and similar rewards may be restricted in certain regions
Krak is Kraken’s new global money app built for instant payments across borders. You can hold, send, and convert between fiat, stablecoins, and crypto in one place. It rides on the idea of instant P2P transfers and no hidden transfer fees, with spreads shown upfront before you confirm.
Supported Countries & Currencies | 160+ countries & 300+ fiat and crypto currencies |
---|---|
Transfer Fees | Most transfers are free; if not, fees are shown before you send (no hidden fees) |
Transfer Speed | Usually instant (in seconds) |
Payment Options | Bank transfer, crypto deposits, credit/debit cards, Apple/Google Pay, PayPal, ACH (region-dependent) |
Delivery Options | Another Krak account |
Transfer limits | Min. transfer $1 (to another Krak user); Default send limit up to $15K per week across all transfers (the limits can adjust automatically based on several factors) |
Table: Krak at a glance
So, Krak is one of the best apps for international money transfers in both fiat and crypto. If you live across borders, pay friends or contractors abroad, or juggle fiat and crypto, Krak’s "everything in one place" approach might be a decent option for you.
Key Aspects
Here’s a more in-depth look at Krak:
- Costs. Most transfers to other Krak users are free. When you convert currencies, on the other hand, there are exchange fees but no hidden ones, as Krak shows spreads upfront. Of course, funding via card or bank can still carry provider/banking costs, depending on the region.
- Speed & Delivery. User-to-user transfers are near-instant. Account funding transfers or withdrawals depend on the method (ACH/SEPA/Faster Payments/SWIFT) and local cut-off times.
- Security. Kraken, the company behind Krak, is especially known for its strong security measures, which means that its global money app is no different. Your money is backed by transparent Proof of Reserves, advanced encryption, and Krak also employs secure user authentication practices.
- Customer Support. If anything goes sideways, Krak offers a Help Center and 24/7 in-app support.
So, Krak is all about simplifying your money transfers. With personal Kraktags (@yourname), you don’t need to use long numbers or routing codes. Plus, you can even turn your transfers into daily crypto rewards with the KrakBacks reward program. Each day you make your first money transfer, you can get a small reward in various cryptocurrencies (DOGE, BTC, etc.).

Did you know?
All Crypto Exchanges may look similar to you but they're NOT all the same!
4. Remitly - Best for Home Delivery
Ranks #4 out of 7 Crypto Exchanges
- + Great for international transfers
- + Supported in over 150 countries
- + 24/7 customer support
- + Cash pickup
- - Fees can get high
- - Transfer method limitations in some countries
Remitly is one of the best ways to transfer money abroad because it’s a remittance app built for fast, reliable person-to-person transfers with wide delivery option coverage. You can usually choose between speed (Express) or price (Economy), and see the fee/rate and ETA before you pay.
Supported Countries & Currencies | 170+ countries & 100+ currencies |
---|---|
Transfer Fees | Service fee + route-specific exchange rate markup (varies based on the payment method and currency) |
Transfer Speed | Express – often minutes; Economy – 3-5 business days, depending on route/rail |
Payment Options | Cards, bank transfer/ACH/Faster Payments, Apple Pay, and local methods (country-dependent) |
Delivery Options | Cash pickup, mobile money, home delivery, debit card deposit, bank account (country-dependent) |
Transfer limits | Tiered limits by verification and corridor (e.g., up to $100K per transfer from the US) |
Table: Remitly at a glance
I’d say Remitly is best for personal remittances where speed or cash pickup access matters, especially common routes across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Key Aspects
Now, if we were to take a closer look at its offerings:
- Costs. When you make a transfer on Remitly, you have to pay a service fee and an exchange rate markup, both of which vary by route, amount, transfer method, delivery type, etc. Obviously, if you go with the Express option, the cost will be higher, while the Economy route will be cheaper. The platform also often offers some discounts, like the first transfer with a zero service fee.
- Speed & Delivery. Remitly offers two "speeds": Express, which usually arrives in minutes or a few hours, and Economy, which can take up to 5 business days. Either way, you see delivery estimates and, on some routes, an on-time guarantee with a fee refund if a transfer arrives late.
- Security. Remitly is a licensed money transmitter in the US, FCA-authorised in the UK, and regulated across the EEA via Remitly Europe Limited in Ireland. It uses identity checks (KYC), encryption, and fraud monitoring to keep transfers secure.
- Customer Support. Remitly provides customer support in 17 languages via both chat and phone. You can contact it 24/7.
A few of the standout features of Remitly are the availability of home delivery in some countries and the choice between Express & Economy. So, it’s one of the best international money transfer apps for fast personal remittances, where speed or more flexible money delivery is a priority. If you choose speed, however, it might not be the best international money transfer for low fees.
5. Xoom - Best for Fast Cash Pickup
Ranks #5 out of 7 Crypto Exchanges
- + Usually delivers in minutes
- + PayPal integration
- + Multiple payouts options
- + Extras: bill pay and mobile airtime
- - High fees and markups
- - No live chat
Xoom is PayPal’s remittance app for quick, convenient cross-border payments. You can send money, pay bills, and reload phones with pricing shown before you pay. Its pitch for being one of the best international money transfer app is speed, plus a variety of delivery options.
Supported Countries & Currencies | Send from the US, Canada, UK, and most EEA countries to 150+ destinations; supported currencies depend on the sender's country and the destination country |
---|---|
Transfer Fees | Transaction fee + exchange rate markup (varies by route, amount, and funding method) |
Transfer Speed | Often minutes; sometimes hours–days, depending on route |
Payment Options | Debit/credit card, PayPal balance, bank account (region-dependent) |
Delivery Options | Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, home delivery |
Transfer limits | Depend on verification level, payment method, and the destination (e.g., $2,999-$50,000 per 24 hours for US residents) |
Table: Xoom at a glance
I’d say Xoom is best for fast personal remittances when you’re looking for cash pickup or mobile wallet funds quickly. Also, it’s especially useful if you already use PayPal and want a familiar sign-in and funding experience.
Key Aspects
Here’s a more in-depth glance at Xoom:
- Costs. Xoom shows the fee and the exchange rate before you pay. The price changes by country, route, amount, and how you fund. Cards usually cost more than bank transfers. It’s generally known to have low upfront fees, but the exchange rate markup can get pretty high.
- Speed & Delivery. Most Xoom transfers arrive in minutes, especially to cash pickup or mobile wallets. Bank deposits, though, can take from a few hours up to a couple of days, depending on local banking hours and rails.
- Security. Xoom runs on PayPal’s security, which includes identity checks, encryption, 24/7 anti-fraud monitoring, and options like 2FA. Using your PayPal account helps keep everything in one trusted place.
- Customer Support. You can use Xoom’s Help Center for self-service or contact it via a ticket, phone or mail. Just note that live support working hours differ based on the country in question. Additionally, Xoom offers customer support in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, and Chinese.
You might want to try Xoom if you want a fast and familiar way to send money abroad, especially when your recipient needs cash pickup, a mobile wallet top-up, bill pay, or even home delivery on select routes. Funding with PayPal is convenient, and you’ll see fees and the rate before you pay.
6. Western Union - Best for Global Availability
Ranks #6 out of 7 Crypto Exchanges
- + An established money transfer service
- + Available in most countries
- + Cash pickup feature
- - Few additional features
- - Fees can get high
Western Union is one of the best international money transfer services that lets you send money to people almost anywhere in the world. You can pay online or at a local agent, and your recipient can get the money as cash, in a bank account, or in a mobile wallet.
Supported Countries & Currencies | 200+ countries (500K+ agent locations) & wide currency support |
---|---|
Transfer Fees | Varies by route, amount, and funding; an exchange rate markup is included |
Transfer Speed | Minutes for many cash pickups; hours–days for bank deposits |
Payment Options | Bank account, credit/debit card, Apple Pay, pay in cash (at an agent location) |
Delivery Options | Cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet; some markets offer card/prepaid options |
Transfer limits | Vary by country, method, and verification (e.g., up to ~$50k/day for verified users in the US) |
Table: Western Union at a glance
So, as you can see, Western Union is one of the best for cash pickup. With its extensive global reach and long history in money movement, it’s a trusted choice for many.
Key Aspects
Here’s how Western Union works:
- Costs. You’ll see a fee and an exchange rate markup before you pay. The total price depends on where you’re sending, how you fund, and how your recipient gets the money (cash pickup can cost more than a bank deposit). This is pretty much standard for most similar services, but Western Union’s costs often land on the higher end.
- Speed & Delivery. Cash pickup with Western Union can be ready in minutes. Bank deposits, on the other hand, can be made the same day or a few days later, depending on local banking hours and the processing of checks. You get a tracking number (MTCN) to follow the transfer.
- Security. Western Union is a long-running brand that operates under local licenses in the countries where it offers services. It verifies your identity and uses encryption to protect your details. Plus, at pickup, agents check ID to help prevent fraud.
- Customer Support. You can get help in the app/website, by phone or chat (varies by country) or even in person at agent locations.
What distinguishes Western Union from other international money transfer services is that it has one of the biggest cash-pickup networks in the world. That means your recipient can go to a nearby agent location (like a shop, bank, or post office), show ID and the tracking number, and get the money in cash, often within minutes.
7. MoneyGram - Best for Cash-to-Digital Transfers
Ranks #7 out of 7 Crypto Exchanges
- + Over 350,000 agent locations worldwide
- + Fast cash transfers
- + Multiple send and receive options
- + Wide currency support
- - Applies exchange rate markup
- - ACH transfers take days to arrive
MoneyGram is a US-based money transfer company. It lets you send money within the country or abroad to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or for cash pickup at agent locations worldwide. You can send online via the website or app, or in person at an agent. It also offers bill payments and money orders.
Supported Countries & Currencies | 200+ countries and territories (470K+ agent locations) |
---|---|
Transfer Fees | Vary by route, amount, funding & payout (applies exchange rate markup) |
Transfer Speed | Minutes for many cash pickups; hours–days for bank deposits |
Payment Options | Debit/credit cards, bank account/ACH (in the US), Apple Pay (in-app), and cash at a physical agent locations |
Delivery Options | Cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet |
Transfer limits | Vary by payment/delivery method & send/receive country (up to $10K every 30 days in many countries) |
Table: MoneyGram at a glance
MoneyGram is one of the best apps for international money transfers, allowing you to quickly send cash to someone almost anywhere, thanks to its extensive pickup network. It’s also useful when you want flexibility (cash, bank, or wallet) on the receiving side.
Key Aspects
Now, let’s look a bit deeper:
- Costs. Just like with most best international money transfer services, MoneyGram’s fees depend on the country pair, amount, how you pay, and how your recipient gets the money (you can use MoneyGram's estimator to check the costs beforehand). That said, it does apply an exchange rate markup.
- Speed & Delivery. Card-funded transfers to cash pickup are often the quickest, ready in minutes. Bank and wallet deliveries depend on local rails and partner hours. One way or another, everything is fully trackable in the MoneyGram app.
- Security. MoneyGram runs under standard money-transfer regulations with ID checks (KYC/AML), encrypted connections, and agent ID verification at pickup to help prevent fraud. Also, it’s licensed and regulated in the regions where it operates, including the EEA, the UK, and the US.
- Customer Support. You can use MoneyGram’s Help Center, fill out a ticket or call for immediate assistance in some countries and regions.
MoneyGram’s biggest strength is its cash-to-digital bridge. You can walk into a local agent with cash and send it to a bank account or mobile wallet abroad, or do the reverse (send online and the recipient picks up cash nearby). That makes it useful when someone doesn’t have a bank account or needs money in hands fast.
International Money Transfer Service Evaluation Criteria
To choose the best international money transfer service, there are a few key aspects you should consider:
- Total Cost (Not Just Fees). You have to check both the transfer fee and the exchange rate markup (if any). Also, consider any funding charges, payout fees, and even weekend/holiday rate buffers. Do note that some platforms may have hidden fees.[1]
Compare the provider’s rate to the mid-market rate and focus on the "you pay/recipient gets" ratio. FYI, mid-market rate is the true middle price banks trade at – you can find it by checking the live rate on Google (e.g., EUR to USD).
- Transfer Speed. Consider the estimated delivery time and how often it is actually met. If you send on weekends or holidays, pick a service known to deliver on time then, too.
- Payout & Funding Options. Match the method to your needs – bank deposit for lower cost, cash pickup for urgency, mobile wallet for convenience. Also, check how you can fund it (bank transfer, card, Apple/Google Pay) and any extra surcharges.
- Global Reach & Currencies. Make sure the country you want to send from and the country to which you want to send are supported. Also, don’t forget to check the supported currencies and conversion options.
- Transfer Limits. Check the minimum/maximum transfer amounts, as well as the required KYC level to unlock higher limits.
- Security. Choose providers that prioritize the safety of their clients' funds. Look for 2FA, encryption, and other similar security measures.
Of course, apart from these, consider additional features. There are more and more alternatives to traditional remittance services[2] that come with innovative features, such as crypto support, making them all-in-one money apps.
Conclusions
I believe that for most people, speed, simplicity, and low cost are the three must-haves when sending money abroad. The good news? More and more best international money transfer services hit all three – soon-to-launch Ogvio, for example, aims to do exactly that, with low-to-no fees, instant execution, and @username tags.
If you prefer a more traditional, walk-in option with agent locations, though, Western Union or MoneyGram might fit your needs best. Alternatively, there are apps like Remitly that even offer home delivery in some locations.
Whichever one you choose, it all usually boils down to costs when transferring money. So, if you remember just one thing from my article, make it this: when looking for the best way to transfer money abroad, always compare how much you pay and exactly how much your recipient will receive.
The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.
Scientific References
1. Celestin M., Vanitha N.: 'The Hidden Fees: How to Avoid Losing Money in Your Financial Transactions';
2. Metzger M., Riedler T., Pédussel Wu J.: 'Migrant Remittances: Alternative Money Transfer Channels'.