Best Way to Send Money From Canada to the US

Ogvio, the soon-to-launch money transfer service, plans to lead the movement toward faster and more affordable cross-border remittances. It is slated for a global reach across over 160 countries, including Canada and the United States.

The platform that aims to have a mobile app release will natively support USD. Currency conversions will happen on autopilot with no surprise fees. Ogvio will show the exact amount you send with full transparency, eliminating any second-guessing.

Table: Ogvio's main features

Once the funds are up and away, your cousin (or anyone, for that matter) will not have to wait hours, let alone days, for the transfer to land on the other side of the map. Transactions on Ogvio will settle in the snap of a finger.

And rest assured, most transfers will be either low-fee or fee-free, which is pleasantly unusual for any remittance service to pull off. Ogvio is designed to skip hefty exchange rates and bank processing windows. Instead, it will rely on a built-in real-time infrastructure and optimized FX routing.

Ogvio works perfectly well for anyone in dire need of cash, and that happens to the best of us. Sometimes, even the most organized budgets run thin by the end of the month. For example, you can use Ogvio to send monthly stipends to your daughter who is pursuing her studies in the US. Likewise, if you’re a Canadian employer hiring US freelancers, you can process your payroll using Ogvio.

Best of all, the recipient gets to keep more of what you send without losing a big cut to transfer or conversion fees. The funds will be available at all times, making it easy to spend or withdraw for shopping, dining, hanging out, and more.

And sending or receiving money doesn’t have to be difficult. Not to mention the @Tag functionality, which is as simple as it sounds - instead of long IBAN codes or complicated addresses, just enter the recipients @Tag, and send the money to them easily!

It’s clear that Ogvio is on its way to mark its name as the cheapest way to send money from Canada to the US. Nevertheless, it’s only the beginning, and there’s more to come.

Key Features

Here are some exciting features you will be able to try out once Ogvio launches:

• EUR and USD Holdings. Peg your cash to some of the world’s strongest currencies. No volatility - just steady balances all year round.
• Unbreakable Security. Thanks to 256-bit AES encryption and biometric security, the only person who will have access to your account is you. Ogvio’s secure vaults will keep your funds locked away from middlemen, bad actors, and prying eyes.
• Global Acceptance. Since Ogvio will support 160 countries, you will have no problem sending money to a huge number of locations worldwide.

• Added Crypto Functionality. For those diversifying their portfolios with cryptocurrencies, Ogvio will assist you. It will feature any assets on the Base network, including the crowd’s favorites like BTC and ETH.

• Light KYC. If you’re tired of lengthy KYC processes, Ogvio makes it simple. In some scenarios, you won’t even have to submit any documents or upload a face scan.

Ogvio understands that transferring money shouldn’t be a struggle. If you also believe in that, add your name to the waitlist. Once completed, you've ticked off one of the requirements to join the BitDegree Season 8 Airdrop, where there's a giveaway of the $15,000 prize pool. Check it out!

Many people will tell you that one of the wisest ways to send money from Canada to the US is by using Wise. Since 2011, millions of customers globally have trusted this regulated e-money entity.

I wouldn’t say that Wise has the best rates on the market, as we have a potential contender for that title. But boy, does Wise keep its rates low. In most cases, the platform deducts only a small portion to cover transfer fees, and you may be exempt from exchange rate markups. Again, this is on a case-by-case basis, so the only guarantee is for you to check the live amount before hitting send.

Table: Wise's pricing

Wise also sets the standard in providing one of the fastest ways to send money from Canada to the US, but this ultimately depends on your transfer method. Wire and ACH transfers typically settle within a few days. Meanwhile, debit and credit card payments trigger a maximum allowance of $2,000 per transfer.

The good news is, you might only pay 0.1% in fees if you send over 35,000 CAD or equivalent to your relative over in the US. Wise supports both USD and CAD, so any currency will get automatically converted in transit.

If you’re a frequent traveler in the US or a temporary resident who often travels back and forth to Canada, you can use the Wise card. Every daily expense you make on this card won’t incur transaction fees, so it’s a smart way to save up.

Key Features

The following are some features you can enjoy with Wise:

• Multi-Currency Account. Locals or travelers can manage both CAD and USD in one Wise account.
• Spend and Earn. Every time you pay with interest, Wise backs up your funds in government-guaranteed assets with an annual return of 2.76%. Although this money-market instrument is inherently low-risk, it remains volatile, so your funds might still be at risk, even if minimal.
• High Limit. Wise might apply restrictions on debit/credit card payments. However, there’s no CAD limit when you take the bank transfer route. Alternatively, you can use Interac, but there’s a cap of 25,000 CAD, and it is only applicable for domestic settlements.

• Send a High Amount. Extending to Wise's relatively steep transfer benchmark, Wise will grant you a discount if you transfer cash over 25,000 CAD.
• Domestic or International Account Details. You can use CAD or USD to pay someone else locally or globally via the SWIFT network.
• Wise Business. Wise Business is ideal for payroll and supplier deadlines, as half of the transfers arrive within 20 seconds and 95% within 24 hours.

Wise might give you a hint on one of the best ways to send money from Canada to the US. If you decide to experiment with it, pay attention to currency conversions, transfer rates, and any limits.

📚 Read More: Ogvio VS Wise

In its playfield, Remitly is not a new player, as it has been in the space for more than a decade (and counting). Throughout its lifetime, it has built quite a massive network of local payment partners in both Canada and the US.

Its expansive network of partners includes cash pickup, bank deposit, and e-transfer providers like Ria Money Transfer, RBC Royal Bank, Bank of America, and Walmart.

Table: Remitly's main features

As its name suggests, Remitly is a remittance solution that provides one of the easiest ways to send money from Canada to the US. This is also the brand message the platform presents on its homepage banner:

Worry-free transfers for you and your loved ones.

Anyone using Remitly for the first time will gain the privilege of a zero-fee transfer, which comes in handy if you focus on how to send money from Canada to the US for free. Promotional FX rates will apply to the first CAD 1,500 sent. Non-promotional charges will appear afterward when you initiate a bank transfer.

I personally like Remitly’s conversion rate calculator, which you can readily try out on the website. As of writing, for instance, if you send 100 CAD, the recipient will receive 72.08 USD, which is in line with the current market average.

For now, though, Remitly revolves exclusively around international remittance. It lacks additional features found in other money transfer services, such as multi-asset balances or integrated debit/credit cards for point-of-sale (POS) checkouts.

Key Features

Check out what Remitly brings to the table:

• Great Rates. The cost to send money depends on the amount transferred, the payment method used, and the chosen delivery option. Remitly will disclose its rate before you confirm your payment.
• Global Network. Remitly natively supports more than 100 currencies, including USD and CAD, giving you flexibility to switch between them as you see fit.
• Fee Refund. If the money fails to arrive in the hands of the recipient on time, Remitly will reimburse your loss.

• Secure Transactions. Security Socket Layer (SSL), 256-bit encryption, and layered account verification procedures are in place to safeguard your funds against potential online threats.
• Multi-Platform Compatibility. Send money on your PC, tablet, or mobile device - you choose. Remitly has a web terminal as well as an app downloadable on the App Store and Google Play.
• Remitly Business. Remitly offers one of the fastest ways to send money from Canada to the US for your freelancers, international contractors, or vendors.

So, if your goal is to transfer funds abroad, Remitly has you covered. However, if you demand something more, you might want to look for alternatives.

📚 Read More: Best Money Transfer Apps

Wherever you live, you might have come across the sunshine yellow logo of Western Union. But if you haven’t, this money transfer service is among the most recognized names in the world, with more than 525,000 agent locations spread across 200 countries. In Canada alone, there are approximately 2,700 branches (as of writing).

Western Union offers a way to send money from Canada to the US, both online and offline. The company initially gained traction through its in-person channels, but recently, it has seen double-digit growth in its digital presence. That said, many people mainly rely on this service for cash pickups.

Table: Western Union's coverage

One thing to know is that Western Union can be expensive. Sure, you’ll get your first free online transfer, but after that, the fees stack up. From what I am currently seeing, Western Union charges below the mid-market rate. For 1 USD, you’ll get 0.71 CAD, whereas the up-to-date mid-market rate is at 0.72 CAD.

If you transfer a small amount, you may not feel anything. But once the amount gets bigger, you’ll begin to feel a sting. Just to avoid any shocks, you can use Western Union’s price estimator. For instance, if you pay cash in-store in the US, you have to pay a fee of $13.5. This amount is subject to change.

As for delivery speed, domestic and international transfers typically resolve within the 24-hour window or even faster. Meanwhile, bank transfers follow a rigid payment processing schedule, so it may take up to 5 days.

And if you’d like to know the status of the payment, whether you’re the sender or the recipient, Western Union will give you a 10-digit tracking number (MCTN). Never share this with any other parties, as it can be misused for redirecting your transfer.

Key Features

If you’re considering Western Union for sending money from Canada to the US, there are a few points to mull over:

• Timeless Reputation. Western Union cements its credibility as one of the oldest financial institutions with a legacy reaching 160 years (and counting).
• Fraud Prevention. Any communications, including your money transfers, with Western Union will be encrypted.
• Multiple Transfer Method. The service lets you select between sending money to bank accounts in the US, via the app, or in person. It even integrates digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

• Convenient Agent Locations. Since Western Union has thousands of branches in the US and Canada, if you opt for the offline approach, it’ll be easy to find the nearest location to pick up your funds. Be aware that offline transactions carry higher risks compared to their online counterparts.
• High Limits. You can transfer up to 65,000 CAD to a US bank account. This relatively high limit is helpful for settling major expenses, such as tuition fees, medical bills, mortgage, or business-related payments.
• WU Rewards. Although Western Union is known for its hefty fees, you can cut them down by enrolling for a special membership. One of the perks is saving up to $3 in transfer fees.

Taking all the factors into account, I’d say that Western Union remains one of the best ways to send money from Canada to the US, especially if you’re transferring to a pension recipient, an aged retiree, or individuals who prefer traditional transaction methods.

MoneyGram provides both digital and retail services for sending money from Canada to the US. With over 80 years of experience under its belt, MoneyGram has built a strong track record of customer confidence across more than 200 countries.

Out of the 470,000+ agent locations operating worldwide, approximately 3,000 of them are based in Canada. If you live in Ontario, you’ll likely find a MoneyGram location at your nearest home or workplace.

Table: MoneyGram's coverage

One simple way for how to send money from Canada to the US is by visiting a post office, where you’ll find MoneyGram. For convenience, you can choose to fill out the form online (before heading to the branch) or in person. Simply prepare your recipient’s details and pay with debit or cash, no bank account necessary.

MoneyGram allows you to send up to $100 for a flat $4 charge. For deposits above $100, feel free to use the online calculator to estimate your cost. Based on community feedback, though, MoneyGram tends to bill higher than online transfer agencies.

Most transfers finalize in as little as 10 minutes. Timing may vary depending on the agent and bank operating hours. Once processed, your family can receive the money directly in their bank account or via a cash pickup at a physical location.

📚 Read More: How to Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account

Key Features

MoneyGram stands out in the following areas:

• Three Money Transfer Methods. You can send or receive money in any way you prefer, whether it is through an app, a website, or a MoneyGram branch location.
• Plus Rewards. By being a loyal customer to MoneyGram, you’ll be eligible for a welcome gift, ongoing rewards, or even the Premier status to unlock even more benefits after your fifth transfer.
• Competitive and Transparent Pricing. Always see what you will pay and how much your receiver will get before sending.

• Money Orders. This method is ideal if you enjoy the flexibility of a check with the security of cash. Plus, you don’t need a bank account, and yet, you will still obtain proof of payment in a receipt.
• Self-Service Portal. Say you’re supposed to transfer money to John, but accidentally, you write your cat’s name, Jane. Their names might be uncanny, but rather than overthinking your errors, you can quickly make small edits to fix such a mistake.
• Easy Transfer Tracking. Sending funds can be nerve-wracking. Every minute, you might wonder if the money is safe or lost in the system. MoneyGram lets you track the progress of your transfer with a reference number, so you’ll have peace of mind.

All in all, if you prefer transferring offline, MoneyGram is worth trying out. That said, it’s still not the best option for online payments, considering the fees, delivery speed, and other factors.

OFX is well integrated into the Canadian ecosystem. It holds an operational license from FINTRAC, has an office in Toronto, and provides access to top-tier financial institutions like RBC, BMO, Tangerine, and Credit Unions.

This money transfer service serves both individuals and businesses, with a greater focus on the latter. OFX is known for helping small to medium-sized enterprises with sending money from Canada to the US, such as for supplier, recurring business, or payroll payments.

Table: OFX's main features

On OFX, your business can do more than send money. A suite of currency tools is available at your disposal, with up-to-date market insights, CAD market rates, and real-time alerts so you’ll know the best time to transfer, invest, or even hedge against fluctuations.

OFX might not offer the cheapest way to send money from the US to Canada, but you’ll still get bank-beating rates. The platform charges what’s known as the “Customer Rate”, which is what you’ll pay once a small margin is added to the live market fees.

Let me run you through an example. As of writing, the exchange rate of 1 CAD is 0.72 USD. After applying the OFX customer rate, you will receive roughly 0.71 USD.

If your only focus is to transfer funds abroad, those fees are the only costs you’ll need to worry about. However, if you’d like to manage and automate payments with a Global Business Account and Corporate Cards in 30+ currencies, including USD and CAD, the pricing tier starts at $15 per user per month.

Key Features

Is OFX any good? Time to evaluate:

• Relatively Fast Transfers. International transfers from Canada to the US typically arrive in 1 to 2 business days.
• Security Measures. From MFA to round-the-clock monitoring, OFX has multiple guardrails in place to protect your account and defend you from fraud.
• Corporate Card. Integrated with the VISA network, this card helps you set budgets, automate approval policies, and collect receipts for faster reporting. This can prove useful if you’re a Canadian multi-national company with a branch in the US or a solopreneur with remote teams or contractors in the States.

• Batch and Payroll Payments. OFX enables you to process bulk payments to employees and suppliers in a single step to minimize errors.
• Spot Transfers. This transfer service actually supports FX transfers through banks, but that takes 1-2 days. If you need to send money on the spot, such as when you’re approaching a payroll deadline, you can opt for this method instead.
• Full Business Features. Business involves more than just sending money. OFX also provides SMB and accounting solutions to make your invoicing and billing easier.

For casual remittances, OFX gets the job done, even if it’s slightly overkill. I think OFX is best suited for businesses that frequently dabble in high-value payments across the border.

Overseen by FINTRAC and state-level regulatory authorities in the US, WorldRemit is a money transfer service that focuses on fast delivery, flexibility, and security.

How to send money from Canada to the US won’t be a pain anymore, as WorldRemit is super easy to use. After your account is set up and verified, you simply have to select the destination country and transfer method, and the platform will display the exchange rates upfront.

Table: WorldRemit's pricing

As of writing, WorldRemit supports bank transfers for CAD to USD conversion, which will land in the recipient’s account in around 3 working days. There are fees of 3.99 CAD. The maximum amount in one payment is fixed at 40,000 CAD.

Aside from bank transfers, WorldRemit enables you to pay with credit/debit cards and some local options. Credit card transactions may incur extra fees from the issuer.

I won’t say that WorldRemit has the most competitive fees in the market. Their exchange rates fluctuate by country and currency, resulting in markups above the mid-market rates. Users also note that WorldRemit fees change more frequently. Since it’s hard to predict how much to pay each time, many senders are often left uncertain.

Key Features

Drawbacks aside, there are some advantages to using WorldRemit:

• No Bank Account Obligations. As long as you have a debit/credit card or accepted digital payment solutions like Apple Pay, you can initiate your transfer.
• Currency Conversion Tool. WorldRemit offers a calculator-like interface that lets you estimate the recipient's amount without any hidden steps.
• Excellent User Experience. On an external review site, most people generally rate WorldRemit favorable. They particularly appreciate its transparency, global reach, and solid compliance.

• 24/7 Customer Support. Funds blocked or frozen? No worries, you can contact WorldRemit’s customer support team via live chat for quick assistance, any time of the day. Their agents are proficient in 6 languages.
• Multi-Channel Availability. Configure your transfer on the website and then track the status via the Android or iOS mobile app. WorldRemit also has a cash pickup service, but unfortunately, it is unavailable in Canada and the US.
• Privacy Protection. WorldRemit adopts a strict identity verification process as part of its AML/KYC due diligence.

WorldRemit is not the cheapest, nor is it the fastest - it’s right in the middle. Even so, it remains the go-to money transfer service for many people, thanks to the years of consumer trust it has established.