Stop overpaying - start transferring money with Ogvio. Sign up, invite friends & grab Rewards now! 🎁
My first attempt at transferring money to a friend in Hanover was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. I was desperately looking for the best way to send money to Germany, but the conflicting answers I got only made me more anxious. Worried I’d miss the date, I rushed into picking whatever option looked decent, only to learn I’d ended up paying premium corridor fees.
To save you from dealing with the same mess, I put together a list of the best money transfers to Germany that you can check whenever you’re in a pinch. From a long-standing remittance service to a new-age money transfer platform, there’s something here that gives you a good mix of speed, affordability, and safety:
- Ogvio - Best Solution for Easy Transfer to Germany
- MoneyGram - Best for In-Person Cash Pickups in Germany
- Remitly - Best for On-Time EUR Delivery
- PayPal - Best for Secure Online Payments to Germany
- Wise - Best for Fair Euro Exchange Rates
So, let’s go through each of them and see what they offer!
1. Ogvio - Best Solution for Easy Transfer to Germany
Ranks #1 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + Remittance-oriented
- + Instant transfers
- + Incremental-to-no fees
- + Crypto support
- + @Tag functionality
- + Free transfers between users
- - No card (coming soon)
If you ask me about the best way to send money to Germany right now, I’d point you straight to Ogvio. This next-generation money transfer service makes fund delivery across borders faster and easier. With support for more than 160 countries, you can send money from the US, UK, Australia, and many other regions without getting stuck in any pointless hurdles.
I’ve heard plenty of people complain about platforms that hide fees or use unfair rates for Germany corridors. That won’t be something you have to deal with on Ogvio.
|
|
|---|---|
|
Bank - free Crypto - free Card - varies |
|
| Varies | |
|
|
|
|
| Visit site Read review |
Table: Ogvio pricing
With the platform, you’re able to deposit, send, and spend without any hidden charges sneaking in. What you see is what you get. And if you want a full breakdown of the fees, it lays everything out with nothing tucked away in the fine print.
For the actual transfer experience, Ogvio includes a feature that lets you send money simply by choosing someone’s @handle (yep, just like sending a DM). This way, you don’t have to type long details or number strings, which reduces the chance of issues caused by manual input.
If the exchange rate isn’t looking good, you can park your funds in Ogvio. This keeps your balance pegged to USD or EUR, two of the most stable currencies in the world,[1] giving you time to wait for a more favorable moment to resume the transfer.
You also don’t have to worry about security. Ogvio uses 256-bit real-time encryption and biometric protection to keep your account safe. On top of that, it's fully self-custodial, meaning you have full control over your assets without any third-party interference.
Key Features
On top of everything I’ve mentioned, the features below could be the reason Ogvio becomes the best way to send money to Germany for you:
- Fee-free transfers. If your recipient is also an Ogvio user, you can send money without any transfer fee involved.
- On-platform trading. You can buy, sell, or swap crypto directly within the platform, no need for an external exchange.
- Instant delivery. Ogvio lets you send money in just seconds, allowing you to send funds promptly if you’re ever in a pinch.
- Multiple ways to add money. You can top up your account in various ways, including bank transfer, card payment, crypto address, and more.
- Quick verification. Depending on where you live, you might not have to complete the full KYC process to access the platform’s features.
Put everything together, and it becomes obvious why I’m excited to highlight Ogvio. It can turn sending money to Germany into a process that’s easy, cheap, and reliably secure.
2. MoneyGram - Best for In-Person Cash Pickups in Germany
Ranks #2 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + 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
I get that most people nowadays prefer digital payouts to their bank, wallet, or card. But what if your recipient needs to collect the money in person? In that case, MoneyGram comes to mind as the best app to send money to Germany for cash pickup.
Having operated for over 80 years, this seasoned money-transfer platform is connected to 470,000+ agents globally, giving your recipient the flexibility to pick up cash in person. And it’s not limited to that either, since it also supports options like bank transfers and card payouts.
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Visit site |
Table: MoneyGram asset movement
As for delivery time, it depends on how you send and how your recipient wants to receive the money. MoneyGram claims many transfers can arrive in minutes, especially if you pay with a card. However, if you fund the transfer from your bank account, it can take a few days.
The same goes for how much you’re allowed to send. The money transfer limit to Germany depends on your payment method, your delivery option, and your account verification status. But in most cases, you can expect the upper limit to be somewhere near $5,000 or €,4,315.
As for the fees, well, again, MoneyGram doesn’t really get into detail about them. They simply mention that "the pricing is fair" and depends on things like the amount of money you send, payment type, the delivery route, and pickup location. That said, you should expect a conversion fee when switching from your sending currency to EUR.
Key Features
On top of everything else, there are a few more highlights that made me add MoneyGram to this list of the best ways to send money to Germany, including:
- Available in many countries. With operations in more than 200 countries and territories, MoneyGram lets you send funds to Germany from nearly any corner of the globe.
- MoneyGram Plus Rewards. By joining the program, you’ll get perks such as discounted transfer fees and status upgrades that open the door to more benefits.
- Strong security measures. MoneyGram relies on modern encryption and fraud-prevention systems to make sure your transfers stay protected.
- Beginner-friendly. The app’s intuitive setup allows you to repeat transfers, track delivery updates, and decide on the payout method easily.
For global reach and reliable ground support, MoneyGram stands pretty high on the list. It’s a handy app to keep around, especially if your recipient might need a cash pickup option.
3. Remitly - Best for On-Time EUR Delivery
Ranks #3 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + Great platform accessibility
- + 170+ receiving countries
- + Home delivery available
- + Major and local payout options
- - Escalating FX rates
- - Confusing fees
Remitly is another name worth considering for anyone looking for the best way to send money to Germany. Founded in 2011, the platform has collected multiple regional licenses, which helps explain why more than 8.5 million people rely on it for cross-border transfers.
Covering over 170 countries, this Seattle-based American remittance service offers you several delivery choices. For Germany specifically, you can send money straight to banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, N26, KfW, and Landesbank, or use the cash pickup option powered by Ria Money Transfer.
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Visit site Read review |
Table: Remitly asset movement
Your payment method plays a role in how much you pay. Whether you use a card or a bank account, you will see a small exchange rate markup on top of the usual rate. Credit cards also add a 3% fee, so keep that in mind. Bank deposits cost zero to send, though cash pickup adds a flat fee (usually around $2.99).
Note that the fee may change depending on the amount you send.
You can put security concerns aside, since Remitly assures you that transfers to Germany stay secure and reliable. Behind the scenes, it uses advanced tools and predictive checks to flag anything unusual before it causes trouble.
Key Features
Here are a few more Remitly selling points that are worth mentioning:
- New customer perks. Remitly gives a special promotional rate for your first $1,500 sent.
- Remitly One. By paying a subscription fee, you can get upgraded benefits like annual rewards and cashback.
- On-time delivery guarantee. If the transfer doesn’t arrive on time, the platform will refund your fees automatically.
- Round-the-clock assistance. You can reach them at any time through chat or phone, with assistance offered in multiple languages.
Also note that Remitly has a money transfer limit to Germany of $100,000 or around €85,000. That is quite a high allowance for both personal transfers and business-related payments.
Did you know?
All Money Transfer Services may look similar to you, but they're NOT all the same!
4. PayPal - Best for Secure Online Payments to Germany
Ranks #4 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + Easy to use
- + Simple payment process
- + Strong security
- + Wide coverage
- + Access to crypto
- - High fees
- - Not available everywhere
- - Customer support complaints
With over 430 million active accounts, PayPal ranks among the most well-known brands in the scene. For over two decades, the platform has built its reputation as a leading hub for online payments, offering a simple, secure, and reliable solution for sending funds across borders.
A big part of PayPal’s appeal is how fast you can move money. You only need the recipient’s name, email, phone number, or QR code, and you can send funds overseas in no time. You'll see a full breakdown of fees and the conversion rate upfront, giving you complete transparency before making a transaction.
|
|
|---|---|
|
Free |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Visit site Read review |
Table: PayPal pricing
Using Xoom, which is part of PayPal, unlocks extra transfer choices. You can send money for cash pickup, deposit it into a bank account, or top up a mobile wallet. But unfortunately, it’s limited to users in the US, Canada, the UK, and most EEA regions.
On the security front, PayPal promises to make the experience worry-free. Its team actively monitors transactions as they happen and reviews account activity to block potential fraud. It also secures payments with TLS, HTTPS, mobile key pinning, and strict PCI standards.
And if something goes wrong, PayPal’s contact center is available 24/7. You can reach them by message or phone, and their dedicated support team should help you sort things out promptly.
Key Features
A few additional reasons why PayPal made it onto my list for the best way to send money to Germany include:
- Wide international coverage. PayPal is available in 200+ countries and regions, making it one of the most accessible options for moving funds.
- PayPal Savings. Through its partnership with Synchrony Bank, PayPal lets you store your funds in an interest-earning deposit account and earn up to 3.65% APY on your savings.
- PayPal Credit Card. If you travel between countries frequently, the PayPal Credit Card allows you to spread out payments on eligible travel expenses, including hotels, flights, and rental cars.
- PayPal Debit Card. A frequent shopper? The card can earn you cashback on your purchases, all while staying free of monthly fees.
I’d say that PayPal’s core strength lies in making cross-border payments accessible, fast, and seamless. Because of that, I think it deserves a spot on your shortlist of the best apps to send money to Germany.
5. Wise - Best for Fair Euro Exchange Rates
Ranks #5 out of 5 Money Transfer Services
- + Transparent fees
- + Fair exchange rates
- + A smooth user experience
- + Multi-currency accounts
- - Service coverage is broad, but not entirely worldwide
- - Cash pickups aren’t available
- - Added compliance checks for large transfers
Among the big players in cross-border transfers, Wise is a name that’s hard to miss. Operating since 2011, this British service has helped 14.8 million people send money across more than 160 countries.
One reason so many people trust Wise with their money is how seriously it takes security. Your data is kept under bank-grade protection, and Wise makes it clear it will never be sold under any circumstances. They also have an in-house security team that works around the clock to keep everything locked down and your funds protected.
|
|
|---|---|
| ID, proof of address, selfie, other for larger limits | |
|
|
|
|
| Visit site Read review |
Table: Wise security
But what features make Wise deserving of a place among the best ways for sending money to Germany?
To start, I think it’s because of its simplicity and reliability. Wise’s site and mobile app are designed to make transfers quick and efficient while keeping everything visually clear. A handful of taps or clicks is usually all it takes to reach the final confirmation page.
Delivery-Wise (pun intended), the app mainly gives you two options. The standard route is a bank transfer, which requires the recipient’s name and IBAN. It generally takes 1–2 business days, though the time frame can be longer depending on where you’re sending from.
But if you don’t have the details (or just can’t be bothered to fill them in), Wise lets you send money with nothing more than the recipient’s email. The catch is that this Money-to-Email (M2E) feature is limited to the website (as of writing).
You can send up to €6,000,000 per transfer.
Last but not least, Wise uses the real mid-market rate – the "middle point" between buying and selling prices in the currency market. Many consider it the most transparent rate, and the platform promises to give it to you without any behind-the-scenes markup.
Key Features
I’d also say Wise is worth a look for a few more reasons:
- Cheaper rates on larger amounts. Transfers over $25,000 (or equivalent) get reduced fees, making large transactions more affordable.
- Interest on balance. Your EUR can earn roughly 1.71% growth because Wise places it in a fund supported by government-secured assets.
- Flexible funding. Wise lets you pay using direct debit, a regular bank transfer, debit or credit card, or Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Wise Card. You can pay in 40+ currencies across 160+ countries, saving on conversion fees and gaining added security for every purchase.
Altogether, I think Wise does earn its place as one of the best apps to send money to Germany. It’s secure, reliable, and easy to use.
How to Send Money to Germany From the UK
It’s unlikely you’ll run into major issues in this corridor. The banking infrastructure in both countries is among the most stable in the world,[2] so transfers almost always go through without a hitch.
Most delays or failed transfers happen on the sender’s side, usually because of errors in the recipient’s information or IBAN. German banks are strict about these details, so even a single wrong character can result in rejection.
But what if the wrong IBAN you entered belongs to someone else?
That situation could get really messy, especially if the recipient catches on and refuses to send your money back.
I get that the odds of this happening are low, but they’re still not zero. So if you’re figuring out how to send money to Germany from UK for the first time, I suggest playing it safe and avoiding the risk altogether. I mean, why bother typing out a long IBAN when you could just select someone by their username?
Ogvio has a feature that lets you send money using nothing more than the recipient’s @tag.
If you like your transfers simple and safe, here’s what you need to do:
After verifying your email, Ogvio will prompt you with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Simply check the acceptance boxes and choose [Agree and Continue] to move on.
![Best way to send money to Germany: choose the [Add Money] option.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/best-way-to-send-money-to-singapore-add-money-v1.jpg "Best way to send money to Germany: choose the [Add Money] option.")
![Best way to send money to Germany: select [Bank Transfer] option to top up in seconds.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/best-way-to-send-money-to-singapore-methods-v1.jpg "Best way to send money to Germany: select [Bank Transfer] option to top up in seconds.")
For this walkthrough, select the recommended [Bank Transfer].
After sending in your documents, Ogvio’s team will review everything and update you once the verification is complete.
The process usually takes 1–2 working days.
Faster Payments limit of up to £1,000,000 per transaction.
You’ll see the exact amount that will land in your account, plus a clear overview of every fee involved. If everything looks good, click [Continue] to proceed.
Once you’ve finished the transfer, come back to this screen and select [I made a transfer] to confirm.
![Best way to send money to Germany: select the [Send Money] option.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/best-way-to-send-money-to-germany-send-money.jpg "Best way to send money to Germany: select the [Send Money] option.")
![Best way to send money to Germany: click on the [+] icon.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/best-way-to-send-money-to-germany-plus.jpg "Best way to send money to Germany: click on the [+] icon.")
- Ogvio user. Simple and instant tag-to-tag payments between Ogvio accounts;
- Bank transfer. Best for transferring money to a German bank account;
- Crypto wallet. Let you send supported assets to an external crypto wallet.
For the easiest way to send money to Germany, choose the [Ogvio user] option. You only need the recipient’s @tag, which means no manual entry of their details and less chance of transaction errors.
![Best way to send money to Germany: select the [Ogvio user] option.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/best-way-to-send-money-to-germany-ogvio-user.jpg "Best way to send money to Germany: select the [Ogvio user] option.")
That’s how to send money to Germany for free with Ogvio’s @tag feature, keeping everything as easy and error-free as possible.
How to Send Money to Germany From the UAE
If your recipient in Germany prefers the money sent directly into their bank account, you can easily do that. Like I’ve mentioned earlier, the country’s banking system is rock solid, so transfers coming from the Middle East should go through without any issue (as long as you type the details correctly, that is).
As far as currency movement goes, the AED–EUR rate is pretty steady. There were a few moderately volatile moments in recent years, but things have settled down. So finding the “perfect” timing for a better euro return isn’t something you need to stress over.
![Best way to send money to Germany: choose [Bank Transfer] from the list.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/best-way-to-send-money-to-germany-bank-transfer.jpg "Best way to send money to Germany: choose [Bank Transfer] from the list.")
Once you’ve confirmed all the details are correct, click [Continue].
With that, your money is on its way to Germany. Easy, isn’t it?
How to Send Money From the USA to Germany
Moving funds from the USA to Germany is a simple matter, and there’s no need to overthink it. For the most part, it follows the same process you’d use for transferring from most other places.
What usually causes trouble is verification. Some services request documents that not everyone in the United States can provide, and that can limit your options for a normal bank transfer.
In situations like that, using cryptocurrency can be a good workaround. Germany is generally open to digital assets like Bitcoin[3] and keeps the space well-regulated. As such, crypto-based transfers have become a popular alternative for transferring money to the country.
The process is relatively easy, maybe even easier than sending money to certain bank accounts. Even so, getting familiar with some basic terms and the general flow can help things run smoothly, especially if crypto is new to you. Here’s how to do it:
![Best way to send money to Germany: select the [Crypto wallet] option from the list.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/best-way-to-send-money-to-germany-wallet-crypto.jpg "Best way to send money to Germany: select the [Crypto wallet] option from the list.")
And that’s how to send money from USA to Germany using cryptocurrency!
These three steps work pretty much the same, even if you’re sending from a different country. The process barely changes, but you should still check for any corridor-specific requirements and ensure your country allows the method you plan to use.
Cheapest Ways to Send Money to Germany
If by “best” you also mean the most budget-friendly transfer options, I can definitely point you toward a few. These three platforms below are the ones I’d suggest checking out first for fair and affordable options:
- Ogvio. Moving funds between Ogvio accounts doesn’t incur any transfer fee, letting you send money to fellow users anytime, anywhere, without additional charges.
- Remitly. If it’s your first time using the platform, you can receive a promotional rate on the first $1,500 you send. Not a bad way to test the water.
- Wise. It’s well-known for using the true mid-market rate, which means you can get an accurate and often better rate compared to many other services.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bank - free Crypto - free Card - varies |
Bank - free Card - varies SWIFT - varies |
N/A |
|
| Varies |
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Visit site Read review | Visit site Read review | Visit site Read review |
Table: Ogvio, Wise, & Remitly pricing comparison
And just to set your expectations a bit, finding out how to send money to Germany for free isn’t something you’ll run into at every corner. Even if the transfer itself costs you nothing, you’ll often have to deal with other expenses such as currency markups, deposit fees, or withdrawal charges.
That being said, these three platforms above are the ones most likely to give you the cheapest way to send money to Germany. Between their features, perks, and promotions, you’ll likely find something that gets you close to a zero-cost transfer experience.
📚 Check Out: Cheapest Way to Send Money Internationally
Conclusions
And that wraps up my picks for the top platforms if you’re after the best way to send money to Germany. Thanks to their unique perks and promo offers, there’s a good chance you'll experience close to a zero-cost transfer.
Of course, everyone’s definition of “best” differs entirely depending on their situation and needs. While some users like Wise for using the real mid-market rate, others might prefer PayPal more because it provides more flexible receiving options.
Or, if you want a fresh alternative, I’d say go give Ogvio a try. Who knows, it might just become your best money transfer to Germany!
Scientific References
1. Acevedo R.: ‘The Euro and the U.S. Dollar Reserve Currency Rivalry in the 21st Century A Review’;
2. Hoggarth G., Milne A., Wood G.E.: ‘Alternative Routes to Banking Stability: A Comparison of UK and German Banking Systems’;
3. Roy D., Dubey A., Tiwary D.: ‘Conceptualizing an Institutional Framework to Mitigate Crypto-Assets’ Operational Risk’.
Send Money Worldwide
Check out the best ways to send money to other countries quickly, safely, and with minimal fees.
About Article's Experts & Analysts
Disclosure: To keep our site running & free of charge, we may sometimes receive a small commission if a reader decides to purchase services via some links on site, at no extra cost.
