Money Transfer Comparison
Compare rates, fees, and speed across major money transfer providers. Send money home for less.
Live Rate Estimator
Recipient Gets (mid-market)
Fetching rate...
Mid-market rate from Frankfurter API. Provider rates include markup — actual amount received will be lower.
Provider Comparison
Wise
Best RateMid-market rate, low fees
Transfer Fee
$3.69 flat + 0.43%
Speed
1–2 business days
Popular Corridors
India, China, Mexico +5
✓ Pros
- •True mid-market exchange rate
- •Transparent fee structure
- •Multi-currency account
- •Fast transfers to most countries
✗ Cons
- •No cash pickup
- •Slower for some corridors
- •Requires bank account on both ends
Remitly
Best for Cash PickupFast transfers, loyalty perks
Transfer Fee
$3.99 for Economy / Free for Express (first transfer)
Speed
Minutes (Express) / 3–5 days (Economy)
Popular Corridors
India, Philippines, Mexico +4
✓ Pros
- •Guaranteed exchange rate lock-in
- •Cash pickup available in many countries
- •First transfer often fee-free
- •Good rates to India, Philippines, Mexico
✗ Cons
- •Lower max transfer limits
- •Express fees can be high
- •Rate slightly below mid-market
Xoom (PayPal)
Fastest DeliveryBacked by PayPal, fast delivery
Transfer Fee
$4.99–$9.99 depending on method
Speed
Minutes to hours
Popular Corridors
India, Mexico, Philippines +3
✓ Pros
- •PayPal-backed (trusted brand)
- •Very fast delivery
- •Bank deposit, cash pickup, home delivery options
- •Mobile-friendly
✗ Cons
- •Worse exchange rate than Wise/Remitly
- •Fees higher than competitors
- •Limited corridors
Western Union
Widest Reach150+ years trusted, widest reach
Transfer Fee
$5–$15+ depending on destination and method
Speed
Minutes (cash) / 1–5 days (bank)
Popular Corridors
India, Mexico, Philippines +6
✓ Pros
- •200+ countries and territories
- •Cash pickup at 550k+ locations worldwide
- •Reliable and established
- •Works in remote areas
✗ Cons
- •Worst exchange rates of major providers
- •High fees
- •Markups can be 3–5% above mid-market
OFX
Best for Large TransfersGreat for large transfers
Transfer Fee
No flat fee — margin built into rate
Speed
1–2 business days
Popular Corridors
India, UK, Australia +4
✓ Pros
- •No transfer fee for amounts over $1,000
- •Good rates for large transfers
- •24/7 phone support
- •Rate lock available
✗ Cons
- •$1,000 minimum transfer
- •Rate includes hidden margin
- •Not ideal for small amounts
Zelle
Free & InstantFree, instant — US only
Transfer Fee
Free
Speed
Minutes
Popular Corridors
US domestic only
✓ Pros
- •Completely free
- •Instant transfers
- •Built into most US bank apps
- •No account needed if enrolled
✗ Cons
- •US to US only — cannot send internationally
- •Low transfer limits ($500–$2,500/week)
- •No international corridors
Money Transfer Tips for International Students
Compare the Total Cost
Always check the exchange rate AND the transfer fee together. A "0 fee" provider often hides the cost in a worse exchange rate.
Timing Matters
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. For large transfers, consider using a rate alert or forward contract to lock in a favorable rate.
Verify Your Account First
All providers require identity verification (KYC). Complete this before you need to send money urgently — it can take 1–3 days.
First Transfer Bonuses
Wise, Remitly, and Xoom often have first-transfer promotions. Use referral links from friends for extra savings.
Bank Fees on Receiving End
Your recipient's bank may charge a receiving fee ($5–$25). Ask your family's bank if they charge fees on incoming international wires.
Use Wise for Recurring Transfers
Set up a Wise account to receive your paycheck, then send internationally at the mid-market rate — no markup.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Wise's comparison tool or Monito.com to get real-time quotes across 30+ providers before you send. Rates are not legal or financial advice — always verify current rates before transferring.