International money transfer apps make sending money around the globe quite easy, but which are the best international money transfer apps? You might ask, and that will depend on the following:
- where you want to send money to,
- how fast you need the money to arrive, and
- service charge
You may not find what you need in these highly rated apps. However, we shall look not only at customer reviews on both the Apple App and Google Play stores but also consider what the companies behind the apps are capable of providing. With that being said, let’s look into some popular Best International money transfer apps.
- OFX — No Amount limit
- WorldRemit — Different delivery options
- Western Union — Large global network
- Remitly — Money-back guarantee
- XE Money Transfer — Keeps track of currency pairs
- TransferWise — Mid-market rate
OFX – International money transfer apps
OFX’s mobile app allows money transfers from $1,000 or more to 195 countries worldwide. You can also use the app to register for an account, monitor past and current exchange rates, track your transfers and set rate alerts. Transactions are free, however, OFX takes a little cut on currency exchange rates.
Pros
- Can monitor current and past exchange rates
- Keeps track of your transfers
- Helps you set rate alerts
- Free transactions
- Offers a better exchange rate than banks
Cons
- Your transfers must be above $250
- Doesn’t accept credit card or cash as payment
- The app is only available in English
WorldRemit – International money transfer apps
The WorldRemit app, enables you to send money to more than 150 countries around the world for bank deposit, mobile airtime top-up and even cash pickup if you want. WorldRemit has no minimum cash transfer amount, but its maximums varies on the destination country.
Pros
- Availability of cash pickup
- No minimum transfer
- Wide range of destinations
- Competitive exchange rates
- Funds can be received through mobile money
Cons
- There’s a limit on how much you can send
- Fees varies, depending on the amount you transfer
- Not as much features as other money transfer apps
Western Union
Through Western Union’s Money Transfer app, you can reach global agents, in their various locations, and transfer funds to more than 200 countries and territories around the globe, and for cash pickups as well.
Pros
- Almost-instant transfers to cash pickup
- You can make payment via bank transfer, cash, card or Apple Pay
- Transfers to many currencies
Cons
- Less competitive exchange rates
- Transfer fees to some countries can be significant
Remitly
Remitly app International money transfer app has a feature that gives you the exact date and time when your money will be available to your recipient. If your transfer gets late, Remitly has a money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Cash pickup available
- No minimum transfer
- Large range of destinations
- Funds can be received through mobile money
Cons
- Limit on how much you can send
- Fees change depending on the speed of your transfer
- Requires government-issued ID
XE Money Transfer
The XE Money Transfer app lets you exchange money at a better exchange rate than what you’d find in banks, and it makes tracking multiple exchange rates so easy. With low fees and minimum transfer amounts, XE helps take the stress out of sending money internationally.
Pros
- No fees
- No maximum transfer limit
- Set custom currency pair alerts
- Send money to more than 130 countries.
Cons
- Doesn’t use mid-market rate
- Only bank-to-bank transfers
- No cash pickup
TransferWise
Sending payments to friends, family and businesses in 30 countries with the TransferWise app is quite easy. It comes with a calculator you can use get exchange rates and fees for specific transfers and provides a feature for an easy way to upload a photo of any of your personal ID needed to get started with TransferWise.
Pros
- No minimum transfer amount
- Uses the mid-market rate
- Transparent with fees
- Can pay with Apple Pay (although paying by card incurs higher fees)
Cons
- No cash pickup
- Not as many currencies as other providers
How can you determine the best international money transfer app?
An important factor in choosing an app is the service behind it. You need to compare these three features before making a decision.
Exchange rates
With different providers, come different exchange rates. To make profit, providers add a margin to the exchange rate to cover their own fees. So, a provider may have no fees, but a high exchange rate – this is why it’s vital make a comparison.
Fees
Providers charge fees in form of flat rates, percentages or not at all. These fees can also vary depending on what amount you’re sending and how you’re sending it. For example, making large transfers are generally cheaper, while making transfers with your credit card can incur higher fees.
Speed
Sometimes you may need to send money to someone quickly. Providers that specialize in cash pickup, send the money to your recipient almost instantly. This comes at a higher price, however. If you’re not too concerned with timing, most providers take anywhere between one to four days to make transfers at a much lower fee.