Find the best way to send money to Canada
If you're looking for the best way to send money to Canada from the United States, use our list to find the cheapest, fastest way to transfer money online. It can be time consuming researching money transfer companies and comparing the best foreign exchange rate. Our guide shows you which service has transparent fees, mobile apps and different delivery options to make your international money transfers easier.
Need to send money from Canada to the US instead? Learn more here.
5 of the best money transfer companies to send money to Canada from the US.
1. Wise
3. WorldRemit
5. OFX
Wise (formerly known as TransferWise)
This company offers a cheap, fast and secure way to send funds internationally. They're great for online users who want to send less than $40,000 to Canada from the US.
Best features:
- Quick online set-up
- Easy to get a quote
- Transparent fees and offer the best rates online
- Simple Mobile App
What are the costs to transfer funds to Canada?
Transfer Fee: 0.53% up to US$135,000 or 0.43% above US$135,000, plus a flat fee of US$1.12.
Exchange Rate: Wise give you the best possible rate (google rate). They do not use a margin.
Additional Fees: Bank debit (ACH) is the cheapest; then bank wire transfer; followed by debit card and credit card.
How to transfer money with Wise?
- Create an online account and login.
- Tap in how much and where to. Enter your recipients details.
- Make local US payment to Wise, using a bank transfer, SWIFT, or your debit or credit card.
How long does it take?
Your recipient will get the money in Canadian dollars from Wise's local account within 0-1 business days.
Is Wise safe?
Yes they are. Click here to see our full review of Wise.
Service details:
XE Money Transfers
As a trusted and seasoned name in foreign exchange, XE could be a good option for online users who aren't under time pressure. They don't charge fixed fees and don't have any minimum amounts so are good for any sized transaction.
How much does it cost to transfer funds to Canada?
Transfer Fee: Free, but there can be hidden charges at the local bank.
Exchange Rate: The CAD/USD exchange rate you receive, when you convert your US dollars into Canadian dollars, will depend on the amount of your transfer.
How to transfer money with XE?
- Set up account online or over the phone.
- Tap in how much, where to and which currency.
- Pay XE and they will transfer the funds to your recipients bank account.
How long does it take?
Your recipient will get the money in Canadian dollars into their account in 1-2 business days.
Is XE safe?
Yes they are. They are licensed as a Money Transmitter by the DFS in New York and registered with FINTRAC.
Best features:
- No fees or minimum amounts for money transfers
- Better exchange rates for larger amounts
- Well known and trusted brand
- Business and individual support, plus accessible customer service
Service details:
For help from XE and phone number: US- 1-877-932-6640
WorldRemit
WorldRemit specializes in remittances and smaller transfers. They're perfect for personal money transfer from the US of up to US$10,000 to Canada. Their rates are usually better than your local bank's and they offer more flexible delivery options than companies like PayPal, Western Union or MoneyGram.
Best features:
- Offers cash pick-up, bank deposits, mobile money and airtime top-up
- Easy online platform and mobile app
- Transparent costs with accurate calculator tool
- 24/7 customer support
What are the costs to transfer funds to Canada?
Transfer Fee: Differs depending on amount or where you send the funds. You have to sign-up, but they tell you how much it costs before you make your transfer.
Exchange Rate: WorldRemit add a margin to the exchange rate.
Maximum transfer amount: US$10,000
How to transfer money with WorldRemit?
- Create an online account and login.
- Tap in how much, how you want to transfer (cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile money or airtime top-up) and where to. Enter your recipients details.
- Make local US payment to WorldRemit, using a bank transfer or your debit or credit card.
How long does it take?
Depends on your delivery choice. For a wire transfer they will get Canadian dollars in 0-2 business days. For cash delivery it can be ready instantly if you have valid photo ID and the transaction reference number.
Is WorldRemit safe?
Yes they are. Learn more about how trustworthy WorldRemit are.
Service details:
Xoom powered by PayPal
Xoom is convenient for money transfers, but costly when compared to other money transfer specialists.
Best features:
- Safe, trustworthy, fully licensed and authorized company
- Pay recipients bills or phone reloads via app
- Regular status updates via text or email
What are the costs to transfer funds to Canada?
Transfer Fee: Differs depending on amount or transfer type. Under $1,000 bank transfer is $4.99, but it's free above $1,000. For $1,000 debit or credit card costs over $30.
Exchange Rate: About a 2% margin is added to the exchange rate when you convert your US dollars into Canadian dollars.
Maximum transfer amount: Up to $3,000 with sender profile info within 24 hrs or $10,000 with social security or passport number within 24 hrs.
How to transfer money with Xoom?
- Sign up to create an account and login on xoom.com or via the Xoom app on your cell phone.
- Tap in how much and where to. Enter your recipient's details. Enter how you would like to pay.
- Recipient receives money in bank account or in cash available for pick up at Ria Locations.
How long does it take?
It will take 1-2 business days. Transfers submitted by 11 am EST on a bank business day will be delivered by 5 pm EST the next business day.
Is Xoom (PayPal) safe?
Yes they are. They are powered by PayPal, which is one of the oldest online payment platforms.
Service details:
Xoom help phone number: (877) 815-1531 (toll free) or +1 (415) 395-4225 from US or Canada
OFX
OFX are particularly good for larger transfers because they have personal account managers that are really helpful, particularly if it's your first time sending money to Canada. They also offer better exchange rates, the more you transfer.
OFX is one of the oldest money transfer companies and have a good track record for security.
How much does it cost to transfer funds to Canada?
Transfer Fee: OFX no longer charge a flat transfer fee for customers in the USA.
Exchange Rate: OFX add a margin to the exchange rate when you convert your US dollars into Canadian dollars (CAD).
Minimum Transfer Amount: US$150 for single transfer; US$250 for recurring transfers.
OFX has a currency exchange calculator, but it shows the interbank rate. This is the rate BEFORE they apply their margin. To get an accurate quote, you need to set up an account with OFX. Alternatively, use our money transfer exchange rate comparison tool. You'll see OFX's actual exchange rates and fees and comparison with other services.
How to transfer money with OFX?
- Create a free online account and login to get a live quote for your transfer.
- Enter your recipients details including bank account, financial institution number, account number and branch transit number.
- 'Finalize transaction' and pay using a bank or wire transfer. Business customers can use direct debit.
How long does it take?
Your recipient will get the money in Canadian dollars into their account in 1-2 business days.
Is OFX safe?
Yes they are. See our full review of OFX for more information.
Best features:
- Easy online set-up
- Good exchange rates and lock-in rate for larger amounts
- 24/7 phone support
- Cell phone app
Service details:
Never want to miss a great rate again?
Simply set up an alert for the currency and rate you want and we'll email you when it's the best time to transfer.
FAQs
Are there any minimum or maximum money transfer limits?
These vary depending on which online money transfer company you use.
For minimum transfer amounts, XE and Wise have no limits. OFX have a minimum of US$150 per single transaction.
For maximum transfer amounts, Wise has maximum limits of US$50,000 for personal accounts. For business accounts they have a maximum limit of US$250,000 in unlicensed states and up to US$1,000,000 in licensed states.
OFX and XE have no maximum transfer amounts. Meanwhile, Xoom has a limit of US$50,000 over 24 hours if you have the required documents.
How do I keep my money online safe when I send it to Canada?
Safety is very important and all of the online companies above take their legal responsibilities very seriously. They take extreme measures to protect the sensitive data you provide them like your personal details and identification. However, it's still better to be safe than sorry. Here are some additional ways you can transfer funds safely:
- Double check privacy policies and tracking process for your money transfer provider
- Use a strong, long and unique password with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols when you set-up your account
- Ensure your money transfer service provides two-factor authentication, including SMS or email-based security code
What information do I need to send money to a Canadian bank account from the United States?
To wire money from the US, you will need the following information about the recipient's account:
- Recipient account holder name and full address
- Account number you will be transferring money to
- Canadian bank branch number and full address
- Institution number
- Swift / BIC code or Routing Number for transfers to Canada
Helpful links:
- Full addresses for Canadian banks can be found using the Financial Institutions Branch Directory (FIBD)
- The FIBD also provides routing numbers for Canadian banks
- Swift / BIC codes can be easily found using this tool
How do I send money from my bank account in the US to another bank account in Canada?
Send money from your bank account to another bank account in Canada using these steps:
- Find the wire transfer section from the website of your financial institution
- Check any transfer limits there might be
- Enter the recipient’s bank details
- Enter the amount and choose the currency you want to send your money
- Pay the transfer processing fee - your bank can charge anywhere between US$30-80. Your recipient bank can charge as much as US$30 to receive the money.
- Find out how long it will take for your transfer to arrive
Do all money transfer companies have a mobile app?
Yes. When you have an account with any of the online money transfer services highlighted above, you can make transfers through their website, or via their iOS Apple and Android apps. However, some are easier to use than others.
What other common countries or currencies can I send money to from the US?
The most common countries or currencies money is sent to from the US includes: Mexico (MXN), China (CNY), India (INR), Germany (EUR), France (EUR), South Korea (KRW), United Kingdom (GBP), Japan (JPY), Italy (EUR) and Australia (AUD).
Send money to and from the United States with these guides
- Transfer money to the United States from
- Send money from Australia to the United States
- Send money from Canada to the United States
- Send money from Europe to the United States
- Send money from Germany to the United States
- Send money from India to the United States
- Send money from Mexico to the United States
- Send money from New Zealand to the United States
- Send money from Singapore to the United States
- Send money from the UK to the United States
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General advice: The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own personal situation and requirements before making any financial decisions.
By
Justin Rampono
Updated September 29th, 2021