Find the best way to send money to Jamaica

If you're looking for the best way to send money to Jamaica from the United States, use our list to find the cheapest, fastest way to transfer money online.

It can be time consuming to research money transfer companies and compare the best rate of foreign exchange. Our guide shows you which service has transparent fees, mobile apps and different delivery options to make your international money transfers easier.

 

Some of the best money transfer services to send money to Jamaica from the USA

Remitly

Remitly accepts credit and debit cards, and with their Express option, money can be sent within minutes. Remitly have no minimum limit so it can be handy when sending small amounts to family or friends overseas.  What we like about Remitly is they are cheaper than Xoom/PayPal or Western Union. It's also easy to make payments on the Remitly website or mobile app.

How much does it cost to transfer funds to Jamaica?

Transfer Fee: The fee for "Economy" is $3.49 but if you want the money sent faster, their "Express" fee range between $4.99 and $52.49
Exchange Rate: The exchange rate you receive depends on the amount of your transfer and which country your money is being sent.

How long does it take?

It depends on which service you choose. It's faster with "Express" but you have to pay by card and the fees are higher. It's slower but cheaper with "Economy" when you pay by bank transfer.

Is Remitly safe?

Yes they are. They are fully licensed and authorised. Click here to see our full review of Remitly.

Best features:

  • The person can receive their money transfer by bank deposit, cash pick up, mobile money or home delivery
  • Money back guarantee if your money doesn't arrive on time
  • Same-day cancellation requests are possible
  • Easy to sign up and quick to transfer money on mobiles or laptops

How it works

  • Log into the Remitly website.
  • When you're ready for payment, just type your name, card number, expiry date and card verification details.
  • Bank transfers or SWIFT payments are also available to send money from the US.

Service details:

For help from Remitly and phone number: US-1-888-736-4859

WorldRemit

WorldRemit specializes in remittances and smaller transfers. They're perfect for personal money transfers from the US to Jamaica. 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.

How much does it cost?

Fees: USD3.99 for bank transfers. For cash pickup, fees and transaction limits depend on the cash pickup payout network.
Exchange Rate: WorldRemit add a margin to the exchange rate.
Maximum transfer amount: USD5,000 for bank transfers.

How long does it take?

Most transfers are completed within 2-3 working days. Cash transfers are usually ready for collection within minutes.

Is WorldRemit safe?

Yes they are. Learn more about how trustworthy WorldRemit are.

Best features:

  • Offers cash pick-up, bank deposits, Mobile Money and Airtime top-up in some countries
  • Easy online platform and cell phone app
  • Transparent costs with accurate calculator tool
  • 24/7 customer support

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.

Western Union

Western Union is one of the oldest and largest money transfer companies in the world. They also have lots of different ways you can send money to Jamaica. You can send money online, using their app or in-person at one of their locations around the United States. They offer both money transfers into a bank account and a cash collection service.

How much does it cost?

With so many payment options available, it's hard to work out how much it costs without using their online calculator.

The fees you pay and the exchange rate you receive will all change depending on:

  1. The amount you are sending.
  2. How you making the transfer: on an app, online or in-person all have different fees.
  3. How you pay Western Union: fees vary depending on if you use a credit card, a debit card, a bank transfer or pay in a store.
  4. If the person in Jamaica is receiving into a bank account or in cash.

To get an estimate of the total costs including exchange rates and fees to send money to Jamaica with Western Union, click here.

Western Union

Xoom powered by PayPal

Xoom is convenient for money transfers, but costly compared to other money transfer specialists.

How much does it cost?

Transfer Fee: Differs depending on amount and how you pay them. Paying them by bank transfer is free, but if you pay by card the fee is percentage based.
Exchange Rate: A margin is added to the exchange rate when you convert your US dollars (USD) into Jamaican Dollar (JMD).
Get a quote: Click here to find out the cost to send money to Jamaica with Xoom.

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 trusted for secure online money transfers.

Best features:

  • Safe, trustworthy, fully licensed and authorized company
  • Pay recipients bills or phone reloads via app
  • Regular status updates via text or email

How to transfer money with Xoom?

  • Sign up to an account and login.
  • Tap in how much and where to. Enter your recipients details. Enter how you would like to pay.
  • Recipient receives money in bank account or in cash available for pick up at agent location.

Service details:

Xoom help phone number: (877) 815-1531 (toll free) or +1 (415) 395-4225 from Jamaica.

XOOM

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 Jamaica?

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 bank account in Jamaica?

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
  • Swift / BIC code or Routing Number

How do I send money from my bank account in the US to another bank account in Jamaica?

Send money from your bank account to another bank account in Jamaica using these steps:

  1. Find the wire transfer section from the website of your financial institution.
  2. Check any transfer limits there might be.
  3. Enter the recipient’s bank details.
  4. Enter the amount and choose the currency you want to send your money.
  5. 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.
  6. Find out how long it will take for your transfer to arrive.

Do all money transfer companies have a mobile phone 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), Canada (CAD) and Australia (AUD).

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