Find the Cheapest Money Transfer Service to Send Money to USA
Finding the cheapest way to send money back to the USA isn't easy. Using a bank can be familiar, but sometimes they're complicated and expensive. There are also dozens of money transfer services to choose from, but each one offers different exchange rates, transfer fees and products.
We've reviewed over 30 money transfer services and picked the top ways to transfer to the US based on their exchange rates, transfer fees, and ease of use. Most importantly, these companies can be used to transfer money to the US from most countries overseas.
Need to send money overseas from the US instead? Learn more here.
Top money transfer companies to send money to USA
XE Money Transfers
XE is one of the larger money transfer services. It owns xe.com which allows you to check the mid-market exchange rate on just about any foreign currency in the world. They also provide strong customer support over the phone, which is important when sending large amounts of money back to USA. Importantly, XE offer better exchange rates the more you transfer.
How much does it cost to transfer funds to USA?
Transfer Fee: Fee free with no minimum transfer size.
Exchange Rate: The exchange rate you receive depends 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 recipient's bank account.
Transfer times
Allow 1-4 business days for international money transfers.
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
- Fee free transfers and no minimum amounts for international money transfers
- Well known and trusted brand, scores 4.7/5 from Trustpilot
- Rate alert set up available
Service details
For help from XE and US phone number: 1-877-932-6640
Wise (formerly known as TransferWise)
For transfers to family or for expats living in the USA, Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) is one of the cheapest (and most popular) money transfer services. This is because they are one of the few companies that offer the mid-market, wholesale exchange rate you see on Google or xe.com.
Their transfer fees are transparent and easy to calculate and their Borderless Account makes it ideal for US expats receiving money from overseas.
How much does it cost to transfer funds to the USA?
Transfer Fee: 0.45% up to US$135,000 or 0.35% above US$135,000, plus a transaction fee of US$2.
Exchange Rate: Wise gives you the best possible rate for currency transfer. They do not use a margin.
Additional Fees: Depends on how you pay for the transfer. Bank debit (ACH) is cheapest; then bank wire transfer; followed by debit card and credit card.
How to transfer money with Wise
- Create an online account, login and set up your first transfer.
- Tap in how much and where to. Enter your recipients details.
- Make local US payment to Wise, using a bank transfer or your debit or credit card.
Transfer times
Your recipient will get the money in US dollars (USD) directly from Wise's local bank account within 0-1 business days.
Is Wise safe?
Yes they are. To find out more about Wise read our full review here.
Best features
- Quick online set-up
- Transparent fees and offer the best rates online
- Very fast transfers to a bank account
- Simple cell phone app
Service details
OFX
OFX (formally know as Ozforex) is a good option if you're sending money online. They have offices all over the world, which should make it easier to transfer money to back to the USA.
How much does it cost to transfer funds to USA?
Transfer Fee: If you're sending the money from outside the USA, a flat fee may apply for smaller amounts.
Exchange Rate: OFX add a margin to the exchange rate when you convert different currencies into US dollars (USD). This means the rate you receive will be different to the mid-market or wholesale exchange rate you find on most online currency converters.
Minimum Transfer Amount: US$150 for single transfer; US$250 for recurring transfers or regular payments.
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 the name on the bank account, bank routing code (ABA) and account number.
- 'Finalize transaction' and pay using a bank or wire transfer.
Transfer times
Your recipient will get the money in US dollars into their account in 1 business day.
Is OFX safe?
Yes they are. Read on for more information on the safety measures at OFX.
Best features
- Easy online set-up
- Great exchange rates and lock-in rate for larger amounts
- 24/7 phone support
Service details
WorldRemit
If you're looking to send small amounts of cash to USA, WorldRemit is a great option. They offer competitive exchange rates and specialize in small remittances and bank transfers. This make them perfect for personal international money transfers to USA.
How much does it cost to transfer funds to USA?
Transfer Fee: Depends on where you're sending money from. Click here to get an indicative fees and exchange rates to send money to USA.
Exchange Rate: WorldRemit add a margin to the exchange rate. You have to convert your local currency into US dollars (USD).
Maximum transfer amount: This depends on the country you're sending from. Please see the relevant section in Bank Transfers for more information.
How to transfer money with WorldRemit?
- Create an online account and login.
- Tap in how much, how you want to transfer (bank deposit or Airtime top-up) and where to. Enter your recipients details.
- Make local payment to WorldRemit using a bank account, debit card or credit card.
Transfer times
Delivery times vary depending on your method of transfer. For a wire transfer they will get US dollars in 3 business days.
Is WorldRemit safe?
Yes they are. Learn more about how trustworthy WorldRemit are.
Best features
- Offers bank deposits and Airtime top-up
- Easy online platform and cell phone app
- Transparent costs with accurate calculator tool
- 24/7 customer support
Service details
Xoom powered by PayPal
Xoom is convenient for money transfers, but costly when compared to other money transfer specialists.
How much does it cost to transfer funds to USA?
Transfer Fee: Differs depending on amount or transfer type. Typically, money transfers to the US start at US$2.99. Cash pick-up usually starts at US$5.99.
Exchange Rate: A 2-3% margin is added to the exchange rate when you convert your local currency into US dollars (USD).
Maximum Amount: Depends on where you live, how the money is received, and partner limits. Xoom partners include the banks and cash pick-up locations.
Get a quote: Click here to find out the cost to transfer money to USA with Xoom.
How to transfer money with Xoom?
- Sign up to your PayPal account or create a Xoom account and login.
- Tap in how much and where to. Enter your recipients details. Enter how you would like to pay.
- For bank deposit choose any bank in the US, including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank.
- For cash pickup, select a convenient location. - Recipient receives money in bank account or in cash available for pick up at agent location.
How long does it take?
For smaller transfers it will take 1-2 business days. For larger transfers it will take 3-5 business days. Cash pick-up can take minutes.
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
- Cash pick up locations available through Walmart and Ria outlets
Service details:
Xoom help phone number: +1 (415) 395-4225 in the US
FAQs
Are there any minimum or maximum money transfer limits?
Yes, but these vary depending on which online money transfer company you use.
For minimum transfer amounts, XE and TransferWise have no limits. OFX have a minimum of US$150 per single transaction.
For maximum transfer amounts, TransferWise 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 USA?
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
Do all money transfer companies have a cell 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.
When do I need a Swift or BIC code?
To transfer US dollars (USD) into a local bank account, a swift code or BIC (Bank Identifier Code) is usually required. The Swift code helps identify each bank and the code is unique to the bank. It is a combination of numbers and letters. The major banks are Chase CHASUS33, Wells Fargo WFBIUS6S, Bank of America BOFAUS3N.
Alternatively, you may need the banks ABA routing number. This is 9 digits-long and can usually be found on the bottom left hand corner of a check or on a recent bank statement.
You can use a bank code finder to search or find a SWIFT or ABA routing number.
Send money to and from the United States with these guides
- Transfer money to the United States from
- Send money from Canada to the United States
- Send money from Europe to the United States
- Send money from France 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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By
Justin Rampono
Updated September 29th, 2021