Best Ways To Send Money Abroad In 2027

Last updated: November 2026

Quick answer: For most bank-to-bank transfers, Wise is the best way to send money abroad because it uses the mid-market exchange rate and shows its fee upfront. For family remittances that need a mobile wallet or cash pickup, use Remitly. For cash in hand where banks are scarce, use Western Union or MoneyGram. For large sums, compare Xe and OFX. Avoid sending through a regular bank wire unless you have to, since banks typically charge both a fee and a wide exchange rate margin.

The Rule That Saves The Most Money

Compare the amount your recipient receives, in their currency, for the same amount sent. A “no fee” offer with a weak exchange rate can cost more than a visible fee at the real rate. That one comparison captures the fee, the rate and any hidden spread.

Best Ways To Send Money Abroad At A Glance

Use case	Best pick	Runner-up
Cheapest bank transfer	Wise	Xe
Fastest family remittance	Remitly Express	WorldRemit
Cash pickup	Western Union	MoneyGram
Mobile wallets	Remitly	WorldRemit
Large transfers	OFX	Xe
Everyday multi-currency account	Revolut	Wise
Freelancer and marketplace income	Payoneer	Wise
PayPal users	Xoom	PayPal
Card-to-card	Paysend	Remitly
Business payouts	Airwallex	Wise Business

The Best Ways To Send Money Abroad

1. Wise: Best Overall For Bank Transfers

Mid-market rate, one visible fee and local payouts in many countries. The recipient does not need Wise; see how to send money with Wise to someone without a Wise account.

2. Remitly: Best For Family Remittances

Bank deposit, wallets and cash pickup, with Express for speed and Economy for lower cost.

3. Western Union: Best For Cash Pickup

The largest agent network, with cash usually ready in minutes. Compare it in Western Union vs MoneyGram.

4. Xe: Best Low-Fee Option For Larger Transfers

Low or no fees on many routes and tight margins on major currencies.

5. OFX: Best For Very Large Sums

Dealer support and rate-locking tools for property purchases and business FX.

6. Revolut: Best All-In-One Account

Strong for travelers and weekday exchanges within plan limits. See Wise vs Revolut.

7. WorldRemit: Best For Wallets And Airtime

Small, frequent transfers to wallets and cash across Africa and Asia.

8. Payoneer: Best For Marketplace Sellers

Built-in payouts from many marketplaces. See Wise vs Payoneer.

9. Xoom: Best For PayPal Users

PayPal funding with bank, wallet and cash payout. See Wise vs PayPal.

10. Paysend: Best For Card-To-Card Transfers

Low fixed fees to debit cards in many countries.

Sending Money To A Specific Country

The best route changes by country, because payout networks differ. Read our country guides for Ukraine, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Mexico and India.

How To Choose

How will the recipient receive the money?

Bank account, mobile wallet or cash decides the shortlist before price does.

How fast does it need to arrive?

Minutes usually costs more. If it can wait a day or two, cheaper tiers are available.

How are you paying?

Bank transfers are usually cheapest; cards cost more. In the US, transfers funded with cash, money orders or cashier’s checks have carried a 1% federal excise tax since January 1, 2026.

How We Evaluated

We ranked providers by fit for specific use cases, considering pricing transparency, exchange rate margins, payout coverage, speed and ease of use, based on published provider information and independent comparisons.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to send money abroad?

For bank deposits, usually Wise or Xe. For cash or wallets, compare Remitly, WorldRemit and Western Union on the amount received.

Is a bank wire a good way to send money abroad?

Usually not for smaller amounts. Banks often charge a fee plus a wide exchange margin, and intermediary banks may deduct more.

What is the fastest way to send money abroad?

Cash pickup and mobile wallet transfers from Remitly, WorldRemit or Western Union, and Wise on local payout routes, often arrive within minutes.

What details do I need?

The recipient’s full name as on their account, plus bank details for their country, a wallet number, or a pickup location.

Conclusion

Start with how your recipient wants to receive money, then compare the amount received. For most bank transfers that points to Wise; for cash and wallets, to Remitly or Western Union.