Top 5 Best International Money Transfer Apps – 2024

Think of a parent who has a kid studying abroad, or a father who works overseas and has to send money back home. Imagine how stressful it would be if all the parties involved had to visit the bank to send or receive money. Well, that’s how it was before the existence of international money transfer apps. 

Today, sending money to loved ones in another country is as simple as a few taps on your smartphone. International money transfer apps make this possible by allowing you to send money across borders quickly, securely, and affordably. With just your phone and internet connection, you can transfer money to anyone, anywhere.

This article talks about 5 top international money transfer apps. It’ll give insights about their features, pros and cons, as well as factors to consider when choosing the best app for you. Let’s get started!

What are International Money Transfer Apps?

International money transfer apps are applications you can use on your phone or computer to send money to someone in another country. These apps have digital wallets where you can store funds, or you can link them to your bank account or credit/debit card, allowing you to send money across borders without needing to visit a bank.

For example, if you’re working in the U.S. and want to send money to your family in Nigeria, an app like Remitly can help you do that. The apps take care of currency conversion and make sure the money reaches the recipient securely. With these apps, you save time, pay lower fees, and can send money from the comfort of your home.

Some apps even have extra features like tracking your transfer, setting reminders for regular payments, etc. 

5 Best Online Money Transfer Apps

Whether you want to send money for your child’s school fees abroad or help out family members back home, global money transfer apps let you skip long bank queues and high fees. There are different options to choose from, but I have reviewed them and put together a carefully selected list. 

Below are the top picks of international money transfer apps you can use in 2024:

1. Wise
2. World Remit
3. Revolut
4. Remitly
5. Western Union

Let’s now explore each app. 

1. Wise

Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is popular for its low-cost international money transfers. The app is known for its transparency and real-time exchange rates with no hidden fees. With Wise, you can send money to over 70 countries. In addition to sending and receiving money internationally, you can use Wise to manage your bills. 

How It Works

Wise lets you send money directly from your bank account or card. When you input the amount to send, Wise converts it using their current exchange rate. After you confirm the transfer, the recipient receives the money in their local currency.

Features

• Real exchange rates: Wise uses mid-market rates, meaning no hidden exchange markups.
• Multi-currency account: You can hold money in over 50 different currencies. 
• Low fees: You pay a small fee upfront, with no extra costs later.
• Fast transfers: Depending on the country, transfers may arrive in minutes or take up to 2 days.
• Transaction limits: This varies depending on the currency. 

Pros

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• Easy-to-use app with a user-friendly interface.
• Low-cost transfers compared to traditional banks.

Cons

• Transfers can take up to 2 days for some countries.
• Limited payment options, e.g. cash pickup is not available.

2. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a global money transfer service that offers a wide variety of transfer options, including bank deposits, mobile wallets, and cash pickup. It serves over 130 countries, making it a reliable choice for sending money to different countries.

How It Works

WorldRemit allows you to send money directly to a bank account, or mobile wallet, or for cash pickup at various locations across the recipient’s country. You can choose how the recipient gets the money when setting up the transfer.

Features

• Multiple transfer options: Send money to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or for cash pickup.
• Quick transfers: Many transfers arrive within minutes.
• Tracking: You can track the progress of your transfer from start to finish.
• Transaction limits: This varies according to the recipient’s location. For example, the cap for daily transfers from the U.S. is $9000. 

Pros

• Flexible delivery methods.
• Fast and secure transfers.
• No need for the recipient to have a bank account.

Cons

• Higher fees for certain transfer methods.
• The exchange rate is not as favourable as some competitors.

3. Revolut 

Revolut is a financial app that allows users to send and receive money internationally with low fees. It was formerly a banking app, but Revolut now provides international money transfers, especially popular in Europe and the U.S. Additionally, you can use Revolut to split bills, send gifts, and exchange currencies. 

How It Works

Revolut allows you to send money by connecting your bank account or credit card to the app. You can transfer funds to other Revolut users instantly and to non-users through bank transfers at low costs.

Features

• Instant transfers between Revolut users: Send money within seconds.
• Multi-currency support: Hold and exchange money in different currencies.
• No fee for standard users: Transfer money at no cost with the free Revolut account (up to a certain limit).
• Transaction limits: There are no limits for most of the currencies. 

Pros

• Instant and fee-free transfers for Revolut users.
• Easy currency exchange between accounts.
• User-friendly app with spending analytics.

Cons

• Limited availability outside Europe and the U.S.
• Fees apply after reaching your transfer limit.

4. Remitly

Remitly is a well-known international money transfer service. The service provides affordable transfers with various delivery options. It is especially popular among migrants sending money to their families back home. 

How It Works

You can send money through Remitly to a bank account, or mobile wallet, or for cash pickup at a partner location. The app offers two speeds: Express, which delivers within minutes but has higher fees, and Economy, which takes a few days but costs less.

Features

• Flexible delivery speeds: Choose between faster, more expensive transfers or slower, cheaper ones.
• Cash pickup options: Money can be collected at thousands of locations in the receiving country.
• Promotion for new users: First transfer fees are often waived.
• Transaction limits: This depends on the location. The maximum daily and monthly limits are $2,999 and $10,000 respectively. 

Pros

• Multiple delivery options.
• Fast delivery times for express transfers.
• Affordable fees, especially for economy transfers.

Cons

• Higher fees for express transfers.
• Slower economy transfers may take up to 3-5 days.

5. Western Union

Western Union is one of the oldest and most trusted money transfer services globally. It allows you to send money to nearly every country, including Nigeria, with flexible options for receiving funds, such as cash pickup or bank transfer.

How It Works

Western Union lets you send money through their app, website, or in-person at an agent location. You can choose to send the money for cash pickup or have it deposited into a bank account.

Features

• Worldwide network: Available in almost every country with over 500,000 agent locations globally.
• Multiple transfer options: Send money to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or for cash pickup.
• Track transfers: Follow your money through every step of the transfer process.
• Transaction limits: Without verification, you can send up to $3000 from the U.S. If you are verified you can send up to $50,000. 

Pros

• Wide global reach with agent locations in many countries.
• Trusted and reliable service with a long history.
• Cash pickup is widely available.

Cons

• Higher fees compared to digital-only services.
• Exchange rates can be less favourable.

These are our top picks for international money transfer apps, each with unique features to help you find the best option for your needs. 

How To Send Money Internationally

Sending money internationally through an app is simple, and most services follow a similar process.

1. Create an Account First, choose the best money transfer app for your needs. Sign up and create an account. You’ll need to verify your identity using a government-issued ID like a passport or driver’s license.
2. Add Your Recipient’s Information Next, enter the details of the person you’re sending money to. This includes their full name and banking details, such as their account number. If the money will be picked up in person, choose the location where your recipient will collect it. Ensure to use their name exactly as it is on their ID.
3. Enter the Amount After that, decide how much money you want to send. You’ll also select the currency your recipient will receive, such as U.S. dollars or Nigerian naira.
4. Pay for the Transfer Now, pay for the transaction. You can use a credit card or debit card, or directly transfer funds from your bank account. Paying from your bank account often costs less, but using a credit card may come with extra fees.
5. Track Your Transfer Finally, after completing your transfer, you can track its progress. Most apps will give you an estimated delivery time and allow you to track the money until it reaches your recipient.

How to Choose the Best International Money Transfer App for You

When choosing the best international money transfer app, start by thinking about how fast you need the money to arrive. Some services deliver funds within minutes, while others may take a few days. Security is another important factor. Make sure the app has strong encryption and safety features to protect your information.

Also, check the app’s customer service options. Good support can make a big difference if you run into problems during a transfer. Look at transaction limits as well. Some apps have lower limits that may not suit your needs if you’re sending large amounts.

Finally, compare fees and payment methods. Apps may charge different fees depending on how you fund your transfer—bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. Consider these factors to choose an app that fits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Money Transfer Apps

1. How do I send money overseas?

To send money overseas, sign up for an international money transfer app like Wise or WorldRemit. Enter the recipient’s details, choose the amount to send, and select a payment method. Once you confirm the transfer, the app will handle the currency conversion and send the money to your recipient’s bank account or mobile wallet.

2. What is the cheapest way to send money internationally?

The cheapest way to send money internationally is often through global payment apps. These apps use real exchange rates and charge low fees, especially when you pay directly from your bank account. Avoid using credit cards, as they usually come with higher fees.

3. How long does international money transfer take?

International money transfers can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the app and the transfer option used. 

4. Which payment app is best for international money transfers?

The best payment app for international money transfers largely depends on your needs. Wise is great for low fees and real exchange rates, while Remitly offers fast transfers with flexible delivery options. WorldRemit is also a solid choice if you need to send money for cash pickup.

5. How can I receive an international money transfer?

You can receive international money transfers directly to your bank account, mobile wallet, or in cash. The sender will use an international money transfer app to send the funds, and you can pick up the money at a bank or authorized location, depending on the app and method used.

Conclusion

International money transfer apps have made it incredibly easy to send money across borders without the need for lengthy bank processes. 

With options like Wise, WorldRemit, Revolut, Remitly, and Western Union, you can choose an app that fits your specific needs, whether it’s lower fees, fast transfers, or flexible delivery methods. Each app has its unique features, pros, and cons, but they all share the same goal which is making international money transfers simple and convenient.

A valuable tip for using these apps is to always double-check the recipient’s information before sending money. Even a small mistake in the name or bank details can delay the transfer or result in additional fees. It is also helpful to compare fees and exchange rates across different apps to get the best deal.

With the information this article has provided, you’re ready to get started. choose the right app for you and send money internationally with ease!