Looking to send money from Canada to the U.S? Money transfer services are so much different than they used to be.
Instead of relying strictly on banks, which could cost a fortune and take days to complete the transfer, now you have various choices when you need to send money.
I send money to the U.S all the time to run my business. I looked at various companies engaged in transferring money and considered their fee structure, ease of use, and payment methods available.
From there, it was easy to rank the top five. After reviewing each option below, you should have a good idea of which one will work for you and your banking needs.
Top Money Transfer Options
1. Wise
Online International Money Transfer and Banking Service
- Extremely cheap international money transfers.
- Hold money in over 40 currencies
- Borderless Visa card
- Transparent FX costs: No hidden fees
Why it makes the cut: Transparent fees are easy to see before you even create an account. It’s easy to set up, and money transfer times are quick.
Wise consistently ranks as one of the money transfer platforms with the lowest fees. They are also completely straightforward about their fee structure.
You don’t need to create an account to see their rates – it’s clearly defined right on their website.
Wise uses a mid-market exchange rate which gives its customers the most affordable way to send money.
In addition to the exchange rate, Wise offers some of the lowest transfer fees around, making it a great choice if you need to send money.
You can create an account online and use the Wise app for transfers. Once you have an account, you just need to input the recipient’s details and make the payment.
The recipient should receive the money within a business day.
There are a few drawbacks to Wise. Mainly, you can’t fund the transfer with cash or a cheque, only a credit card, bank transfer, or debit card.
In addition, the recipient must have a bank account to receive the money. Picking up cash or having it delivered isn’t an option.
See my full Wise review to learn more.
2. OFX
Why it makes the cut: Offers comparable rates, no transfer fees, and provides service to over 190 countries.
OFX is a good option for customers looking to make affordable transfers. However, the company isn’t known for its speed.
Because their delivery method relies on banking hours, you won’t always get a same-day or even next-day delivery with their services.
However, OFX doesn’t charge transfer fees and only levies a slight markup of the mid-market rate.
Overall, the fees are much lower than other companies, but you will get a better rate if you send more money.
In addition, OFX has personal account managers willing to help you with your transactions. The company’s been in business for over ten years, which assures their quality record.
OFX doesn’t have a maximum limit but does require at least $500 to make a transfer.
In addition, you can only send money to someone that has a bank account, and payment needs to be made through your account as well.
3. Currencies Direct
Why it makes the cut: It’s one of the fastest money transferring services around. Plus, exchange rates are very clear, and users can look them up on their website without an account.
Currencies Direct doesn’t charge transfer fees or account fees. The company makes money by charging a small mark-up on the exchange rate, similar to other services on this list.
The company is customer-based and even has offices located throughout the U.S., Europe, and other countries to help answer any questions or steer its customers in the right direction.
As is typical with most money transfer services, it’s beneficial to send larger amounts of money due to the company’s fee structure. The percentage of fees normally goes down the more money you’re looking to send.
Most transfers get completed within 24 to 48 hours. However, that time frame depends on the banks involved as well as the destination country.
The downside to this service is that you can’t send cash. You can pay either through your bank account or with a debit card. Currencies Direct accepts such payments for GBP, EUR, and USD currency cards.
4. WorldRemit
Why it makes the cut: Cash pick-ups and mobile-to-mobile transfers are available in certain countries.
WorldRemit stands out from other services because it allows users to send and receive cash.
This makes it easy to transfer money to those that might not have a bank account.
In addition, WorldRemit allows different payment options not usually seen at other transfer services.
You can use a debit or credit card, bank account, cash, and even Apple Pay and Android Pay.
While the other services on our list don’t charge transfer fees, WorldRemit does.
The charge depends on factors like where you’re sending the money and how much, but if you want an exact amount, you can go to their website and enter all the information to get a clearer picture of your final payment.
In addition, WorldRemit adds a fee to the exchange rate, similar to other services.
While the company offers many payment options, they aren’t all available everywhere.
Check out where you’re sending money to see if your delivery method is accepted.
5. Remitly
Why it makes the cut: A good option for those looking to send and receive money quickly.
Often, transfer services are either good at being low cost or speedy, but Remitly tries to do both.
As a web-based company, Remitly can deliver money in a matter of minutes if you use your debit card.
In addition to your debit card, you can pay using your bank account or a credit card. However, using a credit card can generate an extra 3% charge.
Remitly also offers promotional rates for first-time users, making the service more affordable.
Depending on the country, the company charges a low fixed rate for transfers, generally just a few dollars. Furthermore, there is a slight rate markup depending on the currency and payment method.
The downside to Remitly is that it has much lower sending limits than other countries. If you plan to send money via your bank, it probably will take a few days before it gets there.
The Factors Affecting Your Money Transfer
In the past, it was difficult and expensive to send money to someone abroad. These days, upgraded technology makes the process easier and more convenient.
Instead of just relying on a bank as many people did in the past, there are plenty of money transfer services available today. These services allow you to send money quickly (sometimes even instantly) and at cheaper rates than banks.
However, the cost and speed of the transfer are usually determined based on the value you’re looking to send, as well as exchange rates and hidden fees.
Conclusion
Sending money to other countries is so much easier than it used to be. With web-based services and a wide range of choices, money transfers aren’t stressful or expensive anymore.
Wise topped the list because of its low fees and straightforward approach. If you need to send money quickly and without breaking the bank, check out Wise.
