Online money transfer services offer some of the fastest ways to transfer money internationally to someone in cash or for direct deposit in an emergency – but which provider you should use depends on how much you’re sending and how quickly you need it to arrive.
When there is an emergency, getting money out as quickly as possible is key. WorldRemit, MoneyGram and Western Union are three providers with the fastest money transfer services.
WorldRemit is entirely online, which means you can access it from the convenience of your computer or via its app. Your fastest option would be to use mobile money (if available) or cash pickup at a WorldRemit agent location. If you need to find a cash pickup location for WorldRemit you can check out our locations guide.
You’ll need to sign up for a free account with WorldRemit. You’ll also need to provide your personal information, the transaction details and your payment information.
WorldRemit will confirm the transaction with both you and your recipient by email or text and notify you when the funds are received or picked up. If you have any problems, you can contact customer service 24/7 at 888-772-7771 or online through live chat.
MoneyGram is the second-largest provider of international money transfers in the world. It has an extensive network of 350,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries. Your fastest option is to pay with a credit or debit card (or with cash at an agent location) and choose the cash pickup option. In some countries, you could even use the mobile wallet option.
Once the money transfer is complete, the receiver can visit their nearest MoneyGram location to collect it. Remind them to bring along their reference number (which is included in the confirmation emails for online transfer) and ID for pickup. If you have a problem, contact customer service through the site or toll-free at 800-666-3947.
RemitBee is an online money transfer specialist with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. It offers a variety of payment and delivery methods, and transfers can be completed within minutes.
Sign up for a free account with RemitBee. You can also download its app. You’ll need to provide your personal information, the transaction details and your payment information. RemitBee also offers a money-back guarantee.
RemitBee will confirm the transaction with both you and your recipient. If you have any problems, you can contact customer service 24/7 at 1-647-689-2323 or online through live chat.
Western Union has 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries, making it the largest provider of international money transfers in the world. As with MoneyGram, your fastest option is to pay by debit or credit card for cash pickup.
You’ll receive a unique Money Transfer Control Number with your confirmation. You can track your transfer online with this number. If you have any problem, contact customer service 24/7 at 800-325-6000 or through the online form on Western Union’s site.
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Bank (ie: RBC, BMO, CIBC, etc.) | 26.03% |
| Western Union | 20.68% |
| Canada Post | 10.22% |
| Remitly | 6.81% |
| Wise | 6.33% |
| MoneyGram | 4.62% |
| Credit Union (ie: Meridian, Vancity, etc.) | 4.14% |
| Simplii Financial | 3.89% |
| WorldRemit | 3.65% |
| Cash advance | 2.19% |
| TransferWise | 2.19% |
| XE Money Transfers | 1.46% |
| Africhange | 0.97% |
| Instarem | 0.73% |
| PayPal | 0.73% |
| Other | 0.49% |
| Paypal | 0.49% |
| Bitcoin | 0.24% |
| CurrencyFair | 0.24% |
| Dunno | 0.24% |
| I don’t send any | 0.24% |
| Interact | 0.24% |
| Lemonade finance | 0.24% |
| N/A | 0.24% |
| NA | 0.24% |
| Not sure | 0.24% |
| Pay-pal | 0.24% |
| PayPal orXoom | 0.24% |
| Paypal. | 0.24% |
| Swiss Franc GMBH | 0.24% |
| Taptap | 0.24% |
| Third party | 0.24% |
| Wealth simple and funx | 0.24% |
| paypal | 0.24% |
| ria | 0.24% |
There are several factors that can affect how fast your intended recipient receives their transfer, and they are worth keeping in mind if you need to send money in an emergency.
Fees for emergency transfers will vary among banks and money transfer services. Before you make your transfer, try to compare the following:
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