Compare
Compare transfer methods
Three common ways to send money across a border, compared on the criteria that actually decide whether one costs you less or arrives faster — not on which one has the most familiar name.
How this table is built.
- Typical exchange rate spread
- Typical stated fee
- Typical delivery speed
- Typical transfer limits
- Best suited for
| Criterion | Bank wire | Online transfer service | Traditional money transfer operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical exchange rate spread | Often 2-5%, the widest of the three | Often 0.3-1%, usually the tightest | Varies widely, often 1-3% depending on corridor |
| Typical stated fee | A flat wire fee, commonly $15-50, plus possible correspondent bank deductions | A small stated fee, shown upfront alongside the rate | A flat or percentage fee, often higher on smaller amounts |
| Typical delivery speed | One to five business days, depending on corridor | Hours to two business days, depending on corridor | Minutes for cash pickup; longer for bank deposit |
| Typical transfer limits | Usually the highest of the three, suited to large one-off transfers | Moderate, with higher limits available after added verification | Usually lower, though this varies by provider and corridor |
| Best suited for | Large one-off transfers — real estate, business, inheritance | Routine or recurring transfers into a bank account | A recipient who needs cash quickly or lacks a bank account |
These are typical patterns, not guarantees for any specific provider, corridor or day — always confirm the actual quoted rate, fee and delivery estimate before sending, since all three can vary meaningfully by destination country and by provider.
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Where to look at real transfer options in each category
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Remitly international transfers
A remittance service covering many high-volume corridors, including bank deposit and cash-pickup options.
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