💸 Remittance Fee Comparator

Calculate Transfer Cost
How Fees Work

Transfer services charge in two ways: a flat fee (e.g. $4.99 per transfer) and a rate margin — the gap between the real exchange rate and what they offer you. The second is often hidden and can cost more than the flat fee.

Our calculator estimates total cost = flat fee + estimated margin loss, so you see the true cost.

Services Compared

💚 Wise (TransferWise)Lowest fees
🔵 RemitlyFast, mobile-first
🟡 Western UnionWidely available
🔴 MoneyGramCash pickup
🟣 Xoom (PayPal)PayPal users

💡 Pro Tips

✅ Wise is almost always cheapest for bank-to-bank transfers.

✅ For cash pickup, Western Union has the most locations.

✅ Never send money on weekends — some banks add extra fees.

✅ Sending larger amounts? The % fee often drops for transfers over $1,000.

How to Send Money Home Cheaply

International money transfers — called remittances — are a lifeline for millions of families worldwide. In 2023, global remittances exceeded $800 billion, making it one of the largest financial flows to developing countries. Yet many migrants unknowingly pay 5–10% in hidden fees every time they send money.

Transfer fees come in two forms: a flat fee (e.g., $4.99 per transfer) and an exchange rate margin — the hidden gap between the real rate and what the service offers you. The second type is far more expensive for large transfers and is rarely shown clearly.

Which Service Should You Use?

  • Wise (TransferWise): Best overall for bank-to-bank transfers. Uses the real mid-market rate with a small transparent fee.
  • Remitly: Great for fast mobile transfers. Offers "Economy" (cheaper) and "Express" (faster) options.
  • Western Union: Best for cash pickup — has physical locations in even remote areas of Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Africa.
  • MoneyGram: Similar to Western Union; good for recipients without bank accounts.
  • Xoom (PayPal): Convenient for PayPal users, but rates are less competitive.