If you’re feeling the holiday stress of sending money to family abroad, you’re not alone. Sending money to loved ones should be a simple process and make people happy, but high fees, long delays, and busy service periods can make it stressful. Whether you’re sending gifts or helping with holiday expenses, proper planning will save stress, cut costs, and avoid delays.
That’s why we’ve created this guide at Remitly to share simple, stress-free ways to manage holiday money transfers in 2025. You’ll get tips on timing, fees comparisons, keeping your transfer secure, and some practical steps to make the process easier. Our goal is to help you avoid possible holiday headaches and ensure your support reaches family at a time when they may well need it most.
Why do holiday money transfers need special planning?
During the holiday season, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, demand for international money transfers usually rises. That’s because more people are sending money abroad for gifts, supporting family, or covering travel expenses.
Remitly data shows that transaction volumes can increase by 10-20% or even more during the holiday months. This highlights the need for proper international money transfer planning, because large workload increases can slow down processing times.
Bank holidays and reduced business hours can make this worse, so the timing of your money transfer can be a critical factor if you want your funds to arrive on time.
Currency values can also be more volatile during this period, with fluctuations affecting the amount recipients receive from cross-border payments. So there’s quite a bit to think about.
Timing your holiday money transfers
No one wants a holiday surprise to arrive late. Your remittance will still get there if you leave things a bit too late, but it could be a major disappointment for you and the recipient. To avoid delays for overseas money transfers, consider sending funds seven to ten days before major holidays. This extra time cushions against the holiday rush and the other factors we mentioned that can slow money transfer timescales.
Time zones also matter. Send early if your loved ones are far away. Here’s a practical guide for the best time to send money during holidays:
- Thanksgiving (US, late November): send by the second week of November.
- Christmas (globally, December 25): send by mid-December.
- New Year’s (January 1): send by the third week of December.
- Other regional holidays: aim for at least one week before local or national holidays.
If you’re running short on time, many transfer services offer emergency or same-day options, though these can come with higher fees. Plan ahead for holiday money transfers lets you avoid those extras and enjoy the season without stressing over bank cut-off times.
Understanding holiday money transfer costs
Holiday money transfers can catch you out with a nasty surprise if you’re not aware of the costs involved—providers may charge a sending fee or add a margin on the exchange rate, for example. That margin is the gap between the mid-market rate and the rate you get and it might well make you feel like you didn’t get a great deal on the exchange. In some cases, the recipient’s bank may even charge a receiving fee.
Banks are often the most expensive option, with higher charges and weaker conversion rates. Online services and international money transfer apps are usually faster, cheaper, and more transparent. Keep in mind that cash pickup services may include extra charges.
Exchange rates can also swing during the holiday season due to market volatility. This affects how much your recipient ultimately receives. To get the best value:
- Set up rate alerts so you know when your preferred rate is available.
- If rates are unstable, one option is to split your transfer into smaller amounts across a few days.
- Compare providers before sending to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- Watch out for those hidden costs, such as extra charges for card payments or expedited transfers.
Watching fees and exchange rates closely helps make sure your loved ones get as much as possible of the actual amount you planned to send.
Choosing the right transfer method for the holidays
Before diving into security, let’s take a look at how to choose the right transfer method for your holiday money.
Compare delivery options
You can send money through bank deposits, cash pickup locations, or mobile wallets. A bank deposit is a good choice for loved ones with bank accounts, while cash pickups work well if they don’t. Digital wallets, meanwhile, give the recipients access to the funds from their phone.
Reliability during high-demand periods
Holiday transfers can be tricky. Banks often slow down, while online services and mobile wallets usually process transfers faster, even when demand is high. Cash pickup locations may get crowded or close early. Consider double-checking estimated delivery times before you choose a method to send money during holidays—they might not be spot on, but they’ll give you a good idea.
Recipient convenience and accessibility
Think about how easy it is for your loved ones to access the money. Mobile wallets offer instant access anywhere, while bank deposits go directly into their account. Cash pickups require travel and valid ID. It’s worth confirming they have the right tools or apps ready for the method you’re proposing, so the process is as easy for them as it is for you.
Documentation requirements
For larger transfers, you or your recipient may need ID, proof of address, or details about where the money came from. Banks can be strict, while generally speaking, online services keep it simpler. Having documents ready means less stress and more time to enjoy the holidays with family.
Service accessibility during holidays
Some cash pickups and local banks may close early or have limited hours during holidays. Checking their schedule in advance helps you avoid delays and ensures your recipient can access the funds without surprises.
Customer support and troubleshooting
If something goes wrong, having reliable customer support makes all the difference. Choosing providers that offer 24/7 or multilingual customer service can make it easier to resolve delays or any other issues with your transfer.
Security considerations
While all transfer methods provide some protection, cash pickups require some extra caution for your loved ones. They’ll need codes to collect the funds, and unsecured locations can pose risks. Remind them to keep the code safe, avoid sharing it, and keep their passwords strong and up-to-date on any related apps to help protect their money.
Essential security tips for holiday money transfers
Holiday remittances are convenient, and a few simple precautions will help you avoid scams.
Watch for red flags
Be cautious of unsolicited offers, unusually low fees, or providers you’ve never heard of. The old saying, “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” definitely applies here. Scammers often take advantage of the holiday season, so trust your instincts and pause before acting.
Verify the service
Before sending money, confirm the provider is licensed and regulated. Check reviews from other users and make sure you’re on the official website or app. A few minutes of verification can save you from delays, lost funds, or scams.
Recipient verification
Double-check your recipient details, including name, account number, and location. For mobile wallets, confirm the phone number or app information. Even a small typo can cause delays or misdirected transfers, so review everything carefully before sending. Make sure your recipient is ready, too—more on that in a bit.
What if a transfer goes wrong?
If something doesn’t go as planned, contact your provider right away and keep your transaction reference number handy. The best international money transfer services, like Remitly, offer dedicated customer support even during the holidays. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of sorting out any issues fast.
Fraud prevention during peak periods
Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Avoid sending money when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks, and stay alert for suspicious emails or messages requesting transfers.
Preparing recipients for holiday money transfers
Preparing your recipient in advance can prevent delays and make your holiday money transfer seamless.
Communication checklist
Share all the transfer details with your recipient. If it’s a cash pickup, give them the location and tell them what ID or documents they’ll need. Even if you’re using other methods, a little extra communication gives both of you peace of mind.
Tracking transfers
Most providers offer real-time tracking. If you’re happy you can do so securely, share the tracking code or reference number with your loved ones so they can follow the transfer. This keeps everyone informed and reduces uncertainty.
Cultural considerations
Keep in mind local holidays and banking habits where your recipient lives. Some regions celebrate very different festivals, close early, or have unofficial holidays that affect transfers. By being aware of local customs and schedules, you’ll ensure your support arrives in sync with their celebrations.
Start planning your holiday transfers today
Successful holiday money transfers are all about planning ahead. Review your timeline and send transfers a few days before major holidays. Pick a transfer method that works best for you based on reliability, convenience, or security. Don’t forget to compare fees so you get the best value.
Follow our advice and you should be able to focus on enjoying the season, knowing your gifts and support will arrive safely.
To get started, double-check your recipient details, set up any accounts or documents in advance, and keep an eye on exchange rates for the best timing. With a little preparation, your holiday transfers will be smooth, efficient, and worry-free.
FAQs
How far in advance should I plan holiday money transfers?
Send money seven to ten days before major holidays. That window covers higher demand, weekends, and national or local holidays that can slow processing. For cross-border payments or remittances, factor in time zones and local holidays too.
What happens if my transfer is delayed during holidays?
Delays are common during peak periods and holiday closures. Contact your provider right away with your transaction reference and ask for a status check or refund/recall options where available. Many services offer customer support during these periods to resolve issues.
Are money transfer fees higher during holiday seasons?
Fees and exchange rate margins can be less favorable in peak times, especially for rush or card-funded transfers. Compare providers and send early to avoid expedited charges.
What information do I need from my recipient before sending?
You’ll usually need their full name, bank account or mobile wallet details, country, and any required ID for large amounts. For cash pickup, the exact name on their ID and the pickup location. Double-check everything to prevent delays or misdirected funds.
How can I track my money transfers during holidays?
Most online services and apps provide real-time tracking or status updates. Share these with your recipients, if you can communicate with them securely, so both of you can monitor the transfer until the funds are received.
Can I split a holiday transfer to reduce fees or speed up delivery?
Yes, dividing a larger transfer into smaller amounts can help lower fees and reduce delays. For instance, you might send part via bank deposit, and part via mobile wallet or cash pickup. Watch for the fees you’ll incur if you do this, because not everybody provides fee-free remittances or receipt of funds. But if you do choose to split it, your recipient can access some of the funds faster until the full amount is safely delivered.