The pandemic forced many of us to conduct our usual errands online, including sending money transfers abroad. People discovered that using an app was easier, and often faster, than going to a physical location. Haven’t made the switch yet? Now, more than ever, there are plenty of reasons to try a money transfer app like Remitly.
Take the advice of Kay K., a photographer living in Jacksonville, Florida. She wanted to send money to her brother in Japan and looked for a convenient and trustworthy option when researching money transfer apps.
She found an option with low rates and was happy with the process.
“I found [an international money transfer app] with great reviews and that had cheap rates,” she says. “Overall, I was happy to be able to send money so easily.”
Speed, convenience, and price are the major reasons to forego in-person transfers. Before switching to a money transfer app, let’s take a more detailed look at what makes online transfers so great.
1. Money transfer apps are secure
Your money is precious, and naturally, you’d worry about it arriving safely at its destination. When sending funds across borders, you may feel even more nervous about whether the transfer will go through.
For instance, Anna B., founder of the website Logical Dollar, previously lived abroad and sent money home to herself and her family.
“I’m not saying the local companies weren’t legitimate, as my funds arrived in my home account every time without any issue,” she says. “It was certainly nerve-wracking doing it the first time, though!”
Not only do apps help you avoid the hassle of in-person paperwork, but they also make security a top priority. They’re regulated by strict industry standards, to start with.
Money transfer apps also invest in up-to-date technology. Just take a look at how Remitly uses world-class practices to protect its customers.
Plus, apps like Remitly allow you to track your transfer. This provides tremendous peace of mind.
In Anna’s case, she was sending money to the U.S. to pay her bills back home. She couldn’t afford to wonder if the money got to the right place.
“I always find it much more comforting to know exactly where my money is rather than only knowing that it’s floating around somewhere between the various accounts,” she says.
2. They’re easy for your family and friends.
The best money transfer apps, like Remitly, allow you to send to a huge network of banks and cash pickup locations. For your loved ones, there likely won’t be any difference when you switch to an app.
For example, let’s say your mother in Manila is used to going to a Palawan Pawnshop near her home to pick up money. When you switch to using Remitly, she’ll still be able to pick up cash at a Palawan location.
In fact, for some recipients, your app might even make it easier than it was before.
3. Apps can save you money.
Who wants to spend more than they have to?
Both Kay and Anna noted that saving money on fees was a priority when sending money abroad. The point is to get the best deal so that your recipient has more money in their pocket.
Research apps to find out about their fees to your country. In many cases, the app fees will be lower than brick-and-mortar options.
Aside from fees, saving money means finding the best exchange rates. One money transfer company may charge fewer fees, but if the exchange rate isn’t as favorable, you’ll likely pay more.
Often, banks offer less-than-ideal exchange rates. While transfer companies offering in-person service can offer attractive rates and fees, the best money transfer apps can be even more competitive.
4. Money transfer apps can save you time.
With the holiday season approaching, in-person money transfer facilities and banks may be closed more than usual. Not only that, but pandemic-related closures are increasing. Both scenarios make it more challenging for you to send money.
Instead, a money transfer app allows you to conduct transfers from your couch. That’s right. You just log in, complete your transfer, and sit back and relax. Whether you need to pay your bills, provide regular support to loved ones, or send special gifts, you can do it more quickly with an app.
With Remitly, you can usually choose two different transfer speeds. They are Express (your money will often be transferred immediately with a small fee) or Economy (your money will usually take about 3-5 business days to transfer, often with no fee).
Either way, you can track the transfer right from the app.
Apps have other time-saving benefits, too. Anna wanted to save money by monitoring the exchange rates in real-time, so she could make transfers when they worked the most in her favor.
When the time was right, she could quickly make a transfer with an app.
5. Apps are available anywhere.
Making international money transfers is a great feeling, isn’t it? And with an app, even if you’re on the go, you can whip out your phone to send money to loved ones.
With in-person transfers, you’re limited to locations available in your area. Finding a money transfer location can prove challenging if you live somewhere rural or are getting settled in your new surroundings.
Instead, you can easily create an account online through a money transfer app and only have to worry about other matters like making sure your loved ones get what they need.
Money transfer app FAQs
Have lingering questions about using an app to make international transfers? Read on for answers to common FAQs about how to transfer money internationally through apps.
Is there an international app to send money?
Yes, there are actually many money transfer apps that allow you to make international transfers.
Remitly is one example. All you need is the recipient’s name exactly how it appears on their ID, their address as listed on their ID, and their phone number.
For a bank transfer, you’ll also need their bank account details, including the name of their bank or credit union and their bank account number.
What cash transfer apps work internationally?
Remitly makes it easy to send money internationally, and there are other options out there for you to consider.
What’s a good app to send money on?
The best money transfer app is one that works for you. When comparing the options available to help you transfer money, consider the following:
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Transfer fees: How much will transferring money cost you? Some money transfer apps charge a minimum fee plus a percentage of the transaction, while others charge a flat fee for all transactions.
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Exchange rates: Are the exchange rates competitive? Are they fair?
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Speed: How long do international transfers take to arrive? Is there an instant transfer option? Are there additional transfer fees for instant transfers?
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Security: Are the money transfer apps safe? Do they use encryption? Are they reputable?
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Funding sources: Most money transfer apps work for transferring money out of your bank account, but other money transfer apps offer more options beyond bank account transfers. You may be able to fund a money transfer with your credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, depending on the app.
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Receiving options: A money transfer to your recipient’s bank account is the most common option when using popular money transfer apps. However, some apps like Remitly give your loved ones other ways to get their money. Instead of a bank transfer, the recipient may be able to get a deposit into a cash app or money app, arrange for a cash pickup in person, or even have it delivered to their home.
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Customer service: How can you get help if you have questions about transfer fees or need assistance making financial transactions? Does the app have a phone number or online chat? What hours are customer service representatives available to assist you?
Which payment app is best for international money transfers?
As mentioned above, the best money transfer apps are the ones that suit your specific needs. When deciding which money transfer app is best for you, consider fees, speed, security, funding and receiving options, and customer service.
Does Zelle work internationally?
No, you can’t send both domestic and international transfers with Zelle. The app only allows you to send money domestically, meaning within the U.S.
One option is to use Zelle for domestic transfers and then use other money transfer apps like Remitly when you send money internationally.
What apps allow instant money transfers?
No app can promise an instant delivery every time, but many are speedy. For example, Remitly makes international transfers very fast. Depending on the country, if you pay with your credit or debit card, the funds can reach your recipient in minutes.
What app is easy to send money?
Remitly is a simple way to send money internationally. With just a few taps, you can initiate a transfer from your checking account, credit card, debit card, Google Pay account, or Apple Pay account.
We stand behind each transfer with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll refund your transfer fees.
What is the fastest app to transfer money?
Remitly offers fast transfers to your recipient. And no matter your payment method, you’ll receive an exact date and time that your friends and family will receive the money.