Money Transfer Service Fees
Estimate fees for services like Wise, Skrill, Revolut and more when sending money abroad. Compare international transfer costs and find the best rates for your needs.
Wise Calculator
International money transfers with real exchange rates
- Low fees
- Real exchange rates
- Fast transfers
Revolut Calculator
Digital banking: ~0.3% fees, SEPA FREE, Revolut-to-Revolut FREE
- SEPA FREE
- Revolut-to-Revolut FREE
- ~0.3% typical fees
Instarem Calculator
Fast and affordable international money transfers to 60+ countries with competitive rates
- Instant transfers
- Competitive rates
- Earn InstaPoints
Skrill Calculator
International money transfers and digital wallet with cryptocurrency support
- Free bank transfers
- Skrill to Skrill transfers
- Crypto support
Taptap Send Calculator
Zero fees on most transfers with best exchange rates for Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Zero fees
- Mobile-first
- Africa/Asia focus
Remitly Calculator
International money transfer service
- Competitive rates
- Multiple delivery options
- Trusted service
OFX Calculator
Zero fees on large transfers with competitive exchange rates to 190+ countries
- Zero fees on $10k+
- 24/7 dealer support
- Forward contracts
Profee Calculator
Fast money transfers to Eastern Europe and CIS countries with competitive rates
- Low fees
- Fast transfers
- Eastern Europe focus
Xoom Calculator
Fast international transfers powered by PayPal to 160+ countries
- PayPal integration
- Fast transfers
- 160+ countries supported
XE Calculator
Trusted currency exchange and international transfers since 1993
- Real-time rates
- Global coverage
- Trusted brand
Ria Money Transfer Calculator
490,000+ pickup locations worldwide with fast cash pickup and multiple delivery options
- 490k+ locations
- Fast cash pickup
- Multiple delivery options
Western Union Calculator
Global money transfer and payment services
- Cash pickup
- Global network
- Established service
WorldRemit Calculator
Digital money transfers to 130+ countries with mobile wallet delivery
- Mobile wallet transfers
- Airtime top-ups
- Fast delivery
MoneyGram Calculator
Global money transfer with 350,000+ locations for cash pickup and online transfers
- Cash pickup in minutes
- 200+ countries
- Agent locations worldwide
Complete Guide to Money Transfer Service Fees in 2025
Money transfer service fees range from 0.4% (Wise) to 10%+ (traditional banks). Understanding these costs is crucial when sending money abroad. For someone transferring $500 monthly, choosing Wise over Western Union saves $276 annually.
Money Transfer Fees Comparison Table
| Service | Typical Fee | $500 Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 0.4% + $0.43 | $2.43 | 1-2 days |
| Revolut | 0.5% avg | $2.50 | Minutes |
| Western Union | $8 + 3-5% | $23-33 | Minutes |
| Remitly | $3.99-9.99 | $3.99-9.99 | Hours-days |
| Bank Wire | $25-50 + 3% | $40-65 | 3-5 days |
Hidden Cost Alert
Western Union advertises an $8 fee but adds 3-5% to the exchange rate. On $500, that is $15-25 hidden costs plus the $8 fee = $23-33 total. Wise charges $2.43 with transparent mid-market rates.
How to Save on International Transfers
Use Digital Services
Wise and Revolut cost 0.4-1% versus banks at 3-6%. Save 70-90% on fees by using modern digital platforms.
Avoid Credit Cards
Pay with bank transfer or debit card. Credit cards add 3-4% extra fees on top of transfer costs.
Send Larger Amounts
Fixed fees hurt small transfers. Send $1,000 monthly instead of $250 weekly to minimize per-transaction costs.
Money Transfer Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical money transfer fees?
Fees range from 0.4% (Wise) to 10%+ (banks). Digital services like Wise charge 0.4-1%, Western Union $8-30 plus exchange markup, and banks $15-50 plus 3-6% markup. For $500, costs range from $2.43 (Wise) to $65 (banks).
Which service has the lowest fees?
Wise has the lowest fees for most routes (0.4-1%). Taptap Send offers zero fees to Africa/Asia. Profee has ultra-low fees (0.5%) to Eastern Europe. Always compare total cost including exchange rates.
Are there hidden fees in money transfers?
Yes, exchange rate markup is the biggest hidden fee. Services add 2-6% to rates. On $500, a 4% markup is $20 hidden cost. Wise and Revolut use real mid-market rates. Always compare recipient amount, not just fees.
How do Western Union fees compare to Wise?
Western Union costs 5-10x more. For $500, Western Union charges $23-33 total versus Wise $2.43. However, Western Union offers cash pickup in 200+ countries, valuable for recipients without bank accounts.
Do fees depend on how much I send?
Yes. Percentage fees (Wise 0.4%) scale with amount, while fixed fees (Remitly $3.99) do not. For $100, a $3.99 fixed fee = 4%. For $1,000, it is 0.4%. Fixed fees work better for larger transfers.
Understanding International Transfer Fees
Types of Transfer Costs
- • Transfer fees: Fixed or percentage-based charges
- • Exchange rate markup: Hidden costs in poor exchange rates
- • Intermediary fees: Charges from correspondent banks
- • Receiving fees: Charges to the recipient's bank
Delivery Options
- • Bank transfer: Direct to recipient's bank account
- • Cash pickup: Recipient collects cash at agent locations
- • Mobile wallet: Transfer to digital wallet services
- • Home delivery: Cash delivered to recipient's address
How to Choose the Best Money Transfer Service
Compare Total Cost
Look at both fees and exchange rates to find the true cost.
Check Speed
Consider how quickly you need the money to arrive.
Verify Coverage
Ensure the service operates in your destination country.
Read Reviews
Check customer reviews and regulatory compliance.
Typical Fee Ranges by Service Type
| Service Type | Typical Fee Range | Transfer Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital First (Wise, Revolut) | 0.4% - 1% | Minutes to hours | Regular transfers, tech-savvy users |
| Traditional Banks | $15 - $50 + markup | 1-5 business days | Large amounts, existing customers |
| Money Transfer Operators | $5 - $30 + markup | Minutes to hours | Cash pickup, emerging markets |
| Specialist Services | $3 - $15 | 1-3 business days | Specific corridors, remittances |
Calculate Your Transfer Costs
Use our calculators to compare exact costs and find the best deal for your transfer.