6 services compared on what it actually costs to send $500, including the exchange rate margin. Most providers earn more on the rate than the fee, so the service advertising no fee is often the most expensive one.
Common questions
Why is a zero-fee transfer sometimes the most expensive?
Because the provider makes its margin on the exchange rate instead. If the mid-market rate is 1.00 and you are given 0.96, that four percent gap on $500 is $20, considerably more than a $5 transfer fee. Always compare the amount that arrives, not the fee.
What is the mid-market rate?
The real exchange rate between two currencies, the one you see on Google. Nearly every provider offers something below it, and the gap is their margin. A provider that publishes its margin openly is doing something the rest do not.
How fast can money arrive?
Minutes for cash pickup, hours to a couple of days for a bank deposit, depending on the destination and the payout method. The fastest option is usually the dearest.
Is it cheaper to send larger amounts?
Usually. Fixed fees shrink as a proportion, and several providers reduce the exchange margin above certain thresholds. Sending one larger transfer often beats several small ones.