International Money Transfer Apps 2025
In today’s globalized world, having a reliable international money transfer apps is essential. Whether you’re sending money to family overseas, paying freelancers abroad, or managing your finances across countries, choosing the right app can save you both time and money. In 2025, digital finance is evolving rapidly, and the market offers a variety of apps that provide secure, fast, and affordable ways to send money internationally.
This article offers an in-depth review of the best international money transfer apps of 2025, helping you understand which app fits your needs best. We will cover the features, fees, transfer speed, security, and ideal use cases of the top 5 apps: Wise, Revolut, Remitly, Xoom (by PayPal), and Western Union.
What is an International Money Transfer App?
An international money transfer apps allows users to send money across borders using smartphones or computers. These apps leverage digital technology and financial networks to provide faster, more cost-effective, and more transparent alternatives to traditional bank transfers or cash-based remittance methods.
The key benefits of these apps include:
- Lower fees and transparent exchange rates
- Faster transfer speeds, often instant or same-day
- Multiple payout options including bank deposits, mobile wallets, or cash pickup
- Secure transactions with encryption and compliance with regulations
By using a good international money transfer app, you can avoid hidden fees, get real-time updates on your transfer, and send money directly to recipients anywhere in the world.
Wise: The Most Transparent and Cost-Effective Online International Money Transfer App
Wise, formerly TransferWise, is widely regarded as the most transparent international money transfer apps available. Its hallmark is the use of the real mid-market exchange rate without any hidden markups. This means you get exactly the same exchange rate you see on Google or financial news sites.
Wise offers a multi-currency account that lets users hold and convert money in dozens of currencies. Transfers are mostly fast, with many arriving within minutes or a couple of business days, depending on the currency pair and destination country.
Security is a priority, with Wise being fully regulated and employing strong encryption measures. The app’s interface is user-friendly and shows all fees upfront, so there are no surprises.
Pros:
- Real mid-market exchange rates
- Low, transparent fees
- Multi-currency “borderless” account
- Secure, regulated platform
Cons:
- No cash pickup option
- Transfer times can vary depending on destination
Wise is best for people who want a reliable, low-cost way to send money internationally, especially when transferring between bank accounts.
Revolut: A Feature-Rich International Money Transfer App
Revolut started as a digital banking app and has evolved into a powerful financial ecosystem. It provides an excellent international money transfer app experience with its multi-currency accounts, global debit cards, and budgeting tools.
One standout feature is the ability to hold, exchange, and send over 30 currencies directly within the app. Transfers between Revolut users are instant and free, while sending money to external bank accounts is competitive compared to traditional banks.
Revolut also offers spending analytics, savings vaults, and cryptocurrency trading, making it a multifunctional app beyond simple transfers. Security features like two-factor authentication and biometric login keep accounts safe.
Pros:
- Instant, free transfers between Revolut users
- Support for 30+ currencies
- Additional financial features like crypto and budgeting
- Strong security measures
Cons:
- Fees may apply for weekend or non-premium users
- Exchange rate markups during off-market hours
Revolut is ideal for travelers, expats, and people who want a full financial toolkit alongside their international money transfer app.
Remitly: The Best App for Fast and Flexible Remittances
Remitly is a standout international money transfer app for remittances — sending money to family and friends overseas. It offers flexible payout methods, including bank deposits, mobile wallets, and cash pickup.
Users can choose between two transfer speeds: Express (minutes) or Economy (2–5 days). This lets senders decide between speed and cost savings. Remitly’s delivery guarantee promises fee refunds if transfers are delayed beyond the promised time, boosting user confidence.
The app is designed for ease of use and covers popular remittance corridors such as Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Pros:
- Fast express transfers
- Multiple payout options including cash pickup
- Transparent pricing with delivery guarantee
- Wide global coverage
Cons:
- Express transfers cost more
- Exchange rates vary by country and transfer method
Remitly suits migrant workers and anyone who needs fast, flexible international money transfer services.
Xoom (by PayPal): The Fastest International Money Transfer App
Xoom, a PayPal service, offers one of the fastest international money transfer app in 2025. Many transfers arrive instantly or within minutes, making it ideal for urgent payments.
Integration with PayPal means users can fund transfers from their PayPal balance, bank account, debit, or credit cards, providing flexibility. Xoom supports bank deposits, mobile wallet transfers, and cash pickups in over 160 countries.
Its global reach and the trusted PayPal ecosystem give users peace of mind.
Pros:
- Very fast transfer speeds
- Multiple funding and payout options
- Trusted PayPal integration
- Broad global coverage
Cons:
- Higher fees, especially for instant and card-funded transfers
- Exchange rate markups increase cost
If speed and convenience matter most, Xoom is a top choice for an international money transfer app.
Western Union: The Most Established and Widely Available App
Western Union remains a global leader for international money transfers, thanks to its unmatched network. It offers cash pickup services in over 200 countries and territories, which is crucial for users sending money to remote or less-banked areas.
Their app complements physical locations with real-time transfer tracking and multiple payment methods, including bank account, card, or cash.
Western Union’s longstanding reputation makes it a trusted option worldwide.
Pros:
- Massive global network with cash pickup
- Multiple payment and payout options
- Real-time tracking of transfers
- Reliable and secure platform
Cons:
- Higher fees and exchange rate markups
- App interface less modern compared to fintech competitors
Western Union is best for those prioritizing reach and cash pickup availability alongside their international money transfer app.
Why Using an International Money Transfer App Is Better Than Traditional Methods
Traditional banks often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates for international transfers. Additionally, bank transfers can take several days to process.
An international money transfer app typically provides:
- Lower fees and better exchange rates than banks
- Faster transfer times, often within minutes or same-day
- Greater transparency around costs and timing
- Multiple convenient payout methods including mobile wallets and cash pickups
- User-friendly mobile apps for managing transfers anytime, anywhere
Final Recommendations
When choosing the best international money transfer apps, consider your priorities:
- For lowest fees and best exchange rates, Wise is the winner.
- If you want an all-in-one app with banking features, go for Revolut.
- Need fast cash pickup or remittance-focused service? Remitly excels here.
- For ultra-fast transfers backed by a trusted brand, Xoom is ideal.
- For global reach and cash pickup convenience, Western Union remains unmatched.
No matter your choice, these apps are making sending money internationally easier, faster, and more affordable than ever before.
(FAQs)
1. What is the best international money transfer app in 2025?
Wise is often considered the best for its transparency, low fees, and real mid-market exchange rates. However, Revolut, Remitly, Xoom, and Western Union each offer unique benefits depending on your needs.
2. Are international money transfer app safe to use?
Yes, top international money transfer app like Wise, Revolut, and Western Union use strong encryption, comply with global regulations, and implement security features such as two-factor authentication to protect your money and data.
3. How fast do international money transfer app deliver money?
Transfer speeds vary by app and destination. Some apps like Xoom offer instant or near-instant transfers, while others like Wise or Remitly may take a few hours to a couple of days depending on the payment method and countries involved.
4. Can I send money for cash pickup using these apps?
Yes, apps like Remitly, Xoom, and Western Union support cash pickup options. Wise and Revolut primarily offer bank-to-bank transfers without cash pickup services.
5. How much do international money transfer app charge in fees?
Fees depend on the app, transfer amount, payment method, and destination. Wise is known for low and transparent fees. Apps like Xoom and Western Union may charge higher fees, especially for faster transfers or card payments.
