How to Send Money to Family Abroad Safely and Cheaply

Sending money home is one of the most common international payments in the world, and one of the most expensive per dollar sent. According to the World Bank’s Remittance Prices Worldwide database, sending a remittance cost an average of 6.36% of the amount sent globally in its latest published data, more than double the international target of 3%. On a monthly transfer of 300, that can mean more than 200 a year lost to fees and exchange rates.

This guide explains how to pay less, how to choose the right way to deliver the money to your family, and how to avoid the scams and mistakes that put remittances at risk.

The short answer

• Compare the amount your family receives, not the fee. Most of the cost is often in the exchange rate.
• Digital transfers to a bank account or mobile wallet are usually cheaper than cash pickup or bank-to-bank SWIFT transfers.
• Use a regulated provider, and check the recipient’s details twice before you send.
• Never send money to someone you have not met in person because of an online request, however urgent it sounds.
• Set up a routine: a fixed day, a fixed provider you have compared and, if it helps, a recurring transfer.

What a remittance really costs

Three things make up the cost:

1. The transfer fee: a fixed amount, a percentage or both.
2. The exchange-rate margin: the difference between the mid-market rate and the rate the provider gives you. See how exchange rate margins work.
3. Fees at the receiving end: for example a charge for cash pickup, a receiving bank fee or a mobile wallet withdrawal fee.

A provider advertising “zero fees” can still be expensive if its exchange rate is poor. The only fair comparison is: for the same amount sent, how much does my family receive? Our international transfer fee calculator does that for you.

Choose how your family receives the money

Delivery method	How it works	Typical pros	Typical cons
Bank account deposit	Money arrives in the recipient’s bank account	Often among the cheapest; safe; easy to save	Recipient needs a bank account; can take a day or more
Mobile wallet	Money arrives in a mobile money account (common in parts of Africa and Asia)	Fast, often cheap, works without a bank	Withdrawal or cash-out fees; limits on balances
Cash pickup	Recipient collects cash at an agent location	Works for people without accounts; fast	Usually more expensive; requires travel and ID; higher fraud risk
Debit card top-up	Money is loaded onto a card	Spendable immediately	Fees for loading and using
Home delivery	Cash delivered to the door (in some countries)	Convenient for older relatives	Expensive; limited availability

Ask your family which option suits them, and check what it costs at their end.

How to find the cheapest option

1. Check the World Bank’s Remittance Prices Worldwide for your corridor (from your country to theirs). It compares providers on cost and speed for typical amounts.
2. Get two or three live quotes for your exact amount from regulated providers: a digital money transfer service, a traditional money transfer operator and your bank.
3. Compare the amount received, delivery time and any fees at the receiving end.
4. Consider sending larger amounts less often if fixed fees are high. Two transfers a month may cost much more than one.
5. Check promotions carefully. First-transfer offers are common but may not reflect the ongoing price.

For a wider comparison of methods, see the cheapest ways to send money abroad and best remittance services for sending money home.

How to send money safely

Use a regulated provider

Licensed money transfer providers and banks are supervised and must follow consumer protection and anti-money-laundering rules. In the US, for example, the CFPB’s remittance rules give consumers rights to disclosures, cancellation and error resolution for many transfers. See money transfers: your rights.

Double-check recipient details

Most transfers cannot be reversed once delivered. Check the name exactly as it appears on the recipient’s ID or account, the account number or phone number, and the country and currency. Send a small test amount first if you are using a new account.

Protect your account

Use a strong password, two-factor authentication and the provider’s official app. Never share one-time codes.

Scams to watch out for

Remittances are a favourite target for fraudsters because cash pickup and wallet transfers are fast and hard to reverse. Be very careful if someone:

• asks for money urgently because of an emergency, an arrest or a hospital bill, especially through a new number or social media account;
• you have only met online asks for money for travel, a visa or a medical bill;
• claims you have won a prize or a job but must pay a fee first;
• asks you to send money to a third person on their behalf;
• pressures you to keep it secret.

Always confirm by calling your relative on a number you already know. Real family emergencies can wait the five minutes it takes to check.

Practical tips for regular senders

• Pick a provider and a day and stick to them; review the comparison every few months.
• Use a recurring transfer if your provider offers one at the same price.
• Watch the exchange rate, but do not try to time it perfectly. A predictable amount for your family usually matters more.
• Keep records of transfers. They can help with budgeting, disputes and, in some countries, tax questions about gifts.
• Talk with your family about fees at their end: a cheaper delivery method may also be more convenient for them.

Tax and legal points

In most countries, sending money to family as a gift is not taxed for the sender as income, but rules on gifts, reporting and limits exist in some places. Large amounts can trigger questions about the source of funds from your bank or provider, which is normal. If you send larger sums, read how to transfer large amounts of money internationally.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to send money to family abroad?

It depends on the corridor, but digital transfers to a bank account or mobile wallet are often the cheapest. Compare the amount received for your exact amount with several regulated providers.

Is cash pickup safe?

It can be, with a regulated provider and correct recipient details, but it carries a higher scam risk because money is collected quickly in cash. Prefer account or wallet delivery when possible.

How long does a remittance take?

From minutes to a few working days, depending on the provider, delivery method and compliance checks. See how long international payments take.

Can I cancel a transfer?

Sometimes, if the money has not been collected or delivered yet. Contact the provider immediately. Consumer rules in some countries give you a short cancellation window.

Final thoughts

The best way to send money home is the one that delivers the most to your family, safely and predictably. Compare the amount received, choose the delivery method that suits them, use regulated providers and treat urgent online requests with suspicion. A few minutes of comparison once in a while can add up to a meaningful sum over a year.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Fees, exchange rates and rules change and vary by country and provider. Information reviewed October 23, 2026.