How we compare money-transfer rates
A great-looking exchange rate can still leave you with less money once the provider's rate margin and transfer fee are taken out. So instead of ranking on the advertised rate, we rank every provider by the amount that actually arrives in the recipient's currency after all costs — the number that really decides the best deal.
Rates are aggregated live from major remittance providers — Wise, Remitly, Xoom, MoneyGram, WorldRemit, OFX, Instarem and more — and refresh continuously. Choose your send and receive currencies and the amount (fees and the rate change with the amount), and each row shows the provider's exchange rate, transfer fee, and the resulting payout, with the gap to the best deal noted for every other option.
The two costs in every transfer
Every international transfer has two costs, and only one is usually shown clearly:
- The transfer fee — the upfront, visible charge, such as a flat fee or a percentage of the amount.
- The exchange-rate margin — the gap between the real mid-market rate (the one you see on Google) and the rate the provider gives you. This is where "zero-fee" services quietly make their money, and on larger transfers it usually dwarfs the fee.
Because a low fee can hide a wide margin — and a small fee can come with a near-market rate — the only fair way to compare is on the total amount delivered. That is exactly what the table above does. Learn more in our guide to choosing a service and the articles on the rate margin vs the fee and the mid-market rate.
How to use this comparison
Pick the currency you are sending from and the currency your recipient receives, then enter your real amount — the ranking can reorder between small and large transfers. The top row is the provider delivering the most right now; every other row shows how far behind it falls. Speed and payment method matter too: card-funded transfers are fast but often pricier, while bank-funded transfers are cheaper but take a little longer, and the payout method (bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet) can change both cost and delivery time.
Popular money-transfer corridors
Jump to a guide for a specific route, or use the tool above for any of 160+ currencies:
- USD → INR (United States to India)
- USD → PHP (United States to the Philippines)
- USD → MXN (United States to Mexico)
- GBP → INR (United Kingdom to India)
- USD → PKR, USD → NGN, USD → KES and many more
Rates shown are indicative and for comparison only. Exchange rates move constantly and the final amount can depend on your payment method, the payout method, and promotional offers. Always confirm the quote on the provider's own website before you send.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money abroad?
There is no single cheapest provider — it depends on the currencies, the amount, and how you pay. Compare providers by the amount that actually arrives after the exchange-rate margin and fees (which this tool does), and re-check before each transfer.
Is the exchange rate I see the rate I get?
Not always. Providers usually add a margin to the mid-market rate and may also charge a fee, so the amount the recipient receives is what matters — not the headline rate.
How often do the rates update?
Popular corridors are refreshed about every 10 minutes; any other currency pair is fetched live the moment you select it.
Which currencies are supported?
160+ send and receive currencies. Pick any pair in the tool above, or use a dedicated corridor page for popular routes.
Is Compare Remit Rates free?
Yes. It is free to use and supported by advertising; this never affects the rankings, which are always ordered by the amount received. See about & methodology.