A 2025 Guide to the Cheapest International Money Transfers

International money transfers have been transformed. Instead of waiting days for a bank wire, you can now send money online internationally in a few clicks, often for a fraction of the cost. Fintech leaders such as Wise, Revolut, PayPal, and Remitly compete to provide the cheapest way to send money internationally while maintaining transparency and speed.

This guide breaks down how these services deliver the lowest cost international money transfer, what makes them different from traditional banks, and how to choose the best platform for every destination and delivery method.

Bank-led wires are notorious for layering visible and invisible fees. Understanding each charge explains why online alternatives have become the preferred option for savvy senders.

• High transfer fees: Many banks charge $25 to $50 just to initiate an international funds transfer, and receiving banks may deduct additional incoming fees.
• Intermediary bank fees: If the sending and receiving banks lack a direct relationship, intermediary institutions can take cuts while routing the payment.
• Exchange rate markup: Banks rarely use the mid-market rate. Their retail exchange rates include hefty markups that can dwarf the advertised transfer fee.

Digital providers were built to remove the friction of legacy banking. By automating compliance checks and partnering directly with local payment networks, they eliminate layers of cost.

• Price transparency: Platforms show the full fee and guaranteed delivery amount before you confirm the transfer, so there are no surprises from intermediary deductions.
• Fair exchange rates: Leading services rely on the real mid-market rate, avoiding hidden markup and ensuring you keep more of your money.
• Speed and efficiency: Modern infrastructure sends money in minutes or hours instead of days, especially for popular currency corridors.

The cheapest international money transfer depends on how much you are sending, how quickly it must arrive, and how the recipient wants to receive it. Use this side-by-side comparison to match each provider to your priorities.

Key differences between Wise, Revolut, PayPal, and Remitly for global transfers.

Feature	Wise	Revolut	PayPal	Remitly
Transfer fees	Low, transparent variable fee that often starts near 0.46% (in case sending 1000 USD inside the USA).	No fees to other Revolut users, and they do not charge in case of local transfers and international transfers in the SEPA region; SWIFT transfers are subject to a fee (but can be 0% in case of the ULTRA plan). Important: money in transit can be charged by intermediary banks.	5% of the amount (min $0.99, max $4.99) for personal transfers. Important: money in transit can be charged by intermediary banks.	Variable fee by destination and speed (e.g., $1.99 to Mexico, $3.99 to the UK). Important: money in transit can be charged by intermediary banks.
Exchange rate markup	None - always uses the mid-market rate.	No markup on weekdays within plan limits; 1% markup on weekends for standard plans.	Large markup of roughly 3% to 4% above the real exchange rate.	Markup typically ranges from 0.5% to 3% depending on the corridor.
Transfer speed	Very fast with more than half of transfers arriving instantly.	Instant to other Revolut users; 1-3 business days to external bank accounts.	Instant between PayPal accounts.	Express delivers in minutes; Economy arrives within 3-5 business days.
Best for	Transparency, low cost, and direct bank deposits worldwide.	Existing Revolut users, multi-currency features, and fast app-to-app transfers.	Online purchases or sending money to PayPal users when convenience matters most.	Remittances that need cash pickup, door delivery, or flexible payout options.

Wise International Money Transfer

Wise disrupted the market by guaranteeing the mid-market rate for every transaction. A wise international money transfer combines a tiny fixed fee with a variable percentage (0.35% for 1000 USD transfer), so you always know the full cost before confirming. Its multi-currency account lets you hold dozens of currencies, receive local bank details in key countries, and spend worldwide with its debit card.

Revolut Money Transfer

Revolut's financial super app bundles accounts, cards, and trading with international transfers. Payments to other Revolut users are instant and free, while bank transfers depend on your plan tier. Avoid weekend markups by sending Monday through Friday, and make the most of built-in budgeting and analytics tools.

PayPal Money Transfer

PayPal remains popular for online payments but is one of the most expensive ways to send money abroad. The paypal money transfer fee is a steep 5%, and the paypal money exchange rate adds another 3-4% markup. Use PayPal only when the recipient requires it or for small domestic transfers between PayPal balances.

Remitly Money Transfer

Remitly specializes in remittances, offering both Express and Economy speeds to balance urgency with cost. Its remitly fees vary by corridor, but the service shines with flexible payouts: bank deposits, cash pickup at partner locations, and even home delivery in select countries. That flexibility makes it invaluable for unbanked recipients.

Traditional banks rarely provide the cheapest international money transfer. Online services deliver the transparency, speed, and control that global senders now expect.

Use these recommendations to match the right provider with your priorities:

• Absolute lowest cost and transparency: Wise's mid-market pricing keeps fees predictable and minimal.
• Speed and app-first features: Revolut offers instant transfers between users plus robust budgeting and travel tools.
• Flexible payout methods: Remitly is ideal when recipients need cash pickup or home delivery.
• Convenience over cost: PayPal works in a pinch, but its fees and rates make it a last resort for cross-border payments.

Before every transfer, compare the total delivered amount - including fees and exchange rates - across at least two providers. A quick comparison ensures you always send money online internationally at the lowest cost.

Explore more ways to optimize your international finances:

• The Ultimate Guide to Cheap Currency Exchange - Avoid hidden fees when swapping travel cash.
• Best Currency Converters - Compare top apps for live rates and budgeting.
• How Exchange Rates Work - Understand the market forces behind every transfer.
• Major World Currencies - Track live USD exchange rates across global markets.