International transfers · Practical guide

The real cost of sending money home

A “zero-fee” transfer can cost more than one with a visible fee. The number that matters is how much the recipient gets, when it arrives, and what happens if something goes wrong.

The four parts of transfer cost

Provider fee. A flat or percentage charge shown by the transfer service.
Exchange-rate markup. The difference between the rate offered to you and a reference wholesale or mid-market rate. This cost can be present even when the displayed fee is zero.
Third-party deductions. An intermediary or recipient institution may deduct a fee in some transfer paths.
Taxes. Transfer or receiving-country taxes may apply depending on the route.

Compare the result, not the slogan

For a remittance transfer covered by U.S. rules, the provider generally shows the exchange rate, fees and taxes, and the amount expected to reach the recipient before you pay. Use those disclosures to compare two quotes at the same time for the same send amount, funding method, delivery method, and recipient currency.

The comparison line: “Total to recipient” is more useful than “transfer fee.” A provider with a $5 fee and a stronger exchange rate may deliver more than a provider advertising no fee.

Speed can change price

Card-funded, cash-pickup, or instant routes may cost more than account-funded transfers. A slower transfer is not automatically safer or cheaper, and a faster claim is not a guarantee. Compare the disclosed delivery date and understand whether weekends, bank holidays, compliance reviews, or recipient details can delay availability.

Before you press send

Confirm the recipient's legal name, account number, bank details, and currency.
Check whether the quote is promotional and what pricing applies next time.
Review the cancellation window, error process, refund terms, and support channel.
For a new provider or recipient, test a small amount before a large transfer.
Save the disclosure and receipt until the recipient confirms the amount.

If less arrives than expected

Compare the receipt with the amount received. The recipient's bank or foreign taxes can sometimes reduce the final amount. If the provider made an error or the funds did not arrive as disclosed, contact it promptly; federal remittance rules provide error-resolution rights for covered transfers.

Primary sources: CFPB: send money abroad with more confidence, CFPB: sending money, and CFPB: when the recipient gets less.

Educational information only. Pricing, coverage, timing, taxes, and protections vary by provider and transaction.