My top pick for most low-fee international money transfers is Wise. It uses the mid-market exchange rate and shows its transfer fee separately, making it easier to see what you're paying. In a 2026 comparison, Wise ranked cheapest overall across the tested transfer routes, although the winner varies by destination and payment method.
Best international money transfer services
1. Wise
(Best overall)
Transparent fees, competitive exchange rates and convenient bank-to-bank transfers. Particularly good for regular transfers and people who want to know the real cost upfront.
Often competitive for smaller transfers, promotional rates, mobile-wallet deposits and cash pickup. Compare the regular exchange rate after any introductory offer expires.
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3. OFX
Best for large transfers
Advertises no transfer fee on many transactions, with its cost generally reflected in the exchange rate. Worth comparing for larger transfers, especially several thousand dollars or more.
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4. Xe
Best alternative to compare
Supports international transfers across many currency routes. It may offer a competitive deal even when its quoted transfer fee is zero, so check the exchange rate and final amount received.
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How to get the lowest total cost
Don't compare just the advertised transfer fee. A service can charge $0 upfront but give you a worse exchange rate.
For example, one published 2026 comparison estimated these costs on a $1,000 transfer, though actual costs vary by route and quote:
Service
Illustrative total cost
Wise
$5.69
OFX
$4–$8
Remitly
$9–$19
Xe
$5–$10
Source:
Before sending, compare the exact amount your recipient receives, using the same transfer amount, funding method and delivery speed.
I can narrow it down to the cheapest option for you
The best service depends heavily on where the money is going.
Assuming you're sending from the United States.
Which country are you sending money to?
[Input placeholder: Enter destination country] (Current value unavailable.)
How much are you sending in USD?
$200 or less
$201–$1,000
$1,001–$5,000
More than $5,000
How often?
Occasionally
Monthly
Weekly or more
How should the recipient receive it?
Bank account
Cash pickup
Mobile wallet
[Compare the cheapest options]
You can also Compare Wise and Remitly or Compare options for large transfers.
When looking for the best low-fee international money transfer service, the definition of "cheap" depends on how much you are sending, where you are sending it, and how you pay. Traditional banks hide massive costs in poor exchange rate markups and flat wire fees, whereas modern specialist fintechs offer much lower rates.[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/best-ways-to-wire-money-internationally)
The top low-fee international money transfer services, broken down by their strengths, include:
Wise — Best overall for transparency and mid-market rates. Wise uses the actual mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google) and charges a tiny, transparent percentage fee based on the currency pair and payment method. There are no hidden markups, making it consistently one of the cheapest and most reliable options for everyday transfers.
OFX — Best for large transfers. OFX charges $0 in flat transfer fees for most amounts and offers great tiered exchange rate markups that drop lower the more money you move. They also provide 24/7 phone support, which is ideal if you are transferring large sums (like buying property abroad).[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/best-ways-to-wire-money-internationally)
Revolut — Best for frequent travelers and multi-currency management. If you hold a Revolut account, you can exchange and transfer money internationally with very low transparent fees during market hours, and it doubles as a handy digital wallet/card for spending abroad.
Atlantic Money — Best for flat-fee large transfers. If you are transferring substantial amounts regularly, Atlantic Money charges a flat fee (e.g., £3 or €3) with zero exchange rate markup, making it exceptionally cheap for major currency corridors.
Remitly or WorldRemit — Best for cash pickup and mobile wallets. While their exchange rate markups can be slightly higher than Wise, they frequently offer promotional zero-fee rates for first-time users and specialize in fast cash pickups or mobile wallet deposits in developing countries.
To help narrow down the exact best choice for you, tell me:
How much money are you planning to send?
Which countries are you sending from and to?
Do you need the recipient to get cash pickup or a direct bank deposit?
I can pinpoint the absolute cheapest option for that specific corridor.
