Wise holds a narrow lead over OFX for setting up automated cross-border family support payments. OFX closely contends as the preferred service when arranging scheduled transfers for larger amounts.
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RemitlyChatGPT Search63%Google AI Mode86%ChatGPT SearchGoogle AI Mode
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XEChatGPT Search20%Google AI Mode11%ChatGPT SearchGoogle AI Mode
Western UnionChatGPT Search16%Google AI Mode9%ChatGPT SearchGoogle AI Mode
Questions and answers
I have to make regular monthly payments to a family member in another country. What's the best platform for setting up recurring international transfers?
When setting up regular monthly transfers to family overseas, specialist international transfer services are vastly superior to traditional high-street banks. Traditional banks typically hit you with high fixed wire fees and hidden markups on the exchange rate.[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/best-ways-to-wire-money-internationally)
The best platforms for automating monthly cross-border payments balance low exchange rate markups, transparent fees, and a reliable recurring transfer feature:
Why it works well: Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google) and charges a small, transparent upfront fee. You can easily set up scheduled, automatic monthly recurring transfers directly from your bank account or balance.
Best for: Getting the absolute most value out of every transfer without surprise exchange rate markups.
(Best for dedicated support and structured regularity)
Why it works well: OFX specializes in regular, automated international transfers (allowing you to set up scheduled payments for up to 12 months). They also offer 24/7 phone support, which is helpful if you prefer speaking to someone to set up your recurring plan.
Best for: Peace of mind and human customer service backing your monthly schedule.
Why it works well: Xe allows you to easily automate recurring payments for ongoing commitments or family support across a massive global network of countries and currencies.
Best for: Senders who want a reliable, well-established name with easy-to-manage automated schedules via their app or website.
MoneyGram (Best if your family needs cash pickup or mobile wallets)
Why it works well: Unlike some digital-only platforms, MoneyGram explicitly supports setting up scheduled monthly or weekly transfers and offers flexible payout options like cash pickup or mobile wallet deposits depending on the destination country.
Best for: Recipients who may not have a traditional or accessible local bank account.
Tips for setting up monthly transfers:
Compare the total cost: Always check both the transfer fee and the exchange rate on the day you look to commit, as a "zero-fee" transfer can sometimes use a poor exchange rate that costs you more.
Watch out for compliance: When you set up a recurring instruction, the platform may require initial identity verification (KYC), but subsequent monthly runs will process automatically as long as your funding source (like a linked bank debit or card) stays active.
For regular monthly payments to a family member overseas, I'd start with Wise. It supports recurring scheduled transfers, and its fees and exchange rates are transparent, making it a strong option for payments you want to automate month after month.
The best choice does depend on which country you're sending money to, how your family member receives it, and how much you send each month.
Best platforms to compare
1. Wise
(Best starting point)
Supports recurring monthly schedules, transparent transfer fees, and exchange rates based on the mid-market rate. A good fit for regular bank-to-bank payments.
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2. Remitly
A strong alternative for sending money to family, particularly if they need a mobile wallet, cash pickup, or a local bank deposit. Compare its exchange-rate markup and delivery options. Confirm whether recurring scheduling is available for your particular route and account.
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3. OFX
Worth comparing if your monthly payments are relatively large. It focuses on bank-to-bank international transfers, with pricing that may be attractive for larger amounts. Check its recurring-payment workflow before choosing it for full automation.
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What to check before setting up automatic payments
True recurring transfers: Make sure it sends automatically every month, rather than simply saving your recipient details.
Total cost: Compare both the transfer fee and the exchange rate. A low advertised fee doesn't always mean the recipient gets more money.
Reliable funding: Check whether payments can be funded automatically from your US bank account and what happens if funds are insufficient.
Delivery timing: Schedule payments early enough to account for weekends, holidays, and processing delays.
Wise, for example, lets you set a recurring schedule and an end date. Its exchange rate and fees are determined when each transfer is executed, so the amount your recipient receives in local currency can vary.
Let me narrow it down for you
Which country will you be sending the money to?
That is the most important detail. I'll compare the best options for that specific route, including recurring-payment support, fees, and the likely amount your family member receives.
