In today’s interconnected and globalised world where people move around like particles in Brownian motion, fast and secure international payments are more important than ever. We work for companies or clients in other countries, make friends with people from other continents, leave home and settle down on the other side of the world, or never settle down at all. Cross-border money transfers have become an integral part of our life, and we want them to be frictionless, instant and nearly free. The question is how to find the best solution tailored to your specific needs and preferences in the vast sea of offers and options available on the market. Read on to find out what methods are there to send money abroad, what to look for when making a choice, and what are some of the top-notch services for international transfers.
At first glance, the simplest and most obvious way to send money across borders is to use bank transfers. Although this method offers certain advantages such as security and reliability, large transaction limits and relative accessibility, it also comes with its fair share of drawbacks. First of all, it is the cost involved. Banks often charge high fees for international transfers, including both upfront flat fees and hidden currency conversion fees. In addition, they may impose intermediary and receiving bank charges, which all put together can significantly eat into the final amount of money landed in the recipient’s account. Time also plays against banks. Traditional bank transfers can be slower compared to alternative methods. Depending on the banks and countries involved, it may take 4 to 6 business days for the funds to reach their destination.
Exchange rates express the price at which one currency can be exchanged for another. For instance, at the time of writing, we could buy 1.06 US dollars, 0.86 British pounds or 7.7 yuans for 1 euro. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly due to a variety of factors from government policies to speculation in the foreign exchange market. They also depend largely on the supply and demand of different currencies. If more people want to buy a particular currency, its value will increase, and vice versa.
What’s that got to do with international transfers? Well, as most exchange rates are floating, the amount of money that the recipient will eventually get into their account can vary greatly, both up and down. Timing also plays a big role here. For example, the forex market is closed on weekends and holidays, so exchange rates remain relatively stable. On the other hand, in periods of economic and political turmoil, the value of individual currencies can rise or fall sharply. If the cost has jumped, it is better to hold off on the international transfer and wait until the exchange rate stabilises.
Another important thing to consider is the hidden fees that banks embed into their exchange rates. How does it work? Let’s say you are an Amsterdam-based freelancer working with customers around the globe. Your Australian client is supposed to send you AUD 2,000 for a completed project via bank transfer. At the current rate of the forex you should receive 1,200 euros into your account. However, the actual amount you get may be, for example, 1,100 euros. Why? The bank sets its own exchange rate (e.g. 0.55 euros per 1 Australian dollar instead of official 0.6) and pockets the difference. Given that the fee is also charged for making an international transfer, that doesn’t look like a good deal.
Today there is no need to rely on time-consuming and costly bank transfers to send and receive money worldwide. With online money transfer services, you can move your money around quickly, securely and cost-effectively. To ease the pain of choice, we have picked the best ways to send your money abroad online. Depending on what you value most – security, speed, or low fees – one of these options might be the best solution for you.
| Service | Pros | Cons |
| Wise Great for small peer-to-peer transactions |
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| CFPS Great for large transactions and getting paid from abroad |
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| PayPal Great for secure peer-to-peer transfers |
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| MoneyGram Great for fast cash transfers |
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| WorldRemit Great for quick and small transfers |
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With CFPS, you have a reliable partner for all your international payment needs. We combine speed, transparency and competitive pricing to make your cross-border transactions as fast and cost-effective as possible. Here’s what we have in store for you:
When it comes to sending money abroad, the right choice depends on your specific priorities. Traditional bank transfers, although secure, often come with high costs and delays. On the other hand, online money transfer services have emerged as a more affordable and convenient alternative, offering various advantages such as low fees, transparency, and speed. With the right service tailored to your needs, you can pay and get paid globally with the best value for money.
The exchange rate is the value of one currency compared to another. It’s crucial because it determines how much money the recipient gets when you send money internationally.
Banks tend to have greater overheads and may include hidden fees in their exchange rates making them more expensive than dedicated money transfer services.
Many online money transfer services use mid-market exchange rates and have transparent fees ensuring their users get a better deal compared to traditional banks.
It is the most accurate and up-to-date exchange rate, often used by platforms like Google to show currency value. It includes no markups or hidden fees.
Exchange rates fluctuate constantly. Sending money at the right time can ensure you get the best rate and maximise the amount of money the recipient gets in their account.
No, there are no charges for incoming payments to your CFPS account. Whether you’re receiving a salary, payments from clients, or funds from family members, you will get the full amount without any deductions. Additionally, transfers between CFPS users are entirely free, providing a cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses.
Our rates are always fixed regardless of the amount of money you send and where you send it. This ensures you get the best value for your money, especially for larger transactions.
