The Best Ways to Send Money

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Banking

Whether you’re transferring money to friends, family, or internationally, choosing the right method can save you time and fees. Here’s a breakdown of the top services based on fees, speed, and features.


1. Bank Wire Transfer

Why Choose It?
- Best for transferring large amounts (e.g., $10,000+).
- Delivery within hours or minutes between banks.

Costs & Details
- Sending fees: ~$25; receiving fees: ~$15 (varies by bank).
- High cost but ideal for urgent large transfers.
- Use case: Real estate payments, business transactions.


2. Cash App

Why Choose It?
- Free for basic transfers using a linked bank account or debit card.
- Easy setup with a $Cashtag username for quick payments.

Costs & Details
- Limits: $1,000/30 days (can increase with verification).
- Instant transfer to debit card costs 0.5%-1.75%.
- Referral bonuses available.


3. Google Pay

Why Choose It?
- Free transfers via QR code, email, or phone number.
- Lower instant transfer fee (1.5%) compared to competitors.

Costs & Details
- Send up to $5,000/7 days.
- Cash out to bank accounts for free (1-5 days).
- No support for credit cards.


4. PayPal

Why Choose It?
- Trusted by over 400 million users worldwide.
- Large transfer maximums (up to $60,000 depending on currency).

Costs & Details
- Free U.S. transfers funded by PayPal balance or bank account.
- Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 for credit/debit card payments.
- Instant transfer to debit card available for a fee.


5. Venmo

Why Choose It?
- Socially engaging app with a built-in feed for transactions.
- Highly rated app with up to $60,000 weekly send limits.

Costs & Details
- Free for linked bank accounts or debit cards.
- 3% fee for credit card funding.
- Instant transfers to a debit card cost 1.75%.


6. Walmart2Walmart

Why Choose It?
- Convenient for cash transfers via Walmart locations.
- Money ready for pickup within minutes.

Costs & Details
- Fees start at $2.50 for amounts up to $1,000/day.
- Available for U.S. transfers only.


7. Western Union

Why Choose It?
- Extensive global network with coverage in 200+ countries.
- Flexible transfer options: app, website, or in-person.

Costs & Details
- Fees: Can be high, especially for same-day delivery.
- Delivery time: Minutes to days depending on payment method.
- Ideal for international transfers.


8. Zelle

Why Choose It?
- Money typically delivered within minutes directly to recipient’s bank account.
- Integrated with 2,000+ U.S. financial institutions.

Costs & Details
- No fees for basic transfers.
- Daily limits vary by bank (e.g., $2,500-$5,000).
- Limited protections for buyer-seller transactions.


Key Insights for Sending Money

  • Costs
  • Free options: Cash App, Google Pay, Venmo (linked bank accounts).
  • Fees: Credit cards incur additional costs (~3%).

  • Speed

  • Instant transfers: Zelle, Cash App, PayPal (with fees for debit cards).
  • Delays: Free transfers to bank accounts may take 1-3 days.

  • International Transfers

  • Providers like Western Union or PayPal support global transactions.
  • Be aware of exchange rate markups and upfront fees.

  • Safety

  • Confirm recipient details to avoid mistakes, especially with apps like Zelle.
  • Beware of P2P payment scams and always verify transactions.

Choosing the Best Option

  • For large sums: Bank wire transfer or PayPal.
  • Fast & free: Zelle or Cash App.
  • Global reach: Western Union or PayPal.
  • No bank account needed: Walmart2Walmart or Cash App (with Cash Card).

Pick the service that matches your needs for speed, cost, and convenience.


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