Best International Money Transfer Apps: List & Ratings

By 
Matt Di Vincere (Chief Editor)
Last Edited Jan 31, 2023

Finding a way to transfer money internationally is never easy. Banks could be expensive and not as techie as you’d like them to be. Sending money online with a designated service or a mobile app, particularly one that offers cheaper transfers, is becoming increasingly popular in 2023.

This article will explain the reasons to use an international money transfer app, how much can you save, and what do other customers think of those services. We will start off by listing the best international money transfers overall, and then follow up with the top 3 money transfer apps to send money abroad. Stay tuned!

Top 3 International Money Transfer Apps: Apple + Android

OFX
Wise / TranserWise
Currencies Direct

Are these also the best money transfer apps to receive money internationally?

While many of the money transfer apps on the market don’t allow to receive money, the top 3 international money transfer apps (OFX, Wise and Currencies Direct) do facilitate receiving funds from overseas. Each of them offers a multi-currency account that enables you to provide a local bank account in many countries. If you want to learn more about that aspect have a look at our multi-currency account comparison.

Best International Money Transfer Services

If you are looking to transfer significant amounts, using an app to send money internationally isn’t necessarily what you are looking for. You could look at companies that offer apps and online systems but in addition to that – importantly – a dedicated currency dealer than can assist with your individual needs.

#1
UK EU USA Currencies Direct: Best Overall for International Money Transfers
Headquarters:
1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AA, UK
97.8% Editorial rating
7,500 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£100 / €100 / $100 or equivalent
Why Them?
  • 96% Positive Feedback from Customers, Since 1996
  • Service Oriented - Specialising in Large Transfers - Friendly Dealers
  • Very Competitive Rates, No Wire Fees
+Read more
#2
UK Australia EU TorFX: Strong Guidance and Staff
Headquarters:
Pz360, St Mary's Terrace,Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4DZ, UK
93.4% Editorial rating
5,500 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£100 / €100 / $100 or equivalent
Why Them?
  • HQ Outside of London - Lower Staff Costs Rolled Over to the Client
  • Quick Onboarding Process and Highly Professional
  • Trading Desk with 100+ Years of Experience
+Read more
#3
UK EU USA UAE moneycorp: Oldest and Most Reputable Foreign Exchange Service
Headquarters:
Zig Zag Building, 70 Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E 6SQ, UK
93.2% Editorial rating
7,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£50 / €50 / $50 or equivalent
Why Them?
  • Providing FX Services since 1979
  • Very Recognisable Brand with Excellent Reputation - £36.9in Transfers Annually with Offices in Every Continent
  • Business Specialists
+Read more
#4
UK Spain Key Currency: Up and Coming Currency Broker with Local Presence UK/Spain
Local British Offices:
St Piran House, Technology Park, Heron Way, Truro TR1 2XN, United Kingdom
90.8% Editorial rating
800 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
€250
Why Them?
  • Fastest Growing UK Currency Transfer Provider
  • Strong Onboard Team, Get an Immediate Callback
  • Recipient of Multiple Industry Awards
+Read more
#5
UK EU Canada Global Reach Group: 99% Positive Client Feedback
Headquarters:
20 Wood St, London EC2V 7AF
90.6% Editorial rating
10,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£1,000/€1,000 or equivalent
Why Them?
  • 99% of its Past Clients Gave the Firm a Positive Review
  • Best Rate Guarantee: Global Reach Group Will Beat Any Competing Quote
  • Strong Global Reach with Offices in UK, Europe, and Canada
+Read more
#6
UK EU Brazil Currency Solutions: Best Money Transfer on TrustPilot
Headquarters:
21 Queen Elizabeth St, London SE1 2PD
90.4% Editorial rating
1,900 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£1,000
Why Them?
  • Best Customer Satisfaction Score on TrustPilot
  • Welcoming and Clear Website, Easy to Sign Up
  • Excellent Currency Transfer Rates
+Read more
#7
Australia UK EU USA New Zealand OFX: The Publicly-Traded Money Transfer Company from Down Under
Headquarters:
Level 19, 60 Margaret St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
90.4% Editorial rating
1,500 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£100 / €100 / $100 or equivalent
Why Them?
  • Traded Publicly in Australia
  • £20bn Turnover per Year
  • Ultra Professional
+Read more
#8
UK Halo Financial: Excellent Online Platform and Support
Headquarters:
Battersea Studios 2, 82 Silverthorne Rd, Nine Elms, London SW8 3HE
87.3% Editorial rating
100 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£1,000
Why Them?
  • Feefo 2020 Platinum Trusted Provider
  • Excellent Website and Online Flow
  • Highly Professional
+Read more
#9
EU UK USA Australia Wise (Previously TransferWise): Valued at £10bn
Headquarters:
17 Avenue Marnix, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
86.8% Editorial rating
32,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
No Minimum
Why Them?
  • Largest Money Transfer Provider of its Kind
  • Fully-Online Journey
  • Transparent Pricing
+Read more

For Ecommerce and Business Clients (Not Accepting Private Clients)

#10
UK Australia Hong Kong Singapore Worldfirst: Best FX Rates Online
Headquarters:
Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP, UK
95.4% Editorial rating
7,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£1,000/€1,000 or equivalent
Why Them?
  • Best Rates for Business Transfers
  • Authorised by 6 Global Regulators
  • Asian Currency Specialists
+Read more

Best Bank Apps in UK?

Surprisingly, the best rated banking app in the UK is Natwest’s app. While the vast majority of Natwest bank reviews online are negative and highlight areas like dishonesty, high costs, complaints unaddressed and a lot of other issues, and while Natwest has one of the highest fees for international transfers, but isn’t necessarily the best bank for international transfers in UK nor is the best international bank account – that’s HSBC with its unique offering to multinationals who have HSBC accounts in multiple locations: HSBC offers such people, normally expats, free transfers between accounts and preferable exchange rates.

How do international money transfer apps stack up?

View this cohesive comparison of all the top 10 money transfer apps currently on the market.

Wise App vs Revolut App vs OFX App

Money Transfer AppVerdictAndroid AppiPhone App# Reviews Google appRating Google# Reviews App StoreRating App StoreCompany Rating %
OFX🏆 Best OverallYesYes2,8824.5‎1,4284.890.4
Currencies Direct🏆Best editorial ratingYesYes3544.4743.797.8
Tor FX🏆Best phone supportYesYes2004.0514.493.4
Azimo❌ Discontinued, Used to be greatYesYes28,8214.622,7344.777.0
Revolut🏆Best bank-like functionalityYesYes1,188,2224.7442,1124.976.0
Currencyfair🏆Best rates through P2P systemYesYes5724.16704.789.1
Wise🏆Best customer reviewsYesYes134,9334.539,3124.886.8
Moneycorp🏆Best for businessesYesYes14111.5922.292.8

Are these Really the Best International Payment Apps?

If you want to transfer money or make a payment into an international bank account abroad, then yes! these apps are the ones we have discovered can save you most money and help you transfer money abroad with a fraction of the cost. These are also smooth-to-operate and friendly companies and their international payment app functionality is comprehensive. It could be noted that PayPal international payments app is smoother in essence, but it is not included on our top 10 due to the fact it’s expensive for cross-border payments. Similarly apps like Zelle or Venmo aren’t included because they don’t have the global transfer function.

Data updated August 28, 2021

International Money Transfer Apps FAQ

+ Are all of these apps regulated? Is my money safe?

Yes. All money transfer services in our top 10 money transfer apps list are authorised by the FCA for overseas payments. Your money is protected by the safe measures the FCA enforces on these companies, including segregating client funds from their own.

+  How do I fund a transfer?

Either via debit or credit card (more expensive) or simply through a domestic bank transfer to an account provided to you.

+Can I send a payment through these apps and the recipient will receive it in cash?

No. Only bank to bank transfes are supported. The recipient will have to have a valid bank account.

+ Once I register through the app, can I log in to the company’s desktop site too?

Yes, of course, providing the company has both app and desktop functionality. Revolut is the only major provider to run off just an app. Many of these companies offer telephone dealing, so you could even call your provider and make the transaction over the phone. Whichever way you prefer.

+

Are all these apps by  UK currency brokers?

Most of these companies would be considered brokerages with the exception of Revolut (which is a multi-purpose banking startup), Azimo (which is more geared towards remittances) and Wise.com (which is a dedicated online money transfer offering).

+

Why aren’t  Zell, Venmo and Square Cash  on this list?

Venmo and other domestic payment apps they don’t offer international payments at all. There is one designated app named Circle Pay but since its run on stablecoin we have chose not to feature it.

Comments:

  • Xe’s app includes its currency conversion app
  • Revolut is not a money transfer app, per se
  • True for Jan 19, 2020

Additional Known International Payment Apps

Western Union App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.5 / 5 (116,500 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.8 / 5 (153,100 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 42% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: Worldwide
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit/Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money Abroad, Pay Bills Directly with Hundreds of Stores.
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

WorldRemit App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.5 / 5 (41,700 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.8 / 5 (28,600 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 81.0% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: USA/UK/EU/Asia/AUS
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money Abroad – to Bank or cash pickup , 190 Destinations!
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Xoom Money Transfer

  • Google Play Rating:4.3 / 5 (39,000 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.8 / 5 (410,800 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 77.8%% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: Europe, USA
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit/Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Pay bills, Send money to bank accounts and pick-up locations
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Orbit Remit App

  • Google Play Rating:4.5 / 5 (2,300 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.7/ 5 (6,900 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 75% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK, Australia, New Zealand
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Bank Wire
  • Features: Make transfers, view recipients, live help chat functionality (new)
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Transfergo App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.3 / 5 (3,000 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 5 / 5 (7 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 72% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK, Europe
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit/Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send money to over 40 locations, View Recipients
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Moneygram App

  • Google Play Rating: 3.5 / 5 (6,800 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.8 / 5 (11,800 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Review)
  • Geo Availability: Worldwide
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Bank Wire
  • Features: Make payments, Check payment status, Pay bills, Find the nearest Moneygram location to you
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Payoneer App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.1 / 5 (12,300 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 3.6 / 5 (50 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 89.9% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: Worldwide
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Receive To: Bank Account, Card
  • Features: Receive Business Payments from Abroad to a Bank Account or Dedicated Mastercard
  • Get the App: Via Website

FairFX Mobile Banking

  • Google Play Rating: 4.3  / 5 (920 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.6 / 5 (560 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 86.8% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK/EU/AUS
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit Card (Europe), Bank Wire
  • Features: Currency Card Balance Tracking, Report Stolen Cards, Inquiries, Money Transfers
  • Get the App: Via Website

Remitly App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.8 / 5 (235,500 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.9 / 5 (54,500 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK, Europe, US, Australia
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit/Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money Abroad – to bank or cash pickup
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Paysend App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.6 / 5 (58,600 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.2 / 5 (1,000 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 80.0% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK & EU
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money Abroad – including card-to-card transfers. Track transfer status.
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Ria Money Transfer App

  • Google Play Rating: 3.4 / 5 (6,700 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.0 / 5 (2,100 ratings)
  • Company Rating: 76% (Review)
  • Geo Availability: Worldwide
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit/Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send money to bank accounts and cash pickup locations. Pay bills directly.
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Instarem App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.1 / 5 (5,500 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 3.5 / 5 (200 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Pending Review)
  • Geo Availability: USA/UK/EU/Asia/AUS
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money Abroad – Bank-to-Bank to 55 Countries
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Opal Transfer App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.1 / 5 (1,150 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.1 / 5 (50 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Pending Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK/EU
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit/Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money Transfers to Europe
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Sendwave App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.4 / 5 (21,700 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.5 / 5 (6,900 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Pending Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK/EU
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money to Africa and Asia. Bank-to-bank and cash pickup.
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Transfer Galaxy App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.7 / 5 (4,000 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.7 / 5 (400 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK/Europe/Nordics
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit/Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money Abroad to Africa & Asia. Specialist in Nordic Territories.
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Ace Money Transfer App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.7 / 5 (16,400 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.8 / 5 (8,700 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK/EU/AUS
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit Card, Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Bank-to-bank transfers to over 100 countries.
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Small World Money Transfer App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.2 / 5 (5,500 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.6 / 5 (4,100 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK/EU/US
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit/Credit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Send Money Abroad, Bank-to-Bank and Cash Pickup.
  • Get the App: Android / Apple

Unity Link Money Transfer App

  • Google Play Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,100 ratings)
  • App Store Rating: 4.7 / 5 (2,000 ratings)
  • Company Rating: N/A (Review)
  • Geo Availability: UK
  • Device Availability: iPhone, Android
  • Pay With: Debit Card, Bank Wire
  • Features: Bank-to-bank, cash pickup, mobile money, airtime top up to Ghana & Gambia
  • Get the App: Android / Apple


Best Money Transfer App: Our Considerations

Compatibility

Funds are loaded via bank wire or debit/credit card. The process is easy and it’s clear how the payment process works. Once the transfer is initiated, users receive regular communication on the status of the transfer until it completes and reaches the beneficiary. All our best money transfer apps on this page offer sending money via app for Android and iPhone.

Regulation

All apps featured on this webpage are authorised as payment providers by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK and regulated by the relevant authorities in the other territories in which they operate. The money you transfer in order to fund your transfer is kept in segregated client accounts.

Pricing

The foreign exchange rates offered by these companies are far superior to those offered by banks or payment providers such as Paypal. For example Wise offers FX margins that average around 0.5%, while Paypal’s currency exchange fees are nearing 4% in total, and banks generally charge spreads around 2.5%. The best FX exchange rate is far more possible to obtain with our choices than the alternatives.

International Money Transfer Apps Populraity

The mobile payment indutry has grown in 2021 at 16.3% compunding annual growth rate, reports BusinessWire, all while global payments grew  5% from 2020 (when they dipped 5% as a result of COVID), based on McKinsey. International money transfer apps, designed for the private consumer with its many shades (from investors who have businss to conduct abroad to immigrants who need to transfer money home), are a cross between these two growing sectors.

Wise, one of best known and best rated money transfer apps, and one of our top choices as seen the international payment app comparison above, symbolises how really popular are these sort of apps today. The company was formed in 2012 and has slowly gained some traction and popularity, as well as deep-pocket investors who lined up behind over their first few years and then absolutely exploded in popularity. Nowadays as a public company trading on the London Stock Exchange, the company reports millions of new customers every year and trading volumes in the dozens of billions of dollars each year.

Using a Money Transfer App Vs. Desktop View

When it comes to choosing between making an online money transfer through a website or through an app, consider the following; international money transfer apps are the most intuitive but they are prone to errors in comparison to using a computer at home. It may prove best to set up new beneficiaries online and then conduct repeat transfers and check the status of payments through the provider’s app.

Mobile Apps

Desktop/Laptop/Tablets

To summarise, we believe that the majority of individuals and businsses who are transacting large sums of money will prefer to do it in front of the big screen rather than use the app. For sure they would if they have to input a person’s or a business’ bank account details.

 

Final Word About International Money Transfer Apps

When considering how to find the best app to transfer money abroad, you need to consider what kind of offering does the company behind the app has. Our website, Money Transfer Comparison, has been reviewing money transfer companies for more than 5 years to this point, and on our search we have discovered a wide array of companies who do not support a mobile money transfer app, but also a subset of elite group of companies with fully functional international money transfer app.

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