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
- Min Transfer: £/€/$ 50
- Currencies Supported: 140
- Offices : UK, EU, USA, Australia, NZ and Canada.
- No Fees on Any Transfers from Anywhere, Excellent Rates for All Amounts
Wide Global Reach with Local, Friendly, Support in Many Countries
96% Customer Satisfaction, Very High Rating on Google and Apple Stores
- Min Transfer: None
- Currencies Supported: 44
- Offices : UK, EU, Australia, USA, Japan, UAE, Ukraine, Brazil, Malaysia and Singapore .
- Smoothest Online System
Public Company with Millions of Customers
Very Transparent Fees Visible Prior to Signing Up
- Min Transfer: £/€/$ 100
- Currencies Supported: 39
- Offices : UK, EU, USA, India, South Africa.
- Large Transfer Specialists - Get Guidance by Currency Dealers
No Fees from Anywhere and Competitive Rates
Advanced Business Functions (Hedging, Rate Alerts, Etc.)
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.
Currencies Direct: Best Overall for International Money Transfers
- 96% Positive Feedback from Customers, Since 1996
- Service Oriented - Specialising in Large Transfers - Friendly Dealers
- Very Competitive Rates, No Wire Fees
TorFX: Strong Guidance and Staff
- 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
moneycorp: Oldest and Most Reputable Foreign Exchange Service
- Providing FX Services since 1979
- Very Recognisable Brand with Excellent Reputation - £36.9in Transfers Annually with Offices in Every Continent
- Business Specialists
Key Currency: Up and Coming Currency Broker with Local Presence UK/Spain
- Fastest Growing UK Currency Transfer Provider
- Strong Onboard Team, Get an Immediate Callback
- Recipient of Multiple Industry Awards
Global Reach Group: 99% Positive Client Feedback
- 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
Currency Solutions: Best Money Transfer on TrustPilot
- Best Customer Satisfaction Score on TrustPilot
- Welcoming and Clear Website, Easy to Sign Up
- Excellent Currency Transfer Rates
OFX: The Publicly-Traded Money Transfer Company from Down Under
- Traded Publicly in Australia
- £20bn Turnover per Year
- Ultra Professional
Halo Financial: Excellent Online Platform and Support
- Feefo 2020 Platinum Trusted Provider
- Excellent Website and Online Flow
- Highly Professional
Wise (Previously TransferWise): Valued at £10bn
- Largest Money Transfer Provider of its Kind
- Fully-Online Journey
- Transparent Pricing
For Ecommerce and Business Clients (Not Accepting Private Clients)
Worldfirst: Best FX Rates Online
- Best Rates for Business Transfers
- Authorised by 6 Global Regulators
- Asian Currency Specialists
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 App | Verdict | Android App | iPhone App | # Reviews Google app | Rating Google | # Reviews App Store | Rating App Store | Company Rating % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OFX | 🏆 Best Overall | Yes | Yes | 2,882 | 4.5 | 1,428 | 4.8 | 90.4 |
| Currencies Direct | 🏆Best editorial rating | Yes | Yes | 354 | 4.4 | 74 | 3.7 | 97.8 |
| Tor FX | 🏆Best phone support | Yes | Yes | 200 | 4.0 | 51 | 4.4 | 93.4 |
| Azimo | ❌ Discontinued, Used to be great | Yes | Yes | 28,821 | 4.6 | 22,734 | 4.7 | 77.0 |
| Revolut | 🏆Best bank-like functionality | Yes | Yes | 1,188,222 | 4.7 | 442,112 | 4.9 | 76.0 |
| Currencyfair | 🏆Best rates through P2P system | Yes | Yes | 572 | 4.1 | 670 | 4.7 | 89.1 |
| Wise | 🏆Best customer reviews | Yes | Yes | 134,933 | 4.5 | 39,312 | 4.8 | 86.8 |
| Moneycorp | 🏆Best for businesses | Yes | Yes | 1411 | 1.5 | 92 | 2.2 | 92.8 |
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?
+ How do I fund a transfer?
+Can I send a payment through these apps and the recipient will receive it in cash?
+ Once I register through the app, can I log in to the company’s desktop site too?
+
Are all these apps by UK currency brokers?
+
Why aren’t Zell, Venmo and Square Cash on this list?
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
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
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
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
Pros and Cons
- Easy to use
- Always There
- Zero Complexity - most straightforward
- Instant
- Prone to Errors
- Unable to Speak on the Phone While Transferring
- Cannot Multi-Tab in Browser
- Less Safe than PC
Desktop/Laptop/Tablets
Pros and Cons
- Safe
- Less Prone to Errors
- In your Home Environment
- Multi-tabbing while Transferring is Easy
- You can Use the Telephone While Transferring
- Complete Functionality
- Less Intuitive
- Less Fun
- Unavailable on the Road
- More Time-Intense
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.