In 2025, the demand for cheap remittance services continues to grow as millions of migrants, freelancers, and global families seek affordable ways to send money across borders. With rising fees from traditional banks and increasing digital adoption, finding the most cost-effective remittance provider is more important than ever. This guide explores the five cheapest ways to send remittances in 2025, backed by the latest data and expert analysis.
1. Wise: Best for Transparent Bank Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) remains a top choice for low-cost international transfers in 2025 that provides cheap remittance services. Known for its mid-market exchange rates and transparent fee structure, Wise charges an average total cost of just 0.33% to 0.6% per transaction-significantly lower than the global average of 6.62% reported by the World Bank [1]
Why Wise Stands Out:
- Transparent pricing: No hidden markups on exchange rates.
- Global reach: Send to 80+ countries.
- Speed: Transfers often complete within 1–2 business days.
- Best for: Migrants, freelancers, and small businesses.
“Wise is the most consistently affordable option for bank-to-bank remittances,” says François Briod, co-founder of Monito [2]
2. Remitly: Best for Fast Cash Pickups
Remitly is ideal for users who need instant cash pickups, cheap remittance services or mobile wallet deposits. It offers competitive exchange rates and low fees, especially in high-volume corridors like India, the Philippines, and Nigeria.
Key Features:
- Express transfers: Funds available in minutes.
- Multiple payout methods: Bank, cash, mobile money.
- Promotions: First-time users often get fee-free transfers.
- Best for: Urgent family support and developing markets.
According to Monito, Remitly is the cheapest provider to Africa and Latin America in 2025 [2]
3. WorldRemit: Best for Mobile Money Transfers
WorldRemit excels in mobile-first remittance corridors, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. With over 5 million users, it supports transfers to mobile wallets, airtime top-ups, and bank accounts.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
- Low fees: Often under 2% for mobile transfers.
- Convenience: Send from your phone in minutes.
- Coverage: 130+ countries.
- Best for: Mobile-first users and rural recipients.
The Visa Money Travels 2025 Report confirms that 67% of global remittance users now prefer digital apps like WorldRemit for their speed and security [3]
4. OFX: Best for Large Transfers
OFX is a strong choice for users sending large remittances (typically over $1,000). It offers zero transfer fees and competitive exchange rates, making it ideal for tuition, real estate, or business payments.
Highlights:
- No transfer fees: On most transactions.
- 24/7 support: Personalized service for high-value clients.
- Best for: Expats, students, and international investors.
OFX is rated 4.2/5 on Trustpilot and is especially popular in Australia, the UK, and the U.S. [4]
5. Mural Pay: Best for Business Remittances
Mural Pay is a rising fintech star in 2025, offering batch payments, stablecoin support, and low FX markups. It’s tailored for businesses paying internationalcontractors or suppliers.
What Makes It Unique:
- Batch payouts: Pay multiple recipients at once.
- Stablecoin support: Ideal for LATAM and Africa.
- Regulatory compliance: Built-in KYC/KYB tools.
- Best for: Startups, remote teams, and global payroll.
Mural Pay is gaining traction for its business-first approach and is often compared to Wise for its transparency [5]
People Also Asked
What is the cheapest way to send money internationally in 2025?
The cheapest way depends on the destination, amount, and method. Wise is best for bank transfers, while Remitly and WorldRemit are ideal for cash and mobile payouts.
Are digital remittance services safe?
Yes. Services like Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit are regulated in multiple countries and use encryption and compliance protocols to protect users.
How much do banks charge for remittances?
According to the World Bank, banks charge an average of 4.6% to 6.6%, significantly higher than fintech alternatives [6]
Which remittance service is best for Africa or Asia?
Remitly and WorldRemit offer the best coverage and rates for Africa and Asia, especially for mobile money and cash pickups.
Conclusion: Choose Smart, Save More
In 2025, the remittance landscape is more competitive and digital than ever. Whether you’re sending $100 to family or $10,000 for tuition, choosing the right provider can save you hundreds of dollars annually. The key is to compare services based on your specific needs-speed, cost, payout method, and destination.
Expert Insight:
“Digital remittance platforms are not just cheaper-they’re smarter. They offer transparency, speed, and security that traditional banks can’t match,” says Amandeep Singh, remittance analyst at Comparism [7]-
