September 11, 2026
6 min read
How to send money internationally
A simple guide to choosing an international money transfer option.
What’s new
Now you can send money internationally from your mobile device with ExpressSend® Mobile.
Daniela Mounger regularly sends money to family in Mexico, whether it’s helping with everyday expenses, celebrating special occasions, or supporting important family goals. One of the most meaningful ways she and her brother were able to give back was by helping fund their parents’ retirement. “It wasn’t just about the money,” Mounger said. “It was about giving our parents peace of mind and helping them enjoy the retirement they worked so hard for.”
Mounger approaches international transfers from two perspectives: As the leader of Wells Fargo ExpressSend®1 remittance service and as someone who regularly sends money to family in Mexico. “People send money for many reasons, but the most important is supporting family and loved ones. From everyday expenses to education, healthcare, emergencies, and gifts, these transfers help families stay connected and provide support when it’s needed most,” she said.
If you don’t already have an established routine, it can be difficult to know which transfer option best fits your needs. According to Mounger, misconceptions that international transfers are complicated, time-consuming, or expensive often prevent people from exploring methods that may be simpler and more affordable than they expect. “The reality is that people often have more options than they realize, and finding the right one can make all the difference,” she said.
If you’re sending money internationally, it’s important to understand how the options may differ. Here are two common ways to send money, key considerations for each, and what to watch for before you hit send. You can also compare the options to see how they stack up side by side.
Remittance service or wire transfer?
A remittance service may be a good fit if:
- Sending money frequently to family or friends.
- The recipient may want cash pickup.
- Speed and convenience are important.
A wire transfer may be a good fit if:
- Sending a larger amount.
- The payment may be for a one-time purpose.
- Making a business-related payment abroad.
Multiple ways to send money internationally
According to Mounger, the right transfer option often comes down to the reason you’re sending money, how the recipient prefers to receive it, and delivery speed: “If someone is sending money to family or friends, ExpressSend® Mobile2 is often a great fit because it provides a fast, easy, and accessible way to send money to 12 countries through more than 49,000 payout locations,” Mounger said. “It also offers flexibility for recipients, who can choose to receive funds through cash pickup3 or direct deposit to an eligible bank account. By comparison, international wires4 are typically sent from one bank account directly to another.”
Wells Fargo customers can send international wire transfers4online, using the mobile app, or in person at a branch.
Making international transfers even easier
While Wells Fargo has offered ExpressSend® for years, customers were required to visit a branch or call to make a remittance transfer. Not anymore.
Over the past four years, Mounger has helped transform ExpressSend®, driving efforts that have made Wells Fargo the only major U.S. bank to offer a dedicated remittance service within its mobile app. Mounger said the work was fueled by a simple belief: “Sending money to loved ones abroad should be as easy and accessible as any other everyday banking service.”
Now, new and existing customers are able to:
- Enroll instantly and add recipients seamlessly through the mobile app.
- Send money easily and safely. Loved ones will receive it near real time.
- Manage recipients in the app.
- Track transfers in real time. You’ll receive an alert5 if any action is needed.
- View instructions in both English and Spanish.
“By offering a dedicated mobile remittance experience, we’re making it easier for our customers to show up for the people they care about most,” Mounger said.
Learn more about ExpressSend® eligible destinations, transfer limits, delivery options, and how to enroll.
Myth vs. reality
Myth: Sending money abroad is complicated and expensive.
Reality: The best option depends on how much money you’re sending, how quickly it needs to arrive, where it’s going, and how the recipient wants to receive it.
Important steps to help keep your money safe
A few extra minutes spent reviewing details and verifying information can help prevent costly mistakes and avoid fraud and scams.
- Verify the recipient’s information carefully. Make sure you know exactly who you’re sending it to and double-check all recipient details. Many scams involve convincing someone to send money to the wrong place.
- Review the transfer details and be alert to pressure tactics. Scammers often rely on urgency, so it’s worth pausing if someone pressures you to act quickly without confirming details. Messages can also appear to come from people you trust, including family members, vendors, or companies, so it’s important to look closely for anything that seems off. If something doesn’t feel right, pause, verify the situation, and ask questions before moving forward.
- Protect your personal and financial information. Don’t share your usernames, passwords, one-time passcodes, or online banking credentials with anyone. Legitimate financial institutions will never contact you and ask for this information. Keeping your account credentials private is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from fraud.
What to watch for
- New or changed payment details
- Last-minute changes to account number, phone number, or pickup location
- Pressure or urgent requests to send money quickly
- Requests that don’t match how you normally communicate
- Requests for passwords, passcodes, or online banking credentials
- Anything that feels inconsistent or off
FAQ
A remittance is money sent internationally from one person to another, often to support family or friends in a different country. Remittance services are designed to help make these person-to-person transfers easier and may offer options like cash pickup or to a bank account.
The best option depends on your needs. Remittance services are a fast, convenient, and accessible way to send typically smaller amounts of money to family and friends internationally. Wire transfers6 are typically used for larger amounts, sometimes for business transactions and sent directly between bank accounts.
Transfer speed can vary depending on the destination, delivery method, and receiving institution.7 Remittance services, such as ExpressSend® Mobile, may offer near real-time delivery for certain destinations and receiving options. Wire transfers can also be an effective option, but delivery times may vary based on the countries, banks, and processing requirements involved.
Use a trusted service, verify payment details before sending money, and be cautious about last-minute changes to payment instructions.
Choosing the wrong transfer method or not verifying payment details. Even small errors can lead to delays, extra costs, or sending money to the wrong place.
Ready to send money overseas?
Learn more about Wells Fargo’s ExpressSend person-to-person remittance service.
