Sendwave alternatives: Which is the best for you?

If you often send money to friends or family abroad, you’ve probably heard of Sendwave. It’s a popular app that helps users transfer funds quickly and conveniently from the United States to select countries.

But Sendwave isn’t the only option available. Several services let you send, spend, and receive money internationally with transparent pricing and global coverage.

This guide will explain how Sendwave works, what it costs, and introduce a few reliable Sendwave alternatives.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

Learn more 🔎

Table of contents
What is Sendwave, and how does it work? 1. Wise 2. Remitly 3. WorldRemit 4. Western Union 5. MoneyGram

What is Sendwave, and how does it work?

Sendwave is a mobile money transfer app that helps people in the United States send funds abroad quickly and securely. It’s particularly popular among users who support family and friends in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where mobile wallets are widely used.

The app connects directly to your US debit card, allowing you to send money directly to a bank account or mobile wallet in supported countries. With Sendwave, there’s no need to visit an agent location, as everything happens in the app. The Sendwave app is available on both iOS and Android.

Here’s how Sendwave works in practice:

1. Download the app and create an account.
2. Verify your identity by submitting a photo ID and basic personal details.
3. Add your debit card as a payment method.
4. Enter your recipient’s details and choose how they’ll receive the money (mobile wallet or bank account).
5. Confirm the transfer, and Sendwave processes it instantly or within a few hours, depending on the destination.

Sendwave is known for its ease of use and fast delivery times, especially for mobile wallet payouts.

However, the list of supported countries is still limited compared to other providers. Some destinations also have specific limits or verification requirements.

💡 For example, US users can send between USD 999 and USD 2,999 per day, depending on their verification level.¹

How much does Sendwave cost?

Sendwave doesn’t publish a fixed fee chart. Instead, the total cost depends on where you send your money, how much you send, and how you fund your transfer.

For some countries, Sendwave advertises no-fee transfers, but this usually means the cost is included in the exchange rate markup. In other words, the exchange rate you receive is slightly weaker than the mid-market rate, which increases the hidden cost of the transfer.

In certain routes, like transfers to Vietnam, Sendwave charges an explicit 1.15% fee, capped at USD 9 per transaction.²

Before confirming any payment, the app shows you the exact rate, fee, and delivery estimate. It’s worth reviewing this screen carefully, as exchange rates can vary throughout the day.

1. Wise

Wise (formerly Wise) is one of the most trusted options for international money transfers. It offers a multi-currency account that lets you send, spend, and receive money around the world—all while using the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees.

You can send money to more than 140 countries, hold over 40 currencies, and receive payments in 9 currencies with local account details. It’s designed to work for both individuals and businesses who want a simpler way to manage money internationally.

Transfers are quick and easy to set up online or in the app. You’ll always see the full breakdown of the cost before sending, so there are no surprises.

The Wise multi-currency card also makes it easy to spend in 150+ countries, automatically converting your balance at the mid-market exchange rate for a small fee.

Compared to providers that add markups to exchange rates, Wise’s pricing is straightforward and often cheaper for larger or frequent transfers.

Wise pros & cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Transparent fees with mid-market exchange rates	A small conversion fee applies
Send to 160+	Some features vary by region
Hold and receive multiple currencies	Multi-currency cards typically have withdrawal limits
Spend in 150+ countries with the Wise card	Transfers depend on verification and banking hours
No hidden markups or monthly fees	Requires identity verification before full access

💡 If you’re deciding between these two services, you can compare features, fees, and exchange rates in our detailed Sendwave vs Wise guide to see which one fits your needs best.

2. Remitly

Sending money overseas is often about speed and reliability, and that’s where Remitly has built its reputation. It’s a digital transfer service that connects people in the United States with loved ones in more than 170 countries, offering multiple ways to send and receive funds.³

You can transfer money to a bank account, mobile wallet, or cash pickup location.

For delivery speed, Remitly gives you two options: Express, which usually arrives within minutes, and Economy, which takes longer but comes with lower fees.⁴

The app is simple to navigate, and new users often receive promotional rates on their first transfer.

Still, it’s worth noting that Remitly adds a markup to its exchange rates, so the rate displayed in the app is slightly lower than the mid-market rate. The total cost depends on where you’re sending and how you pay.

Remitly pros & cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Available in 170+ countries	Exchange rate markups on most transfers
Fast delivery with Express	Fees vary by location and payment type
Multiple payout options	Limited cost transparency before sending
User-friendly mobile app	Higher costs for card-funded transfers
New user promotions	Transfer limits may apply

3. WorldRemit

If flexibility matters most to you, WorldRemit could be worth considering. It reaches over 130 countries and supports several delivery methods, including bank deposits, cash pickup, mobile money, and airtime top-ups for mobile phones.⁵

This variety makes it especially useful when your recipient doesn’t have easy access to a bank account.

Most transfers are processed within minutes, although the exact timing depends on where the money is being sent and how it’s delivered. You can manage everything from the WorldRemit website or mobile app, both of which are designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly.

While WorldRemit often runs introductory promotions for new users, the service does include exchange rate markups and variable transfer fees. Costs aren’t always shown upfront, so it’s important to review the full amount before confirming your transfer.

WorldRemit pros & cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Fast transfers to 130+ countries	Exchange rate markups on many transfers
Multiple delivery options	Fewer countries than some competitors
Easy-to-use app	Fees differ by route and payment method
Cash pickup and mobile wallet options	No guaranteed mid-market rate
Occasional promotional rates	Transfer limits may apply

4. Western Union

Few names are as recognizable in international money transfers as Western Union. With more than 200 countries and territories in its network, it’s one of the most accessible ways to move money across borders.⁶

You can send funds online, through the mobile app, or by visiting one of thousands of agent locations across the United States. Recipients can choose to receive money through cash pickup, bank deposit, or mobile wallet, depending on their country.

This level of reach is unmatched, especially for people who prefer in-person service. However, convenience often comes at a cost. Western Union charges both transfer fees and exchange rate markups, which can make transactions more expensive than digital-only platforms.

Fees also vary widely depending on your payment method, the destination, and how your recipient receives the money.

Western Union pros & cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Available in 200+ countries and territories	Often, higher overall costs
Online, in-app, and in-person options	Exchange rate markups apply
Trusted global brand	Fees vary widely by location
Cash pickup and bank deposit available	Not the cheapest for frequent transfers
Large physical agent network	In-person transfers can be slower

5. MoneyGram

MoneyGram is one of the biggest players in global money transfers, serving customers in more than 200 countries and territories.⁷ It’s designed for flexibility, letting you send money online, through the MoneyGram app, or at one of the company’s physical locations.

Recipients can receive funds through cash pickup, bank deposit, or mobile wallet, depending on the country. The app also supports bill payments and money orders in the United States, making it a convenient option for domestic and international use.

MoneyGram is known for speed (many transfers arrive within minutes), but costs can add up quickly.

The company charges both transfer fees and exchange rate markups, which means the total you pay depends on how you fund the transfer and where it’s going. Large transfers may also face stricter limits and verification checks.⁸

MoneyGram pros & cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Available in 200+ countries and territories	Exchange rate markups apply
Online, in-app, and in-person transfers	Fees can be high for card payments
Cash pickup and bank deposit options	Lower limits on some transfer routes
Well-established and trusted brand	Costs vary by destination and payment type
Includes bill payment services	Not always the cheapest for global transfers

Frequently asked questions about Sendwave alternatives

Choosing the right money transfer service can be confusing, especially with so many options available. Below are some common questions people ask when comparing Sendwave alternatives and deciding which one fits their needs best.

What is the best Sendwave alternative?

The best alternative depends on where you’re sending money and how your recipient wants to receive it. Wise is often one of the top choices for international transfers because it uses the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees.

Other trusted options include Remitly, WorldRemit, and MoneyGram, each offering different delivery methods and coverage areas.

Which money transfer service has the lowest fees?

Fee structures vary by destination, payment type, and amount. Wise is known for its low, upfront pricing and no hidden exchange rate markups. Some providers, like Remitly or Sendwave, may advertise zero-fee transfers but include costs within the exchange rate.

Always compare the total amount your recipient receives before sending.

Are Sendwave alternatives safe to use?

You should always send money only to people you trust and verify the recipient's details carefully before confirming any transfer.

If you’re still weighing your options, you can explore how Sendwave handles security and compliance in our Sendwave safety guide to better understand how different services protect your money.

How long do international transfers take?

Delivery times depend on the provider, destination, and payment method. Wise transfers can often arrive within minutes, but some may take up to two business days. Services like Remitly and WorldRemit also offer express options for faster delivery, usually at a higher cost.

Can I send money without a bank account?

Yes. Many providers, such as Sendwave, WorldRemit, and MoneyGram, allow you to send money using a debit card or cash at an agent location. With Wise, you can fund transfers through a linked bank account or debit card, then send directly to your recipient’s bank account abroad.

Final thoughts

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to sending money abroad. Sendwave, Remitly, WorldRemit, MoneyGram, and others each have their strengths, from fast delivery to wide country coverage.

The best choice depends on how you want to pay, how your recipient wants to receive money, and how much transparency you expect in fees and exchange rates.

Opening a Wise account is another option you can benefit from — it’s quick and simple to do it online with just a few clicks.

Get a Wise Account
in minutes 💰

Sources

1. Remitbee – How much can I transfer with Sendwave?
2. Sendwave – How much are the fees to send USD to Vietnam?
3. Remitly – Countries served
4. Remitbee – Remitly speed options
5. WorldRemit – A fast and secure way to send money on the go
6. Western Union – We’re international
7. MoneyGram – Why MoneyGram?
8. MoneyGram – How much does it cost to transfer money with MoneyGram?

Sources checked 12/01/2025