Does Venmo international transfer work? Best alternatives

Panna Kemenes

Published: 21.05.21

3 minute read

Venmo is a money transfer tool that works for simple payments within the US such as bills or to transfer money between friends. Unfortunately, it cannot be used for international transfers or if you are located outside the US.

There are good alternative services though, which specialize in international transfers and payments.

If you want to get the real mid-market rate (the one you see on Google), then take a look at Wise and see how much you can save on your next international transfer.

Send and save money with Wise 💰

Can Venmo be used internationally?

Venmo offers a useful service for money transfers within the US. It has a mobile app for making payments and a credit card is available too.

These services, however, are only available within the US. To use the Venmo credit card, you must be physically located within the US.

A US bank account and mobile phone number are needed to set up an account, and a US social security number is needed if you want to take out a Venmo credit card.

To make it even more definite – the Venmo terms and conditions state that users must not access Venmo services from outside the United States.¹

How can I send money internationally with Venmo?

Venmo cannot be used to send money overseas. It is only available for domestic money transfers or payments in US dollars within the United States.

There are, however, plenty of alternatives if you need to send or receive money internationally.

Best Venmo alternatives for international transfer

You can compare three alternatives to Venmo that allow international transfers – Wise, PayPal, and WorldRemit. These services all provide an app for easy payments and transfers abroad.

Wise

Wise specializes in international transfers. It uses local bank accounts in different countries to avoid the high fees that other services, and banks, can charge.

You can send money online from our website or mobile app, in just a few clicks. There is also the option of a Wise multi-currency card that you can use with no foreign transaction fees.

Open a Wise account in minutes 🚀

Pros:

Wise has no hidden fees and offers the real mid-market exchange rate (the one shown on Google).
Transparent, low-cost pricing – you can check the rates online here.
Offers a low-cost debit card you can use even when abroad.
Transfers are possible to 62 countries.
Easy-to-use Wise app.

Cons:

Transfers may not be possible to all countries, however you might still be able to send money to your recipient’s country if their account is denominated in USD, EUR, or GBP.

Who can Wise be a good choice for?

People making regular international payments or transfers. Those who want to spend in the real mid-market rate even when traveling abroad.

PayPal

PayPal is a well-known money transfer service. It is actually the owner of Venmo, so it makes a good alternative choice.

PayPal allows international transfers, but you should make sure you are aware of the costs. For transfers made by PayPal Cash, PayPal Cash Plus or a linked bank account the charge is 5% (minimum $0.99 to $4.99 maximum).

When paying by credit or debit card, there is an extra 2.9% charge and a further additional fixed fee depending on the currency (but subject to the same minimum and maximum charges).

In addition to this fee, there is a currency conversion charge added to the exchange rate used - this is 3% to 4%.²

If this seems like a lot, you can read the guide on how to avoid PayPal international fees for some handy tips.

Pros:

Well-known and easy-to-use service.
Service in over 200 countries (in 25 currencies).

Cons:

There are transaction fees and currency conversion charges for international transfers. Over time, this expense can add up, especially for smaller transactions.
Extra 2.9% charge when paying by credit or debit card.

Who can PayPal be a good choice for?

Those who are already used to using PayPal, or those who need to access a wide range of countries.

🤓 You can also read the article on Venmo vs PayPal to weigh up the two services against each other.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is another service that allows transfer to a wide range of countries (130 countries are possible). Like the other two services, it is an app-based service. But it also adds to options of cash pickups at physical locations in most countries.

Like PayPal though, WorldRemit adds a commission to the mid-market rate, so you may be paying more than you need to for transfers. There is also a fee to pay - this varies between location and service (such as bank transfer or cash pickup service).³

Pros:

In-person pickup through a network of international partners.
Transfers are available to 130 countries.

Cons:

You pay a commission charge on the exchange rate as well as a fixed fee per transfer (check rate online here)
Not all countries have the option of cash pick-ups.

Who can WorldRemit be a good choice for?

Those wanting to pick up cash in person, or for payments to someone without a bank account. For account transfers, other services may offer a lower cost.

Need to send an international transfer? Check how much you can save with Wise

Venmo international transfers are not possible, but if you need to make a transfer, you can use the Wise currency converter tool.

Instantly see what rate you will get, and send money in a fast and easy way!

🤓 More Venmo articles you’ll love
How long does Venmo take? How to send money on Venmo in 7 easy steps Zelle vs Venmo - What are the differences? Wondering if Venmo’s safe? Here’s what you should know

Sources:

All sources checked 21 May 2021.

This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.