If you’re trying to live frugally, every saving counts — and that includes sending money abroad. Whether you’re paying for something from another country or sending cash to friends or family overseas, the good news is you don’t need to stick with the first option you come across. A little bit of comparing, making use of introductory offers, and knowing where the value lies can save you a surprising amount.
Here are a few options to look at if you need to transfer money internationally in 2025. 😀
Ask your local bank for help
Most people’s first thought is to go straight to their bank. It feels like the simple option, but in reality it’s often not the cheapest or quickest. Banks want to help, but the fees, delays, and extra paperwork can be more hassle than they’re worth. It’s still worth asking for a quote though — that way you’ve got a figure to compare against other services.
Consider gifting vouchers
Sending an Amazon or Apple voucher might be easy, but unless you’re giving a gift it’s not really practical. If someone needs actual money that can be spent anywhere, vouchers won’t cut it. The challenge is making sure your money arrives quickly, in the right currency, and without costing a fortune in fees.
Think beyond PayPal
PayPal and similar services are handy for day-to-day payments, but when it comes to international transfers they can quickly become expensive. Fees, delays, and limited currency options mean they’re not the best value for bigger or regular transfers. It’s worth looking into some alternatives.
Verify your SWIFT code
Banks and transfer services use SWIFT codes as unique “addresses” to make sure the money lands in the right account. It’s always worth checking you’ve got the right one — there are tools online where you can look up or verify any SWIFT code for all banks. It’s a small step that gives big peace of mind before you hit send.
Put your trust in a specialist
Specialist money transfer services are designed for exactly this job. They’ll explain the process, give you a clear breakdown of fees, and usually beat the banks on both price and speed. Many also offer real-time tracking so you can see where your money is and when it’ll arrive. That extra clarity makes the whole process far less stressful.
Be consistent with your timing
Timing can make a difference too. Transfers made at weekends and public holidays, or between countries with different business hours often take longer. A good specialist will be able to advise you on the best days to send money to avoid delays.
Overall, if you want the cheapest, fastest, and least stressful way to send money abroad, a dedicated international money transfer service usually comes out on top. They’re more flexible than banks, often much cheaper, and have the experience to answer your questions along the way.
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