Thanks to the constantly evolving technological advancements, we have witnessed a multitude of game-changing innovations. They incredibly boost the convenience and speed of our tasks in various ways: one of which is transferring money.
In the technology-driven world we live in today, apart from some traditional methods such as cash, check, bank draft, or money order, faster electronic options for transferring money between accounts, states, and even countries are available.
Additionally, if cost is your primary concern, more affordable solutions for transferring money vary accordingly depending on specific circumstances. Let’s have a look at some methods recommended in this article for a wider reference.
- Sikhona Online Wallet
Using an online wallet is one of the ideal methods for global citizens. Sikhona is one such company that offers a lot of features. This wallet enhances international money transfers as it works with a variety of currencies. Moving, living, and working abroad turn out to be a much simpler deal when you have the ability to transfer money entirely online.
Users of this wallet can seamlessly send money to almost any country in the world from the convenience of your phone. You can share your details with your employer, pension scheme, family, friends, and get paid with it as well.
You’ll usually get a better exchange rate as well when you use Sikhona and you can expect lower fees and better customer service than traditional banks. Check them out if you are looking to do more of your banking online or if you’re looking for a company with an updated approach.
- PayPal
PayPal might be quite outdated but is still used as an economical method for transferring money. But it isn’t very good for international transfers.
Not only is signing up for PayPal free, but it also allows individuals and businesses to make purchases and transfer funds electronically from one PayPal account to another at no extra cost. However, the recipient is charged a fee to cash the payment.
Fees decrease slightly for larger transactions and international transaction fees tend to be about 1% higher. Plus, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for an exchange rate on transfers of international funds.
PayPal is the faster and more secure way for online payment such as monthly bills and subscriptions even across countries without the hassle of converting currency.
- Venmo
The company of PayPal also owns Venmo which is one of the most popular payment apps available. The Venmo app is intuitive, simply link a credit card, debit card, or checking account and start paying back your friends or receive payments. Bank and debit card transfers are free, but credit card fees are approximately 3 percent which is very affordable.
Venmo uses data encryption and features great security to protect your financial information For those who want something a little socially rewarding, Venmo allows you to even share your transactions with a message on Facebook, Twitter, or Foursquare, and interact with others’ purchases. But you obviously can make your payments private if you prefer.
What is more, Venmo also introduced the ability to create a business Venmo profile, allowing business owners and casual sellers to conduct business transactions with Venmo.
- Zelle
Zelle is one of the youngest players on the payment scene, enabling individuals to send and receive money electronically via connected bank accounts.
One of the advantages of using Zelle is that it doesn’t cost you any fees to send or receive money and it’s unlikely that your bank will charge you a fee to use the service. Nonetheless, it’s recommended that customers confirm with their bank or credit union to make sure there are no additional fees.
Fast exchanges are another benefit of this payment method. It’s just a matter of minutes for money to change hands with the help of Zelle. Thus, it boosts the convenience of going cashless when it comes to daily activities such as paying and splitting bills when you don’t have time to run to an ATM every time.
Nonetheless, Zelle can’t be used with international bank accounts. This means that both the sender and recipient must have U.S.-based bank accounts for Zelle usage.
Zelle requires extra care when sending payments as the onus of protecting money falls on the users. Zelle recommends that you should send money only to people you trust and make sure your recipient’s contact information is correct before sending money and beware of scams.
Another disadvantage is that you can’t connect a credit card. So be sure you have enough liquid cash in your bank account before having any transactions.
- WorldRemit
WorldRemit is a fast, flexible, and secure option allowing you to transfer money online using either a computer, smartphone, or WorldRemit app. Especially when sending a considerable amount of money to international destinations.
When it comes to the fees, despite being unpredictable, they tend to be lower than with other apps with international capabilities.
The most appreciated features of WorldRemit are speedy transactions with safety and security. WorldRemit claims transfers can be made as quickly as text messages are delivered and that you can rest assured the money transfer app is safe and secure.
- Western Union
Western Union is the leading name for traditional methods of wiring money around the world. It lets you transfer money to a different city, state, or country in a fast, secure, and flexible way. Recipients can pick up their money at a bank or a Western Union location, or receive it digitally.
A flat rate based on the transfer’s speed, destination, and the amount of money being sent is applied. With an overseas or international transfer, you’ll also be charged an exchange rate. But beware that there may be a hidden charge for international transfers.
- Walmart
It is a more affordable option for cash transfer than traditional money transfer companies such as Western Union and MoneyGram. You can send money to one of the thousands of U.S. Walmart stores where your recipients will be able to pick up the money within minutes.
- Traditional Methods
Having existed for such a long time, below are some traditional money transferring ways that are still in use:
- cash
- money orders
- email transfers
- bank drafts and cashier’s checks
- personal checks
It’s necessary to browse and investigate your prospective options to find the best options when it comes to moving and using your money with freedom. Take your time and consider all factors from flexibility, affordability, safety, to security to optimize your choice.
