European Money Transfer Services

Money transfer services move money across borders without the detour through a classic bank transfer, often with a lower markup on the exchange rate. The European services below are headquartered in the United Kingdom, a European country outside the EU, and send money to bank accounts, cards and mobile wallets in many countries. They are the European answer to Western Union, and they also serve people who pay a foreign invoice or support family abroad.

Money transfer services compared

Which service fits which transfer

• Regular transfers between bank accounts: Wise and TransferGo are built around account-to-account transfers and show the fee upfront.
• Family abroad without a bank account: WorldRemit and Paysend can pay out to mobile wallets and, depending on the country, as cash.
• Holding several currencies: Wise offers multi-currency balances with a debit card, useful for freelancers and travel.
• Business payments: Wise, Paysend and TransferGo offer business products, check the current terms for volumes.

What to compare before sending

• Total cost: Compare the fee and the exchange rate together. A transfer without a fee can still carry a markup on the rate.
• Payout method and country: Not every service supports every corridor, bank deposit or cash pickup in every country.
• Limits and verification: Larger amounts need identity checks and sometimes proof of the source of funds.
• Speed: Delivery times differ by corridor and payment method, so check the estimate shown before paying.

What Europe does not offer

The largest physical cash pickup networks belong to US companies such as Western Union, which is headquartered in Denver. The European services here are mostly digital: they start in an app or on a website and pay out to accounts, cards and wallets, and cash pickup is available only in selected countries. Anyone who needs a cash counter on both sides of a transfer should check the payout options before choosing. See also the page on Western Union alternatives.