Which international money transfer services are most widely used in the US?

PayPal is the most commonly used named service among U.S. adults who sent money overseas in the past year, according to YouGov’s 2025 survey. The next most-used were Western Union, bank transfer services, Bank of America SafeSend, MoneyGram, Xoom, and Wise. Respondents could have used more than one service. (yougov.com)

If you mean remittances specifically, rather than any kind of international transfer, the mix depends on the destination and how the recipient wants to get the money. For example, in the U.S.–Latin America and Caribbean corridor, Remitly had the largest share among money-transfer operators in 2024, followed by Western Union, Intermex, Ria, and MoneyGram. (dallasfed.org)

So, as a quick shortlist of widely used services: PayPal/Xoom, Western Union, MoneyGram, Remitly, Wise, Ria, and bank transfers. “Most used” doesn’t necessarily mean cheapest; compare the amount the recipient will actually receive, since exchange-rate markups can add to the cost. (dallasfed.org)

There's no official ranking of US usage, so the answer depends on the measure. Remittance firms that serve immigrant households tend to lead on volume, while app-based services lead on customer counts and rankings.

Largest by volume and reach

• Western Union is still the biggest name. One source says Western Union still stands as the dominant remittance service provider in the United States. Its share has slipped, though. Although Western Union continues to lead global payments, its market share has diminished due to increasing competition. It also has the widest physical reach, with transfers to over 200 countries and territories.
• MoneyGram is a major cash-pickup network. One source says it has 350,000 cash pick-up locations in more than 200 countries and territories.
• Ria and Intermex are also large players in US outbound remittances. One analysis lists them among the firms that have global footprints, with their earliest operations often beginning in the region, meaning Latin America.

Largest digital/app services

• Remitly is a fast-growing app focused on migrant senders. Remitly reported USD 1.2 billion in 2024 revenue and projected USD 1.94–1.96 billion for 2025, indicating around 19–20% annual growth.
• Wise is popular for lower fees and better exchange rates. A 2021 Bloomberg Second Measure analysis found that Xoom, an international money transfer service owned by PayPal, came in second with a 23 percent share, while Western Union was third with 21 percent in September 2021. The same analysis said Western Union had the highest volume of U.S. customers, accounting for 36 percent among these companies in September 2021. That data is older, but it shows the market structure.
• Xoom (PayPal) is a digital service that lets people send money to family in more than 160 countries.

Best for large or business transfers

• OFX is commonly recommended for bigger payments. One source describes it as a service that provides a high-touch relationship model for high-value corporate transfers.

Summary: For the most widely used services overall, Western Union, MoneyGram, Remitly, Xoom, and Wise are the names that come up most often. Remitly and Wise are the strongest for online transfers, while Western Union and MoneyGram lead on cash pickup. OFX is a specialist option for large transfers. Keep in mind that the market-share figures I found are estimates from industry reports and older data, so treat the rankings as approximate.

In the United States, the landscape for international money transfers has shifted significantly from traditional banks toward specialized fintech companies that offer greater speed, transparency, and lower costs.

The most widely used services generally fall into two categories: established global remittance leaders and modern digital-first platforms.

Popular International Money Transfer Services

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Highly popular for its focus on transparency. It is widely used because it uses the mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google) and splits out its fees, making it easy for users to see exactly what they are paying. It is often favored by individuals and small businesses.
• Western Union: One of the most recognized names globally, Western Union is frequently used because of its massive physical presence. It offers a "hybrid" model, allowing customers to send money online, via an app, or in person at hundreds of thousands of agent locations worldwide.
• Remitly: This service is specifically designed for international remittances, particularly for people sending money to family in developing nations. It offers flexible delivery speeds (Express vs. Economy) and various payout methods, such as bank deposits, cash pickup, and mobile wallets.
• Xoom (a PayPal service): Xoom is widely used for its integration with PayPal. It is known for fast delivery times and supports a wide variety of payout options including bank deposits, cash pickup, and mobile wallets.
• WorldRemit: Another popular choice for global transfers, particularly to regions where mobile wallet usage is high. It supports transfers to over 130 countries with multiple delivery methods.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Service

When deciding which service to use, experts generally recommend looking beyond just the "transfer fee," as hidden costs can often be found in the exchange rate.

• Exchange Rate Markups: Some providers advertise "low fees" or "no fees" but recoup costs by adding a markup to the exchange rate. Always compare the final amount the recipient will receive.
• Delivery Speed: Needs vary depending on whether the transfer is urgent or routine. Some digital services offer near-instant transfers, while traditional or economy options may take several days.
• Payout Methods: Consider how your recipient needs to receive the money. If they do not have a bank account, you may need a service that offers cash pickup or mobile wallet deposits.
• Traditional Banks: While convenient for those already banking with them, traditional wire transfers are often the most expensive option, frequently involving high flat fees and significant exchange rate markups.

Disclaimer: I am an AI, not a financial advisor. Fees, exchange rates, and service availability can change frequently. It is recommended to compare a few of these providers using their real-time calculators before initiating a transfer.

The best recent U.S. usage data I found comes from a 2025 YouGov survey of adults who had sent money overseas in the previous year. It found these services were used most often:

1. PayPal — 52%
2. Western Union — 28%
3. Banks’ own transfer services — 17%
4. Bank of America SafeSend — 16%
5. MoneyGram — 15%
6. Xoom — 12%
7. Wise — 11% ¹

These figures are overlapping—respondents could have used more than one service—so they don’t add up to 100%. They also measure reported use, not market share or how often someone transfers. ¹

In short, PayPal and Western Union appear to be the most widely used, followed by bank services and MoneyGram. Xoom, Wise, Remitly, Ria, and WorldRemit are also options, though the survey’s reported use was lower for the services it listed. ¹²

¹ YouGov, “PayPal users in the U.S.: International money transfer insights”
² NerdWallet, “Best ways to wire money internationally”