How to Transfer Money Into the United States

The main ways to send money into the U.S.

You can transfer money into a U.S. bank account through a wire transfer, an international money transfer service, or a peer-to-peer payment app. Wire transfers are the fastest and most direct — your bank sends the money straight to another bank's account. International money transfer services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly often charge lower fees than banks but may take one to three business days. Peer-to-peer apps like PayPal or Wise also work if both people have accounts set up, though they have daily or monthly limits on how much you can move.

The method you choose depends on how much money you're sending, how fast you need it to arrive, and whether you want to use a bank or a non-bank service. A wire transfer costs more but lands in hours. A money transfer service costs less but takes longer. Each has real trade-offs, and the right choice depends on your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Wire transfers move money fastest — usually within hours — but U.S. banks typically charge $15 to $50 per transfer.
• International money transfer services charge lower fees (often 1 to 3 percent) but take one to three business days to arrive.
• You will need the recipient's full name, U.S. bank account number, routing number, and the bank's address to complete any transfer.
• Peer-to-peer apps work for smaller amounts but have daily or monthly sending limits that vary by app and account type.
• Exchange rates vary by provider — compare the rate you get versus the mid-market rate before you send.

Wire transfers: fastest but most expensive

A wire transfer is an electronic payment your bank sends directly to a U.S. bank account. The money usually arrives the same day or within one business day. You initiate the transfer at your bank's branch, online portal, or by phone, and you provide the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the receiving bank's address.

U.S. banks charge $15 to $50 per outgoing international wire, depending on the bank and whether you use a branch or online. Your bank will also explore an exchange rate to convert your currency to U.S. dollars — this rate is usually less favorable than the mid-market rate, meaning you lose a small percentage to the conversion. Ask your bank what rate they use before you send.

Wire transfers are best when you need money to arrive quickly and the recipient has a U.S. bank account. They are not reversible once sent, so confirm all account details are correct before you initiate.

International money transfer services: lower fees, longer wait

Services like Wise, OFX, Remitly, and MoneyGram let you send money online without using a bank. You create an account, enter the recipient's U.S. bank details, and the service transfers the money on your behalf. The money typically arrives in one to three business days. Fees are usually 1 to 3 percent of the amount you send, which is lower than a wire transfer fee.

These services often show you the exact exchange rate and total fee before you confirm the transfer, so you know exactly how much will arrive. Some services also let you pick between a standard transfer (slower, cheaper) and an expedited transfer (faster, more expensive). Compare the rates and fees across services — they vary significantly, and using the wrong one can cost you hundreds of dollars on a large transfer.

You will still need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank address. The recipient does not need to create an account — the money goes directly to their bank account.

Peer-to-peer payment apps: for smaller amounts

Apps like PayPal, Wise, and Venmo let you send money to someone with an account on the same platform. The transfer is fast — often when ready or within a few hours — and fees are lower than wire transfers. However, these apps have daily and monthly limits on how much you can send, and those limits depend on your account type and how long you have held the account.

PayPal, for example, charges a fee for international transfers and applies an exchange rate. Wise lets you hold and send money in multiple currencies, which can save on conversion costs if you already hold U.S. dollars. Venmo is primarily for U.S. users and has strict limits on international transfers.

Peer-to-peer apps work best for smaller, regular transfers — like sending money to family or splitting a bill with a friend. They are not ideal for large sums or one-time transfers, because the limits may not cover the full amount.

What information you need to provide

No matter which method you use, you will need the same core information about the recipient and their bank:

• Recipient's full name — exactly as it appears on their bank account.
• U.S. bank account number — the checking or savings account where the money will land.
• Routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies the specific U.S. bank branch. The recipient can find this on a check, in their online banking portal, or by calling their bank.
• Bank name and address — the full legal name and mailing address of the bank, not just the branch.
• SWIFT code or BIC — some services ask for this international bank identifier, though it is less common for U.S. transfers.

Double-check all details before you send. A wrong account number or routing number can send the money to the wrong account, and recovering it is difficult and slow.

Exchange rates and hidden costs

Every service converts your home currency to U.S. dollars, and the rate they offer is rarely the mid-market rate you see online. The difference — called the markup — is how the service makes money. A bank might add 2 to 4 percent to the mid-market rate. A money transfer service might add 1 to 2 percent. The markup varies by service and by currency pair.

Before you send, ask the service what rate they will use or what their markup is. Some services show you the rate upfront; others hide it in the final total. On a large transfer, a 1 percent difference in rate can mean hundreds of dollars. Compare the total amount the recipient will receive across two or three services before you commit.

Some services also charge a flat fee on top of the markup — for example, $5 plus 2 percent of the amount. Others charge only a percentage. Read the fee schedule carefully and calculate the total cost, not just the percentage.

How long transfers take

Wire transfers are fastest: money usually arrives the same day if you send before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.), or the next business day if you send after. International money transfer services take one to three business days — the service needs time to receive your money, convert it, and send it to the U.S. bank. Weekends and holidays add extra days.

Peer-to-peer apps are fastest for transfers between app users — often when ready or within hours. But if the recipient does not have the app, the service has to move the money to their bank account, which takes one to two business days.

If you need money to arrive urgently, a wire transfer is your only option, even though it costs more. If you can wait a few days, a money transfer service will save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to a U.S. account if I don't have a bank account in my country?

Yes. Many international money transfer services accept cash payments at partner locations, or you can pay by debit card or credit card online. You do not need your own bank account to send money, though you will need to verify your identity with the service.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?

The money may go to a different account at the same bank, or the bank may reject it and send it back. Recovery is slow and not may provide. Always confirm the account number and routing number with the recipient before you send, and ask them to verify the details match their account.

Which service has the best exchange rate?

Wise and OFX typically offer rates closer to the mid-market rate than banks do, but rates change constantly and vary by currency pair. Check the rate each service quotes for your specific transfer before you send — do not assume one service is always cheapest.

Is there a limit on how much I can send?

Banks and money transfer services do not have a legal limit on outgoing transfers, but they may set their own limits based on your account type and history. Peer-to-peer apps have strict daily and monthly limits. Check with your chosen service for their specific limits.

Do I need to report large transfers to the government?

U.S. banks report transfers over $10,000 to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as part of anti-money-laundering rules. This is routine and does not mean you have done anything wrong. If you are sending a large amount, your bank may ask you to explain the purpose of the transfer.