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Sending money home safely and for less

Comparing fees and exchange rates, your rights to see costs, cancel and fix errors, using licensed providers, and avoiding scams.

Quick answer

Compare the total cost: both the fee and the exchange rate, by looking at how much your family actually receives. US rules require providers to show costs before you pay and give you a receipt. You can usually cancel within 30 minutes if the money hasn’t been picked up, and report errors within 180 days. Use banks, credit unions or licensed transfer companies, only send to people you know, and keep receipts.

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Your checklist

  • Compare the amount that arrives
  • See the fee and rate before paying
  • Cancel within 30 minutes if needed
  • Report errors within 180 days
  • Use licensed providers
  • Only send to people you know

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Compare the real cost

Costs come from two places: the transfer fee and the exchange rate. A “no fee” transfer can still cost more if the rate is poor. Compare how much your family will actually receive.

Your rights

For most international transfers from the US, providers must:

  • Show you the fee, exchange rate, taxes and amount to be received before you pay.
  • Give you a receipt with that information and when the money will arrive.
  • Let you cancel, usually within 30 minutes, if the money hasn’t been picked up or deposited.
  • Investigate errors you report within 180 days.

Choose licensed providers

Use banks, credit unions or licensed money transfer companies. Avoid informal couriers or unlicensed services.

Avoid scams

Only send money to people you know in real life. Scammers pose as online sweethearts, employers, lottery officials or government agents.

Keep records

Save receipts and confirmation numbers until your family has the money.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • CFPB remittance rights
  • credit union international money transfer

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

What is the cheapest way to send money abroad?

It depends on the country, amount and how your family will receive it. Compare total cost across several licensed providers each time. More ›

What if the money never arrives?

Contact the provider right away with your receipt. If it isn’t resolved, you can complain to the CFPB. More ›

What is the cheapest way to send money to another country?

It varies. Compare the total cost, including fees and exchange rate, by checking how much your family will receive from several licensed providers. More ›

Can I cancel a money transfer?

For most international transfers from the US, you can cancel within 30 minutes of paying if the money hasn’t been picked up or deposited. More ›

What if the wrong amount arrives?

Report the error to the provider within 180 days. They must investigate and fix errors. More ›

Why does the exchange rate matter?

Providers often add a markup to the exchange rate, which can cost more than the fee. Compare the amount received. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.