Wise (formerly TransferWise) has become a household name for sending money across borders due to its low fees, transparency, and real exchange rates. However, it’s not the only game in town. Whether you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, business owner, or someone supporting family abroad, there are several Wise alternatives that may better suit your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the best alternatives to Wise for international money transfers in 2025. We’ll cover their features, fees, speed, and user experiences so you can choose the most convenient and cost-effective service.
Wise is popular, but not perfect for everyone. Here are common reasons users seek other options:
- Transfer speed: Wise is reliable but not always the fastest.
- Availability: Not all countries and currencies are supported.
- Payment methods: Some users need more funding or withdrawal options.
- Business-specific features: Some competitors offer more advanced business tools.
- Promotions or rewards: New services often offer discounts or referral bonuses.
Now, let’s explore some of the top Wise alternatives to consider in 2025.
Revolut offers a powerful mix of banking and money transfer features. It’s a great Wise alternative for individuals and businesses who want a digital wallet and currency exchange in one place.
Key Features:
- Multi-currency accounts (hold and exchange 30+ currencies)
- Virtual and physical debit cards
- Instant money transfers to other Revolut users
- Low-cost international transfers
- Crypto and stock trading features
Pros:
- Excellent mobile app
- Budgeting and analytics tools
- Free international ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
Cons:
- Free plan has monthly limits
- Not available in all countries
If you’re receiving payments from clients or platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Amazon, Payoneer is one of the best Wise alternatives.
Key Features:
- Global receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, and more
- Supports over 150 currencies
- Integration with marketplaces and platforms
- Withdraw funds to local bank accounts
Pros:
- Ideal for cross-border payments for freelancers and sellers
- Offers prepaid MasterCard
- Business invoicing and VAT support
Cons:
- Fees can be high for currency conversion
- Slower support response times
OFX is a strong Wise alternative if you’re sending large sums of money. It charges no transfer fees and offers competitive exchange rates for large transfers.
Key Features:
- Transfers to over 190 countries
- 24/7 customer support
- No maximum transfer limit
- Personal and business accounts
Pros:
- No transfer fees
- Better exchange rates for big transfers
- Secure and regulated
Cons:
- Minimum transfer amount (usually $1,000)
- Not suitable for small, everyday transfers
Remitly is focused on helping users send money home quickly, especially to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It’s an excellent Wise competitor for remittances.
Key Features:
- Transfers to 100+ countries
- Multiple delivery methods (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallets)
- Express and Economy options
- Promotional rates for new users
Pros:
- Very fast delivery (often within minutes)
- User-friendly mobile app
- Excellent for sending small amounts
Cons:
- Higher fees for express service
- Limited business features
WorldRemit is another smart Wise alternative with a focus on sending money to underbanked regions. It’s perfect for people needing mobile money or cash pickup.
Key Features:
- Supports 130+ countries
- Instant transfers to bank, cash pickup, or mobile wallets
- Airtime top-ups available
Pros:
- Easy and quick sign-up process
- Wide delivery network
- Flexible payment options (debit, credit, bank transfer)
Cons:
- Daily transfer limits
- Slightly higher fees than Wise in some corridors
While Western Union is one of the oldest names in money transfers, it has modernized its offerings with digital services. It’s a viable Wise alternative, especially for cash pickup needs.
Key Features:
- Transfers to over 200 countries
- Cash pickup at 500,000+ agent locations
- Mobile and web app available
- Accepts various payment methods
Pros:
- Global coverage
- Fast transfers with cash pickup
- No need for recipient to have a bank account
Cons:
- Higher fees and exchange rate margins
- Complicated fee structure
Xoom is a PayPal-owned service with a focus on rapid transfers, especially to Latin America and Asia. It’s convenient for PayPal users who want to send money abroad.
Key Features:
- Transfers to 160+ countries
- Bank deposit, mobile wallet, and cash pickup options
- Easy connection to PayPal
Pros:
- Fast transfers (often within minutes)
- Strong PayPal integration
- Good for regular users of PayPal
Cons:
- Higher fees than Wise
- Not ideal for large amounts
TorFX is a trusted provider for individuals making one-off large transfers (e.g., buying property overseas). It’s a premium alternative to Wise for personalized support.
Key Features:
- Dedicated account manager
- Better rates for large amounts
- Forward contracts and rate alerts
Pros:
- Great customer service
- No transfer fees
- Regulated and secure
Cons:
- Not for small transfers
- Account setup can take longer
CurrencyFair stands out by offering peer-to-peer (P2P) currency exchange, giving users the chance to get better rates.
Key Features:
- Users match each other for exchanges
- Competitive exchange margins
- Works in 150+ countries
Pros:
- Low fees (flat €3 + 0.45% margin)
- Unique marketplace model
- Transparent pricing
Cons:
- Slower if no match is available
- Fewer currency options than Wise
| Provider | Best For | Transfer Speed | Fees | Countries Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Overall transparency | 1–2 days | Low | 160+ |
| Revolut | Multi-currency banking | Instant–2 days | Low–Med | 30+ |
| Payoneer | Freelancers & businesses | 1–3 days | Medium | 150+ |
| OFX | Large transfers | 1–3 days | Low | 190+ |
| Remitly | Fast family support | Minutes–days | Medium | 100+ |
| WorldRemit | Mobile money & cash pickup | Minutes–days | Medium | 130+ |
| Western Union | Cash pickup globally | Minutes–days | High | 200+ |
| Xoom | PayPal users | Minutes–1 day | Medium | 160+ |
| TorFX | Personalized large transfers | 1–3 days | Low | 100+ |
| CurrencyFair | Best exchange rates (P2P) | 1–2 days | Low | 150+ |
FAQs
Final Thoughts: Which Wise Alternative Is Right for You?
hoosing the right Wise alternative depends on your specific needs:
- Need fast delivery and wide cash pickup options? Try Remitly, WorldRemit, or Western Union.
- Are you a freelancer or digital business owner? Payoneer or Revolut may be better fits.
- Sending large transfers? Consider OFX or TorFX for better rates and no fees.
- Looking for better exchange rates through P2P? CurrencyFair is your go-to.
Wise is excellent, but exploring alternatives gives you more control, flexibility, and often, better savings.
