Best Ways to Send Money from USA to Mexico
Compare fees, rates and speed across 5 top services
Millions of people send money from the United States to Mexico every year, making it one of the largest remittance corridors in the world. Whether you are supporting family, paying for services, or transferring your own funds across the border, the service you choose can make a significant difference in how much your recipient actually receives.
We compared the most popular money transfer services on fees, exchange rates, speed, and convenience to help you find the best option for your needs.
Service Comparison
| Service | Fee | Speed | Exchange Rate | Min Amount | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | $1.50 – $3.50 | 1–2 days | Mid-market rate | $1 | 4.7/5 |
| Revolut | $0 – $5.00 | 1–3 days | Near mid-market | $1 | 4.5/5 |
| Remitly | $0 – $3.99 | Minutes – 3 days | Competitive | $1 | 4.6/5 |
| Western Union | $0 – $12.00 | Minutes – 5 days | Higher markup | $1 | 3.8/5 |
| Xoom (PayPal) | $0 – $4.99 | Minutes – 3 days | Moderate markup | $10 | 4.3/5 |
Quick Recommendations
Best Overall
Wise — Lowest total cost for most transfers thanks to the real mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees.
Best for Speed
Remitly — Cash pickup available in minutes at thousands of locations across Mexico.
Best for Large Amounts
Wise or Revolut — Both offer competitive rates that scale well with higher transfer volumes.
Best for Cash Pickup
Western Union — The largest agent network in Mexico with over 150,000 pickup locations.
Detailed Service Reviews
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise has built its reputation on transparency. Unlike most competitors, it uses the real mid-market exchange rate — the same rate you see on Google or Reuters — and charges a small, upfront fee that is clearly disclosed before you confirm the transfer. For a typical $500 transfer to Mexico, the fee runs between $3 and $6 depending on your payment method.
Transfers to Mexican bank accounts usually arrive within 1 to 2 business days. Wise does not offer cash pickup, so your recipient needs a bank account or CLABE number. The platform supports transfers from debit cards, bank accounts, and Apple Pay.
For most senders, Wise delivers the highest amount to the recipient when all costs are factored in. It is especially strong for transfers above $200 where the flat fee structure becomes more favorable.
Transfer with WiseRevolut
Revolut offers near mid-market rates with fee-free transfers on its premium plans. Standard account holders pay a small fee per transfer, but the exchange rate remains competitive. The app makes it easy to hold multiple currencies and convert between them on the spot.
One advantage of Revolut is its multi-currency account, which lets you hold both USD and MXN and convert when the rate is favorable. Transfers to Mexican bank accounts typically arrive within 1 to 3 business days.
Revolut works best for people who already use the app for everyday banking and want a seamless way to send money internationally without switching platforms.
Try RevolutRemitly
Remitly is purpose-built for remittances and it shows. The service offers two delivery tiers: Express (delivered in minutes for a higher fee) and Economy (1 to 3 business days with lower or zero fees). First-time customers frequently receive promotional pricing with zero transfer fees.
What sets Remitly apart is its delivery flexibility. Recipients can receive funds via bank deposit, cash pickup at partner locations like Elektra and Bancoppel, mobile wallet, or even home delivery in select areas.
The exchange rate is competitive though not quite at mid-market levels. For senders who need cash pickup speed, Remitly is often the strongest option.
Send with RemitlyWestern Union
Western Union has the widest physical network of any money transfer service, with over 150,000 agent locations in Mexico. This makes it the go-to choice when your recipient does not have a bank account or prefers to collect cash in person.
The tradeoff is cost. Western Union fees range from free (for bank-funded transfers) up to $12 or more for credit card payments, and the exchange rate markup can add 1% to 3% on top. For a $500 transfer, you might pay $15 to $25 more in total costs compared to Wise.
That said, Western Union's reliability and global brand recognition provide peace of mind, and the in-person option is invaluable for recipients in rural areas where digital banking access is limited.
Western UnionXoom (PayPal)
Xoom, now part of PayPal, combines the convenience of a well-known payment platform with competitive international transfer capabilities. If you already have a PayPal account, getting started with Xoom takes just a few clicks.
Fees range from zero to $4.99 depending on the funding source and transfer amount. The exchange rate carries a moderate markup over mid-market, placing Xoom in the middle of the pack on total cost. Delivery options include bank deposit, cash pickup, and mobile reload.
Xoom is a solid choice for PayPal users who value convenience and trust the brand, though cost-conscious senders will often save more with Wise or Remitly.
Sending Money from Mexico to the US
Transfers in the opposite direction — from Mexico to the United States — are less common but still straightforward. Wise supports MXN to USD transfers with the same mid-market rate approach. Remitly also covers this corridor, though with fewer delivery options.
Mexican senders should be aware of the Banco de Mexico reporting requirements for outgoing international transfers exceeding $10,000 USD equivalent. Bank wire transfers from Mexican institutions to US banks are also an option, though fees and processing times vary by institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to send money to Mexico?
Most services require a government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and your recipient's full name. For bank transfers, you will also need the recipient's CLABE number (18-digit Mexican bank account identifier). Some providers may request proof of address or Social Security number for larger transfers.
How long does a money transfer to Mexico take?
Transfer times vary by service and delivery method. Cash pickup options through Remitly or Western Union can arrive in minutes. Bank deposits typically take 1 to 3 business days. Wise and Revolut usually complete transfers within 1 to 2 business days depending on the funding method.
What is the cheapest way to send money to Mexico?
Wise consistently offers the lowest total cost for most transfer amounts because it uses the mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent fee. For smaller amounts under $200, Remitly often runs promotions with zero fees on first transfers. Always compare the total received amount, not just the advertised fee.
Are there limits on how much money I can send to Mexico?
Limits depend on the service provider and your verification level. Wise allows up to $1,000,000 per transfer for fully verified accounts. Western Union and Remitly usually cap transfers between $2,999 and $10,000 per transaction. Mexican regulations require recipients to report cash deposits over 15,000 MXN to tax authorities.
Is it safe to send money online to Mexico?
Yes, established providers like Wise, Remitly, and Western Union use bank-level encryption and are licensed by financial regulators such as FinCEN in the United States. Look for services registered as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) and check that they comply with both US and Mexican anti-money-laundering regulations.
Ready to send money? Use our calculator to see exactly how much arrives.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Fees, exchange rates, and transfer times are approximate and may vary. Always verify current pricing directly with the service provider before initiating a transfer.