Trying to manage payments between countries can be frustrating. Delays, hidden fees and poor exchange rates often turn simple transfers into costly mistakes.
If you regularly send and receive money internationally, finding the right platform can make these transactions faster, cheaper and easier to track.
A good international money transfer service helps you keep more and worry less, and in this guide, you will find everything you need to choose the best option for your situation.
How to Choose the Best Platform to Send and Receive Money Internationally
Before choosing the best platform to send and receive money internationally, it is important to understand the key features that can affect your transfers, costs and accessibility.
- Transfer speed: How quickly you can send or access your funds.
- Fees and exchange rates: The hidden costs that can impact how much you actually send or receive.
- Local accessibility: Whether the platform works reliably in your country and the destination.
- Usability and support: How easy it is to use the service and resolve issues when they occur.
Best Platforms for Sending and Receiving Money Around the World
Wise
Wise is one of the most trusted services for anyone who needs to send and receive money internationally, whether for personal, business or remote work purposes.
It provides low fees, favourable exchange rates and fast transfers to local bank accounts in over 160 countries.
Best for: Individuals and small businesses looking for low-cost international bank transfers.Notable feature: Multi-currency account to hold and convert USD, EUR, GBP and other currencies.Downsides: Not suitable for receiving funds directly from online freelance marketplaces.
Learn How to Open a Wise Account Easily
Payoneer
Payoneer is a widely used platform that allows users to send and receive money internationally, especially when working with global marketplaces or managing business payments.
It provides a dedicated receiving account in major currencies, the ability to withdraw funds locally, and the option to spend directly using the Payoneer card in stores or online.
Best for: Marketplace sellers, freelancers and small businesses handling international paymentsNotable feature: Multi-currency account with virtual balances and Mastercard accessDownsides: Account approval and verification may take a few days to complete
If you receive international payments through freelance platforms, it’s best to transfer your money to a secure platform as soon as it becomes available. Leaving funds inside marketplace accounts for too long can limit your access and increase risks.
Services like Wise or Payoneer are designed for international money transfers and give you more control over your balance.
When using Payoneer, keep a phone number you can always access. If you move frequently, avoid enabling two-step verification. Changing your phone or email later can delay account access for several days.
Also, holding your balance in a strong currency and waiting for a better exchange rate can help you get more value when you send or receive money internationally.
Learn How to Open a Payoneer Account
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most widely used platforms to send and receive money internationally, especially for one-time transactions or online purchases.
It offers fast transfers and global acceptance, but comes with high fees and weak exchange rates, which can reduce the final amount you receive or send, particularly when converting to local currencies.
Best for: Occasional payments and purchases across bordersNotable feature: Works with most websites and supports instant transfers in many countriesDownsides: Higher transaction fees and poor currency conversion rates compared to specialised international money transfer platforms
Revolut or N26
Revolut and N26 are modern digital banks that allow users to send and receive money internationally through multi-currency accounts and app-based transfers.
Both platforms offer virtual accounts where you can hold, convert and spend in multiple currencies, making them ideal for people who move between countries or manage finances across borders.
Their apps are intuitive and support currency conversion and daily spending, but access depends on your location.
These services are mostly available in Europe and North America, with limited reach elsewhere.
Best for: Individuals living in supported countries who want flexible spending across currenciesNotable feature: Multi-currency management and in-app international transfersDownsides: Limited availability outside of Europe and North America
Monese
Monese is a digital banking platform designed for people who move frequently or live abroad without fixed residency.
It allows users to send and receive money internationally without needing a traditional proof of address.
You can open a multi-currency account in minutes and hold balances in USD, EUR and GBP. The app is simple to use and comes with a connected debit card for spending online or in-store.
Best for: Travellers, expats or digital workers without a permanent addressNotable feature: Open an account and manage multiple currencies without local documentsDownsides: Mostly available in Europe; some features may require a paid plan
Learn How to Open a Monese Account
Compare the Best Money Transfer Platforms
| Platform | Best for | Fees | Speed | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Personal & business use | Low | Fast | 160+ countries |
| Payoneer | Marketplace payouts | Medium | Fast | 190+ countries |
| PayPal | One-time transfers | High | Fast | Global |
| Revolut | In-app currency control | Low | Medium | EU & North America |
| Monese | No proof of address needed | Medium | Fast | Mostly Europe |
How to Choose the Right Platform
To send and receive money internationally, choose a platform that fits how and where you move your funds:
- Choose Wise for low-cost bank transfers in multiple currencies
- Choose Payoneer if you receive payments from freelance platforms
- Use PayPal for one-time transactions or online purchases
- Consider Revolut or N26 for flexible spending from a multi-currency app
- Use Monese if you need an account without proof of address
Having at least two options helps you switch easily if one service is down or delayed.
The right international money transfer platform reduces fees, improves speed and gives you full control over your finances, wherever you are.Want to explore more? Visit Wise’s official website to learn how to manage international payments more efficiently and make smarter transfers.
