The Best E-Transfer Apps in Canada

All you have to do is set up a security question and answer. Some people are signed up for auto-deposit, which is even easier and doesn’t require a secret question and answer. The best part is that it can all be done from your mobile device. 

While e-transfer is so convenient in Canada, you’re unable to send money online outside of Canada with it. Do not worry, though; there are plenty of other ways you can send money overseas, such as online money transfer services. Let’s take a look at how some of these money transfer apps work.

Best International Money Transfer Apps

In Canada, there are plenty of different money transfer apps that allow you to send money throughout the world right from your chequing account. While there are many different options, let’s take a look at some of the most popular. It’s important to keep in mind that many of these apps have offers for your first money transfer, and the rates could change after that. Many of them also have maximum transfer amounts but no minimum transfer amounts. 

XE Money Transfer

With XE Money Transfer, you can send money to over 200 different countries in over 100 different currencies. On top of that, it also has some of the lowest fees for money transfer apps. It’s also fast and efficient. Your funds will be transferred to the recipient in one business day. They even offer a few different ways to send your money. These are:

• Wire Transfer
• Credit or Debit Cards
• Automated Clearing House (CH), also known as direct debit.

While it can be scary to send money through an app, you can be sure that XE money transfer is safe. They are backed by Euronet Worldwide, which is an American global electronic payment service provider. 

XE is one of the best money transfer apps for sending money to different countries; there are a few countries that are best rated for sending money from Canada. These countries are:

• The United States
• India
• The United Kingdom
• Pakistan
• Poland
• The Philippines

Western Union

With Western Union, you can send international transfers online or with their app. One thing that differentiates Western Union from other money transfer apps is that you can also send or receive money from one of their convenient cash pick-up locations. You can also get a free estimate without having to commit to sending the money.

If you’re choosing to send money using their website or the app, the transfer limit is $7,500. If you want to send more than that, you can go to one of their locations to send money abroad. You can also make cash payments in person at any of their locations. 

 As someone receiving money from Western Union, you can get the funds directly deposited into your bank account, at any of their cash pickup locations, or through a mobile wallet.  

Ria Money Transfer

Ria Money Transfer offers low transfer fees and reasonable foreign exchange rates on international money transfers. They send money to over 165 countries, and before you even send the money, you can use their currency calculator to see your estimated total fees and live exchange rates. 

With Ria, you can transfer funds online, via the app, or in person, similar to Western Union. Ria is a subsidiary of Euronet Worldwide Inc. and is actually one of the 4 large remittance companies. 

Wise

Another popular money transfer app that’s used to transfer money internationally is Wise. Wise is a FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre) service and has helped over 16 mission people transfer money. 

They’re very transparent about the fees they charge. They charge a direct debit fee as well as a transaction fee and will display the total amount, including the currency conversion and conversion rate. It’s important to note that Wise does offer the mid-market rate for all their transactions. 

With Wise, there are a few different ways to save money, including:

• Direct debit payments
• Debit card payments
• Credit card payments
• Bank transfer

World Remit

With World Remit, the cost of the transfer is dependent on the method of payment, the method of receiving payment and the country in which the money is transferred. There are a few ways the receiver can get their funds.

• Bank transfer
• Mobile money
• Cash pickup
• Airtime top-up (mobile phone top-up for prepaid phones)

In order to send money using World Remit, you can send money from your bank account to your World Remit. You also have the option of different payment methods, including paying with a credit card or a debit card. No matter which method you choose to pay with, the money transfer company is transparent with their fees, and they have a currency converter that shows you the conversion rates. You even get to see the amount your receiver will receive. They’re even licensed in the different countries they operate in and ensure your funds are safe and secure. 

OFX

OFX, formally known as CanadianForex, specializes in moving money globally. They’re FINTRAC-regulated, have 20 years of experience and use advanced technology to detect any suspicious activity. They even have multi-factor authentication enabled as an extra layer of security for all accounts. 

Before you send any funds with OFX, you can enter the amount and currencies you wish to send. You’ll then be able to see the conversions and the fees for sending the money. With EX, the transfer limit is $10,000, and they have currency experts you can reach 24/7 if you need any assistance. 

Paypal

Many people think PayPal is just used as a payment method to shop online, but it’s actually also used to send money. You can send money to your friends directly to their PayPal accounts for domestic transfers. Alternatively, you can also send money globally using Xoom. It can be received in multiple ways, including through the receiver's bank account or at cash pick-up locations. The receiver doesn’t even have to have PayPal to receive the money. 

Once you begin the process of sending funds through PayPal, you’ll be able to see the current conversion rate as well as the total fees you’ll be charged. You can send money to over 130 different countries, which makes it a convenient and flexible service,

Alternatively to Paypal, many people like to use Apple Pay, but unfortunately, you can’t send funds with Apple Pay in Canada. In Canada, you can use Google Pay but only to pay for things online; you can’t use it to transfer money to people. 

Remity

Remity sends money to over 150 different countries using over 75 different currencies. The money delivery options that they offer are:

• Bank transfer
• Cash pick-up
• Mobile money
• Home Delivery

They also offer low transfer fees and transparent exchange rates. 

Instarem

With Instarem, not only do they offer low fees and provide a fast transaction time, but they are also licensed and regulated in 11 countries. They’re transparent about all costs, and you earn rewards with every transaction. Another cool feature about Instarem is that you can send money from Canada using Interac e-transfer. You can even send funds for business with their Instarem for Business site. 

MoneyGram

MoneyGram is an international money transfer app that allows you to transfer and receive money internationally. You can also send money online or using one of their locations. If you send money frequently you can also join their Plus Rewards Program which allows you to earn rewards every time you send money. By joining you can also get a welcome gift and even save money on fees. 

When it comes to sending money from Canada, you can send funds to over 200 different Countries and Territories. However, the top places that people send money to from Canada include:

• Jamaica
• Philippines
• Pakistan
• Congo, Democratic Republic
• Morocco
• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• American Samoa

That said, with over 200 countries to choose from, you can likely send money to the country that you’re looking for. 

SendWave

SendWave is actually the sister company to WorldRemit. This company allows for a few different ways to deliver funds including mobile wallets, bank accounts and even cash pickup. While funds will be sent in US dollars, the funds can be sent from Canada. All you have to do to start using the service is to create a free account online, and then link your bank account. If you need assistance, there is 24/7 chat available. 

When it comes to using your bank account to send money, there is a limit based on which country that you’re in. For this reason, MasterCard and Visa debit are also accepted. You will need photo ID if you decide to do a cash pick up. Your transactions are unable to be funded with traditional credit cards. 

Transfer Go

While Transfer Go also allows you to send money internationally from Canada, they’re also known for managing international business transactions as well as personal transactions. To use the app, it’s as simple as downloading it and then creating an account. 

A key feature of Transfer Go is they’re known for sending money around the world in just minutes. They also offer low fees and have some great customer support. To send money is just a simple three step process. You select how much you want to send, add in the recipient's information and then pay for the transaction. 

Like many other international transfer apps, Transfer Go offers end to end encryption. They also special safeguarding measures that include everyone getting their money back if anything goes wrong. They’re also closely regulated by EU and UK law to prevent money laundering and to keep everyone's money safe. 

Best Apps to Send Money to India

If you’re in Canada and looking to send money to India, any of the apps listed above could help you out. That said, there are two that are the most recommended. These are XE Money Transfer and Remity. They have great rates and flexible options for the receiver to get the funds, and they are credible sources for sending money that many different customers highly trust. 

Best Apps to Send Money to the US

When it comes to sending money to the US, many of the money transfer apps we mentioned are good options. That said, one does stand out a bit above the rest, and that’s XE Money. They offer great rates, transfers are fast, and the company is known for its security. While you may not receive instant money transfers, you won’t be waiting long. 

The Best Website to Send Money to Canada

One of the best things about the apps mentioned above isn’t that they send money globally but that you can also send money internationally from them to Canada. Any of them is a great choice for transferring money, but the most popular is Wise. They have some of the lowest transfer fees to Canada, and it only takes one to two business days to receive the funds for most transactions. While these aren’t instant transfers, this is a pretty fast transfer speed. 

If you’re in the US, you can’t use money transfer apps like Cash App, Venmo or many of the other apps you can find in the Apple App Store. Those apps only send funds to those in the US.

Sending Money Internationally Through Your Financial Institution

While money transfer apps are a great way to send money globally, they aren’t your only option. Many Canadian financial institutions, such as the Big 5 banks, allow you to do more than just pay bills. Many also offer international money transfer services, also known as wire transfers, at a low cost directly from your account. 

These bank transfers through your banking app may not be as flexible as the apps, but they’re definitely an option. Just like with any international transaction method, foreign exchange rates apply.  If you bank with credit unions, they may or may not offer these services. 

RBC

In order to use the RBC app to send money internationally through bank transfer, all you need is an active Canadian bank account with RBC and be enrolled for online banking and the app. You’ll also need the recipient's bank account number or Business Identifier Code to the financial institution where the funds will be received. You’ll have access 24/7, and the funds will be received within 1-3 business days, which are pretty decent transfer speeds.  

The only RBC bank accounts you can’t send funds from are a High-Interest Savings Account and US Dollar accounts. All bank fees are dependent on the transaction as well as the type of account you hold with RBC.

BMO

With BMO, you can send money to around 50 different countries in multiple different currencies. You get real-time rates, and you are able to save all your recipient's information and track your transfers. It’s actually quite similar to Interac E-transfer, just some extra fees because of the conversion rate. The funds will be deposited into the international bank accounts specified in the transaction. 

TD

TD international transfers allow you to send money to over 150 different countries. The recipient will receive the funds within 1-5 business days, and you have a maximum transfer limit of $6,500 every 24 hours. The transfer fees that you pay will depend on your transaction but will be given to you in an estimate before you submit. If you’re transferring to the US, then there will be no fees. 

CIBC

CIBC has many different flexible options for global money transfers. You can send money to over 130 different countries and choose how you want to send the funds. You can use:

• Moneygram for cash pick-up
• Alipay
• Visa debit or Visa credit card
• China UnionPay
• Bank transfer

In order to send the money, you can use CIBC online or mobile banking and take advantage of competitive exchange rates. The funds can be received as soon as one business day, and there are no transfer fees. 

Scotiabank

Scotiabank international money transfer has changed a bit recently. You can send for as low as $1.99, or if you have the New to Canada or Ultimate Package, you can get transfers for $0. Once these funds have been transferred from your account, it can take up to 5 business days to enter the recipient's bank account. You don’t have to worry about your money either because Scotiabank’s Security Guarantee protects all transfers. 

Best E-Transfer Apps for Android

For those who have an android, you can use any of the best etransfer apps Canada has to offer including the ones we’ve mentioned above. All of these transfer methods are compatible with android devices for those who need to make mobile money transfers. That said, choosing the one that works best for you is going to have more to do with your destination and payment method than anything else. 

Several money transfer apps are meant for currency exchange within certain countries, and sending outside of those limits can end up being extremely costly. Others allow for mobile wallet transfers and you can do so using linked bank account details. That said, you want to make sure the app you choose is secure because you will be providing personal and financial information. 

Best E-Transfer Apps for iPhone

In Canada, the e-transfer apps that you can send money that are compatible with android are also compatible with iPhone. In the US, apple pay can be used to transfer money directly to whoever you choose. Unfortunately, this process isn’t available in Canada. This is mostly because Interac E-transfer dominates the money transfer industry in Canada. 

However, the apps that we have mentioned above can be used if you’re looking for a different currency and payment method. Each one has their own features and some even contain hidden fees. You also want to verify that the app that you choose is secure because you will have to provide personal and financial information for both you and the recipient. 

Best Direct Bank Transfer Apps

Whether or not you can make direct bank deposits depends on the money transfer app that you choose to use. Some apps will only send money to another location or their site's account. Here’s a look at some of the best apps that we’ve already mentioned that will deposit directly into a bank account. 

• Remitly
• Wise
• Western Union
• OFX
• World Remit
• Ria
• XE Money Transfer

If you choose to send money using your bank account instead, whether you do it domestically or internationally, the funds can also be directly deposited into a bank account. 

Interac E-Transfer Apps

When it comes to Interac E-transfer in Canada, it’s done differently than most e-transfer apps throughout the world. Instead of using a separate app to send money from person-to-person, the money is actually sent through your bank account. Depending on which account you have and your bank's partnership with Interac e-transfer, free unlimited e-transfers can be included. 

Since Interac E-transfer is a safe and secure way to send money in Canada, you do need some information for the recipient in order to send. Unlike other types of transfers that require bank account information, all you need is an email address or phone number. Once you have that you can enter them as a contact. 

Now, there are two different ways that the recipient can have the funds deposited into their bank account. The first is with a secret question and answer. For this, the sender will input a question and answer into the recipient's contact. Once they send the funds, the recipient will then have to accept them and enter in the secret answer. If the funds have not been accepted within 30 days, then the funds will be deposited back into the senders account. 

The second way that the recipient can have the funds deposited into their account is with auto deposit. For this, the recipient has to sign up for this feature using their bank account and enter in the email address they want to use. Once that’s active, the sender is prompted with the recipient's full legal name and asked if they understand that this person has activated the auto deposit. Once they hit send, then the funds will automatically be deposited into the recipients account. 

Safest Money Transfer App

When you choose to send money through money transfer apps, you want those funds to be safe. With any of the apps we have mentioned above, your funds are safe. All of these apps use top-of-the-line security technology to protect your funds. However, you may prefer one method of transfer over the other, so not all the apps will work for you. 

If you’re looking for an app, though, that has been around for a while and is trusted around the world, then your best bet would be Western Union. Not only do they offer a money transfer app, but they also have plenty of physical locations around the world. You can even track your money while it’s in transit using the transaction details. 

Best E-Transfer Loans in Canada

In Canada it’s actually pretty difficult to determine what the best e-transfer loans in Canada are. This is because most loans that aren’t done through your personal bank will be e-transfered to you. That said, there are e-transfer loans that you want to avoid. 

The type of e-transfer loan that you should avoid is a Payday Loan, which is also referred to as a short term installment loan. These types of loans are given with short payback times and often have an interest rate as high as 400%. Since this can be difficult to pay back, many people have to take out another Payday Loan in order to pay the first one back. It then becomes a difficult cycle to get out of. 

On top of that, Payday Loans don’t build up any positive credit either. However, if you miss any payments or default on any of your Payday Loans, then your credit will be negatively affected. That’s why it’s recommended that you go through a traditional personal loan. Not only are the interest rates lower, but they can also be used to improve your credit score. You don’t have to go through a bank either. You can go through a private lending company like Spring Financial. 

Overview

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to send money globally from Canada. You have the option of using your financial institution or the more flexible choice of going with a money transfer app. Either way, though, the fees are relatively low. However, they all allow transactions to different countries and have different methods of receiving the funds, different maximum transaction limits and different transaction speeds. No matter which method you choose, though, you can be confident that your funds are secure and they’ll be received in a timely manner. If it’s a program you’re unfamiliar with, you should do some research beforehand just to verify they’re legitimate.