Does Venmo Work Internationally?

I’ve been a fan of Venmo since its launch. It’s the perfect cash app, with fast transfers, no fees, and a social feed feature, making payments feel more interactive.

But here’s the catch: Venmo doesn’t play nice internationally.

Don’t worry, though, because I’ve got you covered with some great alternatives that make seamless international payments a breeze.

In this post, I’ll introduce you to the top Venmo international money transfer alternatives. From easy-to-use apps to hassle-free transactions, we’ve gathered all the details you need to find the perfect alternative for your global money transfers. So, let’s dive in and explore these great options that go beyond Venmo’s borders!

Top Alternatives

📝 summary

• Revolut – best exchange rates and international debit card
• WorldRemit – best for payment options and global availability
• Instarem – best for fee-free payments in the U.S. and InstaPoints on transfers
• XE – best for transfer speed and currency availability
• Wise – best for low-cost international transfers
• OFX – best exchange rates for large transfers
• Remitly – best for currency pickup options and locked-in exchange rates

Revolut

Revolut, established in 2015, is a fintech enterprise that offers a suite of digital financial services, including online money transfers, cryptocurrency services, multi-currency accounts, and currency exchange services. 

With a presence in more than 200 countries, Revolut supports 29 currencies, making it a convenient option for individuals who need to transfer funds across borders.

Pros:

• Straightforward sign-up process.
• Easy-to-use app.
• Uses interbank exchange rates to help users save on costs.
• Revolut’s debit card is accepted anywhere that takes Visa or MasterCard.
• Supports 29 currencies.
• Revolut’s Vault feature lets users save money and earn interest.

Cons:

• Customer support is only available via live chat.
• Revolut applies a 1% markup on foreign transactions during weekends due to market closures.
• The Standard Revolut plan has a low transfer limit of $1,000 per month.

See our review of Revolut.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is based in London, United Kingdom, and was established in 2010. The company provides a fast and convenient way for users to send money to individuals overseas, with options for bank transfer, cash pickup, mobile money, and airtime top-up. 

WorldRemit is an internet-based service that can be accessed via their website or mobile application as it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Pros:

• Competitive exchange rates and fees
• Wide range of payment options.
• Available globally.
• Multi-Language support 

Cons:

• The verification process can be tedious.
• Transfer limit is a downside.
• Fees may differ depending on the chosen payment method.

See our review of WorldRemit.

Instarem

Instarem, founded in 2014, is a money transfer service based in Singapore that specializes in facilitating international transactions for individuals and businesses. The platform is currently available in over 55 countries globally. 

What sets Instarem apart is that it does not charge any fees for U.S. customers who conduct transactions in U.S. dollars. However, if the transfer is made through a bank account, a fee of 1% of the total transfer amount may apply.

Pros:

• Verifies all users and transactions for safety.
• Users earn reward points for sending money.
• Free for US customers.
• Competitive rates and no hidden fees.
• Fast money transfers.

Cons:

• The Instarem card is only available to users in Singapore.
• No physical branches.
• No multi-currency accounts.

See our review of Instarem.

XE

XE provides a worldwide money transfer service accessible in 170 countries to both businesses and individuals. With over 56,000 reviews on Trustpilot, they have achieved an impressive 4.2/5 rating. 

XE has a website that offers an array of tools and resources for both individuals and businesses. With over 20 years of experience, XE is a leader in the global market for currency data and exchange rate services.

Pros:

• Foreign exchange services and international money transfers.
• 180 currencies supported.
• No monthly limit on the amount that can be sent.
• The app is available in 11 languages.
• Offers a range of currency tools 

Cons:

• Certain services may not be accessible in all countries. For instance, card payments can only be processed by customers from the US, UK, and Europe.
• Cash withdrawals are not supported. All transfers must go through a bank account.

See our review of XE.

Wise

Wise provides competitive exchange rates and minimal charges, with some currencies starting at just 0.5% for transfers. Users can hold various currencies in their accounts and quickly switch between them, which is a practical option for those who frequently transfer money abroad.

Pros:

• Strong safety measures.
• Low fees with no hidden charges.
• Fast transfers.
• Offers multilingual support online, in-app, and via telephone.

Cons:

• Cannot be used in cryptocurrency 
• There is no physical branch network, so cash deposits are not possible.

See our review of Wise.

OFX

OFX offers a broad selection of services, including spot contracts, forward contracts, limit orders, and more to meet the needs of individuals and businesses who need to transfer funds overseas.

OFX stands out from other foreign exchange companies due to its dedication to providing competitive exchange rates and zero fees on international transfers of AUD$ 10,000 or above.

They achieve this by establishing direct relationships with banks and financial institutions, bypassing intermediaries, and empowering their customers to save money.

Pros:

• Competitive exchange rates for large transfers.
• Fee-free transfers.
• Both one-time and recurring transfer options.
• Vast global bank network for convenient access.

Cons:

• Limited to the English language only.
• Only supports bank transfers.

See our review of OFX.

Remitly

With over three million customers and an annual transfer amount of over $10 billion, Remitly provides a fast, secure, and user-friendly platform. They also offer 24/7 customer support and various transfer methods, including bank transfers, cash pickups, and mobile money transfers.

Furthermore, Remitly enables transfers in 47 different currencies, providing customers with the flexibility to send money in a currency that’s convenient for the recipient.

Pros:

• Cash pickup options.
• Locked in currency exchange rates.
• The minimum transfer limit is just $1.

Cons:

• Maximum transfer limit of $20,000.
• Sending money is only available for 28 countries.

See our review of Remitly.

Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing An Alternative

• Fees: Carefully review the fees associated with the alternative, including transfer fees, exchange rate markups, and currency conversions. Keep in mind that fees may vary depending on your location and the currencies involved.

• Security: Choose an alternative that offers strong security measures to protect your sensitive personal and financial data.

• User experience: Choose an alternative with an intuitive, user-friendly interface to ensure efficient navigation and management of your international payments.

• Availability: Verify that the alternative is available in your country and supports your local currency.

• Integrations: Look for an alternative that offers integrations with other financial apps for a seamless user experience.

• Customer support: Opt for an alternative with a highly-rated customer support team to assist you with any technical difficulties that may arise during your money transfers.

• Features: Consider which features are important to you, such as P2P payments, cash collections, budgeting tools, and the ability to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Be aware that the fees for these services vary among companies, so it’s wise to conduct thorough research before selecting a provider.

FAQ

Sources

1. Accessing Venmo while abroad
2. Venmo – ways to pay