Cash App has been a hit in the US and the UK, but what about the rest of the world? If you’re one of the many people left hanging without access to Cash App, don’t worry! We’ve got your back.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Cash App Europe alternatives, review their features, dissect their fees, and scrutinize their security measures.
Our ultimate goal? To help you find the ideal mobile payment app that fits your unique needs, no matter where you are in Europe.
See our article Can I Use Cash App Card Internationally?
What is Cash App?
Cash App is a mobile payment service developed by Square, Inc. that allows users to send and receive money through their smartphones. The app also offers features such as a debit card, the ability to invest in stocks and Bitcoin, and a Cash Boost program that provides discounts to various merchants.
While Cash App has become increasingly popular due to its ease of use and versatility, there are several reasons why people might want to look for an alternative. One of the biggest drawbacks of Cash App is that it is exclusively available in the United States and the United Kingdom.
In addition, Cash App charges fees for certain transactions, such as instant deposits. While these fees may be reasonable for some users, they can add up over time and make the app less cost-effective than alternative payment services that offer lower fees.
Some also have security concerns as Cash App is not regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
See our review of Cash App.
Best Alternatives To Cash App in Europe
đź“ť summary
- Wise – best all-rounder, and best for low-cost international transfers
- Revolut – best for availability and multi-currency travel card
- CurrencyFair – best for currency exchange marketplace
- Payoneer – best for availability and free transfers between Payoneer accounts
- Xoom – best for availability and PayPal’s stamp of approval (for those who trust PayPal)
Wise
Wise is a fintech company that provides international money transfer services by using a peer-to-peer model. Since its founding, TransferWise has grown rapidly and expanded its services to include borderless accounts, debit cards, and interest.Â
The company has received numerous awards and recognition for its innovative approach to international money transfers, and it has become one of the most successful fintech companies in the world, valued at over $5.7 billion.
It’s available in over 80 countries and offers a multi-currency account for users to manage over 50 currencies.
Pros
- Low transparent fees.
- Offer multicurrency accounts.
- MasterCard debit card for worldwide spending.
- Business accounts available.
Cons
- Cash transfers and deposits are not supported.
- FX, cryptocurrency, and CFDs are not supported.
See our review of Wise.
Revolut
Revolut allows users to send money to over 100 countries and in over 30 different currencies.
Users can make local and international money transfers without worrying about high or hidden fees. The Revolut card is also excellent for allowing travelers to spend overseas without incurring high foreign transaction fees – in our opinion, this is Revolut’s star product. We’ve personally tested Revolut’s travel card across Europe and Asia and found it to deliver on the promise of low ATM fees, instant currency conversion, and wide acceptance (haven’t had the card declined anywhere, which can’t be said about Wise’s card).
Revolut uses mid-market exchange rates for foreign transactions which is the competitive rate often used between banks. In addition, Revolut doesn’t apply markup rates on international money transfer services during working days. However, it does charge a markup rate on weekends and holidays.
The service allows users to receive weekly insights into their spending, thanks to its categorization feature. In addition, Revolut users can manage all their finances using the Revolut mobile app by linking their bank account to their Revolut account. This allows users to track all their finances from a centralized platform.
Pros
- Competitive mid-market exchange rates.
- Available in 100+ countries.
- Offers a multi-currency account.
Cons
- Users have complained about their accounts being unexpectedly frozen.
- Customer service could be better.
See our review of Revolut.
CurrencyFair
CurrencyFair offers worldwide money transfers within 1-2 business days. The platform is available in over 150 countries, providing access to 20 different currencies.
It allows users to hold their funds in multiple currencies and exchange them at the most favorable foreign exchange rate. This feature offers significant savings and helps users optimize their foreign currency holdings.
Pros
- Low transfer fees and competitive exchange rates.
- Facilitates peer-to-peer currency exchange.
- Dashboard for businesses to manage international transactions.
Cons
- Only allows for bank transfers to fund payments.
- Doesn’t provide an in-person service.
See our review of CurrencyFair.
Payoneer
Payoneer was founded in 2005 by Yuval Tal and has its headquartered in New York City. It offers a range of services, including online payments, global payments, mass payouts, working capital, and tax solutions.
Payoneer allows users to receive payments from international clients, marketplaces, and platforms, and withdraw funds to their local bank accounts or prepaid cards.
The money transfer service has partnerships with many leading companies such as Amazon, Airbnb, Fiverr, and Upwork. The company has over 4 million users in more than 200 countries and supports over 150 currencies.
Pros
- Wide accessibility in 200 countries.
- Free transfers between Payoneer accounts.
- Supports 150 currencies.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- High fees on card payments.
- Annual account charges.
- 2% charge for international transfers.
Xoom
Xoom is a digital money transfer service that enables people to send money, pay bills, and reload mobile phones for family and friends living abroad. It was founded in 2001 and initially provided money transfer services only to the Philippines. However, since then, it has expanded to offer services to over 130 countries worldwide.
Xoom was acquired by PayPal in 2015, and it now operates as a subsidiary of PayPal. Xoom’s mission is to provide its customers with a fast, secure, and cost-effective way to send money overseas.
Pros
- Low minimum transfer limit.
- Cheap transfers through a bank account.
- Multiple money delivery and transfer options.
Cons
- No live chat support.
- Disappointing exchange rates.
See our review of Xoom.
Things to keep in mind when choosing an alternative
- Availability Make sure the alternative you’re considering is available in your country and supports the currencies that you want to use. Some payment apps are only available in certain countries and may not support your currency.
- Security Ensure that the payment app uses robust security features such as two-factor authentication, biometric login, and encryption to protect your transactions and personal information.
- Fees Look for a payment app that has transparent fees and does not charge excessive fees for transactions, ATM withdrawals, or other services that you want to use.
- User interface Check that the app’s interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Customer support Look for a payment app with responsive customer support that can help you resolve any issues or answer your questions promptly.
Sources
- https://remitstack.com/wise-review/
- https://remitstack.com/currencyfair-review/
- https://remitstack.com/best-cash-apps/
- https://remitstack.com/revolut-review/
