Sending money abroad is one of the most common financial needs for expats. Whether you are supporting family back home, paying off a mortgage in another country, or simply moving your savings, the service you choose can make a significant difference in how much actually arrives. The spread between the best and worst options can easily be 3-5% of the transfer amount.
Here is how the most popular money transfer services compare for expats in the Netherlands.
What to Look For in a Transfer Service
Before comparing specific services, understand the key factors:
- Exchange rate: the biggest hidden cost. Some services offer the "mid-market rate" (the real exchange rate you see on Google) while others add a markup of 1-3%
- Transfer fee: a flat or percentage-based fee on top of the exchange rate
- Speed: ranges from instant to 3-5 business days
- Transfer limits: some services cap the amount you can send per transaction or per month
- Delivery methods: bank transfer, mobile wallet, cash pickup
- Corridor coverage: not every service covers every country
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise is the gold standard for international money transfers and is used by millions worldwide. Founded on the principle of transparent pricing, it consistently offers some of the best rates available.
Key Features
- Exchange rate: mid-market rate (the real rate, no markup)
- Fees: transparent percentage-based fee, typically 0.3-1.5% depending on the currency pair and amount
- Speed: most transfers arrive within 1-2 business days, some corridors are instant
- Limits: high transfer limits (varies by corridor)
- Multi-currency account: hold and convert 40+ currencies in one account
- Debit card: Wise card for spending in foreign currencies at the mid-market rate
Best For
Regular transfers, large amounts, and anyone who values transparency. Wise shows you exactly what you pay and why — no hidden fees in the exchange rate.
Revolut
If you already use Revolut as your bank, their built-in international transfer feature is highly competitive.
Key Features
- Exchange rate: interbank rate during market hours (weekdays). Weekend markup of 0.5-1% applies
- Fees: free transfers up to monthly limits on paid plans; small fee after. Standard plan has more limited free allowance
- Speed: 1-3 business days for most corridors
- Limits: varies by plan tier
- Multi-currency: hold 30+ currencies
Best For
Small to medium regular transfers, especially if you are already a Revolut user. The convenience of sending money from the same app you use for daily banking is hard to beat.
Remitly
Remitly specializes in remittances to developing countries, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. If you send money to these regions, Remitly often offers the best combination of speed and price.
Key Features
- Exchange rate: slightly below mid-market but competitive for remittance corridors
- Fees: from €0 for bank transfers; higher for express or cash pickup
- Speed: express transfers can arrive in minutes (via mobile wallet or cash pickup)
- Delivery options: bank deposit, mobile money, cash pickup — more flexible than Wise for some countries
- Promotional rates: frequent first-time user promotions with enhanced exchange rates
Best For
Sending money to family in developing countries, especially when recipients need cash pickup or mobile money delivery.
Western Union
Western Union is the legacy player in international money transfers. While generally more expensive than digital alternatives, it offers unmatched reach for cash-based transfers.
Key Features
- Exchange rate: typically 1-3% below mid-market (this is where they make most of their money)
- Fees: varies widely — can be €5-30+ depending on amount, destination, and delivery method
- Speed: cash pickup can be available in minutes; bank transfers take 1-5 days
- Network: over 500,000 agent locations worldwide — unmatched for cash pickup in remote areas
- Online and in-person: send online, via app, or at physical locations in the Netherlands
Best For
Situations where the recipient needs cash and does not have a bank account or mobile money. Also useful for countries with limited digital infrastructure.
OFX
OFX targets larger transfers — think moving savings between countries, paying foreign mortgages, or business payments. They are less suited for small, frequent transfers.
Key Features
- Exchange rate: competitive for large transfers; they negotiate rates above a certain threshold
- Fees: no transfer fees (costs are built into the exchange rate margin)
- Speed: 1-3 business days
- Minimum: typically €1,000 minimum transfer
- Personal dealer: assigned a personal dealer for large or regular transfers
Best For
Large one-time transfers (moving savings, property purchases) or regular high-value payments.
Cost Comparison Example
Sending €1,000 from the Netherlands to the United States (EUR to USD):
- Wise: approximately €4-6 fee, mid-market rate. Recipient gets roughly $1,045-1,050
- Revolut (paid plan): €0 fee during market hours, interbank rate. Recipient gets roughly $1,050-1,055
- Remitly: approximately €2-4 fee, slightly below mid-market. Recipient gets roughly $1,040-1,048
- Western Union: approximately €5-15 fee, 1-2% below mid-market. Recipient gets roughly $1,020-1,035
- Your bank (ABN AMRO/ING): approximately €7-12 fee, 2-3% below mid-market. Recipient gets roughly $1,010-1,025
Note: rates fluctuate constantly. Always check current rates before transferring.
Tips for Saving on International Transfers
- Never use your bank for international transfers — traditional banks charge the highest fees and worst exchange rates. Use a dedicated service instead
- Send larger amounts less frequently — fixed fees make smaller transfers proportionally more expensive
- Avoid weekend transfers on Revolut — the weekend markup eliminates the cost advantage
- Set up rate alerts — Wise and other services let you set alerts for favorable exchange rates
- Consider a multi-currency account — if you receive income in foreign currencies, holding them in a Wise or Revolut multi-currency account avoids unnecessary conversions
- Compare before every transfer — rates and fees change, and the cheapest service varies by corridor and amount