How to Send Money Online Without High Fees

Written by CurrencyFair | Jun 24, 2025

Every dollar you earn abroad carries weight. It’s not just money — it’s time, sacrifice, and the quiet promise of something better for the people you care about.

But when it comes time to send those hard-earned funds home, too many people unknowingly hand a portion over to banks and money transfer services, not in taxes or duties, but in avoidable fees and bloated exchange rates.

Let’s fix that.

At CurrencyFair, we believe every cent should go as far as your care does. This guide breaks down 10 smart strategies to send money online efficiently, affordably, and without the silent sting of hidden costs. In short: send love, not fees.

1. Check the Real Exchange Rate — Then Compare

The biggest fee you don’t see? The bad rate.

Many international money transfer providers don’t charge a visible fee — they just quietly bake their margin into the exchange rate. And while a 2% difference may sound small, on a $5,000 transfer, that’s $100... gone.

Compare the mid-market rate (the one you see on Google) to what you’re being offered.
👉 CurrencyFair’s bank-beating rates on currency exchange are often up to 8x cheaper than traditional banks. That’s more money home. Every time.

2. Know What You’re Really Paying

Some online money transfer services look free on the surface — zero fees! — But dig a little deeper, and there’s a percentage cut, conversion margin, or withdrawal charge waiting to bite.

CurrencyFair keeps it honest: a low, transparent fee, clearly shown before you hit send. No smoke. No mirrors.

3. Send Big, Not Often

Here’s the math: every transfer = a fee.

Sending $500 ten times costs more than sending $5,000 once, even with the same provider.
Group your transfers. Plan ahead. One larger transfer often means less total cost.

Simple move. Big savings.

4. Automate It and Forget It (Safely)

If you send money online regularly — for rent, school, or family support — you shouldn’t have to start from scratch every time.

CurrencyFair lets you schedule recurring transfers, so they go out like clockwork. No missed dates. No late fees. Just peace of mind, on autopilot.

5. Faster Isn’t Always Better (or Cheaper)

Need to send funds right now? You’ll probably pay for the privilege.

But if the money isn’t urgent, slower international transfer speeds often come with lower costs, especially when you're transferring across time zones or over weekends.

With CurrencyFair, you choose the speed. Fast if you need it. Affordable if you don’t.

6. Use Local Payment Methods — Not International Cards

Using a credit card or international wire transfer might feel convenient... until your bank slaps you with a surprise fee.

Avoid those extras by funding your transfer with a local bank payment method — like ACH in the US, SEPA in Europe, or BSB in Australia.

Smart payment in. Smooth payout home.

7. Always Watch for Hidden Conversion Charges

“Free” doesn’t mean what you think it does.

Even if there’s no stated transfer fee, a provider might be taking a significant cut through a poor exchange rate. Always, always check the rate against the mid-market value.

CurrencyFair gives you real rate transparency — and lets you lock it in before you commit.

8. Set Up Exchange Rate Alerts

The market moves. You can move with it.

With CurrencyFair, you can set a rate alert — when the exchange rate hits your target, you’ll be notified instantly.

You don’t have to watch the charts. Let us do that. You just pick the moment that pays.

9. Stick With Simplicity — Not Overkill

Some platforms come loaded with “features” you’ll never use. Fancy dashboards, bells, whistles... and hidden costs.

If you’re just trying to complete a simple, affordable international money transfer, you shouldn’t need a financial degree to do it.

CurrencyFair is streamlined. No clutter. No jargon. Just money transfer services that make sense.

10. Use the Perks — Like Cashback, Fee-Free Trades & Offers

Why pay more than you need to?

Providers like CurrencyFair often offer promotions like fee-free first transfers, discounted rates, or cashback rewards. If you’re not using them, you’re literally leaving money on the table.

👉 Sign up now and save

 

Final Word: When You Send Home, Send Smart

Every transfer tells a story. It’s not just numbers on a screen — it’s a child’s school fees, a parent’s medication, a celebration you can’t be there for, but still want to be part of.

That’s why how you send money online matters.

With CurrencyFair, you get the control, clarity, and competitive pricing that lets more of your money reach the people who need it. No excessive fees. No shady rates. No fine print.

Send love, not fees. Transfer money overseas today — and make sure every cent counts.