Despite being neighbouring countries, sending money from the USA to Canada is considered transfer money overseas. This guide describes the easiest, fastest, and cheapest ways to send money from the United States to Canada.
The article covers using different methods but focuses on international money transfer services like Currencies Direct, Ria Money Transfer, and Western Union so that you can send money to Canada. You’ll see how these providers compare to the alternatives and what you need to send money from the USA and receive it in Canada!
How to Send Money from the USA to Canada Using a Money Transfer Service Provider?
The process of sending money to Canada from the USA by using an online money transfer service is simple. You only need to follow these three steps to execute a transaction!
Step 1: Compare Providers to Find the One That Best Fits You
Step 2: Sign Up with the Chosen Provider
Step 3: Transfer the Money
How to Send and Receive Money from the USA in Canada
Although Canada has a strong economy, its personal remittances still exceed USD 800 million. Let’s see how you can send money from the USA to Canada!
Money Transfer Services
Online money transfer platforms (MTPs) are services that allow users to transfer money from the USA to Canada and many other countries. Platforms like Western Union, Ria Money Transfer, or Currencies Direct can deliver your money to a Canadian recipient in minutes.
MTPs have different exchange rates and transaction fees. But these platforms to transfer money are overall more affordable than bank transfers and other alternatives. You can read more in our full guide on how to send Money to Canada online. But if you plan on moving funds from the USA to this country, MTPs are your best option.
Bank Transfers
Inter-bank money transfer or wire transfer includes moving money from your bank in the US to another bank in Canada. Many financial institutions, such as Wells Fargo and the Royal Bank of Canada, support these bank transfers and wire transfers to send money to Canada.
But this option can be expensive. Banks tend to have a higher exchange rate margin and unfavorable fees for wire transfers. The sending process also lasts longer and is more complicated than when using platforms to transfer money. That’s why MTPs are a better option for sending funds from the USA to Canada.
| Costs & Fees | Ria Money Transfer | Wells Fargo |
| Transfer fees | 0% on the first transfer; from USD 3 | SWIFT fee from USD 0 to USD 100 |
| Receiving fees | 0% | Up to USD 20 |
| Exchange rate margin | 0-3% | 4-6% |
Debit or Credit Card
Bank cards secure instant deposits, making them a popular option when sending money from the USA to Canada. You can use Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and other debit and credit cards.
Fees are often higher for credit cards. You might pay USD 10 for processing the deposit with this method but only USD 5 for debit cards. Some services also support ACH payments, which are more affordable but take longer.
What Details Do You Need to Send Money to Canada from the USA?
Verifying your identity. Most providers require providing a valid ID card or another document with a photo.
Deposit and withdrawal methods. The sender chooses these during the ordering process.
Proof of money source. For large sums, you might need to provide a wage statement or another document that proves how you got the funds.
What Details Do You Need to Receive Money in Canada?
Proof of identity. It should be an ID card or a photo-containing document issued by the Canadian authorities.
Accessible delivery method. The receiver should check if there’s an available branch nearby for cash pickup. The alternative is to have a valid bank account in Canada.
Transaction details. The recipient might need to provide the transfer reference number or other details the sender should deliver.
Best Money Transfer Services to Send Money from the USA to Canada
| Name | Score | Visit | Security | Support | Mobile | Launch Date | Disclaimer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9.2 | Visitwise.com | 2FA, Biometrics | Phone | Android, iOS, Web App | 2010 | ||
 | 8.6 | Visitxe.com | 2FA, Biometrics | Email, Live Chat, Phone | Android, iOS, Web App | 1993 | ||
 | 8.9 | Visit | PIN | Dedicated Account Manager, Email, Phone | iOS, Android, Web App | 2004 | ||
 | 8.9 | Visitcurrenciesdirect.com | PIN | Phone, Email, Dedicated Account Manager | Android, iOS, Web App | 1996 | ||
 | 8.1 | Visitinstarem.com | Biometrics, PIN | Email, Live Chat | Android, iOS, Web App | 2014 | ||
 | 6OFX | 7.0 | Visit | 2FA, Biometrics, PIN | Email, Phone | Android, iOS | 1998 | |
 | 7.2 | Visitpaypal.com | 2FA, Biometrics, PIN | SMS, Phone, Live Chat, Email | Android, iOS, Web App | 2000 |
Western Union – Easiest Way to Send Money from the USA to Canada
Western Union is a reputable provider offering multiple methods to send money from the USA to Canada. Their online ordering form is user-friendly and simple. You enter the amount to send, which can’t go over USD 5K per transaction.
From there, you pick a debit or credit card or use a bank account to deposit funds. It’s possible to pay cash in-store after creating a form. But that option has worse exchange rates than when sending online.
Bank transfers and cash pickups are receiving methods in Canada. With Western Union having thousands of locations throughout the country, the recipient shouldn’t have a problem finding a branch.
The provider gives up on fees on the first transfers. The charges aren’t cheap from there, but you collect points in the rewards program, which can activate different benefits.
Ria Money Transfer – Fastest Way to Send Money from the USA to Canada
Ria Money Transfer can send money from the USA to Canada in minutes. The platform promises to complete most transfers on the same day and supports using debit and credit cards, as well as bank transfers and cash deposits. You can use 7-Eleven stores to deposit funds.
One-time senders will appreciate that the first transfer when using Ria is free. The exchange rates are favorable, and the following transaction charges are fair, too. You will, however, pay a higher fee when using a credit card.
Ria Money Transfer has dedicated apps to send money to Canada on Android and iOS devices. Their website was redesigned recently, and it’s now faster and more user-friendly. The recipient can choose between cash collections and bank deposits.
Currencies Direct – Cheapest Way to Send Money from the USA to Canada
Currencies Direct has been around since 1996. Today, it’s a modern service that even won the Money Transfer Provider of the Year award.
The platform doesn’t charge transaction fees. All transfers are free, indicating that Currencies Direct earns from the margin on the exchange rate. The provider is honest and gives favorable rates compared to competitors.
Currencies Direct requires registering an account to send money from the USA to Canada. There are eight different transfer categories based on the sum. The platform even offers large transfers for amounts over USD 250K.
Friendly contact experts will help set the best rates for your deal and assist with sending money. You can use debit cards and bank transfers as deposits, and bank accounts are the way to receive Money in Canada. Currencies Direct is a legit business regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
How Long Does It Take to Send Money from the USA to Canada?
It depends on the payment and delivery method. If you use card deposits, most platforms to transfer money will finalize the transaction immediately. The recipient will have the money available in minutes.
Some other methods, such as ACH, could take up to three business days. You can track the transaction status on MTP’s website.
How Much Does It Cost to Send Money from the USA to Canada?
Some providers, such as Ria or Western Union, give up on their fees for the initial transfer. If there’s a transaction fee, it could be anywhere from USD 2.99 to over USD 100. However, it depends on the method used and the sum sent. You can see a clear pricing overview before sending Money to Canada on most platforms to transfer moneys.
Best Apps for Sending Money from the USA To Canada?
You can use smartphones and other portable devices to send money from the USA to Canada. These apps work best for this corridor:
PayPal. It’s a US-based service that secures instant transactions, but the fees could go up to 5%.
Western Union. This service has Android and iOS apps that are easy to use, even if you are a beginner.
MoneyGram. It supports fast transactions, and you can expect the fees to be up to 2%.
What To Consider When Sending Money to Canada from the USA?
The best delivery method seems to be cash pickup. It doesn’t require heading to the bank, but the receiver can head to the nearest branch. Western Union has thousands of them throughout Canada. Here are some other things to consider when sending money from the USA!
Do I Have to Pay Tax on Money Transfers from the USA to Canada?
The general rule is that senders don’t pay taxes on money transfers. As for the recipients in Canada, they only need to pay taxes when selling a service or product. If the transaction is personal, there aren’t applicable taxes on money transfers.
USD to CAD Exchange Rate
Both countries used the dollar to name their currencies. However, the Canadian dollar is somewhat less worth than the USD.
Another thing to note is that the rates vary depending on the platforms to transfer money. For example, the mid-market rate between USD and CAD could be 1:1.4. One platform could offer 1:1.33, and the other 1:1.37. They earn from this margin, and you should aim to find the best rate, especially when sending large sums.
What Is the Best Way to Make Business Transfers to Canada from the USA?
Many platforms to transfer money, such as Wise, support business transfers to Canada. However, you’ll need a separate account as a business – you can’t use a personal account. Although not as many MTPs offer business transfers, they are still the best way of sending money from the USA to Canada.
What Is the Best Way to Make Large Transfers to Canada from the USA?
Some platforms, such as Western Union, limit you to USD 5,000 per transaction. Others have daily or weekly restrictions. But there are services, such as Currencies Direct, that support sending over USD250,000 in a single transaction. However, that will require contacting customer service to negotiate the exchange rate and finalize the transfer.
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