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Find the best way to send money to Ghana

Learn how to send money to Ghana from the US in our step-by-step guide.

Looking for the best way to send money from the United States to family, friends or businesses in Ghana (or even to your own overseas bank account)?

Don't head straight to your American bank – compare specialist money transfer services instead. They nearly always offer better GHS exchange rates and lower fees, so for the same amount of US dollars you send, your recipient will receive more Ghana cedis.

Of the companies we've compared, MoneyGram is among the cheapest, with competitive exchange rates and fees starting from $0. Need a really fast transfer? Wise (TransferWise) can get money to your recipient in Ghana within minutes.

Best ways to send money to Ghana from the US

The best way to send money to Ghana depends on your payment method, how you want your money to be received and how fast you need it to arrive.
  • Online money transfer provider. When buying US dollars or Ghana cedis , money transfer specialists typically offer better rates and cheaper fees than a local bank.
  • Bank transfer. Bank transfers are an easy way to send money to Ghana, but they charge extra for the convenience and are often slower than other methods. US banks generally add a 3% to 6% markup onto exchange rates.
  • Cash pickup. If you need your money to arrive fast, cash pickup gives your recipient instant access to the money you've sent when they collect it from their agent location in Ghana.
  • Mobile wallet. Essentially an electronic wallet service, mobile wallets allow users to store, send and receive eligible currencies using their phone, often with fees attached.
  • Home delivery. If your recipient may struggle to get to a cash pickup location, you may be able to opt for door-to-door cash delivery.

Compare the best money transfer companies to send money to Ghana

Use our table to compare the best money transfer companies to send money to Ghana. You can compare deposit and receiving options, fees and transfer speeds, then click the "Go to site" button when you've found the best one to get your money to Ghana.
1 - 3 of 3
Name Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
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Cheapest way to send money to Ghana

Bank transfers are typically the cheapest way to get your money to Ghana. MoneyGram and Instarem have some of the lowest bank transfer fees of the brands we've compared.

When you're hunting down the cheapest ways to send money to Ghana, it's more important to look at the overall cost of your transfer. This has a couple of elements:

  • Transfer fees. While still cheaper than your American bank, some money transfer services charge either a fixed or percentage-based fee for making your transfer.
  • Exchange rates. Another way money transfer providers make money is to add a margin to the mid-market USD/GHS exchange rate.

Some providers may charge the mid-market rate but add fees on top. Others may have very low fees but apply a markup on the exchange rate. This means it is important to compare exactly how many Ghana cedis your recipient will end up with.

Fastest way to send money to Ghana

Many online providers can offer transfers to Ghana within minutes, although you're likely to pay a premium for the convenience.

Here are some of the fastest average transfer speeds to Ghana:
  • Wise (TransferWise) — within minutes
  • MoneyGram — within minutes
  • Instarem — within 24hours

Actual transfer times from the United States to Ghana can depend on several several factors including transfer amount, payment method and currency.

Safest way to send money to Ghana

The safest way to get your money to Ghana is to use a provider registered with the United States's industry regulator, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. All the companies we've compared in our table are overseen by a local regulator and comply with the relevant laws and regulations in both the United States and Ghana.

A great way to dive deeper is by reading our extended reviews of each transfer service and researching first-hand customer feedback on Trustpilot and similar platforms.

Large money transfers to Ghana

If you need to make a sizable money transfer to Ghana, consider using a provider such as to benefit from its expertise in handling larger transfer amounts.

Using a large transfer specialist can have the following advantages:
  • Tax guidance. Large transfers to Ghana may have tax implications for you or your recipient. A transfer specialist can help get you up to speed on the IRS's latest advice.
  • Foreign exchange (forex) tools. Advanced tools such as forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders can help you lock in the GHS exchange rate you want.
  • Account manager. Some money transfer providers assign a personal account manager who can help and advise you on your transfer needs.
  • Phone service. If you want to talk your transfer through with someone, providers such as Instarem and Wise (TransferWise) can give you support over the phone.

How to send money to Ghana from the US

To send money to Ghana, you'll need the necessary documentation, your recipient's details and a way to pay.

  1. Compare your options.
    Use our table to find a money transfer provider that sends funds to Ghana. One may be better for cash pickups, while another may suit a bank transfer. Once you've found the best one for your requirements, click "Go to site".
  2. Create an account.
    You'll need to give your name, address, contact details, proof of ID and method of payment.
  3. Provide your recipient's details.
    Enter your recipient's name and contact information. If you're sending straight to their Ghanaian bank account, you'll need the account number, SWIFT or IBAN plus their bank branch's address.
  4. Enter your transfer amount.
    Make sure you're happy with the fees, exchange rates and transfer speed, then enter the amount you wish to send. Double-check the total Ghana cedis your recipient gets.
  5. Complete your transfer.
    Send your money transfer to Ghana. Keep your transaction reference number safe so you can track your transfer. Your recipient may need it, too.

Example: Kwame sends money to Ghana

Kwame is working in the United States as a software engineer and he regularly contacts his elderly parents back home in Ghana. His parents need some funds to help pay off a mortgage, so Kwame plans to send them $2,000 from the United States.

He decides to compare a bank and a money transfer specialist to see which one can save the most money on his transaction.

Bank Money transfer company
Exchange rate 1 USD = 0.00 GHS 1 USD = 0.00 GHS
Transfer fee $10 $2.50
Transfer method Bank account deposit Bank account deposit
Processing time 2 - 5 working days Next day
Amount received 0.00 GHS 0.00 GHS

The money transfer company enables Kwame to send an extra \u20b50.00, which is transferred straight to his parents' Ecobank account.

How to choose the best money transfer companies to send money to Ghana

When choosing a money transfer provider to send money from the United States to Ghana, it's important to consider the cost, how you want your recipient to receive the funds and the turnaround time. Here are other features to review:

  • Exchange rates. Banks and transfer services use the mid-market rate to trade with one another. It is the best rate you can get. However, not all money transfer providers offer you this mid-market rate so compare the GHS you're offered to the mid-market rate and look for the smallest difference.
  • Transfer fees. Are you being charged a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer amount? For example, a provider offering to transfer your money to Ghana for a flat or low fee might work out better if you plan to send a large amount.
  • Transfer type. Does your recipient have a Ghanaian bank account or is cash or cell phone top-up a better option? Each transfer type has different fees. For example, instant cash pickups tend to be more expensive than bank transfers .
  • Transfer speed. If you need your transfer to arrive quickly, you can pay for an express delivery. Companies such as MoneyGram offer instant cash pickups but may charge more. If you're not in a rush, online money transfer services offer the best value and get your money to Ghana faster and cheaper than banks.
  • Transfer limits. Find out how much you can send with each service. For example, MoneyGram has a transfer limit of $25,000 while Instarem allows unlimited transfers.
  • Discounts. Some providers may offer you a free transfer simply for signing up. Others may offer a discount if you transfer more than a specific amount of Ghana cedis.

Frequently asked questions

Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.

Name Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
WorldRemit - 4free
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers Business
Within minutes
From $8.16
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 40 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
CurrencyFair
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
CurrencyFair
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
PayPal
Within minutes
From $0
Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
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15 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    RichardFebruary 10, 2019

    Can you pick up money with Moneygram on Sundays in Accra, Ghana? If yes, where are they Located? Also, what’s the minimum in US dollars you can receive for pickup?

      AvatarFinder
      JhezelynFebruary 11, 2019Finder

      Hi Richard,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, MoneyGram is open on Sundays in Ghana. The minimum amount of transfer to Ghana is US$250. Please check your email as I have sent the link to where you can see the MoneyGram locations in Accra, Ghana.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

    Default Gravatar
    HarryDecember 9, 2018

    hello can some please show me Ria money and moneygram address in panama
    the one i saw refused to transfer my money to Turkey
    according to the agents
    that they have been blocked from sending money to turkey, Ghana and other African countries
    i don’t know why

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoDecember 12, 2018

      Hi Harry,

      Thanks for getting in touch! To know the Ria and Moneygram locations in Panama, simply go to their websites, check store locator and enter your location so it will show the available agents near you. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    AWNovember 27, 2018

    How do I find out before attempting to send money to Ghana if the transfer will be allowed to go through or denied?

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoNovember 28, 2018

      Hi AW,

      Thanks for reaching out! Happy to help with your inquiry. Generally, the website will give you an alert during the process of doing an online transfer if the country of destination is allowed by the money transfer provider or not. If the money transfer goes through and gets denied before it reaches the recipient, you will also be notified (via the contact details you provide) of the reason. I hope this helps and let me know if you have questions, I’m here!

      Happy Holidays,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    FLOYDOctober 9, 2018

    Your writeup on Western Union says that they transfer to Ghana, however they do not transfer to individuals in Ghana.

      AvatarFinder
      johnbasanesOctober 11, 2018Finder

      Hi Floyd,

      Thank you for leaving a question.

      I tried using the online form for Western Union and the transaction pushed through. If you are having trouble completing the transaction with Western union, you may go ahead and contact them for assistance. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

    Default Gravatar
    FLOYDOctober 9, 2018

    WHY do Western Union and Moneygram deny money transfers to iindividuals from US to Ghana?

      AvatarFinder
      johnbasanesOctober 11, 2018Finder

      Hi Floyd,

      Thank you for leaving a question.

      Both Western Union and MoneyGram are able to send money to Ghana as advised by their websites. Please note that the maximum amount for Western Union is $5000 and Moneygram is $6000 if done online. Both companies do a review to be compliant to local and international laws of transferring money. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

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