A specialized money transfer company will offer more competitive exchange rates than a traditional bank — but which transfer service is best depends on where you’re sending the money and how fast you need it to arrive.
Key takeaways
Specialized money transfer companies often offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.
Bank transfers are reliable but tend to have high fees and poor exchange rates, but military-specific banks like USAA offer fast, fee-free transfers between accounts.
Online money transfer services allow you to send funds easily from home, while providers like Western Union and MoneyGram offer cash pickup options at numerous locations worldwide.
Peer-to-peer apps such as Venmo and CurrencyFair are convenient but may not support international transfers.
What are my options?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your options to send money internationally, even without the added complication of getting it to a military base. We’ll help you explore the options.
Bank transfers. Most major US banks will allow you to wire money domestically or internationally to another bank account. A downside is the frustratingly high fees and weak exchange rates you’ll typically receive.
Online money transfer services. It’s simple and convenient to send an online money transfer to loved ones in the military from the comfort of your home.
Providers with cash pickup. Companies like Western Union and MoneyGram offer the option of cash pickups from thousands of agent locations worldwide.
Sending checks, money orders or gift cards. Although it’s not a quick or secure option, you can send physical items to your service member’s address.
Who is most likely to be researching military money transfers?
Finder data suggests that women aged 25-34 are most likely to be researching this topic.
Response
Male (%)
Female (%)
65+
4.99%
5.25%
55-64
6.30%
7.61%
45-54
7.09%
10.24%
35-44
9.71%
10.89%
25-34
10.89%
12.73%
18-24
8.01%
6.30%
Source: Finder sample of 762 visitors using demographics data from Google Analytics
Can I send an instant bank transfer?
Yes. Most service members will have the option to conduct their banking on the post, base or camp just as they do at home. A few banking options that are built specifically around the needs of service members, like the Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA, offer account-to-account transfers. If both you and your contact have USAA accounts, you can transfer money from your account to theirs almost immediately.
In addition to free money transfers across checking accounts, USAA and others offer the added benefits of withdrawals as well as branches and ATMs overseas.
Compare your options
Transfer option
Transfer methods
Cash
Bank account
Transfer time
International options
Bank transfer
Online, in person, mobile
✓1
✓
1 to 4 business days
✓1
Money transfer specialist
Online, in person, mobile
✓1
✓
Minutes to 4 business days
✓1
Peer-to-peer app
Online, mobile
✕
✓2
Minutes to 1 business day
✕
US Mail
In person
✓
✕
Several days to several weeks
✓
1 Varies by transfer option and method.
2 Depending on the app, you may need to pay with a credit or debit card.
How to spot a military transfer scam
While there are many ways that a scammer will attempt to part you and your money, one is so prevalent that it’s under investigation by the US Army Criminal Investigation Command.
This scam involves a bond with somebody posing as a member of the military that you’ve met online through a dating site. That person may even offer their name, rank and where they are stationed. After cultivating a strong connection with you, they claim to be ready to meet in person. But first, they need your cash.
It may sound like an obvious red flag, but once you’re emotionally attached it’s easy to lose perspective. If a service member you’ve met online asks for money — especially for money to go on leave or to get to their next station — it may be time to walk away. These scams can cost thousands of dollars, not to mention heartbreak.
Bottom line
When somebody you care about is serving overseas in the military, you have many options to send some love and financial support. Ultimately, you’ll need to compare your options to find the service that’s right for you.
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.
Rhys Subitch is a personal finance editor at Bankrate and former loans editor at Finder, specializing in consumer and business lending. Rhys has nearly a decade of experience researching, editing, and writing for startups, Fortune 500 companies, universities and websites. They hold a BA in sociology and a certificate of editing from the University of Washington. See full bio
Rhys's expertise
Rhys has written 38 Finder guides across topics including:
How do you know if your international money transfer made it safely? Learn how to track or cancel, and find out what your rights are when it comes to sending money.
Someone who claims to be in the military wants to send me some of his allowance, but states that in order to do that he needs my personal login details my username and password. Is this true and can he be trusted?
Finder
JeniMay 27, 2019Finder
Hi California Girl,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Please be vigilant in providing your online log-in details like your username and password. If he’s someone you just met online or not really connected – a total stranger, I suggest that you think a thousand times about providing confidential financial info. You may want to know more about money transfer scams as this might help you learn more about this matter. If you’re in doubt, don’t grab and always be safe.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
JaneFebruary 21, 2019
In the US Military, can they get access to their accounts on base to book a flight ticket & does their commander have to stamp their flight ticket ?
Finder
JeniFebruary 22, 2019Finder
Hi Jane,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
I’m afraid that we do not have further info on this matter. Technical details are not included in our pages specially if government related topics. You may seek info on this matter if you have military friends or relatives.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
AnaOctober 15, 2018
I have a friend who has a military boyfriend which she said he was based in Nigeria his a US military and before he can money to my friend my friend need to send him money first for confirmation. It is true?
joelmarceloOctober 15, 2018
Hi Ana,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
The rule of thumb is: Always follow your gut. If it feels too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. You can learn more about money transfer scams.
Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)
Cheers,
Joel
DaveyOctober 15, 2018
Been talking with a girl who says she is in Afghanistan and asked for some money. Though the address she sent was in Ghana, am I wrong thinking that this is a scam? I want to believe, but I also remain cautious.
Thanks
joelmarceloOctober 15, 2018
Hi Davey,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
The rule of thumb is: Always follow your gut. If it feels too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. You can learn more about money transfer scams.
Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)
Cheers,
Joel
CherieJuly 24, 2018
Ive been talking to this army guy who says he needs money sent to citi bank New York so he can get home from Iraqi? Is this true or scam
joelmarceloJuly 24, 2018
Hi Cherie,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
Only you would determine if you are about to be scammed or not. If something sounds too good to be true and it’s coming from somebody you don’t know, it’s almost certainly a scam. You can research the person or business in question until you’re 100% certain that you’re not getting ripped off. Always remember that scammers can be very convincing and patient. They’ll talk with you for hours (over many weeks or months) to make you feel comfortable.
Ask for help from others who might not be as emotionally involved as you are. Talk about the situation with a friend or relative, and look for similar stories online – you might be surprised at what you find. Keep in mind that many internet money scams are tried-and-true hustles, sometimes conducted from far away (so you’re likely to find good information with a general internet search).
Cheers,
Joel
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Someone who claims to be in the military wants to send me some of his allowance, but states that in order to do that he needs my personal login details my username and password. Is this true and can he be trusted?
Hi California Girl,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Please be vigilant in providing your online log-in details like your username and password. If he’s someone you just met online or not really connected – a total stranger, I suggest that you think a thousand times about providing confidential financial info. You may want to know more about money transfer scams as this might help you learn more about this matter. If you’re in doubt, don’t grab and always be safe.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
In the US Military, can they get access to their accounts on base to book a flight ticket & does their commander have to stamp their flight ticket ?
Hi Jane,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
I’m afraid that we do not have further info on this matter. Technical details are not included in our pages specially if government related topics. You may seek info on this matter if you have military friends or relatives.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I have a friend who has a military boyfriend which she said he was based in Nigeria his a US military and before he can money to my friend my friend need to send him money first for confirmation. It is true?
Hi Ana,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
The rule of thumb is: Always follow your gut. If it feels too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. You can learn more about money transfer scams.
Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)
Cheers,
Joel
Been talking with a girl who says she is in Afghanistan and asked for some money. Though the address she sent was in Ghana, am I wrong thinking that this is a scam? I want to believe, but I also remain cautious.
Thanks
Hi Davey,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
The rule of thumb is: Always follow your gut. If it feels too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. You can learn more about money transfer scams.
Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)
Cheers,
Joel
Ive been talking to this army guy who says he needs money sent to citi bank New York so he can get home from Iraqi? Is this true or scam
Hi Cherie,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
Only you would determine if you are about to be scammed or not. If something sounds too good to be true and it’s coming from somebody you don’t know, it’s almost certainly a scam. You can research the person or business in question until you’re 100% certain that you’re not getting ripped off. Always remember that scammers can be very convincing and patient. They’ll talk with you for hours (over many weeks or months) to make you feel comfortable.
Ask for help from others who might not be as emotionally involved as you are. Talk about the situation with a friend or relative, and look for similar stories online – you might be surprised at what you find. Keep in mind that many internet money scams are tried-and-true hustles, sometimes conducted from far away (so you’re likely to find good information with a general internet search).
Cheers,
Joel