How to Transfer Money

Stuffing an envelope full of cash, slapping a stamp on the corner and dropping it in a blue United States Postal Service (USPS) box is certainly convenient, but it’s probably the least safe way to send money nowadays. To securely send money to a friend or family member, consider one of these options

4/10/20252 min read

What Are Money Transfer Apps?

Money transfer apps are a form of peer-to-peer payment using smartphones (or at least a computer connected to the internet). Popularized by PayPal, which is commonly used as a payment platform for small business owners and freelancers, money transfer apps are now a dime a dozen.

While it’s nice to have a choice, it can be frustrating when someone owes you money and you use separate apps. One of you will have to give in and download the app the other is using. “Do you have a Cash App?” is the new “Is Pepsi OK?”

What Are Linked Bank Accounts?

If you have a checking account and savings account with the same financial institution, these are linked.

For example, you can move money from your savings account over to your checking account to prepare for an upcoming automatic payment, or you can take part of your direct deposit paycheck into your checking account and fund your savings with it.

Sometimes, you might have a checking account with one bank (perhaps for their generous ATM reimbursement policy) but a savings account at another (maybe because of a higher APY). You can set each up as a linked bank account to the other.

As an alternative to sharing one bank account (called a joint account), some spouses and domestic partners choose to link their own bank accounts. This makes it easy to send money back and forth for shared expenses, but there is inherent risk to this. Only link bank accounts with someone you absolutely trust.

Note: If your banks include Zelle (more on this below), there’s no reason to link your accounts to send and receive money. Zelle can do all of that through your bank apps for you — without sharing confidential account numbers and total access to accounts.

International Transfer: WorldRemit, Remitly and GOiLeLe

WorldRemit is growing in popularity for speedy international cash transfers. Its network is nowhere near as extensive as Western Union, but the transfer is fast and the fees are low.

Remitly is great for Internation market. You can send money from the U.S. to one of many developing countries. It offers several payment method and payout method with flexible fee and speed.

GOiLeLe is great for home delivery to Vietnam. You can send money from the U.S. to Vietnam, Philipines. Rather than requiring your recipient to go to a store or bank for a cash pickup, you can have the funds delivered to their home, for a fee.

Here are some other payment methods to transfer money online: