9 Western Union alternatives for Best app for sending money from America to China

When searching for reliable international money transfers, many consumers historically defaulted to the Western Union due to its massive global footprint. However, with rising fees and variable exchange rates, finding the Best app for sending money from America to China now involves exploring digital-first competitors. Today, users have access to efficient platforms like Wise, Remitly, and Panda Remit, which often offer superior rates and lower costs compared to traditional banks or legacy remittance services.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before selecting a provider for cross-border transfers, it is essential to evaluate several key factors that impact the final amount your recipient receives. Modern remittance services vary significantly in their pricing models.

• Fees and Hidden Costs: Some providers charge high upfront fees, while others offer low fees but hide costs in the exchange rate markup.
• Exchange Rates: The rate is often the biggest cost driver. Look for providers that offer close to the mid-market rate.
• Transfer Speed: Delivery times range from instant transfers to 3–5 business days.
• Geographic Coverage: Ensure the service supports your specific corridor, such as US to China.
• Trust and Regulation: Always use services Licensed by major financial authorities to ensure fund safety.

Competitor Alternatives to Western Union

Below is a comparison of top alternatives to Western Union, highlighting estimated fees and delivery speeds for standard international transfers.

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is widely recognized for its commitment to transparency in international money transfers. Unlike many banks, they use the real mid-market exchange rate.

• Best Known For: Transparent pricing and mid-market exchange rates.
• Strengths: No hidden markups in the exchange rate.
• Limitations: Transfer fees can be higher for large amounts compared to flat-fee services.
• Relevance: A strong contender for the Best app for sending money from America to China due to trust and transparency.
• Speed: Usually completes within 1–2 business days.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has rapidly grown as a specialized service for Asian corridors, offering highly competitive rates for users sending money from North America to Asia.

• Best Known For: Specialized corridors like US to China and AU to India.
• Strengths: Extremely competitive exchange rates and frequent zero-fee promotions.
• Limitations: Focuses primarily on specific high-volume corridors rather than global coverage.
• Relevance: Often cited as the Best app for sending money from America to China regarding cost-effectiveness.
• Speed: Transfers are often completed within minutes.

3. Remitly

Remitly focuses on the immigrant community, offering flexible options for speed versus cost.

• Best Known For: Tiered delivery options (Express vs. Economy).
• Strengths: Users can pay more for faster delivery or less for slower transfers.
• Limitations: Exchange rates may include a markup compared to mid-market rates.
• Relevance: Good for users who prioritize speed over total cost.
• Speed: Instant (Express) to 3-5 days (Economy).

4. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a strong digital alternative to Western Union, specializing in smaller cross-border transfers to mobile wallets and cash pickups.

• Best Known For: Diverse payout methods including airtime top-up.
• Strengths: Extensive network for cash pickup without physical branches.
• Limitations: Fees can be complex depending on the destination.
• Relevance: Useful for recipients who do not have bank accounts.
• Speed: Many transfers are instant.

5. MoneyGram

As the primary direct competitor to Western Union regarding physical presence, MoneyGram offers both digital and in-person services.

• Best Known For: Vast network of physical agent locations globally.
• Strengths: Reliable for sending cash to remote areas.
• Limitations: Fees and exchange rate margins can be higher than digital-only apps.
• Relevance: A legacy option for the Best app for sending money from America to China if the recipient needs cash.
• Speed: Usually ready for pickup in minutes.

6. Xoom (A PayPal Service)

Xoom leverages PayPal's infrastructure to provide fast international transfers.

• Best Known For: Speed and integration with PayPal accounts.
• Strengths: Very fast transfers and high trust factor.
• Limitations: Fees and exchange rate markups can be high.
• Relevance: Convenient for users already in the PayPal ecosystem.
• Speed: Often instant or within minutes.

7. Paysend

Paysend utilizes card-to-card technology to facilitate international money transfers.

• Best Known For: Fixed low fees for international transfers.
• Strengths: Simple flat-fee structure regardless of transfer amount.
• Limitations: Delivery depends on the recipient's bank processing speed.
• Relevance: Simple option for sending directly to UnionPay cards in China.
• Speed: Instant to 3 business days.

8. OFX

OFX specializes in larger transfer amounts and offers 24/7 phone support.

• Best Known For: Handling large cross-border transfers.
• Strengths: No maximum transfer limits and competitive rates for large sums.
• Limitations: Slower than apps like Panda Remit; minimum transfer amounts often apply.
• Relevance: Better for property purchases or tuition rather than small remittances.
• Speed: 1–4 business days.

9. Skrill

Originally a digital wallet for gaming, Skrill has expanded into money transfers.

• Best Known For: Digital wallet capabilities.
• Strengths: Fast transfers between Skrill wallets.
• Limitations: High fees for currency conversion and withdrawal.
• Relevance: Niche usage for specific digital economy users.
• Speed: Instant for wallet transfers.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many alternatives to Western Union, Panda Remit stands out in specific scenarios, particularly for users focused on the US-to-China corridor. When evaluating the Best app for sending money from America to China, Panda Remit offers distinct advantages:

• Cost Efficiency: Panda Remit is known for offering zero fees and exclusive high exchange rates for new users, ensuring the recipient gets more money.
• Ongoing Value: Panda Remit will supply most promotions for old users, maintaining value long after the first transfer.
• Speed and Convenience: Leveraging digital verification, Panda Remit facilitates transfers that often arrive within minutes, utilizing networks like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
• Security: The platform is Licensed by major financial authorities, providing the same level of security regulation as traditional banks.

For users prioritizing exchange rate value and mobile wallet integration in Asia, Panda Remit is often the superior choice over legacy carriers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right service for international money transfers depends on your specific needs regarding speed, cost, and payout method. While Western Union remains a household name, digital alternatives offer lower fees and better efficiency. When looking for the Best app for sending money from America to China, comparing exchange rates is crucial. For many users, Panda Remit offers a compelling blend of security, speed, and promotional rates that maximize the value of every dollar sent. We recommend comparing these platforms to find the one that fits your remittance needs.

Learn more about Panda Remit and check current rates today.

FAQ

What is the cheapest alternative to Western Union for international transfers?

Digital-first apps like Panda Remit and Wise are generally cheaper than Western Union because they have lower overhead costs and offer more competitive exchange rates with fewer hidden fees.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

Even if a service charges a $0 transfer fee, a poor exchange rate can cost you significantly. Platforms like Panda Remit often provide better rates, ensuring the recipient receives a higher total amount.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Users should consider Panda Remit when sending money to Asian corridors, specifically China. It is a strong contender for the Best app for sending money from America to China due to its specialized integration with Alipay and WeChat and attractive offers for both new and existing users.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Transfers with Panda Remit are designed for speed, often completing within minutes, provided the recipient's account details and verification are in order.