# Send Money from the US to Mexico

> Compare the cheapest ways to send money from the US to Mexico: Wise, Paysend, Remitly, Sendwave, Western Union and MoneyGram, with typical fees and rates as of October 2026.

The US-to-Mexico corridor moves tens of billions a year. Here is how Wise, Paysend, Remitly and the cash giants compare for peso payouts.

## The cheapest options, ranked

Across 2025-2026 rate recordings, **Paysend** averaged the highest rate (20.41 MXN per dollar), followed by **Wise** (19.97) and **Sendwave** (19.95). The gap between the best and worst provider on a $500 transfer is roughly 1,243 MXN. Wise charges about $6.43 with no rate markup; Western Union averages a 2.8% margin. [Compare them with our calculator](/remittance-cost-calculator/).

## Best for each situation

- **Bank deposit:** Wise or Paysend. Near the interbank rate with low fees; Wise delivered 20,500 pesos on $1,000 in independent tests.

- **Speed:** Remitly Express, Paysend or Xoom deliver within minutes.

- **Cash pickup:** Western Union has 20,000+ pickup locations in Mexico including OXXO and Walmart stores. MoneyGram is similar.

- **Budget option:** Remitly Economy (3-5 days) costs less than Express; Sendwave offers low fees with good rates.

- **Recipient bank details:** you will usually need the recipient's full name and CLABE (18-digit bank account number).

## Typical costs (October 2026)

Typical figures as of October 2026. The peso strengthened to around 17-18 per dollar in early 2026; rates move daily, so check provider sites before sending.

## Tips that save real money

- Compare the pesos received, not the headline fee or rate.

- Bank wires (for example $45+ via Santander) are far more expensive than the apps.

- Card-funded transfers cost more; fund with a bank account where possible.

- Remitly's first-transfer promos can beat its standard rate; do not assume the promo is ongoing.

## Frequently asked questions
### What is the cheapest way to send money to Mexico from the US?

Wise, Paysend and Sendwave typically top the rate tables in 2026. Wise charges about $6.43 per $1,000 with no rate markup; Paysend has averaged the highest peso rate. Compare the peso payout for your amount.

### How much does Western Union charge to Mexico?

Western Union typically charges around $12.50 for a $500 transfer plus about a 2.8% exchange-rate margin. Its advantage is 20,000+ cash pickup locations in Mexico, including OXXO and Walmart stores.

### What is a CLABE number?

The CLABE is Mexico's 18-digit bank account number, required for bank deposits. Your recipient can find it on their bank statement or banking app.

### How long does a transfer to Mexico take?

Cash pickup via Western Union or MoneyGram is available within minutes. Remitly Express and Paysend are near-instant; Wise bank transfers take 1-2 business days.

### Is it safe to send money to Mexico online?

Yes, when using licensed providers. Stick to well-known regulated services, verify the recipient's details (especially the CLABE), and avoid sending to strangers.

---
Interactive version: https://toollantern.win/send-money-us-to-mexico/