How to Securely Send Money Back Home: Tips for Immigrants
Do you also worry about the security of bank transfers? When it comes to performing a bank transfer, the majority of individuals prioritize safety above everything else, followed by speed and cost.
Security must be ensured via bank transfers. Maintaining adequate levels of trust and safety is more essential than ever in a society where fraud in finance is a hot topic.
Here’s a quick guide for immigrants working abroad on sending money back home, securely!
Remittances Help Reduce Poverty
For individuals in low-income and developing countries, remittances are one of the main sources of income, often exceeding assistance from worldwide development initiatives. To put it differently, your payments carry power.
How is Money Transferred?
The days of mailing money in an envelope via international mail are long gone. Instead, think about one of these choices.
Money Transfer Services
You could be able to make transactions in person, online, or both with this kind of business. Since they have a thorough knowledge of the complications involved in international transactions across numerous nations, some specialize in aiding immigrants and migrants, which is particularly helpful if you need to send money home often. Additionally, some money transfer businesses have locations at convenience shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices.
Prepaid Cards
Consider assisting loved ones by giving them prepaid credit or debit cards instead of cash. Your recipient just has to put money into the card so they may use it both online and in shops. However, a prepaid card may not be accepted in every nation. Currency conversion costs may be applicable, and they sometimes charge an extra price just to utilize them.
How Remittance Works?
What is the appearance of a remittance transaction? Depending on the company to which you give money, the procedure varies a little. However, in general, there are three primary steps:
- You pay the sending agency the money (together with any associated costs) as the sender. The business you choose to transfer money via is known as the sending agent. You may pay with cash, money order, check, debit card, credit card, or bank account. You can also pay online, over the phone, by email, or in person.
- The paying agent is directed to deliver the money by the sending agency. The business on the opposite side of the transaction, situated in the nation where your family member lives, is known as the paying agent.
- Your loved one, commonly known as the beneficiary, receives the cash from the paying agency.
Remittance Fees
Sending money is expensive. In addition to the money you are sending home, there is a cost associated with making a remittance. Typically, your price consists of both of these charges:
- A fee assessed by the sending agent, or the business you are paying.
- A currency conversion charge for sending local cash to a loved one back home
According to the World Bank, remittance transfers from the United States typically cost about 6% of the total amount transferred. However, other variables might cause your expenses to increase or decrease, such as:
- A country to which you are transferring funds. Your charge structure will be influenced by the exchange rate of your recipient as well as whether you are transferring money in local currency or US dollars. The transmitting agent type that you choose.
- Additionally, according to the World Bank, banks are often the most costly kind of service provider. On top of the money they transfer to loved ones, customers who utilize banks for remittance payments pay an average cost of 10.73% worldwide.
- Regardless of whether you use digital or non-digital payment methods. Non-digital transfers are more expensive worldwide than internet payments.
Advantages
Ease of Use: Without physically visiting a bank or remittance center, you may send money home swiftly and conveniently utilizing money transfer services. With only a few clicks, transferring money is simple with the majority of transfer providers’ user-friendly mobile applications and websites. Those who don’t have access to conventional banking services or who prefer the ease of online transactions may find this very helpful.
Lower Fees: The fact that money transfer services are less expensive than conventional banking services is one of their biggest benefits. High fees imposed by some banks on foreign transactions may drastically reduce your available money. Modern money transfer services provide lower transfer costs and better exchange rates.
Security: Secure transactions that safeguard your financial and personal data are provided by money transfer providers. This is especially crucial when transferring money abroad since there is a greater chance of fraud or identity theft. The majority of transfer providers use encryption technology to guarantee the security and protection of your data.
Flexibility: The quantity of money you may move and the number of your transactions are both flexible with money transfer companies. Money transfer services may meet your demands whether you need to transmit modest sums of money regularly or huge quantities on occasion. Prepaid debit cards are among the extra features that certain providers provide, which may help you keep tabs on your spending while you’re overseas.
Customer Service: If you run into any problems or want help with your transactions, the majority of money transfer providers offer first-rate customer support. They strive to serve and are more amiable to customers. Their representatives are trained to help you and address your concerns, and you can easily get in touch with them via phone, email, or their website.
How to Transfer Money Internationally?
- Register for an account This is easy. Simply register on our app or website using your email address. Additionally, use a strong password to keep things safe.
- A representative will confirm your information. They’ll authenticate you for further security. It should just take a few minutes, however.
- Get your transfer underway Enter what amount you want to send and choose the method and recipient country. They are transparent about our costs and exchange rates.
- Enter the information for your recipient. Have the information for your recipient on hand. Depending on how you’re handing them the money, these might change.
- Make your transfer payment. You may pay for your transfer with a debit card, credit card, or bank deposit.
It might be difficult to live as an immigrant in a foreign nation. However, it need not be monetarily taxing. You may send money home quickly and securely with money transfer providers, who also offer minimal fees and other advantages like flexibility and first-rate customer support. Utilize these services to handle your money like an expert.
Safe and trustworthy both online and offline foreign money transfer services are available in the United Kingdom. First of all, you will probably encounter some level of transfer difficulties when you move to the United Kingdom (particularly if you have large amounts of money to send regularly). Finding a solution that makes sense to you is what matters most. You may get one that suits your needs by searching about and contrasting the products and costs offered by other businesses.
Read More: How Technology is Revolutionizing International Money Transfers
Conclusion
Shifting to a foreign country might be stressful. You’re establishing yourself in a new environment while leaving your family, friends, and culture behind. Language hurdles, cultural disparities, and, of course, financial difficulties must also be taken into account. You may be wondering how to properly handle your finances if you’re an expat or immigrant residing in the UK. Fortunately, money transfer services may save your life.
Pranab Bhandari is an Editor of the Financial Blog “Financebuzz”. Apart from writing informative financial articles for his blog, he is a regular contributor to many national and international publications namely Tweak Your Biz, Growth Rocks ETC.