How to Send Money to Ireland

Money transfer providers tick all the boxes – they make sending money to Ireland easy, fast, and affordable. But you can also use wire transfers, banks, and other methods, so let's compare them.

Money Transfer Services

Online money transfer providers support sending funds to Ireland via the internet. These primarily digital services are available in over 200 countries, although it depends on the provider.

MTPs like Remitly, Instarem, or TransferGo are licensed, legal, and safe services. They require registering and verifying an account before sending funds to Ireland to prevent money laundering. However, the process is reasonably fast. And the actual process of sending the money only takes a few clicks.

First, head to the website or install an app. Next specify the sum, payment, and delivery method. The processing time varies, but it can be as little as minutes. And the fees are minimal, especially when compared to the alternatives!

Wire Transfers

The days of having to rely solely on wire transfers are long gone. Today, this method of sending money internationally is slow and expensive. It's also a hassle since it takes more of your time than MTPs.

The receiver is likely to wait for their funds for days, while international money transfer operators could have them delivered in minutes. MTPs are a better option for these reasons.

Bank Account Transfers

These are transfers moving from one bank to another. Your bank might ask for additional documents regarding the source of funding. You'll need the receiver's info, including account number, branch, SWIFT, etc.

Apart from being a hassle, both banks involved might charge a fee, making this transfer expensive. And while international money transfers support bank deposits, you also have alternative options to send and receive funds in Ireland.

Challenger Banks

Challenger banks that are popular in Ireland include Revolut, N26 bank, and Monzo. These are financial institutions focused on providing digital services to clients. And while some have thousands of clients, their company size is nowhere close to traditional banks or international money transfer operators.

It means challenger banks don't have large capital expenses, but also fewer deposits, so moving large sums with them is risky. It's much safer to stick to MTPs. And the odds are you'll get better terms and pay lower fees with money transfer providers since challenger banks are expensive to use.

Mobile Apps and Payment Services

Apple pay and Google Pay are both available in Ireland, but they focus on domestic payments. That limits your options and these platforms weren't designed for international money transactions.

The better option is to use mobile apps designed by MTPs. You can use these on the go to streamline the sending process on smartphones, tablets, and other devices. The terms are identical, so you can expect fast and affordable service. This a popular process, with Apple Pay’s global profit is projected to reach $6 billion by 2023.

PayPal

PayPal has a long history of offering international payments and a reputation for being a reliable option available in many countries. The problem is that transfers are expensive. The rates are unfavorable, and the fees can be up to 5%.

Also, not everyone has a PayPal account, and the receiver needs one to get the money. But with international MTPs, you can rest assured there'll be a way for the receiver to get funds fast.

As PayPal transfers are expensive, you can compare some other options by reading our guide on the cheapest ways to send money.

Money Transfers to a Pickup Location

You could consider this an extra service offered by international money transfer providers. You can complete the form on their website and then take the money to the pickup location to pay. The problem is you'll need to carry cash, and moving it around is risky. You are much safer with online services, and most platforms award this with better rates.

What Do You Need to Send Money to Ireland?

Don't forget to discuss the potential delivery options with the receiver and get their relevant info. Here's what you might need when sending money to Ireland:

• Receiver's name and address. Make sure to enter it as in their official documents to avoid potential problems.

• Bank account details. It's necessary for this delivery method, but check the exact info you need to avoid surprises.

• Confirming your identity. You do this by providing a valid ID with a photo.

• Proof of funding. Some platforms require documents like salary statements, property sale contracts, and other details to confirm where you got the money.

The receivers usually have two options available to get the money in Ireland – cash pickups and bank deposits. Here are the advantages of both.

Location Pick Up

Western Union, Wise, and Ria Money Transfer are providers with licensed agent points in Ireland where the receiver can collect the money. It's a convenient option, but it also comes with the risk of having cash with you. Therefore, location pickup isn't the best choice for larger amounts.

Direct Bank Deposits

Most money transfer operators work with major banks, such as Citibank Europe, Bank of Ireland, and AIB. If you choose this method, the receiver gets the money to their bank account.

The receiver will get a notification when funds are available. The receiver can pick up the money from an ATM or go to the bank to collect it.

What Do You Need to Receive Money in Ireland?

The actual documents required depend on the method but could include:

• An official document. It's necessary to provide a valid ID issued by the Irish government.

• Bank account. The receiver needs to have access to one if they choose this delivery option.

• Reference number. Cash collection points usually require transaction reference numbers to prove the money was intended for the receiver. Some services even ask for the sender's details, such as their full name.

Remitly doesn't charge fees for initial transfers but also transactions that exceed USD 1,000. The platform offers standard and fast deliveries, with a guaranteed delivery time. If they don't deliver when promised, they refund any fees spent on the transfer. Remitly works with reputable banks in Ireland, and they even have a partnership with Ria in this country.

Pros

• Favorable transfer rate for new customers

• Transaction tracker follows transfer status in real time

• 24/7 customer support

Cons

• The app could be faster

• Additional verifications are required to increase sending limits

3 Steps to Start Using the Provider

• Step 1: Check the rates for new customers at Remitly.

• Step 2: Register an account and enter transfer parameters.

• Step 3: Finalize the transaction.

Best Alternatives

• TorFX, Ria Money Transfer, Wise

Instarem supports over 55 countries and offers to send money to Ireland in EUR and USD. It's a convenient option when sending from the US, especially when combined with the new customer's USD 20 bonus. Be sure to use the code NEW20 to activate the bonus.

Pros

• Competitive pricing and no hidden fees

• Top-level security system

• Dedicated iOS and Android mobile apps

Cons

• Fees are higher when sending USD

• Delivery time depends on the payment method

3 Steps to Start Using the Provider

• Step 1: Head to Instarem and pick Ireland as the delivery country and your preferred currency.

• Step 2: Adjust other parameters and pick a payment and delivery method that suit your preference.

• Step 3: Finalize the transaction.

Best Alternatives

• XE Money Transfer, Western Union, KeyCurrency

TransferGo is available in Great Britain and Europe, so sending euros to Ireland is available at a 1:1 rate. The platform has apps for both Android and iOS mobile devices. The UK’s FCA regulator authorizes the service, confirming it runs a safe and transparent business.

Pros

• No fees on the first two transfers

• Fast delivery finalizes the transaction within 30 minutes

• Simple and user-friendly sending process

Cons

• The fast delivery option comes with a higher fee

• No option to send from the US or Canada

3 Steps to Start Using the Provider

• Step 1: Go to TransferGo and pick sending and receiving currencies.

• Step 2: Check the fees and rates and pick the desired delivery method.

• Step 3: Register and finalize the transfer

Best Alternatives

• Wise, Ria Money Transfer, Currencies Direct

The international money transfer speed depends on multiple factors. Uploading funds from your debit or credit card is instant, but a bank deposit or wire transfer takes time. Some platforms also have longer times to process transactions. That's why you'll find MTPs with the highest average speed below.

The platforms often give an estimated delivery time before you finalize the transaction. Most services mention same-day service, but this means the money gets processed in a minute or two for 90% of transactions. Thanks to transfer monitoring tools, you have real-time transaction tracking available on most platforms.

If you would like to learn more, take a look at the following guide on how to send money instantly.

International money transfer providers are commercial services, so it's their right to charge as they see fit. All platforms earn on exchange rates below the mid-market level, and some even have processing fees. Here's an overview of those with the best rates and no fees for most transfers!

Some methods mentioned above operate based on a quote. It means you complete a contact form, and an agent contacts you during working hours. It could prolong the transaction time. Also, some payment methods are more expensive than others. MTPs listed above will ensure a clear pricing overview before finalizing the transaction to ensure no hidden costs.

If you choose Moneyzine, you don't have to worry about whether the money transfer provider is legal. But while all platforms are safe to use, some go the extra mile to maximize security and prevent fraud. Here are the operators and safety options added.

Many platforms use the technique of safeguarding user funds, which means keeping them in separate accounts from those used to run the service. Other operators always stick with reputable banks, such as Wells Fargo or Barclays. And it always helps to offer a detailed guide on how a user can recognize fraud and have helpful customer service to turn to if you need assistance.

More people use smartphones than PCs to browse the web nowadays, so having a mobile app is a matter of keeping up with the trend. Most money transfer services have Android and iOS apps or at least responsive website designs that adapt to the device's screen size. Here's which platforms offer the best apps to use.

The best apps to send money work with the latest versions of mobile operating systems and are free to install. They don't take much storage room and offer a user-friendly design and fast loading times. Finally, there aren't any issues with bugs or crashes that could compromise the user experience.

The main authority in charge of regulating the financial market in the country is the Central Bank of Ireland. Its tasks include keeping the financial system stable and implementing standards and rules for any related services to follow.

The Central Bank issues licenses to banks, money transfer services, stockbrokers, debt management, insurance, investment, and other companies. The country also has an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit, and the prevention of money laundering is why senders and receivers must verify their identity when transferring funds.

While there are no limits to how much money you can send to Ireland, the sum can be important for multiple factors.

These include:

• Red flags for relevant authorities. Senders and receivers might need to report large transactions, although most money transfer operators will do so themselves.

• Limits imposed by the MTPs. Most platforms have restrictions on how much you can send per transfer, day, or month.

The price might depend on the sum sent since some operators encourage large transfers by giving up their fees if you send more than the specified amount. Fees also vary on the method, and the general rule is credit cards are the most expensive option.

Money transfer operators also earn from exchange rates. They offer rates below the mid-market level, which is why the rates vary on the service.

International money transfers mostly occur for similar reasons – supporting your family, investing in Euros, sending a gift, etc. If you are sending funds as an individual, you use the personal transaction option on money transaction platforms.

MTPs also support sending money as a business. However, you need to have a registered business account with the preferred operator. Not all of them offer this option, but those that do include many benefits. Those could be multi-currency accounts, mass payments, etc.

Authorization by the Central Bank of Ireland is necessary, but it helps if the platform has other relevant certificates. The one obtained by the Financial Conduct Authority is reputable.

Security certificates and protection features are also important. Most platforms include encrypted transactions, multiple layers to protect data on their servers, etc. The general rule is the more safety features, the better. The MTPs mentioned on this page all have the necessary certificates to do their job safely and legally.

Senders don't have to pay any taxes unless your local authorities require that. As for Irish authorities, receivers are subject to taxes on worldwide income. The only exemptions are for individuals aged 65+, and the untaxable amount for them is EUR 18,000 annually.

For others, the taxes are as follows:

• Singles and widows without dependent kids – 20% up to EUR 36,800, 40% above that sum at an annual level.

• Married couples with a single income – 20% up to EUR 45,800 and 40% above that amount.

• Married couples with two incomes – 20% up to EUR 73,600 and 40% above that sum.

For Irish people sending money from abroad, the country has double taxation agreements with around 70 countries. You can consult local regulations to avoid paying double income taxes.