Hey there! Mani here. Remember when I moved back to India after years in the US? One of the biggest headaches was figuring out how to move money internationally without getting slapped with ridiculous fees.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for alternatives to Wise (formerly TransferWise). Maybe their fees increased, or perhaps you’re just exploring better options for your hard-earned dollars.
Let me share what I’ve learned about the best money transfer services that can give Wise a run for its money in 2025!
💡 Tip: Don’t stick to just one money transfer service. Having accounts with 2-3 providers gives you flexibility to choose the best rates on any given day!
In this article...
Why Look Beyond Wise for International Money Transfers
When I first started sending money back to India, Wise was my go-to option. Their transparent fees and decent exchange rates were a breath of fresh air compared to traditional banks.
But the financial landscape keeps evolving, and several competitors have emerged with compelling features that might work better for your specific needs. Some offer faster transfers, others have lower fees for larger amounts, and a few even provide additional banking services that Wise doesn’t.
The key is understanding your personal transfer patterns. Are you sending money monthly? Making occasional large transfers? Need instant delivery? Your specific requirements will determine which Wise alternative works best for you.
Remember, the best service isn’t always about the lowest fee – factors like transfer speed, customer service, and additional features can make a huge difference in your overall experience.
💡 Tip: Before committing to any money transfer service, send a small test amount first to verify the process works smoothly for your specific bank combinations!
Top Wise Alternatives for India Money Transfers in 2025
Let me walk you through the best options I’ve personally tested and can vouch for. These services have proven reliable for NRIs looking to send money from UAE (or USA) to India.
1. Revolut: The Digital Banking Powerhouse
Revolut has become my favorite all-rounder in 2025. What started as a prepaid card service has evolved into a comprehensive financial platform that gives Wise serious competition.
Revolut’s standout feature is its multi-currency accounts that let you hold, exchange, and transfer money in 28+ currencies. I love how I can exchange currency within the app when rates look favorable, then transfer when I’m ready.
Their premium plans offer higher monthly transfer limits and additional perks like travel insurance and airport lounge access – features Wise doesn’t match. For UAE to India transfers, I’ve found their rates consistently competitive, sometimes beating Wise by a small margin.
The app experience is incredibly smooth, and transfers typically reach Indian accounts within 1-2 business days. Plus, their 24/7 customer support has saved me a few times when I had questions about my transfers.
💡 Tip: Revolut’s premium tiers offer better exchange rates for larger amounts. If you’re transferring more than ₹5 lakhs monthly, upgrading can actually save you money!
2. XE Money Transfer: The Currency Expert
XE has been around forever as a currency information resource, but their money transfer service has really stepped up in 2025. What I appreciate most about XE is their deep expertise in currency markets.
For UAE to India corridors, XE consistently offers competitive rates that sometimes beat both Wise and Revolut. Their fee structure is straightforward – they make money on the exchange rate margin rather than charging separate transfer fees.
The transfer process is simple, though not quite as slick as Revolut’s app.
Most transfers complete within 1-3 business days, which is on par with Wise. Where XE really shines is with larger transfers (over ₹10 lakhs), where their rate advantage becomes more noticeable.
One feature I particularly value is their rate alerts. I’ve set up notifications for favorable AED-INR rates, which has helped me time my transfers to save thousands of rupees.
| Service | Transfer Fee | Exchange Rate Markup | Transfer Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | ₹300-₹2000 | 0.4-0.5% | 1-2 days |
| Revolut | ₹0-₹500 | 0.3-0.5% | 1-2 days |
| XE | ₹0 | 0.5-1.5% | 1-3 days |
3. Remitly: The Speed Demon
When time is of the essence, Remitly has become my go-to service in 2025. Their express transfer option can deliver money to Indian bank accounts in minutes, not days – perfect for those emergency situations.
Remitly’s economy option is more affordable and takes 3-5 business days, comparable to Wise’s standard service. Their first transfer promotion often waives fees, making it an attractive option to try out.
What sets Remitly apart is their focus on customer service. Their app includes tracking updates and notifications at each stage of the transfer. When my dad needed urgent funds for a medical procedure last year, Remitly’s express service and clear communication gave me peace of mind.
The downside? Their exchange rates aren’t always the most competitive for UAE-India transfers, especially for larger amounts. I typically use Remitly for smaller, urgent transfers under ₹1 lakh where the convenience outweighs the slightly higher costs.
💡 Tip: Remitly offers a “Perfect Rate Promise” – if their rate changes after you lock in a transfer, they’ll honor the better rate!
4. Western Union: The Reliable Classic
Western Union might seem old-school compared to these digital-first platforms, but they’ve modernized significantly in 2025. Their online and app experiences have improved dramatically, while maintaining their unmatched global network.
What makes Western Union worth considering is their flexible delivery options. You can send money directly to Indian bank accounts, or your recipients can pick up cash at thousands of locations across India – something most digital alternatives can’t match.
Their “My WU” loyalty program offers reduced fees and better rates over time, rewarding regular users. For UAE to India transfers, I’ve found their online rates to be more competitive than their in-person services, though still not quite matching Wise or Revolut.
Western Union tends to shine for sending money to more remote areas of India where digital banking penetration might be lower. When my aunt in a small village near Madurai needed funds quickly, Western Union’s cash pickup option was invaluable.
5. InstaReM: The Southeast Asian Specialist
InstaReM has carved out a strong niche in the Asian markets, making it particularly effective for UAE to India transfers in 2025. Their unique selling point is their loyalty program, which awards points for every transfer that can be redeemed against future transfer fees.
Their “Zero-Margin FX” promise means they claim to charge no markup on the mid-market exchange rate, instead charging a transparent transfer fee. In practice, I’ve found their overall costs comparable to Wise, sometimes slightly better for larger amounts.
InstaReM’s transfers typically take 1-2 business days to reach Indian accounts, on par with most competitors. Their easy-to-use mobile app has improved significantly in 2025, offering a smoother user experience than in previous years.
What I particularly appreciate about InstaReM is their business focus. If you’re sending business-related transfers, they offer higher limits and better rates than most alternatives, including Wise.
💡 Tip: InstaReM frequently runs promotions offering fee-free transfers or improved rates. Check their website before making large transfers!
Comparing the Best Wise Alternatives for NRIs
When choosing a Wise alternative, consider what matters most to you. Here’s how these services compare on key factors:
| Service | Best For | Standout Feature | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | All-rounders | Multi-currency accounts | Limited customer support channels |
| XE | Large transfers | Competitive rates | Slower transfers |
| Remitly | Speed | Minutes not days | Higher costs |
| Western Union | Cash pickup | Global presence | Less competitive online rates |
| InstaReM | Business transfers | Loyalty program | Limited destination countries |
How to Choose the Right Wise Alternative for You
After trying all these services, I’ve developed a simple framework to help choose the right provider:
- For regular small transfers (under ₹50,000): Revolut offers the best balance of fees, rates, and convenience for regular small transfers.
- For larger transfers (over ₹5 lakhs): XE typically provides the most competitive rates, potentially saving you thousands of rupees.
- For urgent, same-day transfers: Remitly’s express service is hard to beat when time matters most.
- For sending to recipients without bank accounts: Western Union remains the gold standard with their extensive cash pickup network.
- For business-related transfers: InstaReM offers specialized business features and competitive rates.
Remember that exchange rates fluctuate constantly, so what’s best today might not be tomorrow. I recommend setting up accounts with 2-3 of these services and comparing rates when you need to transfer.
💡 Tip: Most of these services offer better rates for your first transfer as an incentive. If making a very large one-time transfer, consider splitting it between multiple new accounts to maximize these promotional offers!
Important Considerations Beyond Exchange Rates
While finding the best rate is important, don’t overlook these other crucial factors:
Security and Regulation
All the alternatives mentioned above are properly regulated financial institutions. Revolut operates under European banking licenses, XE and Western Union have global regulatory approvals, while Remitly and InstaReM comply with financial regulations in their operating countries.
For UAE-India transfers, verify that your chosen provider is registered with the UAE Central Bank and complies with RBI regulations for inward remittances to India.
Transfer Limits
Each service has different minimum and maximum transfer limits:
- Revolut: Up to ₹15 lakhs per transfer (higher for premium tiers)
- XE: No upper limit for verified accounts
- Remitly: ₹10 lakhs maximum per 30-day period
- Western Union: ₹5 lakhs per transfer
- InstaReM: Up to ₹20 lakhs for personal accounts
Customer Support
In my experience, Remitly and Western Union offer the most comprehensive customer support, with 24/7 phone lines, live chat, and email. Revolut’s support varies by account tier, while XE and InstaReM primarily offer email and chat support.
💡 Tip: Test each provider’s customer service before making large transfers. Send a simple query and see how quickly and effectively they respond!
Common Questions About Wise Alternatives for NRIs
FAQ: Wise Alternatives for NRIs in 2025
1. Are these Wise alternatives safe to use?
Yes, all the services mentioned are regulated financial institutions that comply with international anti-money laundering regulations. They use bank-grade security measures to protect your data and transactions.
2. How do the fees compare to traditional bank transfers?
All these alternatives typically offer significantly better exchange rates than traditional bank transfers, often saving you 2-5% on each transaction. Traditional banks can charge up to 5% in hidden exchange rate markups plus fixed fees.
3. Can I schedule recurring transfers with these services?
Yes, Revolut, XE, and InstaReM all offer options to set up recurring transfers at fixed intervals. This is particularly useful for NRIs sending regular monthly amounts to family in India.
4. How do I verify that I’m getting a good exchange rate?
Compare the offered rate to the mid-market rate (which you can check on Google, XE.com, or similar sites). The smaller the difference, the better the deal you’re getting.
5. What documents do I need to set up accounts with these services?
Typically, you’ll need proof of identity (passport), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes additional verification for larger transfers. The KYC requirements are similar across all these platforms.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Wise Alternative
After trying all these services over the years, I’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. My personal strategy is using Revolut for regular transfers, XE when I’m sending larger amounts, and keeping Remitly for those urgent situations.
The money transfer landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with fees and features changing regularly. What works best today might not tomorrow, so staying flexible and occasionally comparing services will ensure you always get the best deal.
Remember that the “best” service isn’t always the cheapest. Reliability, speed, customer service, and ease of use are equally important factors in your overall experience.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect Wise alternative for your specific needs. If you’ve had experiences with any of these services or have questions, drop a comment below!
Sources: This guide has been compiled using information from Revolut, XE Money Transfer, Remitly, Western Union, and InstaReM official websites, as well as personal testing of these services.
