Problems sending money to another country?

You came to the right place. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders, and other financial institutions. We regulate companies that provide money transfers.

Know what to do first

If you are having a problem with a money transfer, contact the company right away.

In some cases, you could receive a refund or have the transfer resent at no extra cost.

Cancelling a money transfer

Generally, you can cancel an international money transfer within 30 minutes after it is sent. There’s an exception: when the person receiving the money has already picked it up or the money has been deposited into their account. You don’t pay a fee for cancellation.

When you contact the company, be prepared and have your information on hand

Your name, address, phone number, and account number or transaction number
What happened—as clear and to-the-point as you can
What you need in order to fix the problem
Documents or screen shots that show what happened
To keep in mind
- Never post your personal data on social media or review sites
- Avoid angry, sarcastic, or threatening language
- Keep notes as you go—who you spoke with, when, and what they said

You have the right to an investigation of problems

You can report a problem with a transfer up to 180 days from the date the funds are available, according to the date shown on your receipt. The company has to look into it within 90 days of when you notified them and must report the results to you. In some cases, you could get a refund or have the transfer sent again.

Find out how the CFPB can help

Submit a complaint about a money transfer

If you've already tried reaching out to the company and your issue was not resolved, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB. Tell us about your issue—we'll forward it to the company and work to get you a response, generally within 15 days.

Learn more about submitting a complaint with the CFPB

Find answers to frequently asked money transfer questions

For answers to other frequent questions, check out all our resources on money transfers.

Information you receive before and after you pay

When you send money to another country, federal laws generally apply. Below are examples of the information that most providers are required to give to you before and after you send money.

Screenshot of a remittance transfer receipt delivered before the transaction is complete. It shows the transfer amount, transfer fees, transfer taxes, total cost. Then it shows the exchange rate. Then it shows the transfer amount and other fees, and the total to recipient. Recipient may receive less due to fees charged by the recipient’s bank and foreign taxes.

Before sending money, you generally see:

The total cost for the transfer, including taxes and fees
The exchange rate, if applicable
Total amount expected to be delivered to recipient, though keep in mind that the person getting the money could be charged fees charged by their bank or be subject to their country’s taxes
Since you receive this information before you send the money, you can shop around and compare costs with other companies.

Screenshot of a remittance transfer receipt delivered after the transaction is complete. It shows the date the money is available, the transfer amount, transfer fees, transfer taxes, and total cost. Then it shows the exchange rate. Then it shows the transfer amount and other fees, and the total to recipient. Recipient may receive less due to fees charged by the recipient’s bank and foreign taxes. Then it shows the right to dispute errors, the right to cancel for a full refund, and phone numbers and web sites to contact with questions or complaints.

After sending money, you generally see:

Total transfer cost—on the sample receipt, this is labeled TOTAL
Exchange rate, if applicable
Total amount expected to be delivered to recipient—on the sample receipt, this is labeled TOTAL TO RECIPIENT
When the money will be available
What to do in case of an error
Instructions on exercising your right to cancel transfers
How to submit a question or complaint about the company, including information on how to contact the CFPB and the state agency that regulates the company