Send Money from the USA to Mexico
Compare current USD → MXN rates from 17+ providers. No hidden fees.
Why People Send Money USA → Mexico
The USA→Mexico corridor is the single largest remittance corridor in the world — over $60 billion transferred annually. Over 38 million Mexican-Americans and millions of temporary workers send money home regularly to support families, pay for housing, education, and medical costs.
Pro Tip: Competition means great rates on this corridor
Because USA→Mexico is the world's largest remittance corridor, providers compete fiercely. You can often find USD→MXN transfers with fees under $3 and margins close to mid-market. Always compare before sending.
How to send money from USA to Mexico
- Compare USD→MXN rates: Use our live table above. For Mexico, the competition between providers is fierce — even small providers often beat Western Union and MoneyGram. Focus on the total MXN your recipient receives.
- Register with your chosen provider: Sign up using a US driver's license, passport, or state ID. Most providers complete identity verification in under 5 minutes. WorldRemit and Xoom (PayPal) have streamlined US-specific onboarding.
- Enter Mexican bank details or CLABE: Mexican bank transfers use an 18-digit CLABE number (Clave Bancaria Estandarizada) — not a standard account number. Your recipient can find their CLABE in their banking app or on a bank statement. Major banks: BBVA, Santander, Banorte, HSBC Mexico, Banamex.
- Choose your payment method: US bank account (ACH) transfer is the cheapest funding method. Debit card is faster but adds a small fee. Most providers also accept credit cards, but credit card funding is the most expensive option.
- Confirm and send: Most USD→MXN transfers arrive within minutes to a few hours. For cash pickup, recipients can collect at Oxxo, 7-Eleven, Walmart Mexico, or thousands of Western Union / MoneyGram agent locations.
What to know
Mexico uses CLABE numbers for bank transfers
Mexican bank accounts use an 18-digit CLABE (Clave Bancaria Estandarizada) number — this is what you need for bank-to-bank transfers, not a standard account number or IBAN. Your recipient can find their CLABE in their bank app under account details. All major Mexican banks participate in the CLABE system: BBVA, Santander, Banorte, Banamex, HSBC Mexico.
Cash pickup is widely available across Mexico
If your recipient doesn't have a Mexican bank account, cash pickup is an excellent option. Western Union, MoneyGram, and Ria have thousands of agent locations across Mexico — including Oxxo convenience stores (the most ubiquitous), Walmart Mexico, Chedraui, and 7-Eleven. Many transfers are available for pickup within minutes of sending.
USD→MXN competition keeps costs low
The USA→Mexico corridor is so large that it attracts intense competition from providers. This benefits senders — fees as low as $0.99 and exchange rate margins of 1–2% are common. This corridor is significantly cheaper than most other remittance routes. Use our comparison table to find the best deal, as rates change daily.
WorldRemit and Xoom (PayPal) are the most popular choices for USA→Mexico — both offer competitive rates, fast delivery, and cash pickup options. Wise is excellent for bank-to-bank transfers at mid-market rates. Western Union and MoneyGram excel at cash pickup, with coverage in every Mexican city and most towns. Ria Money Transfer also offers very competitive rates for this corridor. For very small amounts under $100, check if your provider's fixed fee makes a big dent in the transfer.
FAQs
How long does a transfer from USA to Mexico take?
Most online providers deliver within minutes to a few hours. WorldRemit's Express service delivers within 15 minutes for many users. Cash pickup through Western Union or MoneyGram is available within minutes. Bank deposit via SPEI (Mexico's real-time payment system) typically arrives within hours.
What is the cheapest way to send money from USA to Mexico?
WorldRemit, Wise, and Xoom are typically among the cheapest for USD→MXN. Funding via ACH bank transfer (not debit/credit card) keeps costs lowest. Avoid traditional bank wire transfers — they charge $15–$45 in fees plus a wide exchange rate margin.
What is a CLABE number and how do I find it?
A CLABE is an 18-digit number used for Mexican bank transfers. It uniquely identifies your recipient's bank and account. Recipients find it in their banking app under account details, or printed on a bank statement. Without the CLABE, bank deposits to Mexico are not possible.
Can I send money to a Banamex account from the USA?
Yes. Banamex (now Citibanamex) is supported by most US money transfer providers. You need the recipient's 18-digit CLABE number. Alternatively, Citibank USA customers can transfer to Citibanamex using their linked accounts at preferential rates.
Is Western Union still a good option for USA to Mexico?
Western Union is excellent for cash pickup — it has thousands of agent locations across Mexico including Oxxo stores and pharmacies. For bank deposits, newer providers like WorldRemit and Wise are typically cheaper. Western Union's exchange rate margin is around 3–4% compared to 1–2% for best-in-class providers.
What is the maximum I can send from USA to Mexico?
Limits depend on your verification level. Most providers allow $2,999 per transfer without enhanced verification, and $10,000–$30,000 after identity verification. US regulations require providers to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) for transfers above $10,000 — handled automatically.