How to Send Money Home for Mother's Day (Without Losing It to Fees)

$800B+ — Global remittances sent in 2024

Why fees spike around holidays — and how to avoid it

Don't leave it to the last minute

Cost comparison: $200 one-time transfer by provider

Provider	Fee	FX Markup	Total Cost	Speed
Bank Wire (SWIFT)	$25–45	2–4%	$31–53	2–5 business days
Wise	$2–5	0%	$2–5	Same day – 1 day
Western Union (bank deposit)	$5–12	1–3%	$7–18	1–3 days
Remitly (Express)	$2–4	0.5–1.5%	$3–7	Minutes – hours
USDC on Stellar (via Coinbase)	$1–3	~0.2%	$1–4	Under 1 hour
USDC on Tron (via Kraken)	$1–2	~0.2%	$1–3	Under 1 hour

1. Compare live rates for your corridor

2. Choose a method based on your recipient's setup

3. Set up your account at least 48 hours early

4. Send with a personal message where possible

3–5% — Average fee saved by switching from bank wire to Wise or crypto

Best options by corridor

Watch for 'first transfer free' promotions

Find the cheapest route for your corridor

More guides for sending money abroad

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to send money internationally for Mother's Day?

Crypto rails using USDC on Stellar or Tron settle in under an hour, any day of the week including Sundays. Remitly Express and Wise also offer same-day delivery for many corridors. Avoid bank wires if you need funds to arrive on the day — they typically don't process over weekends.

What is the cheapest way to send $200 internationally?

For most corridors, USDC on Stellar or Tron costs $1–4 in total fees on a $200 transfer. Wise is the cheapest traditional option, typically $2–5 with no exchange rate markup. Bank wires are consistently the most expensive at $25–53 on the same amount.

Can I send money internationally on a Sunday (Mother's Day)?

Yes. Wise, Remitly, and crypto rail transfers all process 24/7. Bank wires initiated on a Sunday won't be processed until Monday at the earliest, with settlement 2–3 business days later. If you need funds available on Mother's Day itself, initiate the transfer by Friday at the latest via a bank, or use Wise or crypto for same-day delivery.

Do I need to set up an account to send money abroad?

Yes — all providers require identity verification (KYC) before your first transfer. This typically takes 30 minutes to 24 hours and requires a government-issued ID and sometimes a selfie. Set up your account at least 48 hours before you want to send. If you already have an account, you can transfer immediately.

Are there any free transfer promotions for Mother's Day?

Remitly, Wise, and Western Union frequently offer first-transfer fee waivers or discounts around Mother's Day. These are worth using but apply only to new customers and specific corridors. Always verify the final amount your recipient will receive — a 'zero fee' transfer can still have a poor exchange rate built in.

Compare live rates across 370+ corridors on RemitRoutes · methodology.