Cheapest way to send money from Brazil to the USA

12 Min

May 30, 2025

Sending money abroad—especially from Brazil to the United States—comes with several difficulties: hidden fees, exchange rate mark-ups, local taxes, and uneven rates of speed. The good news is that you can control expenses and ensure dependability and speed by choosing the right provider. Based on recent statistics, platform fees, actual user experiences, and exchange rates, this paper investigates the most reasonably priced solutions.

Important Elements Influencing the Transfer Cost

Understanding the factors influencing the actual amount of money reaching the recipient is essential before selecting a service

  • Many providers use a less favourable rate than the mid-market rate, so subtly eating into your transferred value.
  • Some services charge a flat fee, some a percentage, and still others both.
  • Brazil levies the IOF tax, 0.38% for remittances to other individuals and 1.1% for foreign currency conversion.
  • Faster choices sometimes cost more.
  • Established providers lower the risk of fraud, delays, or blocked transfers by reputation and trust.

Comprehensive Insights

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

  • Fees: Very low—beginning with 0.1% for high-value transfers. Including IOF, a full transfer might run about 1.88%.
  • Rates: Not far from mid-market (one USD = 5.967626 BRL).
  • Instant with bank connectivity; usually within two business days.
  • Most users sending BRL to USD, particularly if openness and real exchange rates are top priorities, will find the best fit here.

2. Remessa Online Fees: 

  • Competitive, particularly about volume. Many times less expensive than banks.

  • Rates: Not always as exact as Wise, but near mid-market.
  • One to two business days is the speed.
  • Best For: Brazilians making large transfers to American accounts.

3. Paysend Fees:

  • Flat 9.00 BRL, irrespective of value.
  • Rates: Variable; might be less suitable for big transfers.
  • Often instant is speed.
  • Best for quick, low-cost small transfers.

4. Western Union Fees:

  • Rates: Not mid-market; markup drives up cost.
  • First transfer is free (promo); follow-up costs could be involved.
  • Speed: Same-day payment pickup for cash.
  • Best for: quick, cash-based transfers—particularly for recipients without bank access.

5. Moneycorp / Currency Solutions Fees: 

  • Moneycorp may be exempt from fees; Currency Solutions charges about 68 BRL for R$10,000.
  • Rates: competitive, strong for big moves.
  • One to three business days is the speed.
  • Best for: Transfers more than R$10,000, particularly in cases of preferred personalised service.

Additional Considerations

  • IOF Tax: Brazil's non-negotiable tax Remittances to individuals come out at 1.1%; account transfers come out at 0.38%.
  • Although talked about, regulatory obstacles and volatility prevent cryptocurrencies from being widely adopted in BRL→USD transactions.
  • Typical traditional banks have slow procedures, high fees, and bad exchange rates. Use just if required.
  • Services including Monito, TopMoney Compare, and Neolista enable real-time, current rate comparisons.

  • Managing cross-border payments efficiently is crucial, especially for freelancers and small businesses. Solutions like BizPay by TransFi offer faster settlements and competitive rates, making international transfers smoother and more cost-effective without the usual banking friction. 

Step-by-Step: How to Send Money from Brazil to the U.S. Efficiently

  • How might one send money from Brazil to the United States? Effectively evaluate providers: Check live rates and fees online using tools.
  • Analyse Exchange Rate: Find out if the provider approaches the actual mid-market rate closely.
  • Calculate the total cost including IOF tax and provider fees.
  • Choose Provider: Choose depending on value instead of only speed.
  • Complete transfer using connected accounts, credit or debit cards, or a local bank.

Expert Advice for Less Expensive Transfers

  • Steer clear of traditional banks since their mark-ups and fees hardly ever justify personal transfers.
  • Western Union and others provide first-time transfer fee exemptions under promotions.
  • Time the Market: Track BRL/USD rates to move under favourable swings.
  • Some providers let you freeze rates before deciding upon anything.

Conclusion

With low fees and near-to-market rates, Wise and Remessa Online provide the best value for most medium-to-large bank transfers.

Western Union provides speed for high-urgency or cash pickups, but frequently at a higher cost due to exchange rate markup. For your particular transfer, always compare rates, fees, and speed. Wise and Remessa Online provide the best mix of dependability, cost, and openness for most use situations.

FAQs

1. From Brazil to the USA, what is the least expensive method to send little amounts—under R$1,000?

With its flat 9.00 BRL fee and instant speed, Paysend is usually the least expensive for small volumes.

2. For BRL to USD exchanges, which supplier provides the best exchange rates?

Wise is the best option for maximising the amount the recipient gets since it is well-known for providing mid-market rates with practically minimal markup.

3. Should I pay taxes upon exporting money from Brazil abroad?

Correct: Indeed. All international transfers—0.38% for currency exchange and 1.1% for remittances to individuals—are liable to the IOF tax.

4. For sizable transactions (above R$10,000), which service is best?

For significant transfers, Wise, Remessa Online, and Moneycorp are great choices since they have better rates and fewer percentage charges than smaller-scale providers.

5. Should one be sending money to the United States, are conventional Brazilian banks a wise choice?

Answer: Generally speaking, they are more costly and slower and have worse exchange rates than digital sites like Wise or Remessa Online.

TransFi Team

Unlocking the Future of Finance

Seamlessly process payments with Payouts.
Payouts

Make global payments at the speed of a click

Effortlessly collect payments with just a few clicks using Collections.
Collections

Accept payments, remove borders.

Buy and sell digital assets effortlessly with TransFi Ramp services.
Ramp

Unlock Seamless Digital Currency Transactions Anywhere

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.