Introduction
Haiti is one of the largest remittance-dependent economies in the Western Hemisphere, with diaspora remittances accounting for over 20% of its GDP. In 2026, Haitians living abroad—primarily in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic—continue to send billions of dollars home each year to support families, fund education, and drive local economic activity.
Choosing the right money transfer service can save you hundreds of dollars annually. This comprehensive guide compares the top five providers for sending money to Haiti from the USA: Wise, Remitly, Western Union, Xoom, and MoneyGram.
Current Exchange Rate: USD to Haitian Gourde (HTG)
As of July 2026, the mid-market exchange rate for USD to HTG is 1 USD = 130.72 HTG. However, most transfer providers apply a markup on this rate, which is how they make money. Understanding this markup is crucial for getting the best deal.
Top 5 Providers: Fees, Rates, and Speed Compared
| Provider | Exchange Rate Markup | Transfer Fee | Transfer Speed | Max Transfer Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 0.45% | $4.99 | 1-2 days | $1,000,000 |
| Remitly | 1.2% | $3.99 | 1-3 days | $10,000 |
| Western Union | 3.5% | $5.00 | Minutes | $7,500 |
| Xoom (PayPal) | 2.8% | $4.99 | Minutes | $10,000 |
| MoneyGram | 3.2% | $4.99 | Minutes | $10,000 |
Cost Comparison: Sending $1,000 to Haiti
The table below shows how much your recipient actually receives in Haitian Gourdes (HTG) when sending $1,000, including all fees and exchange rate markups.
| Provider | Fee | Exchange Rate Loss | Total HTG Received | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | $4.99 | $5.85 | 129,447 | $1,009.84 |
| Remitly | $3.99 | $15.60 | 128,458 | $1,018.59 |
| Western Union | $5.00 | $45.50 | 125,537 | $1,049.50 |
| Xoom (PayPal) | $4.99 | $36.40 | 126,449 | $1,040.39 |
| MoneyGram | $4.99 | $41.60 | 125,887 | $1,045.59 |
Provider Reviews
1. Wise — Best for Large Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) consistently offers the best exchange rates with the lowest markup — just 0.45% for USD to HTG transfers. It uses the real mid-market rate with a small, transparent fee. For a $1,000 transfer, only $4.99 in fees plus $5.85 in rate markup, delivering the most Haitian Gourdes to your recipient.
Pros: Best overall rate, transparent pricing, high transfer limits, supports bank transfers to major Haitian banks (Sogebank, BNC, Unibank).
Cons: Slower than cash pickup options (1-2 business days), requires recipient to have a bank account.
2. Remitly — Best for New Customers
Remitly offers competitive rates for new users with their first-time promo pricing. Their standard exchange rate carries about a 1.2% markup. Remitly supports both bank deposits and cash pickup in Haiti.
Pros: Fast delivery options, good mobile app, promotional rates for first transfer, cash pickup available at multiple locations.
Cons: Rates worsen after promotional period, lower maximum transfer limits than Wise.
3. Western Union — Best for Cash Pickup Speed
Western Union has the largest cash pickup network in Haiti with hundreds of agent locations nationwide, including in rural areas where banking access is limited. Transfers are available within minutes.
Pros: Massive agent network across Haiti, instant cash pickup, no bank account needed, decades of presence.
Cons: High exchange rate markup (3.5%), higher total cost for larger transfers.
4. Xoom (PayPal) — Good for Existing PayPal Users
Xoom, a PayPal service, offers cash pickup, bank deposits, and even home delivery in Haiti. It's convenient for existing PayPal users but carries a 2.8% markup on exchange rates.
Pros: Multiple delivery options (cash, bank, mobile), 24/7 customer support, PayPal integration, fast transfers.
Cons: Higher fees and rate markups than Wise, limited availability compared to Western Union in rural areas.
5. MoneyGram — Convenient Cash Pickup
MoneyGram competes directly with Western Union for cash pickup services in Haiti. It offers competitive fees but carries a 3.2% markup on exchange rates.
Pros: Wide cash pickup network in Haiti, no bank account required, online and agent location options.
Cons: High exchange rate markup, transfer fees add up on smaller amounts.
How to Send Money to Haiti from USA: Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose your provider — For the best rate, use Wise. For cash pickup speed, use Western Union or MoneyGram.
- Compare total costs — Don't just look at fees; consider the exchange rate markup too. Use our comparison tables above.
- Prepare recipient information — You'll need the recipient's full name, phone number, and either bank details (for bank transfer) or pickup location preference.
- Verify your identity — All major providers require government ID verification for international transfers.
- Complete the transfer — Most providers offer both website and mobile app options.
- Track and confirm — Save the tracking number (MTCN for Western Union/MoneyGram, reference number for Wise) and share it with your recipient.
Payment Methods Accepted
- Bank Account (ACH) — Best rates, free or low cost, available on all providers
- Debit Card — Faster but carries additional fees (1-3% typically)
- Credit Card — Most expensive option, treated as cash advance by many cards
- Wire Transfer — Available but costly, only recommended for very large transfers
Delivery Options in Haiti
- Bank Deposit — Direct to Sogebank, BNC (Banque Nationale de Crédit), Unibank, or Capital Bank accounts
- Cash Pickup — Available at hundreds of agent locations including Western Union, MoneyGram, and Unibank branches
- Mobile Money — Some providers now support transfers to MonCash (Digicel) and NatCash mobile wallets
- Home Delivery — Xoom offers home delivery in select urban areas
Best Time to Send Money to Haiti
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. To get the best rate:
- Monitor rates using a service like XE.com or your provider's rate alert feature
- Avoid weekends — Forex markets are closed, and providers add wider margins
- Set rate alerts on Wise and Remitly to transfer when the rate is favorable
- Send larger amounts less frequently — Makes a significant difference with fixed transfer fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to Haiti from the USA?
Wise is the cheapest option for sending money to Haiti from the USA, offering the lowest exchange rate markup (0.45%) and transparent fees. You save significantly compared to traditional providers like Western Union and MoneyGram.
How long does it take to send money to Haiti?
Bank transfers via Wise typically take 1-2 business days. Cash pickup via Western Union or Xoom is available within minutes. Remitly offers both speed options depending on the service tier you choose.
Can I send money to Haiti without a bank account?
Yes. Western Union, MoneyGram, and Xoom all accept debit card payments and allow cash pickup in Haiti, meaning neither you nor the recipient needs a bank account.
What is the maximum amount I can send to Haiti?
Limits vary by provider. Wise allows up to $1,000,000 per transfer. Western Union generally limits to $7,500 per transaction, while Remitly and Xoom cap at around $10,000. For amounts over $10,000, consider Wise or a wire transfer via your bank.
Do I need to pay taxes on money sent to Haiti?
No. Money sent as personal remittances to family is not taxable in the United States. The US does not tax gifts under certain thresholds, and remittances are not considered income for the recipient.
Are there any restrictions on sending money to Haiti?
Most providers require identity verification. Some may restrict transfers to certain regions within Haiti. Always check the most current US Treasury OFAC regulations and your provider's terms of service.
Conclusion
For sending money to Haiti from the USA in 2026, Wise offers the best overall value with the highest Haitian Gourdes delivered for your dollars. If your recipient needs cash quickly and doesn't have a bank account, Western Union remains the most reliable option with the widest agent network across the country.
Always compare total costs — fee plus exchange rate markup — before choosing a provider. Even small differences in exchange rates can add up to significant savings over multiple transfers.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain links to affiliate partners. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on research, not on compensation received.