Sending money to Israel from the United States is straightforward in 2026, with several digital providers offering competitive rates for USD to ILS transfers. Wise offers the best exchange rates using the mid-market rate with low transparent fees. Remitly provides budget-friendly Economy transfers with promotional rates. Western Union, Xoom, and MoneyGram offer cash pickup options across Israel. For the best value on bank transfers, Wise and Remitly are the top choices.
How Do Wise, Remitly, Western Union, Xoom, and MoneyGram Work?
Each provider serves the US to Israel corridor differently. Wise is a digital-first platform that uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee structure — you see exactly what you pay before confirming a transfer. Remitly offers two tiers: Economy (cheaper, 3-5 business days) and Express (faster, higher fees) with promotional first-transfer rates. Western Union has the largest physical presence with cash pickup locations across Israel including at bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, and Israel Post branches. Xoom, a PayPal service, offers bank deposits, cash pickup at over 1,000 locations in Israel, and mobile top-ups. MoneyGram provides cash pickup at partner locations including Israel Postal Company and Bank Hapoalim branches nationwide.
Fees Comparison: Who Charges Less for USD to ILS Transfers?
Wise charges a flat fee of $0.50 to $5 depending on the transfer amount, plus the mid-market exchange rate with zero markup. For a $1,000 transfer, Wise typically charges around $4.50 to $6.50 total. Remitly's Economy tier charges $0 for transfers over $1,000 using the promotional rate on first transfers, then adds a small markup. Western Union's fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the transfer method — online bank transfers are cheapest, while cash pickups cost more. Xoom charges $0 to $6 for bank deposits but adds up to 2% on the exchange rate. MoneyGram charges $0 to $5 for online bank transfers but applies a 1-3% markup on the exchange rate.
Exchange Rates: The Real Cost Difference
The exchange rate markup is where the biggest cost differences appear. Wise uses the Google mid-market rate with absolutely no markup — this is the rate you see on Google or XE. Remitly adds roughly 0.5-1% markup on Economy transfers (better on promotional first transfers). Western Union typically adds a 1.5-3% markup on the exchange rate, making it one of the more expensive options for pure rate comparison. Xoom adds approximately 1-2% markup on the mid-market rate. MoneyGram applies a 1.5-2.5% markup. For a $2,000 transfer at a mid-market rate of 3.75 ILS/USD, a 2% markup means losing approximately $40 worth of shekels compared to using Wise.
Transfer Speed: Which Is Fastest to Israel?
Speed varies significantly by provider and delivery method. Wise transfers to Israeli bank accounts typically arrive within 1-2 business days. Remitly's Express option can deliver to bank accounts in minutes for a higher fee, while Economy takes 3-5 business days. Western Union cash pickups can be available in minutes. Xoom offers bank deposits within 1-3 business days and cash pickup in minutes. MoneyGram bank deposits take 2-3 business days, while cash pickup is typically available within minutes. For urgent transfers, Western Union cash pickup is the fastest option.
Transfer Limits and Availability
Wise has no strict maximum limit for transfers to Israel, but amounts over $1 million require additional verification. Remitly allows up to $10,000 per transfer for Economy and $2,500 for Express. Western Union limits vary by transfer method and customer verification level, typically up to $10,000 per transaction. Xoom limits range from $2,999 to $10,000 per transaction depending on verification. MoneyGram allows up to $10,000 per transaction for verified users. All providers require identity verification for transfers over certain thresholds.
Send Money to Israel from USA — Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Wise | Remitly | Western Union | Xoom | MoneyGram |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Fee ($1,000) | $4.50–$6.50 | $0–$5 | $0–$15 | $0–$6 | $0–$5 |
| Exchange Rate Markup | None (mid-market) | 0.5–1% | 1.5–3% | 1–2% | 1.5–2.5% |
| Bank Deposit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cash Pickup | No | No | Yes (1,000+ locations) | Yes (1,000+ locations) | Yes (500+ locations) |
| Transfer Speed | 1–2 days | Minutes–5 days | Minutes–5 days | Minutes–3 days | Minutes–3 days |
| Max Transfer | No strict limit | $10,000 | $10,000 | $2,999–$10,000 | $10,000 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Promo First Transfer | No | Yes (no fee) | Occasional | No | No |
Who Should Use Each Service for Israel Transfers?
Use Wise if you want the best exchange rate with transparent fees, and the recipient has an Israeli bank account. Wise is best for regular, larger transfers where every shekel counts.
Use Remitly if you're a first-time user and want the promotional discount, or if you need fast delivery to a bank account via Express.
Use Western Union if your recipient needs cash pickup and doesn't have a bank account. Western Union has the widest network in Israel with locations at post offices and banks.
Use Xoom if you're already a PayPal user and want a familiar interface, or need cash pickup options at multiple locations in Israel.
Use MoneyGram if your recipient prefers cash pickup at Bank Hapoalim or Israel Postal Company locations and you want competitive online transfer fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to Israel from USA?
Wise is typically the cheapest for bank account deposits because it uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup. Remitly can be cheaper for first transfers with promotional rates. For cash pickup, compare Western Union and Xoom as their total costs vary.
How long does it take to send money to Israel?
Bank transfers take 1-3 business days with most providers. Cash pickup can be available within minutes through Western Union, Xoom, or MoneyGram. Remitly Express delivers in minutes to bank accounts for a higher fee.
Can I send USD and have it arrive in ILS (Israeli Shekels)?
Yes. All major providers automatically convert USD to ILS at their exchange rate. The recipient receives Israeli Shekels in their bank account or as cash.
Are there limits on sending money to Israel from USA?
Most providers allow up to $10,000 per transfer without special approval. Wise has no strict upper limit. Transfers over $10,000 may require additional documentation for anti-money laundering compliance.
Is it safe to send money to Israel online?
Yes. All major providers are regulated financial institutions. Wise is regulated by FinCEN in the US, Western Union is publicly traded and regulated in 200+ countries, and PayPal (Xoom), MoneyGram, and Remitly all hold relevant licenses.
Does the recipient need a bank account to receive money in Israel?
Not necessarily. For cash pickup, the recipient only needs a government-issued ID and the transfer reference number. For bank deposits, an Israeli bank account at Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Israel Discount Bank, or Mizrahi Tefahot is required.
What information do I need to send money to Israel?
You need the recipient's full name, country (Israel), and either their bank account details (bank name, branch number, account number) for bank deposits, or their city and ID details for cash pickup. A test question and answer may be required for cash pickup security.
Can I send money to Israel from USA using a credit card?
Yes. Most providers accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards for transfers, though credit card transactions may incur additional fees (typically 1-3%). Debit cards and bank transfers are usually cheaper options.
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