Best apps to send remittances to Cuba 2025: Complete comparison
TheRemittance apps to CubaThey have revolutionized the way we send money to the island. In 2025, dozens of applications compete for offering the best rates, speed and convenience. This guide analyzes the best options available.
Why use an app to send remittances?
Remittance mobile applications offer significant advantages over traditional methods:
- 📱 From anywhere: Send money without leaving home
- ⚡ Quick transfers: Most processes in less than 24 hours
- 💰 Lower commissions: 3-7% vs 10-15% in physical agencies
- 📊 Total transparency: You see the exact amount that the beneficiary will receive
- 🔒 Banking Security: Official encryption and regulation
Top 7 apps to send remittances to Cuba
1. Remitly - Best General Option
Platform:iOS, Android, WebQualification:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)Available countries:USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy
Outstanding characteristics:
- ✅ First transfer without commission
- ✅ Two speeds: Express (minutes) and Economy (1-3 days)
- ✅ Delivery or refund guarantee
- ✅ SUPPORT IN SPANISH 24/7
Commissions:
- Express:$ 3.99- $ 5.99 USD for $ 100 USD
- Economy:$ 0- $ 1.99 USD (slower)
Payment methods:
- Visa/Mastercard cards
- Direct bank account
- Google Pay / Apple Pay
Collection methods in Cuba:
- Effective in CUP (Fincimex Points)
- Bank deposit
- MLC card
Boundaries:
- New user:$ 2,999 USD per transfer
- Verified user:$ 6,000 USD per transfer
Advantages:
- Very intuitive interface
- Constant promotions
- Real -time tracking
- Excellent mobile app
Disadvantages:
- Express is more expensive than competition
- Identity verification can take 24h
Example price:Send $ 200 USD = $ 203.99 (Express) or $ 200 (Economy)
2. XOOM (PayPal) - Better for PayPal users
Platform:iOS, Android, WebQualification:⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)Available countries:160+ countries
Outstanding characteristics:
- ✅ Total integration with PayPal
- ✅ Shipping from PayPal Balance (no additional commission)
- ✅ Automatic PayPal Creek
- ✅ Multiple delivery options
Commissions:
- Card/paypal:$ 4.99 USD for $ 100
- Bank account:$ 0.99 USD for $ 100
Payment methods:
- PayPal balance (favorite)
- PayPal linked cards
- USA/Europe Bank Account
Collection methods in Cuba:
- Effective in CUP
- Bank deposit
- Cubacel mobile recharge (bonus)
Boundaries:
- By transaction:$ 10,000 USD
- By day:$ 10,000 USD
- Per month:$ 60,000 USD
Advantages:
- No commission if you use a bank account
- PayPal Buyer Protection protection
- Easy cancellation before collection
- Family Interface for Users PayPal
Disadvantages:
- Require PayPal account
- Less favorable exchange rate
- Limited customer service in Spanish
Example price:Send $ 300 USD = $ 300.99 (from account)
3. Ria Money Transfer - Better global coverage
Platform:iOS, Android, Web + 490,000 physical locationsQualification:⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)Available countries:190+ countries
Outstanding characteristics:
- ✅ Hybrid option: APP + Physical Agencies
- ✅ Without amount of amount
- ✅ 200+ collection points in Cuba
- ✅ Frequent promotions for new users
Commissions:
- On-line:$ 3- $ 7 USD for $ 100
- In agency:$ 8- $ 12 USD for $ 100
Payment methods:
- International bank cards
- Direct debit
- Effective in agencies (500+ in the USA)
Collection methods in Cuba:
- Effective in Cadecas
- Fincimex points
- Cuban banks
Boundaries:
- By transfer:$ 2,999 USD (new users)
- Verified:$ 10,000 USD
Advantages:
- Physical network + digital
- Volume discounts
- No amount of amount for verified
- Good coverage in Cuba Rural
Disadvantages:
- Less modern app than Remitly/Xoom
- Variable customer service
- Inconsistent delivery times
Example price:Send $ 150 USD = $ 154.50 (online)
4. Worldremit - Better for Africa and Caribbean
Platform:iOS, Android, WebQualification:⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)Available countries:130+ countries
Outstanding characteristics:
- ✅ Specialized in emerging markets
- ✅ option to send mobile recharge directly
- ✅ Aggressive promotions for new users
- ✅ Multiidioma interface (20+ languages)
Commissions:
- Cash transfer:$ 5- $ 9 USD for $ 100
- Mobile recharge:$ 2- $ 4 USD for $ 20
Payment methods:
- International cards
- Bank transfer
- Google Pay / Apple Pay
Collection methods in Cuba:
- Effective in CUP
- Cubacel mobile recharge
- Bank deposit (limited)
Boundaries:
- By transaction:$ 9,000 USD
- By day:$ 9,000 USD
Advantages:
- Unique option: Send mobile recharge
- Promotions: 3 shipments without commission (new users)
- Colorful and friendly interface
- Track with Push notifications
Disadvantages:
- Non -competitive commissions for large amounts
- Variable delivery time (15 min - 48h)
- Slow technical support
Example price:Send $ 100 USD = $ 107 | Refill $ 20 = $ 22
5. Small World - Better for Europe
Platform:iOS, Android, WebQualification:⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)Available countries:Europe, UK, USA (Limited)
Outstanding characteristics:
- ✅ Optimized for shipments from Europe
- ✅ Payment in EUR without conversion
- ✅ First free transfer
- ✅ Fidelity program (points)
Commissions:
- First transfer:€ 0 (free)
- Following transfers:€ 1.49- € 4.99 per € 100
Payment methods:
- European cards
- SEPA (EUR Banking Transfer)
- Bizum (Spain)
- Ideal (Netherlands)
Collection methods in Cuba:
- Effective in CUP
- Fincimex points
Boundaries:
- By transaction:€ 1,000 (new)
- Verified:€ 5,000
Advantages:
- Excellent for shipments from Spain
- No EUR conversion → USD → CUP (best rate)
- Generous referral program
- Peninsular Spanish Support
Disadvantages:
- Limited outside Europe
- Slower times (1-3 days)
- Less polished app than competitors use
Example price:Send € 100 = € 101.49 (second transfer)
6. Western Union (app) - Best Physical Network
Platform:iOS, Android, Web + 550,000 locationsQualification:⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)Available countries:200+ countries
Outstanding characteristics:
- ✅ Most recognized brand globally
- ✅ Option to pay online and charge at agency
- ✅ Unparallent coverage in Cuba
- ✅ Customer service in 40+ languages
Commissions:
- App:$ 5- $ 8 USD for $ 100
- Physical Agency:$ 10- $ 15 USD for $ 100
Payment methods:
- Bank cards
- Western Union Wallet (APP Balance)
- Effective in agencies
Collection methods in Cuba:
- Effective in 250+ points
- Cadecas
- Banks
Boundaries:
- By transaction:$ 5,000 USD
- Additional verification:$ 50,000 USD
Advantages:
- More reliable (140+ years operating)
- Collection in 30 minutes (majority of cases)
- APP + Physics Hybrid Option
- Most effective problem solving
Disadvantages:
- Higher commissions than modern apps
- Less favorable exchange rate
- Outdated app vs competition
- Most strict identity verification
Example price:Send $ 250 USD = $ 257 (app) or $ 265 (agency)
7. Moneygram - Better for emergencies
Platform:iOS, Android, Web + 430,000 locationsQualification:⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5)Available countries:200+ countries
Outstanding characteristics:
- ✅ Option "Express" (10 minutes)
- ✅ Without amount of amount
- ✅ APP renewed in 2024
- ✅ Fastsend loyalty program
Commissions:
- On-line:$ 4- $ 7 USD for $ 100
- Express:$ 12- $ 15 USD for $ 100
Payment methods:
- Cards
- Bank account
- Effective in agencies
Collection methods in Cuba:
- Effective in CUP
- Fincimex points
- Cadecas
Boundaries:
- No verification:$ 2,000 USD
- Verified:Without limit
Advantages:
- Faster on the market (10 min Express)
- No limit for verified users
- FASTSEND = progressive discounts
- Good Cuba coverage
Disadvantages:
- Very expensive express
- ID verification may fail
- Improvable technical support
Example price:Send $ 400 USD = $ 406 (normal) or $ 420 (Express)
Comparative Table: Better Repsine Apps
| App |
Commission $ 100 |
Time |
Free first |
Better for |
Qualification |
| Remitly |
$ 3.99 |
15 min - 3 days |
✅ Yes |
USA, Canada |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 |
| XOOM |
$ 4.99 |
4-24 hours |
❌ No |
PayPal users |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 |
| Estuary |
$ 3- $ 7 |
1-4 hours |
⚠️ Promotional |
Global coverage |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 |
| Worldremit |
$ 5- $ 9 |
15 min - 48h |
✅ 3 shipments |
Mobile recharges |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 |
| Small World |
€ 1.49 |
1-3 days |
✅ Yes |
Europe |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2 |
| Western Union |
$ 5- $ 8 |
30 min - 2h |
❌ No |
Reliability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 |
| Moneygram |
$ 4- $ 7 |
10 min - 2h |
❌ No |
Emergencies |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1 |
Factors to consider when choosing app
1. Geographic location
Your country of origin determines which apps are available and its costs:
- 🇺🇸USA: Remitly, Xoom, Ria (all available)
- 🇪🇸Spain: Small World, Remitly, Ria
- 🇨🇦Canada: Remitly, Worldremit, Xoom
- 🇩🇴Dominican Republic: Ria, Remitly, Worldremit
- 🇲🇽Mexico: Remitly, Xoom, Moneygram
2. Real total cost
Not only do you see the commission. Calculate:
Total cost = commission + (exchange rate difference)
Example:
- App A:Commission $ 5 + Official rate = $ 205 Total
- App B:Commission $ 0 + rate 3% worse = $ 206 total
App a is cheaperDespite having commission.
Tools:Use comparators like monito.com or wise.com
3. Speed vs
| Priority |
Option |
Cost |
Time |
| Urgent |
Moneygram Express |
High ($ 12- $ 15) |
10-30 min |
| Normal |
Remitly Express |
Medium ($ 4- $ 6) |
15 min - 24h |
| Economic |
Remitly Economy |
Bass ($ 0- $ 2) |
1-3 days |
Advice:If it is not an emergency, use Economy option and save 50-70%.
4. Shipping frequency
Unique/occasional shipments:
→ Prioritize apps with "First free transfer"
- Remitly
- Small World
- Worldremit (3 shipments)
Monthly recurring shipments:
→ Prioritize apps with loyalty programs
- Moneygram Fastsend
- XOOM (progressive discounts)
- RIA (volume discount)
Weekly shipments:
→ Consider premium subscriptions (if available)
5. Payment methods available
| Payment method |
Compatible apps |
Typical Commission |
| Debit card |
All |
$ 3- $ 7 |
| Credit card |
All |
$ 5- $ 10 (higher) |
| Bank account |
XOOM, Remitly, Ria |
$ 0- $ 3 |
| PayPal |
XOOM (exclusive) |
$ 0.99- $ 4.99 |
| Google/Apple Pay |
Remitly, Worldremit |
$ 3- $ 6 |
| Cryptocurrencies |
None (Cuba) |
N/A |
Tip:Paying with a bank account is cheaper than card (50% less commission).
How to use remittance apps (step by step)
Installation and registration
Step 1: Download App
- App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Find the exact name (in. "Remitly - Send Money Abroad")
- Verify official developer
- Download and install
Step 2: Create account
Required information:
- Full name
- Valid email
- Phone number
- Safe password (8+ characters)
Step 3: Verify identity
Necessary documents:
- ✅ Passport or Government ID
- ✅ Selfie holding ID
- ✅ Proof of address (invoices)
Time:5 minutes - 24 hours
First transfer
Step 4: Add beneficiary
Receiver data in Cuba:
- Full name (as it appears in ID Cuban)
- Identity card (number)
- Complete address
- Telephone (optional but recommended)
Step 5: Select amount
- Enter to send
- See Total Commission
- See exact amount you receive
- Choose speed (Express/Economy)
Step 6: Delivery method
Options in Cuba:
- Cash:Fincimex points, Cadecas
- Bank:BPA account deposit, bandec
- MLC card:Load on convertible currency
Step 7: Pay
- Add card or bank account
- Confirm transaction
- Receive reference number (MTCN)
Step 8: Trace
- See Status in Real Time
- Receive notification when ready
- Share code with beneficiary
Total time:10-15 minutes
Security tips
Protect your account
-
Strong password
- Minimum 12 characters
- Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols
- Use password manager (1Password, LastPass)
-
Two factors authentication (2FA)
- Activate it in all apps
- Prefer Authenticator App (Google Authenticator) on SMS
-
Monitor your account
- Check history regularly
- Activate transaction alerts
- Reports suspicious activity immediately
Avoid scams
❌Never share:
- Passwords
- 2FA Verification Codes
- MTCN number before confirming shipping
❌You never send money to:
- Strangers in social networks
- "Emergencies" not verified
- Promises to duplicate money
✅Always verify:
- Exact receptor name
- Correct identity number
- Official app (no clones)
Frequent questions
What is the cheapest app?
Remitly Economyfor non-urgent shipments ($ 0- $ 2 commission).
XOOM from bank accountfor PayPal users ($ 0.99).
What is the fastest?
Moneygram Express:10-30 minutes.
Remitly Express:15 minutes - 2 hours.
Do I need a bank account?
No. You can pay with:
- Debit/credit card
- PayPal (XOOM)
- Effective in agencies (RIA, Western Union)
Are there shipping limits?
By app:
- Remitly: $ 6,000 USD/Transaction
- XOOM: $ 10,000 USD/day
- RIA: No limit (verified)
Cuba:$ 1,000 USD/month per beneficiary
Can I cancel a shipment?
Yeah,Before it is charged:
- Contact support immediately
- Provides reference number
- 3-10 days refund
After charged:Not reversible
Is it safe to use remittance apps?
Yeah, if you use regulated apps:
- ✅ Graduates (Finn in USA, FCA in UK)
- ✅ SSL/TLS encryption
- ✅ Qualification> 4.0 in stores
- ✅ Millions of verified users
What happens if there is error in the name?
- Contact support before it is charged
- Free modification if you did not process
- After charged: research (2-4 weeks)
Can I send multiple beneficiaries?
Yeah. All apps allow:
- Save multiple contacts
- Send to different people
- History separated by beneficiary
Conclusion: Better Profile app
You send from the USA/Canada:
→Remitly(Better Balance Price-Valocity-UX)
You have PayPal account:
→XOOM(Perfect integration, without commission from account)
You send from Europe:
→Small World(OPTIMIZED EUR, Free Free)
You send +$ 500 USD regularly:
→Ria Money Transfer(Volume discounts, without limit)
You need extreme speed:
→Moneygram Express(10 minutes, more expensive)
Complement with mobile recharges:
→Worldremit(unique with direct recharge option)
You prioritize price confidence:
→Western Union(140 years Experience, Global Network)
Optimal Strategy:
- USARemitly EconomyFor monthly shipments ($ 200-500)
- USAMoneygram Expressonly emergencies
- Complements withMobile recharges($ 15-20/month)
Total monthly:$ 215-520 USD with minimal commissions (<$ 5)
Ready to send remittances to Cuba? Download the app that best suits your needs and keep your family connected.
Last update: October 2025 | Commissions and availability subject to changes