How to send money to Mexico via phone?

To send money to Mexico via your phone, you have three primary methods: **Digital Remittance Apps**, **Direct Bank Transfers**, and **Cash Pickup Services**. Each has different trade-offs regarding speed and cost.

Based on current market data from 2024 and 2025 financial reviews (such as *MexEdge* and *Merida Review*), here is the step-by-step guide to choosing and using the best service.

---

### 1. Most Cost-Effective Choice: Digital Apps (Wise & Remitly)

For the highest exchange rate and lowest fees, dedicated apps outperform traditional banks.

#### **Wise (Best for Transparent Rates)**

Wise uses the "mid-market" exchange rate (the one you see on Google) and charges a transparent upfront fee.

* **Step 1:** Download the Wise app and verify your identity with a photo ID.

* **Step 2:** Select "Send" and choose **MXN** as the recipient currency.

* **Step 3:** Enter the recipient's **CLABE** (a 18-digit Mexican bank account number).

* **Step 4:** Pay via ACH transfer or debit card. Debit cards are faster but have slightly higher fees.

* **Expected Cost:** Approximately 0.5% – 1% of the total amount. According to *Almost Retired in Mexico*, transfers often arrive within hours, though Wise technically estimates 1-2 business days.

#### **Remitly (Best for First-Time Promos)**

Remitly often offers a "New Customer" rate that is significantly higher than the market rate for the first $500–$1,000 sent.

* **Step 1:** Select "Express" for instant delivery (higher fee) or "Economy" for 3-5 day delivery (lower fee).

* **Step 2:** Choose delivery to a bank account or a "Cash Pickup" location.

---

### 2. Best for Instant Cash: Western Union & Xoom

If your recipient does not have a bank account, you can send money to be picked up at locations like **OXXO, Elektra, or Coppel**.

* **Western Union:** Use the app to send money for pickup at an OXXO. Note that OXXO has a pickup limit (typically around $3,000 - $5,000 MXN per transaction).

* **Xoom (a PayPal service):** Highly reliable but generally the most expensive. According to *MexEdge*, Xoom's "hidden fee" is in the exchange rate spread, which can be 2-3% worse than the mid-market rate.

---

### 3. Critical Requirements: The CLABE Number

When sending to a Mexican bank account from your phone, you **must** obtain the recipient's **CLABE (Clave Bancaria Estandarizada)**.

* It is always **18 digits long**.

* A standard 10-12 digit account number or a 16-digit debit card number will often cause the transfer to fail or result in higher "conversion fees" from the receiving bank.

---

### 4. Comparison of Costs (Based on a $500 USD Transfer)

*Values are estimates based on Q1 2024–2025 data trends.*

| Service | Fee | Exchange Rate Markup | Speed |

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

| **Wise** | ~$5.00 | 0% (Mid-market) | 1–2 Days |

| **Remitly** | $0–$3.99 | 0.5% – 1.5% | Minutes to Days |

| **Xoom** | $0–$4.99 | 2% – 3% | Near Instant |

| **Traditional Bank** | $30–$50 | 3% – 5% | 3–5 Days |

---

### 5. Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Phone

1. **Download the app:** Choose **Wise** for the best long-term value or **Remitly** for a one-time promo.

2. **Verify Identity:** You will need a digital photo of your Passport or Driver’s License to comply with "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. This takes 10–30 minutes to approve.

3. **Enter Recipient Info:** Tap "Add Recipient." You need their full legal name (as it appears on their INE/ID) and their 18-digit CLABE.

4. **Confirm the Rate:** Compare the rate shown in the app to the rate on Google. A gap of more than 1% means you are paying a high "hidden fee."

5. **Fund the Transfer:** Link your bank account via ACH. **Do not use a Credit Card**, as this will be processed as a "Cash Advance" by your bank, incurring 20%+ interest rates and immediate fees.

### 6. Regulatory Note for Large Transfers

If you send more than **$10,000 USD** in a single transaction or a series of transactions, the transfer will be flagged for IRS Form 8300 (in the US) or SAT reporting (in Mexico). For amounts over $1,000, ensure your recipient is prepared to explain the "concept" of the transfer (e.g., "Family Support" or "Property Maintenance") to their bank to prevent account freezes.