Is it possible to send money to Ukraine online?

The ability to send money from Calgary to Ukraine online not only exists but has become standard in today's world of digital financial services. The Canadian financial ecosystem offers a wide range of online platforms, mobile apps, and digital solutions that allow Calgary residents to send money to their loved ones in Ukraine quickly, securely, and cost-effectively. From traditional online banking services to innovative fintech platforms and specialized money transfer apps, the choice of methods is so diverse that the main challenge is finding the best solution among the many available options.

Leading digital platforms for money transfers

Wise is a leader among online services for money transfers from Canada to Ukraine thanks to its revolutionary approach to currency exchange. The platform uses the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees, providing customers with the most transparent terms possible. To transfer 1,000 CAD to Ukraine, Wise charges a commission of only 7.09 CAD (0.84%), with 64% of transfers arriving in less than 20 seconds. The entire process is carried out through a convenient web interface or mobile app available for iOS and Android.

The procedure for sending money via Wise is as simple as possible: users create a free account in a few minutes, specify the amount and recipient's details, and pay for the transfer via EFT, wire transfer, Interac e-transfer, or card. The recipient does not need a Wise account — the funds are transferred directly to Ukrainian IBAN accounts. For large transfers over CAD 35,000, the platform offers reduced rates and personal support.

RemitBee was created by immigrants for immigrants and deeply understands the needs of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. The platform offers free transfers for amounts over CAD 500 and some of the best exchange rates on the market. For smaller amounts, fees start at CAD 2.99 depending on the payment method: debit card (CAD 2.99-6.99 up to CAD 500, CAD 8.99+ after), e-Transfer and EFT (CAD 2.99 up to CAD 500, free after).

RemitBee works with PrivatBank through the PrivatMoney system, offering the first transfer up to CAD 250 free of charge. Funds can be received automatically to a card, via Privat24, ATMs, bank branches, or customer support. The process takes from 5 minutes to 1 business day, depending on the transfer method.

Paysend offers a unique model with a fixed fee of only CAD 3 per transfer, regardless of the amount. The service delivers funds directly to Visa or Mastercard cards in Ukraine on the same day. The platform has over 10 million customers and offers global 24/7 support. The mobile app is available on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery.

Traditional operators in digital format

Western Union has adapted to the digital age by offering full-featured online services and a mobile app. Customers can send money to Ukraine via the wu.com website or the mobile app, which became the most downloaded money transfer app in 2024. The service operates with over 10,000 pickup locations in Ukraine and supports delivery to PrivatBank and Oschadbank bank accounts.

The process involves creating a Western Union profile, selecting a recipient, payment method, and delivery method. Funds are usually available for pickup within 2-4 hours for cash pickup. Western Union also offers free transfers to bank accounts in Ukraine and the option of receiving cash in neighboring countries for Ukrainian refugees.

MoneyGram offers 0 CAD commission and improved exchange rates on the first transfer from Canada. The platform works with over 3,500 locations in Ukraine through NovaPay and Nova Poshta. The online interface allows you to track the status of your transfer in real time and receive delivery notifications. The Plus Rewards program offers discounts on fees for regular transfers.

Online banking solutions

Canadian banks have significantly expanded their digital capabilities for international transfers. TD Global Transfer allows you to send up to CAD 6,500 per day to over 200 countries via online banking or a mobile app. The service offers three delivery methods: bank-to-bank (1-5 business days), Western Union cash pickup (2-4 hours), and Visa Direct to cards (instant).

RBC International Money Transfer does not charge direct transfer fees but applies competitive exchange rates. The daily limit is CAD 50,000 with delivery within 2-5 business days. Scotiabank offers the lowest fees among major banks — only CAD 1.99, free for Ultimate Package holders.

Specialized services for Ukraine

Meest Canada was created by the Ukrainian community specifically for the needs of the diaspora. The company offers two types of transfers: dollar transfers to PrivatBank (available the next day) and cash delivery by courier to your home (several days). Through the Meest Portal online portal, you can send up to CAD 700 directly from home.

Meest's rates depend on the city and the amount: from Calgary, a transfer of CAD 500 costs CAD 15 to Aval Bank or CAD 12 to PrivatBank, and for amounts over CAD 1,000, it is 2% of the amount plus CAD 15 for courier delivery.

Ukrainian Credit Union offers a special Welcome Ukraine package for newcomers with no-fee accounts and credit cards. UCU provides services in Ukrainian and financial literacy seminars to help navigate the Canadian banking system. The digital banking platform allows you to check balances, pay bills, and transfer funds securely online.

Mobile apps and tech solutions

Modern platforms offer full-featured mobile apps with advanced capabilities. The Wise app has a 4.8-star rating on the App Store and Google Play with over a million reviews. The app allows you to track exchange rates, save your favorite currencies, receive real-time notifications, and manage a multi-currency account.

WorldRemit offers a free app with 24/7 access, 365 days a year. 95% of transfers arrive within minutes with multi-level security and 256-bit encryption. The first three transfers are free with the code 3FREE.

Paypenny specializes in transfers to India but demonstrates the potential of specialized apps. 90% of transactions are authorized on the day of initiation with delivery within 2 minutes. Customer support is available 24/7 in five languages.

Ukrainian banking infrastructure

Ukrainian banks are actively developing digital solutions for receiving international transfers. PrivatBank offers SWIFT transfers with automatic conversion to US dollars, euros, British pounds, Polish zlotys, and Swiss francs to hryvnia accounts. The Privat24 platform allows you to generate payment details and track transfers in real time.

PUMB Bank provides SWIFT transfers via a mobile app at a rate equivalent to USD 10 at the NBU exchange rate. MTB Bank supports SWIFT transfers in foreign currencies to any country in the world for individuals and legal entities. Ukrsibbank offers global transfers via SWIFT with support for USD, EUR, GBP, and CHF.

Security and regulatory aspects

All legal online providers in Canada are regulated by FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) and adhere to strict anti-money laundering requirements. Wise is regulated by financial authorities in various countries and uses HTTPS encryption and two-factor authentication.

Interac e-Transfer provides an additional level of security for domestic Canadian transactions with fraud prevention and privacy protection technologies. The service is supported by over 250 financial institutions across Canada.

The platforms use bank-grade encryption, biometric authentication, and real-time monitoring to prevent fraud. WorldRemit employs multi-layered security with 24-hour data encryption.

Practical tips for online transfers

  • Compare the total cost, including fees and exchange rates. Calculators on providers' websites show the exact amount the recipient will receive.

  • Check delivery times — some services offer instant transfers, while others take several days.

  • Save recipient details in apps for faster future transfers.

  • Use exchange rate alerts to send money at the best times.

  • Consider automatic regular transfers to provide ongoing support for your family.

  • Download official apps only from the App Store or Google Play to ensure security.

  • Keep records of large transfers for tax reporting.

Sending money online from Calgary to Ukraine is not only possible, but has become the most convenient and efficient way to support your relatives. Digital platforms offer better exchange rates, lower fees, and faster delivery compared to traditional methods.

The choice between Wise for the best exchange rates, RemitBee for free transfers over CAD 500, or Paysend for a fixed fee of CAD 3 depends on your individual needs and transfer frequency.

Most importantly, all of these services provide a safe, fast, and convenient way to help your loved ones in Ukraine from the comfort of your home in Calgary.