What services should you use to transfer money to Ukraine?

Supporting family and friends in Ukraine is an important part of life for many Ukrainians who have settled in Calgary. Choosing the best service for transferring funds depends on a number of factors: the amount of the transfer, the speed of delivery, commission costs, the convenience of receiving money, and the security of the transaction. Below is a detailed overview of the most popular and trusted services that allow you to make transfers from Calgary to Ukraine.

Western Union

Western Union is a classic leader in the field of money transfers with an extensive network of service points around the world. In Ukraine, money can be received in cash at more than 8,000 locations, including banks and post offices.

Advantages of the service:

  • Instant transfers (access to cash within minutes of sending).
  • Ability to send money online via the website or mobile app, or in person at Western Union branches.
  • The “To Account” option allows you to transfer funds directly to the recipient's bank account in a Ukrainian bank.
  • Regular promotions with discounted fees for new users and on certain days of the week.

Disadvantages:

  • Quite high fees, especially for express transfers.
  • The exchange rate often includes an additional markup over the interbank rate.

MoneyGram

MoneyGram is Western Union's main competitor, which also has thousands of delivery points in Ukraine.

Service features:

  • Transfers in cash or to a bank account.
  • Delivery speed — from a few minutes to an hour.
  • The mobile app and web interface allow you to send funds without visiting a branch.
  • Usually lower fees for small transfers compared to Western Union.

However:

  • Fewer pickup locations in small towns in Ukraine.
  • The exchange rate also includes a markup.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise has gained popularity thanks to its transparent fees and actual interbank exchange rates without hidden margins.

Advantages:

  • Fees range from 0.5% to 1% depending on the amount.
  • Funds are credited to a bank account in Ukraine instantly or within one business day.
  • Ability to send large amounts without restrictions, typical transaction limit up to CAD 1,000,000.
  • Intuitive web interface and mobile app.
  • Real-time transfer status tracking.

Disadvantages:

  • Only bank account deposits are available (cash is not available).
  • For super-fast transfers (less than 1 hour), an additional payment is sometimes required.

Remitly

Remitly offers two rates:

  • Economy (delivery in 3–5 business days) with low fees and virtually no restrictions.
  • Express (instant deposit or within a few hours) with higher fixed fees. Key features:
  • Cash pickup at partner locations — over 3,000 locations in Ukraine.
  • Transfers to bank accounts and mobile wallets (e.g., Privat24).
  • Discounted rates for new users.
  • Ukrainian language support in the app interface.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher commission for Express mode.
  • Economy mode may be too slow for urgent needs.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is similar in model to Remitly, offering Economy and Express rates:

  • Express — instant transfer to an account, mobile wallet, or cash pickup (CAD 3–5 fee).
  • Economy — transfer in 1–3 days with a minimum fee of CAD 1–3.

Additional features:

  • Transfers to over 15 Ukrainian bank cards and mobile accounts.
  • Extensive network of cash pickup locations, including self-service terminals.

Limitations:

  • Maximum transfer amount per transaction — approximately CAD 10,000.
  • Higher fees for express transfers.

PayPal and Xoom

PayPal allows you to transfer funds between PayPal accounts, but for transfers to Ukraine, it is better to use Xoom, a subsidiary service of PayPal.

Features:

  • Cash transfers for pickup at partner locations (Western Union, PrivatBank).
  • Transfers to bank accounts and mobile wallets.
  • Integration with PayPal accounts and sending from any device.

Fees and exchange rate:

  • Approximately 2.99% of the amount + a fixed fee.
  • The exchange rate has a markup of up to 3%.

International bank transfer

Canadian banks (TD Bank, Scotiabank, RBC) provide SWIFT transfer services to Ukrainian accounts.

Advantages:

  • Full support and advice at branches.
  • Ability to send large amounts at once.
  • Reliability of the banking channel.

However:

  • High fees: CAD 30–50 per transfer plus correspondent banks.
  • Less favorable exchange rate.
  • Delivery time of 2–5 business days.

Cryptocurrency transfers

Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, USDC) are gaining popularity for international transfers due to their speed and low network fees.

Advantages:

  • Funds are sent in a few minutes or hours.

  • Fixed transaction costs (a few dollars).

  • Recipients in Ukraine exchange crypto for hryvnia through local exchanges and exchangers.

Disadvantages:

  • Requires skills in using crypto wallets.
  • Volatility of cryptocurrency exchange rates.

Other services and providers

  • Paysend — instant transfers to bank cards with a fixed commission of CAD 2.

  • RemitRadar and Transfast — services with competitive rates and fast delivery.

  • KeePay — a Canadian-Ukrainian startup focused on convenient payments in Ukraine via QR codes and mobile apps.

Comparison and recommendations

  • For minimal costs and exchange rate transparency — Wise (0.5–1% commission, interbank exchange rate).

  • For fast cash transfers — Western Union and MoneyGram (instant delivery, but higher commission).

  • For a hybrid approach (online + cash) — Remitly and WorldRemit (Express/Economy rates).

  • For integration with PayPal — Xoom (high commission, convenience).

  • For bank customers who trust traditional services — SWIFT transfer at TD, RBC, or Scotiabank.

  • For tech-savvy users — cryptocurrency transfers (speed, low costs).

Each of these services has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the best solution depends on your priorities: speed of delivery, commission size, method of receiving funds, and transfer amount. Carefully assess the needs of the recipient in Ukraine — whether they need cash or a bank transfer, and what delivery time is acceptable — and you will be able to choose the best service for safe and profitable financial support for your loved ones.