Why timing matters for international money transfers

The best time to transfer money internationally is typically mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) and mid-month when currency markets experience less volatility. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly based on market trading hours, economic announcements, and seasonal patterns. Even small differences in rates can significantly impact how much money your family receives, especially for larger transfers. For instance, a small rate improvement can translate to a bit more money delivered, depending on your specific transfer route.

7 tips for getting a favorable rate

1. Follow market news and economic calendars

Keep an eye on major economic announcements like interest rate decisions or employment reports that affect currency values. Setting up simple news alerts for your currency pair can help you spot potential favorable movements before making your transfer.

2. Aim for mid-week over weekends

Currency markets are typically most active Tuesday through Thursday when all major global markets overlap. Weekend transfers often lock in Friday rates until markets reopen, potentially missing better opportunities.

3. Consider mid-month instead of end of month

Many people send money at month-end to help with bills, creating higher demand and sometimes less favorable rates. Sending between the 10th and 20th of the month might help you avoid these busy periods.

4. Use rate alerts or notifications

Most money transfer apps let you set alerts for when your currency pair reaches a target rate. This feature helps you act quickly when conditions improve without having to constantly check rates.

5. Choose a reliable provider like Sendwave

While different providers offer varying exchange rates and fee structures, Sendwave consistently delivers competitive rates with minimal or no fees. Our transparent pricing means more money reaches your loved ones, and our simple, fast transfers save you time and stress compared to shopping around for marginal differences. When you send with Sendwave, you're choosing both value and reliability.

6. Spread out transfers if you send regularly

If you send money monthly, consider splitting larger amounts into smaller, more frequent transfers. This approach helps average out exchange rate fluctuations rather than risking one bad rate day.

7. Stay flexible when possible

When you can wait a few days, you gain the advantage of choosing a better rate. Even short delays of 24-48 hours sometimes capture significant improvements.

Common mistakes to avoid

Rushing transfers without checking current rates can cost you money over time. Many people focus only on transfer fees while overlooking exchange rate margins, which often have a bigger impact on how much money arrives. Waiting too long for a "perfect" rate can also backfire if the currency moves in the wrong direction.

Making an informed choice

Balance timing with your recipient's needs, sometimes getting money there quickly matters more than getting the absolute best rate. No one can accurately predict shifts in currency value, but making informed decisions based on market patterns puts you in a stronger position. Remember that consistency in supporting your loved ones often matters more than perfect timing.

Your next steps

Start by checking current rates for your specific transfer country to establish a baseline. Consider setting up rate alerts through your preferred provider to catch favorable movements. When you're ready to send, Sendwave offers competitive rates with a simple, user-friendly experience that puts more money in your recipient's hands.