Five key tips for choosing and using cross-border money transfer services

For many people in South Africa, sending money across borders is a critical lifeline that supports families, funds education, and helps dreams become reality. Whether you’re a foreign national supporting loved ones back home or a South African with international connections that require financial transfers, choosing the right cross-border remittance service can make all the difference.

Recognising the challenges often faced by those needing to send money across borders, Nedbank and Western Union have teamed up to offer a digital solution that combines convenience and reliability.

“At Nedbank, we recognise that behind every cross-border transaction is a personal story,” explains Vanesha Palani, Executive: Financial Management at Nedbank, “and our collaboration with Western Union is designed to make these stories of connection and support easier to write, no matter the distance involved.”

She offers five valuable tips for choosing and using the right remittance service to connect financially with the people you care about:

1. Prioritise reliability. Palani emphasises that, when selecting a remittance provider, reliability should be your top priority. “Look for well-established services provided by financial institutions with a track record of reliable transactions,” she says. “The Nedbank and Western Union collaboration, for instance, combines Nedbank’s trusted banking services with Western Union’s global network, ensuring your money is protected every step of the way.”
2. Consider convenience and accessibility. The best remittance services offer multiple ways to send and/or receive money. The Nedbank-Western Union solution achieves this by leveraging the power of the Nedbank Money App and its internet banking platform that allows users to easily send money through Western Union’s global network across more than 200 countries and territories. Recipients have various payout options including cash pickup, bank account deposits, and mobile wallet transfers. “This flexibility ensures that your money reaches its destination quickly and efficiently, and can be conveniently accessed by the recipient,” Palani points out.
3. Evaluate Transparency and Clarity. Palani urges cross border remittance service users to look for providers that offer full transparency regarding fees and exchange rates. “We believe that every rand counts, especially when it comes to supporting loved ones abroad,” Palani says, “which is why we prioritize clear communication and transparency, ensuring you have a complete understanding of the transaction before sending money. This transparency helps you make better informed decisions.”
4. Check transfer speed and tracking options. When you need to send money to another country in a hurry, reliable transfer speed is critical. Palani recommends choosing a service that offers quick transactions and real-time tracking. The Nedbank-Western Union solution provides swift transfers and keeps you updated on the status of your transfer via the Nedbank Money app, giving both senders and receivers peace of mind.
5. Get the best support and user experience. A user-friendly interface and responsive customer support can make all the difference, especially when dealing with cross-border transactions. Look for remittance services that offer clear communication, easy-to-navigate platforms, and readily available support and assistance when you need it. “Our goal is to provide not just a service, but an experience that reassures and empowers our customers,” says Palani, “from the intuitive design of our app to our dedicated support team, we’re committed to making every cross-border transaction as smooth as possible.”

“Remember, the right remittance service does more than move money – it helps maintain the bonds that matter most, regardless of geographical borders,” Palani says, “and by keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your cross-border payment experience is secure, efficient, and cost-effective.