Sending money to someone else has never been easier, thanks to peer-to-peer (P2P) payments. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can send or receive money in minutes — whether you’re splitting a dinner bill, paying rent, or helping out a family member in a pinch.
But not all payment apps work the same way. Fees, transfer speeds, sending limits, and fraud protections vary widely between services. Choosing the wrong one could mean paying unnecessary fees or waiting days for your money to arrive.
Here are the seven best ways to send money, with the details you need to pick the right one for your situation.
Zelle: Best for People with compatible bank accounts who want fast, free transfers through their bank app.
Zelle sends money directly between bank accounts, typically within minutes—even on weekends and holidays. It’s integrated into more than 2,200 banks and credit unions, so most people can access it through the banking app they already use. There are no fees to send or receive money. Transfer limits depend on your bank.
Venmo: Best for Paying back friends with a social component.
Venmo, owned by PayPal, is one of the most popular P2P payment apps in the U.S.—especially among younger users. It combines money transfers with a social feed where you can see (or share) transaction activity, though you can set payments to private. Sending money using a linked bank account or debit card is free. Credit card transactions carry a 3% fee.
Cash App: Best for People who want a simple, all-in-one financial app.
Cash App from Block, Inc. (formerly Square) offers a streamlined P2P experience along with investing features, including the ability to buy stocks and Bitcoin. Unverified accounts can send and receive up to $1,000 over a 30-day rolling period. After identity verification, limits increase significantly. Sending money via bank account or debit card is free, while credit card transactions incur a 3% fee.
PayPal: Best for Sending larger amounts and making international payments.
PayPal has been around since the early days of digital payments and remains one of the most versatile platforms available. It works on the web and as a mobile app, and it’s accepted by millions of online retailers worldwide. Sending money domestically using a linked bank account, PayPal balance, or PayPal Cash Card is free. Credit or debit card transactions cost 2.9% plus $0.30.
Apple Cash: Best for Apple device users who want seamless iMessage payments.
Apple Cash lets iPhone and Apple Watch users send money through the Messages app—as simply as sending a text. There’s no fee for standard transfers. Instant transfers cost 1.5% (minimum $0.25, maximum $15).
Samsung Pay Cash: Best for Samsung device owners who want a built-in payment option.
Samsung Pay Cash lets Samsung Galaxy users send money to other Samsung Pay Cash account holders. You can fund your account via debit card, credit card, bank transfer, or direct deposit. Unregistered (“lite”) accounts have tighter limits. Upgrading to a full account removes these restrictions. Standard transfers are free, but instant transfers carry a fee.
Wire transfer: Best for Sending large amounts quickly, especially $10,000+.
When you need to move a large sum of money fast—like a down payment, business payment, or emergency funds—a bank wire transfer is often the best option. Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within hours and cost $25 to $40 for outgoing transfers. International wires range from $35 to $50 and may take one to two business days.
Before settling on a payment method, consider factors like compatibility, fees, transfer speed, fraud protection, and international needs. Make sure to choose the option that aligns with your priorities.
