Ria Money is a global money transfer service offering Canadians the ability to send funds internationally through retail locations and its online platform. With thousands of agent locations across Canada and fast delivery times, Ria is a convenient option but it’s not always the most cost-effective. Many users have reported high fees and marked-up exchange rates, especially for urgent transfers or cash pickups. As more Canadians seek cheaper, faster, and digital-first options, interest in Ria Money Alternatives in Canada continues to grow. In this guide, we’ll explore the best alternatives that help you send money securely while saving more. Let’s dive in!
What is Ria Money?
Ria Money Transfer, established in 1987, is a global remittance company and a subsidiary of Euronet Worldwide. It facilitates international money transfers to over 190 countries through a vast network of more than 500,000 agent locations worldwide .
In Canada, Ria offers services such as bank deposits and cash pickups, accessible via its website, mobile app, or in-person at agent locations . Transfers funded by credit or debit cards can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, while bank transfers may take up to four business days .
While Ria provides convenience and speed, users should be aware of its fees and exchange rate markups. For instance, a transfer of $2,999 CAD to the U.S. for cash pickup could incur a fee of $18 CAD, and Ria’s exchange rates may include a markup of around 2.1% over the mid-market rate .
Given these considerations, Canadians seeking more cost-effective options might explore other money transfer services that offer competitive rates and lower fees.
Is Ria Money Available in Canada?
Yes, Ria Money Transfer operates in Canada, offering services through its website, mobile app, and a network of agent locations. Canadians can send funds to over 190 countries, with options for bank deposits and cash pickups. Transfers funded by credit or debit cards can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, while bank transfers may take up to four business days .
However, users should be aware of the associated fees. For instance, sending $2,999 CAD to the U.S. for cash pickup could incur a fee of $18 CAD, and Ria’s exchange rates may include a markup of around 2.1% over the mid-market rate .
Given these considerations, Canadians seeking more cost-effective options might explore other money transfer services that offer competitive rates and lower fees.
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8 Best Ria Money Alternatives in Canada
Ria Money Transfer allows Canadians to send money internationally via bank deposit or cash pickup, with delivery in minutes. While convenient, many users face high transfer fees and exchange rate markups that add hidden costs. For those seeking better value, a variety of Ria Money Alternatives in Canada offer transparent pricing, low-cost international transfers, and even fee-free domestic options. Whether you’re sending money abroad, paying bills, or transferring funds to friends or family, these platforms provide more control and better savings. Let’s explore eight reliable alternatives that help Canadians send money smarter in 2025.
Wise
Overview:
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is one of the most transparent and cost-effective international money transfer platforms. Unlike Ria, Wise offers the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups, so you always know exactly what your recipient will receive. You can send money to over 70 countries, and most transfers arrive in 1–2 business days. Wise also offers a multi-currency account and debit card, letting you hold, convert, and spend in multiple currencies.
Key Features:
- Real-time exchange rates (no markup)
- Multi-currency account and debit card
- Easy app and web interface
Fees:
0.35%–1.5% depending on amount and destination
Why Choose Wise?
Ideal for Canadians who want low-cost, fast, and transparent global money transfers.
Tangerine
Overview:
Tangerine, a digital bank backed by Scotiabank, is a strong alternative to Ria for everyday banking and transfers. It offers no-fee chequing and savings accounts, free Interac e-Transfers, and low-cost wire services for international money transfers. While it doesn’t specialize in global remittances like Ria, Tangerine supports seamless domestic transfers and links well with other platforms like PayPal or Wise.
Key Features:
- No monthly fees
- Free Interac e-Transfers
- Full-service digital banking
Fees:
Free domestic transfers; standard bank FX rates for wires
Why Choose Tangerine?
Great for Canadians wanting no-fee banking plus basic international transfer capabilities.
KOHO
Overview:
KOHO is a Canadian prepaid Visa platform that offers a smart way to manage money, earn cashback, and send free Interac e-Transfers. While it doesn’t offer direct international transfers like Ria, KOHO users can pair their account with services like Wise or PayPal to fund global transfers. KOHO also includes spending insights, automated savings, and a credit-building program—perfect for Canadians who want to improve financial habits while saving on fees.
Key Features:
- Free Interac e-Transfers
- Cashback on everyday purchases
- Budgeting and credit-building tools
Fees:
Free standard account; KOHO Extra: $9/month for premium perks
Why Choose KOHO?
Perfect for budget-conscious users who want a smarter, rewards-driven banking experience.
EQ Bank
Overview:
EQ Bank is a Canadian digital bank that offers no-fee banking with high interest and international transfers powered by Wise. Unlike Ria, EQ Bank customers can send money abroad using Wise’s low-cost infrastructure—right from their EQ dashboard. It also provides free Interac e-Transfers, bill payments, and high-interest daily banking, making it a comprehensive solution for both local and international money management.
Key Features:
- International transfers via Wise
- Free Interac e-Transfers
- High-interest hybrid account
Fees:
No monthly fees; Wise fees apply for global transfers (0.35%–1.5%)
Why Choose EQ Bank?
Best for users who want banking and low-cost international transfers in one platform.
Interac e-Transfer
Overview:
Interac e-Transfer is a go-to method for sending money within Canada, allowing users to transfer funds via email or phone number. It’s fast, widely supported, and highly secure. However, it doesn’t support international transfers, and some banks charge per-transfer fees or impose daily and per-transfer limits. Depending on your bank, the Interac e-Transfer limit could range from $3,000 to $10,000 per day.
Key Features:
- Instant domestic transfers
- Secure and easy to use
- Auto-deposit for seamless receiving
Fees:
Free with many accounts; others charge $1–$1.50 per transfer
Why Choose Interac?
Best for fast, trusted Canadian transfers—but not suitable for cross-border use.
Wealthsimple
Overview:
Wealthsimple Cash offers a fast, modern way to send and receive money instantly in Canada—without the need for banking details. Transfers are completely fee-free, and the app doubles as a hub for investing, crypto trading, and stock portfolios. While it doesn’t offer international transfers, it’s an excellent choice for users who want a free, secure, and mobile-first alternative to traditional e-Transfers.
Key Features:
- Instant domestic transfers
- No account fees
- Connects with Wealthsimple Invest and Trade
Fees:
None for P2P transfers
Why Choose Wealthsimple?
Perfect for those who want fast, free local transfers and seamless access to investing tools.
PayPal
Overview:
PayPal is a global payment platform with strong brand recognition and flexibility. It allows Canadians to send money locally and internationally, with or without a recipient’s bank details. Transfers funded via bank account are free domestically, while international transactions may incur currency conversion and service fees. Although PayPal doesn’t always offer the best exchange rates, it’s a user-friendly platform ideal for online purchases and occasional cross-border transfers.
Key Features:
- Global reach
- Easy to use
- Secure buyer/seller protection
Fees:
Free for domestic (bank-funded); 3.9% + ~2.5%–4% FX for international
Why Choose PayPal?
Great for secure online transfers, especially for freelancers or global e-commerce.
Simplii Financial
Overview:
Simplii Financial, the digital banking arm of CIBC, offers no-fee chequing accounts with unlimited free Interac e-Transfers and a unique Global Money Transfer service to 130+ countries. This service is fee-free for most destinations, making Simplii a strong Ria alternative for international remittances. Transfers are generally completed within 1–3 business days, and the platform is integrated with everyday banking tools.
Key Features:
- Global transfers to 130+ countries
- No monthly banking fees
- Free Interac e-Transfers
Fees:
No fees for most global transfers; FX markup applies
Why Choose Simplii?
Perfect for Canadians who want easy international transfers and full digital banking—all with no monthly fees.
Comparing the Best Ria Money Alternatives for Canadians
While Ria Money Transfer offers a convenient way to send money globally from Canada, its fees and exchange rate markups often make it less appealing than newer, more cost-effective options. Today, Canadians have access to a variety of platforms that deliver lower costs, faster transfers, and added financial perks. In this section, we compare the top Ria Money alternatives in Canada, looking at domestic and U.S. transfer costs as well as standout features that make each platform unique. Use this table to quickly evaluate the best money transfer service for your specific needs.
| Alternative Name | Best For | Cost to Send Money in Canada | Cost to Send Money to the U.S. | Extra Perks |
| Wise | Transparent international transfers | ~0.5% | 0.35%–1.5% | Mid-market exchange rate, multi-currency account, debit card |
| Tangerine | Full-service no-fee digital banking | Free | Standard bank FX/wire fees | Cashback credit card, free Interac e-Transfers |
| KOHO | Cashback spending & credit-building | Free | 1.5% FX fee (waived with KOHO Extra) | Prepaid Visa, rewards, savings tools |
| EQ Bank | Savings + Wise-powered transfers | Free (via Interac) | 0.35%–1.5% (via Wise) | High-interest savings, Wise integration |
| Interac e-Transfer | Instant domestic payments | Free (at many banks) | Not supported | Fast Canadian transfers, widely accepted |
| Wealthsimple | Fee-free local transfers + investing | Free | Not supported | Instant transfers, crypto & investing tools |
| PayPal | Online transfers & global payments | Free (bank-funded) | 3.9% + FX fee (~2.5%–4%) | Buyer/seller protection, e-commerce integrations |
| Simplii Financial | Banking + global transfers | Free | Free to 130+ countries | No-fee global transfers, CIBC-backed digital banking |
FAQ
Is Ria Money Transfer available in all provinces of Canada?
Yes, Ria Money Transfer is available across all provinces in Canada, both through authorized agent locations and its online platform. Whether you’re in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, or the Maritimes, you can use Ria to send money internationally. However, service availability may vary slightly by city or region depending on the number of local agents.
Which is better, Ria or Western Union?
Both Ria and Western Union offer fast international money transfers and wide global coverage, but Ria typically has lower fees, making it more affordable for most users. That said, Western Union may have broader agent access and more payout options, especially in rural or remote areas. Your best choice depends on your priorities: price, speed, or convenience.
Is Ria Money Transfer safe?
Yes, Ria is a safe and regulated money transfer service. It uses encryption, identity verification, and compliance with Canadian and international financial regulations to protect user data and transactions. As with any remittance service, always double-check recipient details and avoid sending money to unknown individuals to prevent fraud.
