Send Money to the UAE From the USA: Fast, Low-Cost, and Secure Methods

If you’re an expat, student, or business owner, knowing the best ways to send money to the UAE from the USA will save you hours of time, money, and frustration. Over the years, many people have struggled with cross-border transactions, especially when it comes to Arab countries like the United Arab Emirates.

This guide covers the best ways to send money to the UAE from the USA, compares several of the best methods, and provides key tips to help you save money during the transaction.

Key Takeaways

Cross-border transactions to the UAE are often expensive and slow due to high fees, unfavourable exchange rates, and long processing times.
Virtual accounts are a great choice for businesses handling international payments, especially those managing recurring transactions or large sum transfers, because they support multi-currency transfers and low fees.
Cryptocurrency transfers offer speed and low fees but are best suited for users familiar with crypto and willing to manage volatility risks.
Always check exchange rates before sending money, avoid weekends/holidays for transfers, and complete verification properly to prevent delays.

4 Best Ways to Send Money to the UAE From the USA

Here are the four best ways to send money to the UAE from the USA in 2025:

1. Wire Transfers

Wire transfers through the SWIFT network are still widely used today because it is officially the most common method of sending money. These transfers are especially useful for high-value transfers, but they tend to take more time and incur higher transfer fees.

To improve the speed between transfers, US-based banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citi partner with UAE banks such as Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB).

Pros:

They are a secure and reliable method for sending large amounts of money.
Traditional banking is more familiar and trusted among people.

Cons:

Slow processing time compared to other methods.
Higher transfer fees.
Unfavourable exchange rates.

2. Digital Money Transfer Platforms

Digital money transfer platforms specifically cater to transfers that transcend borders. They focus on speed and cost-effectiveness, and typically have a user-friendly mobile application that offers a convenient navigation process for users. In most cases, they offer better exchange rates according to the market evaluation.

Here are some of the most popular digital money transfer platforms that can send money to the UAE from the USA:

Wise: They offer transparent fees and exchange rates at the mid-market level. They also have a fast delivery time.
Remitly: This provider is known for its speed. They even have multiple service packages for clients willing to make faster transactions.
Xoom (by PayPal): Integrated with PayPal, Xoom is a leading provider of international remittances and offers rapid transfer deliveries.
OFX: They provide personal broker support in certain cases and waive fees once a transfer reaches a specific minimum size.
Revolut: This provider is an app-based financial platform that supports multiple currency transfers.

Pros:

Transparent pricing.
Fast and seamless transfers.
Suitable for cross-border transactions.

Cons:

Transfer restrictions and limits, i.e., some platforms impose limits on the transfer amount. This could be a daily, monthly, or yearly limit.
Account creation is necessary.

3. Virtual Accounts

Virtual accounts are digital accounts that allow users to send and receive funds across borders without needing a physical bank presence. You might be wondering, what is a virtual account? These accounts have proven themselves to be a fast, secure, and cost-effective way for efficient and online cross-border transactions.

These types of accounts are especially useful for international businesses, e-commerce sellers, payment portal integration, subscription payments, and others managing global transactions.

Some prominent providers of virtual accounts:

DSGPay: This provider offers virtual accounts that support multiple currencies. They also have virtual business accounts that charge low fees.
Payoneer: This is a payment platform that is widely accepted among freelancer platforms and online marketplaces.
Airwallex: This provider also provides global virtual accounts with various tools for businesses.

Pros:

They have low transaction fees and offer competitive exchange rates.
Virtual accounts usually support at least two different currencies.
This method offers fast transfers and flexible withdrawal options.
Suitable for individual and business owners, small and large transfers.

Cons:

Registration and verification are mandatory.

4. Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is an option for tech-savvy consumers or companies that are open to accepting digital currencies. Using stablecoins like BTC and USDT for transfers can provide speed and transparency for users. The funds can then be converted back and withdrawn as local currency through exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, etc.

Pros:

Crypto transfers are instant.
There are no intermediary banking fees involved.
It is a low-cost and secure option.

Cons:

Cryptocurrency prices can be very volatile.
It requires proficient knowledge in cryptocurrency transactions.

Comparing the Best Methods to Send Money to the UAE from the USA

Although each method has its merits and demerits, let’s compare them to find out which option stands above the others in cost-effectiveness, security, and speed.

Note: AED amounts are approximations based on mid-market exchange rates as of Jul 28, 2025 (1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED). Rates and fees vary depending on transfer method, currency market, and location. Please check the current rates before proceeding with your transactions.

Basic Tips To Know When You Send Money to the UAE from the USA

Use the following tips when you want to send money to the UAE from the USA:

Check if the exchange rates are favourable. Pick a time when the exchange rates are favourable to make transfers. This will ensure the recipient gets even more out of the money you’re sending.
Avoid weekend or holiday transfers. Transfers made during the weekends or holidays are often delayed till the next business day. This means longer delay times.
Use virtual accounts or digital transfer platforms to make regular or recurring transfers. They are the best-suited option for recurring and large transactions.
Carefully process your registration and use proper documents to ensure a smooth verification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cheapest way to send money to the UAE from the USA?

Digital money transfer and virtual account providers usually offer the lowest fees and best exchange rates. You can consider any one of them the cheapest, depending on your transfer goals.

2. How long does it take to send money to the UAE from the USA?

It ranges from a few minutes (with platforms like DSGPay, Remitly, Xoom, etc) to 3-5 business days (using wire transfers).

3. Can I use PayPal to send money to the UAE?

Yes, you can use PayPal to send money to the UAE by sending it through Xoom. Xoom is part of the PayPal network.

4. Are there limits to how much I can send?

Yes, there are limits, but they vary by provider. Limits can also vary depending on account type, KYC status, and destination country.

5. Is it safe to send money online to the UAE?

Yes, sending money online to the UAE is safe as long as you use a licensed and trusted provider.

Send Money to the UAE With Ease Using DSGPay’s Virtual Accounts

If you’re looking for a fast, low-cost, and secure way to send money to the UAE from the USA, DSGPay stands out as a trusted solution for both individuals and businesses.

With multi-currency virtual accounts, DSGPay lets you hold, receive, and send funds in over 30 currencies, including USD and AED.

This makes it an ideal option for handling cross-border B2B, B2C, and C2B transactions, including supplier payments or international payroll with competitive FX rates and low fees.

Why Choose DSGPay to Send Money to the UAE from the USA?

Local AED Payouts with Faster Settlement: Send AED directly to UAE bank accounts using local payment rail, faster, more reliable, and more cost-effective than traditional SWIFT transfers.
Named Virtual AED Accounts with UAE IBANs: Get virtual accounts issued in your company’s name, complete with UAE IBANs. This helps build trust with recipients and simplifies payment reconciliation.
No UAE Bank Account Needed: Gain access to local AED payment capabilities without needing to open a bank account in the UAE.
Seamless AED Collection from UAE Clients: Offer your UAE clients a seamless way to pay you in their local currency. Collect AED through DSGPay’s local rails for faster settlement, reduced friction, and improved customer experience.
Manage Your Large Transfers in One App: Control every stage of your transaction securely from our mobile app or online dashboard.

Final Thoughts

Sending money to the UAE from the USA is now faster, cheaper, and more secure than ever. Whether you’re handling business payments or international payroll, the right method can save time and reduce costs.

With DSGPay, you can send AED directly to local UAE accounts through domestic rails, no local bank account required. Their named virtual account solution gives you access to multi-currency support, UAE IBANs, and seamless cross-border capabilities, all from a single platform.

Looking for a smarter way to send money to the UAE? This is your sign to make the switch.