How To Send Money From Dubai To USA

Whether you're an expat supporting loved ones, a freelancer paying for services, or a business traveler moving funds, sending money from Dubai to the USA might be something you need.  Luckily, there are now faster, cheaper, and more convenient ways to do it than ever before. 

Bank Transfers: The traditional route

If you bank with major UAE institutions like Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, or Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, you can send money directly to the US via a SWIFT wire transfer. This is the most traditional and recognized method, used by thousands of expats daily.

Traditional bank transfers are often the first method people consider when sending money overseas. Most UAE banks, like Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), offer international wire transfers that can send funds directly to a recipient's US bank account.

However, while banks are reliable, they're not always the most efficient option. Regarding speed, International wire transfers typically take 2–5 business days to reach the recipient in the USA. Delays may occur due to intermediary banks or currency conversion processes.

Banks usually charge sending and receiving fees, ranging between AED 75 and 200 per transaction. In addition, they often apply less favorable exchange rates, meaning you get fewer dollars for your dirhams.

For User Experience, Bank transfers are safe but can be cumbersome, requiring physical visits, lengthy forms, and higher costs. For people who send money frequently, these charges can quickly add up. They are great for one-off, high-value transfers but not ideal for frequent or budget-conscious users.

Money transfer operators

Well-known names like Western Union and MoneyGram have been around for decades, offering physical and digital services for global money movement. They're still popular in Dubai, especially among expats who prefer in-person cash transfers.

For the Speed, Transfers through these operators can arrive within minutes if the recipient collects cash in the USA. However, bank deposits can take 1–3 business days.

While the speed is great, the cost can be steep. A typical transfer may attract AED 20–60 fees, plus weaker exchange rates compared to online platforms. Over multiple transactions, these hidden costs can significantly reduce the amount received.

The process is straightforward: visit an agent, fill in the details, and send. But for digital-savvy users, standing in queues and filling out forms can feel outdated. The process is fast but costly. It's great for emergency transfers but not the most affordable long-term solution. Alternatively, you can also send and receive money through the MoneyGram app or website, with services available through partners like Redha Al Ansari Exchange and Beyon Money. 

Online money transfer services

Here's how some of the most popular online money transfer platforms compare when sending money from Dubai to the USA:

Pesa 

In July 2025, Pesa officially launched in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a major milestone for Nigerians and other expats looking for a reliable, transparent, and user-centered way to send money home or abroad.

But Pesa's expansion isn't just about connecting Dubai to Nigeria; it's also about enabling seamless global transfers, including to destinations like the USA.

With its new Pesa Dubai (AED) wallet, users can send money internationally in near real time, enjoy competitive exchange rates, and experience zero hidden fees, a rare combination in today's remittance market. 

With Pesa, funds from your Dubai (AED) wallet can reach recipients abroad almost instantly. Speed is guaranteed if you support a family, fund education, or pay a remote client.

Unlike banks and traditional services that add hidden markups, Pesa ensures you get the best possible exchange rates, so your dirhams go further. Every transfer maximizes value for both sender and receiver.

Pesa's transparency means no unpleasant surprises, just clear rates, visible fees, and fair pricing. The Pesa app makes cross-border transfers as simple as sending money to a friend. You can download it, create your AED wallet, and transfer within minutes.

Pesa is designed for diaspora remitters, global freelancers, international students, digital nomads, and people who live globally and need financial tools that match their lifestyle.

Pesa's platform is backed by a strong compliance framework and secure technology to protect every transaction. It's a remittance experience that blends reliability with simplicity.

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Wise

Speed: Transfers usually arrive within 1–2 business days, sometimes faster depending on the recipient's bank.

Exchange Rates: Wise is known for offering the mid-market rate, which means there is no hidden markup — you get the same rate you see on Google.

Fees are low and transparent. For instance, sending AED 1,000 might cost around AED 10–20, depending on the destination and payment method.

User Experience: Wise offers a clean interface and a complete fee breakdown before you confirm the transfer. It's trusted for its honesty, but there have been cases of account freezes due to strict compliance checks. It's best for people who prioritize transparency and don't mind waiting a day or two for delivery.

Remitly

Speed: Fast. Express transfers can arrive within minutes, while Economy transfers take 3–5 business days.  Remitly sometimes offers introductory promotional rates for first-time users, but ongoing exchange rates are slightly below mid-market.

Fees Depend on the amount you're sending, speed, and destination. The Remitly app is intuitive, allowing users to track transfers in real time. However, faster delivery comes at a higher cost. It's Best for Users who want quick transfers and are okay with paying more for convenience.

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How To Send Money From Dubai to the USA Using Pesa

Getting started with Pesa is quick and hassle-free. Here's how to do it:

1. Download the Pesa App
2. Available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
3. Create Your Pesa Account
4. Sign up in minutes using your valid ID and contact details.
5. Set Up Your Pesa Dubai (AED) Wallet
6. Fund it easily from your UAE bank account or preferred payment method.
7. Enter Recipient Details
8. Input the receiver's bank account or wallet information in the USA.
9. Send and Track
10. Hit "Send" and watch your money move in near real time. Both sender and receiver get instant updates on the transfer. And that's it, your money arrives securely, quickly, and with no hidden surprises.

Alternative ways to send money

If you're looking for a quick way to move smaller amounts for online purchases, freelance work, or business transactions, digital wallets and payment apps like PayPal and Skrill offer a convenient option. They let you link your UAE card or bank, convert AED to USD, and send money directly to a recipient's US wallet or bank account. These platforms are great for everyday payments, especially for freelancers and small business owners who work with clients in the US.

However, convenience comes at a cost. Most apps charge transaction and currency conversion fees, and their exchange rates fluctuate. While they're not the best choice for large transfers, they're a solid alternative when speed and ease matter more than getting the absolute best rate.

Conclusion

Sending money from Dubai to the USA no longer has to be complicated or expensive. There are plenty of options from banks to transfer operators and online platforms, but not all deliver the same value.

Pesa is your best choice if you want speed, transparency, and trust. Its new UAE launch, AED wallet, and commitment to fairness and simplicity are redefining how money moves worldwide.  So the next time you need to send money abroad, whether to family, clients, or business partners  -- do it with Pesa.