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Money Order vs Wire Transfer: What Is the Difference?

14 May 2024


Are you still confused about making a global money transfer through a wire transfer or money order? In this article, you will learn the differences and benefits of a money order and a wire transfer. In the technologically advanced world, things are becoming more powerful and digital. So, your money transfer has also come across multiple transaction options. The wireless transmission market is rapidly growing due to its outstanding benefits. Almost 13.97% of young Americans are using wire transfers. Only a few people are relying on money orders because of technological advancements.
 

Money orders and wire transfers are used for global money transfers. A money order is a traditional and old way to send money across borders. It usually takes days or months to send money to different parts of the world. However, like wireless communication, wire transfer is an instant transfer method. There are more than 87.5 million expats in the world. Expats are the people who leave their country and make their living in a new region but try to remain financially connected with their families. So, if you are living abroad and confused between money orders or wire transfers, swipe the screen below:

Differences between Money Order vs Wire Transfer

As per the names, money orders and wire transfers are the ways to send money online internationally. Both have the same purposes but come with slight differences:

Money Order & Wire Transfer

A money order is a traditional funds transfer service. It is like buying a cheque in which the sender prepays the amount for placing the order and fills in the recipient's name and other necessary details. The document is the sign of authentic payment. Banks and remittance services issue this document for the sender of funds. The recipient then converts that document into cash.
 

In contrast, wire transfers allow electronic transactions. It does not involve physical documents. Funds are transferred directly from the sender's account to the receiver's.

Money Transaction Speed

Money orders are usually time-consuming because they include physical documents. Transferring documents physically from one country to another consumes much time because of the greater distance. However, wire transfers are quick and instant. It takes a few minutes to send money through wire transfers. Electronic transfers make real-time transactions. They are best for dealing with emergencies and urgent transaction needs. The quick speed of wire transfers makes them more reliable and convenient.

Cost & Hidden charges

The cost of money orders and wire transfers depends upon the distance. Money orders are usually low in fees for local money transfers, but sending money abroad might be costly. Wire transfers are instant and transferred through electronic devices, so they charge a low cost. The cost of wireless transactions also depends on remittance services. Wire transfers may involve higher fees due to complex cross-border transactions.

Security Measures for Transactions

Both money orders and wire transfers are secure methods of sending money. Wire transfers are safe because they follow strict security protocols. Wireless transfers use mobile and digital banks, which involve techniques like biometrics and encryption. This ensures every dollar reaches its destination. In comparison, money orders may need help with paper misplacement due to more considerable distances.

Easy Accessibility to Users

Wire transfers are easily accessible to everyone. They just require a mobile phone or any other device to send money. Individuals can make wire transfers from any place, irrespective of location. But to place a money order, you have to visit money order institutes or post offices. You have to follow time deadlines and monetary limits. Also, people may need help finding money order institutes and visiting the locations.

Convenient & Quick 

Wireless transfers are easy because anyone with a phone can operate their money transfers. Individuals just need to enter the details for once and save it for later use. Individuals must follow a complex document verification and identification procedure to place a money order each time. Also, you must wait to place a money order online and have to visit branches.

Money Transaction Limits

People prefer wire transfers because they offer limitless transactions. You can send large amounts of money to different countries and regions. However, money orders usually come with a specific limit of $1,000. You must place multiple orders if you have to send more money than the specified amount.

Reverse Money Transactions

There is no process for reverse transactions in money orders. Once you send money to the recipient, you cannot get it back. In comparison, if the sender mistakenly sends more money to the receiver, he can request a reverse transaction, and the sender will receive his money the same way.

Which one is better, a Money Order or a Wire transfer?

Both are remittance transfer services, but both come with pros and cons. Wire transfers are a modern and electronic way to send money abroad, whereas money orders are traditional and old. Following are the pros and cons of both services that will help you choose the best:

Benefits & Drawbacks of Money Order

  • They are secure because only named receivers or 
    businesses can receive them, reducing the risk of 
    scams and fraud.
  • It guarantees cash payment
  • Individuals with no bank account can also place 
    their money orders
  • They are less expensive
  • You can send money abroad using money orders.


 

  • It takes a lot of time to send money 
    through money orders
  • Money order requires complex steps 
    to follow
  • You have to visit the branches physically 
  • They have a specific amount limit


 

Benefits & Drawbacks of Wire Transfer
 

  • Wire transfers are quick, instant, and convenient
  • Everyone can access wire transfers through their 
    electronic devices
  • They are safe and secure
  • They provide real-time exchange rates
  • They are easy to track
  • For further information, 
    read all you need to know about Wire Transfers.


 

  • They are costly as compared to money orders
  • You cannot cancel a transaction 
  • You must have a bank account or any other 
    account to proceed with your transaction.
  • You may face exchange rate fluctuations.


 

Money orders and wireless transfers are two popular ways of transferring money. Using these methods, you can send money to local areas of your country or overseas. A money order is a traditional and old method of sending money for which senders need to buy a paper of the same amount they want to deliver to the receiver, and recipients get the cash by showing that page. It is a complex and time-consuming process requiring physical visits from senders and receivers at different locations. At the same time, wire transfers are easy because you can operate them from your home or work.

Expats’ Guide to Money Transfers: Making Informed Choices in a Digital Age

Most overseas people must find convenient ways to send money abroad or to their families in distant countries. They often need clarification to choose the best service because they need more knowledge. Online remittance transfer services are better than traditional methods because they don’t rely on the physical presence of the sender and receivers. Individuals can easily connect to their banks and make online money transfers in different parts of the world. You must understand the differences between money orders and wire transfers to choose the suitable transaction method.

 

Money orders are cheaper than wire transfers. This is because wire transfer provides real-time exchange rates. Money orders are reliable for people who want to send money within a country. However, for expats or people living abroad, wire transfers are reliable. Wire transfer saves a lot of time that is wasted visiting branches. You can send money at any time without any transfer limits. Moreover, you don't need to repeat the same documentation process repeatedly because you can save all your data on the transfer apps. ACE Money Transfer facilitates wire transfers to more than 100 countries.


 

FAQs

What is a money order? How to place a money order?

A money order is a payment transfer method that allows an individual to prepay a specific amount of money to the money providers, and they send a paper of the exact amount to the destination provided by the sender. It is the same as dealing with cheques, but it guarantees cash. Individuals must visit the institutes to offer detailed info on the sender and receiver's location to place an order.

What are wire transfers?

Wire transfer is an electronic money transfer method. You can place a wire transfer by connecting to any online remittance service or digital bank.

What are the benefits of wire transfer?

Wire transfers are secure and quick. You can send money through wire transfers using your mobile and operate the process from any location (home or office).

Which is the best: A money order or a wire transfer to send money across the border?

Nowadays, wire transfers are known best because of their instant transaction, ease of accessibility, and simple way to send money to different locations. Money orders are reliable for local money transfers.

How do you make a wire transfer through ACE Money Transfer?

Register yourself on ACE, create an account, provide essential information about the sender and receiver, enter the payment amount, and connect your account to make a wire transfer through ACE.
 

Reference Links:

https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/lowvaluepay/default.htm

https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/what-is-a-money-order.aspx#:~:text=several%20money%20orders.-,Wire%20transfer,to%20pay%20a%20receiving%20fee.


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