Find the best ways to transfer money to Bahrain

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much BHD your recipient in BH will get.

For example, in the past 7 days average rate for USD to BHD was 0.3768 BHD.

Since USD-BHD exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more BHD.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Wise, which consistently offers the best rates for Bahraini Dinar transfers.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Bahrain is through a bank transfer with Key Currency, which is 0.02% cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Bahrain impacts the cost, speed, and how much BHD the recipient will receive.

Based on our live data for a $7,000 transfer from the US to Bahrain, the following are your best options:

• Key Currency with bank transfer deposit costs $0 and has a 0.25% markup.

• Xe with a debit card deposit costs $0 with 2.49% markup.

We advise against using bank transfer, as they tend to be the most expensive option for BHD transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on BHD, and are usually more expensive.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to BH. SWIFT transfers to Bahrain are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much BHD you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the BHD exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Bahrain.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of BHD you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Bahrain.

The speed of sending Bahraini Dinar to Bahrain depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $7,000 transfer to Bahrain:

Use Regency FX for fastest transfers

Of the 9 companies offering BHD transfers, Regency FX consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods.

For bank account & card deposits use Regency FX

Regency FX offers fast and affordable Bahraini Dinar transfers, with fees of around $0 for bank deposits and $0 for debit card deposits, plus a small 0.27% markup on top of the BHD rate.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for BHD transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Bahrain, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Bahrain:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Bahrain.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Bahrain offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on BHD exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Bahrain are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Bahraini Dinar as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Bahrain to collect the BHD.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Bahraini Dinar via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire BHD directly to Bahrain due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send BHD from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Bahrain. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the BHD transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Bahrain, we recommend Key Currency.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Bahrain. Use Xe to deposit with a debit card at just $0 per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Bahrain needs BHD urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Bahrain, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive BHD directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like Key Currency.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Bahrain, Bahraini Dinar will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending BHD as cash or transferring large amounts to Bahrain, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Bahrain, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of BHD being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Bahrain, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Bahraini Dinar.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on BHD transfers/payments to BH.

Some BHD transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain BHD transfers (especially large sums of Bahraini Dinar) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Bahrain or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Bahrain or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.