Compare the best ways to send money from United States to Malawi

We compared 4 companies sending money from the United States to Malawi. MoneyGram is the best and cheapest, while TapTap Send is the fastest.

Sending $7,000 with MoneyGram gets your recipient 26,411,359.8 MWK at 3773.0514 MWK per USD.

Best companies for USD/MWK transfers

4 of 4 providers

Last updated on 28 October 2026

Based on 7,000 USD transfer

Best companies for USD/MWK transfers

Sort Cheapest
Promoted

Wise

Pay via Bank transfer
Fee $336.59 1 USD = 1734.0100 MWK +0.19% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 11,554,419.57 Within a week
Multi-currency cardReceive to bank accountDedicated support for large transfers

Ways to receive money in Malawi with Wise when paying by bank transfer.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Bank depositWithin a weekAvailable via:SWIFT
$336.591 USD = 1734.0100 MWK
MWK 11,554,419.57You pay$7,000.00
Promoted

Regency FX

Pay via Bank transfer
Fee $0.00 1 USD = 1732.5598 MWK +0.27% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 12,127,918.94 Minutes - 24 hours
Personal account managerReceive to bank accountProfessional, personal service

Ways to receive money in Malawi with Regency FX when paying by bank transfer.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Bank depositMinutes - 24 hours
Free1 USD = 1732.5598 MWK
MWK 12,127,918.94You pay$7,000.00

Run a live search

Showing top United States to Malawi deals for 7,000 USD. Do a live search with your exact amount for today's best rates.
$0 fee on first online transfers

MoneyGram

Pay via Debit card
Fee $1.49 1 USD = 3773.0514 MWK -73.89% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 26,411,359.80 Minutes - 24 hours
Cheapest

Ways to receive money in Malawi with MoneyGram when paying by debit card.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Mobile walletMinutes - 24 hoursAvailable via:Select Wallets
$1.491 USD = 3773.0514 MWK
MWK 26,411,359.80You pay$7,001.49
Bank depositMinutes - 24 hoursAvailable via:All Banks
$2.491 USD = 1927.1782 MWK
MWK 13,490,247.40You pay$7,002.49
Cash pickupMinutes - 24 hours
$75.991 USD = 1675.8351 MWK
MWK 11,730,845.70You pay$7,075.99
$0 fee on first online transfers

MoneyGram

Pay via Bank transfer
Fee $105.00 1 USD = 3773.0514 MWK -73.89% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 26,411,359.80 Minutes - 24 hours

Ways to receive money in Malawi with MoneyGram when paying by bank transfer.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Mobile walletMinutes - 24 hoursAvailable via:Select Wallets
$105.001 USD = 3773.0514 MWK
MWK 26,411,359.80You pay$7,105.00
Bank depositMinutes - 24 hoursAvailable via:All Banks
$1.991 USD = 1927.5882 MWK
MWK 13,493,117.40You pay$7,001.99
Cash pickupMinutes - 24 hours
$105.001 USD = 1675.8351 MWK
MWK 11,730,845.70You pay$7,105.00
$0 fee on first online transfers

MoneyGram

Pay via Credit card
Fee $210.00 1 USD = 3773.0514 MWK -73.89% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 26,411,359.80 Minutes - 24 hours

Ways to receive money in Malawi with MoneyGram when paying by credit card.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Mobile walletMinutes - 24 hoursAvailable via:Select Wallets
$210.001 USD = 3773.0514 MWK
MWK 26,411,359.80You pay$7,210.00
Bank depositMinutes - 24 hoursAvailable via:All Banks
$177.991 USD = 1927.1782 MWK
MWK 13,490,247.40You pay$7,177.99
Cash pickupMinutes - 24 hours
$179.991 USD = 1675.8351 MWK
MWK 11,730,845.70You pay$7,179.99

TapTap Send

Pay via Debit card
Fee $0.00 1 USD = 2280.0000 MWK -27.02% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 15,960,000.00 Minutes
Fastest
Receive to bank account

Ways to receive money in Malawi with TapTap Send when paying by debit card.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Bank depositMinutes
Free1 USD = 2280.0000 MWK
MWK 15,960,000.00You pay$7,000.00
Mobile moneyMinutesAvailable via:Airtel, FDH, TNM
Free1 USD = 2280.0000 MWK
MWK 15,960,000.00You pay$7,000.00
$0 fee on first online transfers

MoneyGram

Pay via Cash deposit
Fee $60.79 1 USD = 1733.4900 MWK +0.22% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 12,134,430.00 Minutes - 24 hours

Ways to receive money in Malawi with MoneyGram when paying by cash deposit.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Cash pickupMinutes - 24 hours
$60.791 USD = 1733.4900 MWK
MWK 12,134,430.00You pay$7,060.79
Exclusive: First Transfer Deal

Regency FX

Pay via Bank transfer
Fee $0.00 1 USD = 1732.5598 MWK +0.27% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 12,127,918.94 Minutes - 24 hours
Personal account managerReceive to bank accountProfessional, personal service

Ways to receive money in Malawi with Regency FX when paying by bank transfer.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Bank depositMinutes - 24 hours
Free1 USD = 1732.5598 MWK
MWK 12,127,918.94You pay$7,000.00

Wise

Pay via Bank transfer
Fee $336.59 1 USD = 1734.0100 MWK +0.19% vs mid-market Recipient gets MWK 11,554,419.57 Within a week
Recommended
Multi-currency cardReceive to bank accountDedicated support for large transfers

Ways to receive money in Malawi with Wise when paying by bank transfer.

MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Bank depositWithin a weekAvailable via:SWIFT
$336.591 USD = 1734.0100 MWK
MWK 11,554,419.57You pay$7,000.00
How Our Results Work
Mid-market rate: 1 USD = 1737.2504 MWK Updates every 60 minutes.

How to send money from US to Malawi

Pick a company

If you're sending a one-off transfer, then MoneyGram is the best option.

MoneyGram was the cheapest on 29 of the 29 days it quoted $7,000 transfers to Malawi.

For recurring transfers, I'd suggest using an app or a multi-currency account with MoneyGram.

For large transfers, a broker like Regency FX is the best option.

If your recipient needs cash, MoneyGram is the cheapest.

How much you send will affect the best option for you right now.

Pay for it

You have 4 ways to pay for your transfer to Malawi, including bank transfer, debit card, credit card, and cash deposit.

Usually, using bank transfer to fund your transfer is the cheapest but slowest option (ACH and takes a day or two).

You can use a debit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay for quicker deposit but its a bit more expensive.

I suggest avoiding credit cards since these are most expensive and have cash advance fees (Amex is very rarely accepted in general).

Check and send

First time round you'll need to confirm who you are.

An SSN isn't required, an ITIN or a foreign passport works with most companies here.

Compare amounts

How much USD are you sending to Malawi?

How much USD you send to Malawi heavily affects the best ways and the cheapest options. Use the table below to check how the cheapest options change and how much more you'd get by comparing.

Our analysis shows MoneyGram was the cheapest in 100% of the transfers from $5,000 it quoted, and in 99% of all the transfers it quoted.

Cheapest service
$500-73.89%$1.49MWK 1,886,525.70with debit card to mobile wallet+MWK 797,626.19
$2,000-73.89%$1.49MWK 7,546,102.80with debit card to mobile wallet+MWK 3,092,534.92
$5,000-73.89%$1.49MWK 18,865,257.00with debit card to mobile wallet+MWK 5,908,155.14
$7,000This page-73.89%$1.49MWK 26,411,359.80with debit card to mobile wallet+MWK 7,695,524.38
$10,000-73.89%$1.49MWK 37,730,514.00with debit card to mobile wallet+MWK 10,992,250.55
$50,000-73.89%$1.49MWK 188,652,570.00with debit card to mobile wallet+MWK 54,946,082.96
$100,000-73.89%$1.49MWK 377,305,140.00with debit card to mobile wallet+MWK 109,876,588.71
$250,000-73.89%$1.49MWK 943,262,850.00with debit card to mobile wallet+MWK 274,686,714.39

Mid-market rate: 1 USD = 1737.2504 MWK

USD/MWK Exchange Rate History

Is today a good time to send money from US to Malawi?

The cheapest way to send USD to MWK can change every day, or stay with the same company all month.

We've compared the mid-market rate with the cheapest option each day (today it's MoneyGram), across 30 days of comparisons for 7,000 USD transfers to Malawi.

MWK received for $7,000, after fees

Wed, Oct 28, 2026Mid-market rateMWK 12,160,752.98 MoneyGram MWK 26,411,359.80MoneyGramMWK 26,411,359.80TapTap SendMWK 15,960,000.00Regency FXMWK 12,127,918.94

10M
15M
20M
25M
30M
At the mid-market rateWith the cheapest optionMoneyGramTapTap SendRegency FX
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1735.1176 – MWK 12,145,823.44
MoneyGram Cheapest 3703.1426 $1.99 MWK 25,921,998.20 +MWK 13,776,174.76
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,604,176.56
Regency FX 1730.4328 $0.00 MWK 12,113,029.71 −MWK 32,793.73
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1736.9997 – MWK 12,158,998.19
MoneyGram Cheapest 3703.1350 $1.99 MWK 25,921,945.00 +MWK 13,762,946.81
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,591,001.81
Regency FX 1732.3098 $0.00 MWK 12,126,168.89 −MWK 32,829.30
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1735.9996 – MWK 12,151,997.15
WorldRemit Cheapest 2412.5000 $2.99 MWK 16,880,286.63 +MWK 4,728,289.48
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,598,002.85
Regency FX 1731.3124 $0.00 MWK 12,119,186.76 −MWK 32,810.39
MoneyGram No quote collected this day – – – –
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1737.0002 – MWK 12,159,001.58
MoneyGram Cheapest 3713.3740 $1.99 MWK 25,993,618.00 +MWK 13,834,616.42
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,590,998.42
Regency FX 1732.3103 $0.00 MWK 12,126,172.28 −MWK 32,829.30
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1736.0003 – MWK 12,152,002.42
MoneyGram Cheapest 3713.3740 $1.99 MWK 25,993,618.00 +MWK 13,841,615.59
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,597,997.59
Regency FX 1731.3131 $0.00 MWK 12,119,192.01 −MWK 32,810.40
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1730.1834 – MWK 12,111,283.81
MoneyGram Cheapest 3713.3740 $1.99 MWK 25,993,618.00 +MWK 13,882,334.19
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,638,716.19
Regency FX 1725.5119 $0.00 MWK 12,078,583.34 −MWK 32,700.47
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1732.7149 – MWK 12,129,004.14
MoneyGram Cheapest 3713.3740 $1.99 MWK 25,993,618.00 +MWK 13,864,613.86
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,620,995.86
Regency FX 1728.0365 $0.00 MWK 12,096,255.83 −MWK 32,748.31
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1730.4411 – MWK 12,113,087.68
MoneyGram Cheapest 3725.1771 $1.49 MWK 26,076,239.70 +MWK 13,963,152.02
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,636,912.32
Regency FX 1725.7689 $0.00 MWK 12,080,382.34 −MWK 32,705.34
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1733.1277 – MWK 12,131,893.73
MoneyGram Cheapest 3725.3298 $1.99 MWK 26,077,308.60 +MWK 13,945,414.88
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,618,106.28
Regency FX 1728.4482 $0.00 MWK 12,099,137.61 −MWK 32,756.12
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1732.7553 – MWK 12,129,286.90
MoneyGram Cheapest 3725.3298 $1.99 MWK 26,077,308.60 +MWK 13,948,021.70
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,620,713.10
Regency FX 1728.0768 $0.00 MWK 12,096,537.83 −MWK 32,749.07
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1728.6240 – MWK 12,100,367.69
MoneyGram Cheapest 3725.3298 $1.99 MWK 26,077,308.60 +MWK 13,976,940.92
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,649,632.31
Regency FX 1723.9567 $0.00 MWK 12,067,696.69 −MWK 32,671.00
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1734.1066 – MWK 12,138,746.38
MoneyGram Cheapest 3732.4708 $1.49 MWK 26,127,295.60 +MWK 13,988,549.23
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,611,253.63
Regency FX 1729.4245 $0.00 MWK 12,105,971.76 −MWK 32,774.62
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1734.1066 – MWK 12,138,746.38
MoneyGram Cheapest 3732.4708 $1.49 MWK 26,127,295.60 +MWK 13,988,549.23
TapTap Send 2250.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,750,000.00 +MWK 3,611,253.63
Regency FX 1729.4245 $0.00 MWK 12,105,971.76 −MWK 32,774.62
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1732.8851 – MWK 12,130,195.98
MoneyGram Cheapest 3732.4708 $1.49 MWK 26,127,295.60 +MWK 13,997,099.62
TapTap Send 2400.0000 $0.00 MWK 16,800,000.00 +MWK 4,669,804.02
Regency FX 1728.2064 $0.00 MWK 12,097,444.45 −MWK 32,751.53
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1737.2564 – MWK 12,160,795.02
MoneyGram Cheapest 3732.4708 $1.49 MWK 26,127,295.60 +MWK 13,966,500.58
TapTap Send 2600.0000 $0.00 MWK 18,200,000.00 +MWK 6,039,204.98
Regency FX 1732.5658 $0.00 MWK 12,127,960.87 −MWK 32,834.15
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1730.7967 – MWK 12,115,576.82
MoneyGram Cheapest 3737.3797 $1.99 MWK 26,161,657.90 +MWK 14,046,081.08
TapTap Send 2600.0000 $0.00 MWK 18,200,000.00 +MWK 6,084,423.18
Regency FX 1726.1235 $0.00 MWK 12,082,864.76 −MWK 32,712.06
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1741.0003 – MWK 12,187,002.00
MoneyGram Cheapest 3737.3797 $1.99 MWK 26,161,657.90 +MWK 13,974,655.90
TapTap Send 2400.0000 $0.00 MWK 16,800,000.00 +MWK 4,612,998.00
Regency FX 1736.2996 $0.00 MWK 12,154,097.10 −MWK 32,904.90
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1733.8762 – MWK 12,137,133.27
MoneyGram Cheapest 3737.2290 $1.99 MWK 26,160,603.00 +MWK 14,023,469.73
TapTap Send 2400.0000 $0.00 MWK 16,800,000.00 +MWK 4,662,866.73
Regency FX 1729.1947 $0.00 MWK 12,104,363.01 −MWK 32,770.26
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1736.6010 – MWK 12,156,206.91
MoneyGram Cheapest 3737.1878 $1.99 MWK 26,160,314.60 +MWK 14,004,107.69
TapTap Send 2400.0000 $0.00 MWK 16,800,000.00 +MWK 4,643,793.09
Regency FX 1731.9122 $0.00 MWK 12,123,385.15 −MWK 32,821.76
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1736.6010 – MWK 12,156,206.91
MoneyGram Cheapest 3744.4095 $1.99 MWK 26,210,866.50 +MWK 14,054,659.59
TapTap Send 2400.0000 $0.00 MWK 16,800,000.00 +MWK 4,643,793.09
Regency FX 1731.9122 $0.00 MWK 12,123,385.15 −MWK 32,821.76
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1739.7814 – MWK 12,178,469.74
MoneyGram Cheapest 3737.1878 $1.99 MWK 26,160,314.60 +MWK 13,981,844.86
TapTap Send 2400.0000 $0.00 MWK 16,800,000.00 +MWK 4,621,530.26
Regency FX 1735.0840 $0.00 MWK 12,145,587.87 −MWK 32,881.87
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1741.9997 – MWK 12,193,997.73
MoneyGram Cheapest 3750.0017 $1.49 MWK 26,250,011.90 +MWK 14,056,014.17
Regency FX 1737.2963 $0.00 MWK 12,161,073.93 −MWK 32,923.79
TapTap Send 1725.6300 $0.00 MWK 12,079,410.00 −MWK 114,587.72
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1730.8283 – MWK 12,115,798.24
MoneyGram Cheapest 3750.0017 $1.49 MWK 26,250,011.90 +MWK 14,134,213.66
TapTap Send 2278.8200 $0.00 MWK 15,951,740.00 +MWK 3,835,941.76
Regency FX 1726.1551 $0.00 MWK 12,083,085.58 −MWK 32,712.66
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1734.1025 – MWK 12,138,717.51
MoneyGram Cheapest 3749.9382 $1.99 MWK 26,249,567.40 +MWK 14,110,849.89
TapTap Send 2600.0000 $0.00 MWK 18,200,000.00 +MWK 6,061,282.49
Regency FX 1729.4204 $0.00 MWK 12,105,942.98 −MWK 32,774.53
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1733.1586 – MWK 12,132,110.45
MoneyGram Cheapest 3749.9382 $1.99 MWK 26,249,567.40 +MWK 14,117,456.95
TapTap Send 2550.0000 $0.00 MWK 17,850,000.00 +MWK 5,717,889.55
Regency FX 1728.4791 $0.00 MWK 12,099,353.75 −MWK 32,756.70
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1732.7621 – MWK 12,129,334.58
MoneyGram Cheapest 3749.9382 $1.99 MWK 26,249,567.40 +MWK 14,120,232.82
TapTap Send 2280.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,960,000.00 +MWK 3,830,665.42
Regency FX 1728.0836 $0.00 MWK 12,096,585.38 −MWK 32,749.20
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1732.7621 – MWK 12,129,334.58
MoneyGram Cheapest 3749.9382 $1.99 MWK 26,249,567.40 +MWK 14,120,232.82
TapTap Send 2280.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,960,000.00 +MWK 3,830,665.42
Regency FX 1728.0836 $0.00 MWK 12,096,585.38 −MWK 32,749.20
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1730.2293 – MWK 12,111,605.28
MoneyGram Cheapest 3749.9382 $1.99 MWK 26,249,567.40 +MWK 14,137,962.12
TapTap Send 2280.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,960,000.00 +MWK 3,848,394.72
Regency FX 1725.5577 $0.00 MWK 12,078,903.94 −MWK 32,701.34
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1737.8187 – MWK 12,164,730.63
MoneyGram Cheapest 3751.7080 $1.49 MWK 26,261,956.00 +MWK 14,097,225.37
TapTap Send 2280.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,960,000.00 +MWK 3,795,269.37
Regency FX 1733.1266 $0.00 MWK 12,131,885.86 −MWK 32,844.77
Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference
Mid-market rate 1737.2504 – MWK 12,160,752.98
MoneyGram Cheapest 3773.0514 $1.49 MWK 26,411,359.80 +MWK 14,250,606.83
TapTap Send 2280.0000 $0.00 MWK 15,960,000.00 +MWK 3,799,247.03
Regency FX 1732.5598 $0.00 MWK 12,127,918.94 −MWK 32,834.04

Exchange rateFeeRecipient getsDifference

Each line shows what the recipient gets when you send $7,000, after fees, as quoted by each company. The mid-market line shows what $7,000 converts to at the real exchange rate, with no fees or markup. Rates are checked once a day. Sponsored placements never affect this data. There are no bank quotes for this period.

Understanding USD/MWK exchange rate

The dashed line is what you'd get at the mid-market rate with no fees, and the blue line is the cheapest option that day.

When the blue line goes above the dashed one, you're getting more MWK per USD than the mid-market rate can offer.

This could be due to money transfer offers, FX rate adjustments, or market competitiveness.

In the past month, a money transfer company beat the mid-market rate on 30 of the last 30 days.

Right now, MoneyGram pays 26,411,359.8 MWK on 7,000 USD, which is 14,250,606.83 MWK more than the mid-market amount, so it's a good deal (pretty much free money).

Today's payout is the highest in the past month.

If you need to send money now, it's a good time to send.

Cheapest over time

Picking the cheapest money transfer company

Just because a company is the cheapest today doesn't mean it's always the best option for sending money to Malawi.

We've tracked 207 comparisons to check how often today's top companies were the cheapest across 8 amounts over the past month.

  1. MoneyGramAppeared in 206 comparisons

    Cheapest in 99% of them

  2. TapTap SendAppeared in 207 comparisons

    Never the cheapest

  3. Regency FXAppeared in 117 comparisons

    Never the cheapest

Based on 207 comparisons across 8 amounts over the last 30 days.

Is the cheapest money transfer company always the best?

Different companies can come out cheapest depending on the day and the amount you send.

To keep things fair, we only count the comparisons each company appeared in, and only analyze companies that appeared in at least 50% of all comparisons (so occasional cheapest options don't skew it).

Today MoneyGram is the cheapest and gets you the most MWK, and it was also the cheapest in 99% of the 206 comparisons it appeared in over the past month.

It's a good pick for both one-off and regular transfers to Malawi.

TapTap Send (today's second cheapest) was the cheapest in only 0% of its comparisons, so it's rarely the cheapest option for transfers to Malawi.

Ways to send money from the US to Malawi

There are 4 companies available for sending money from the US to Malawi, across app, online, in person, broker, multi-currency account, and global account, and more.

For regular transfers home

Money transfer apps

If you send a few hundred dollars home every payday, an app is usually the cheapest way and the least work.

MoneyGram charges $1.49 on a $7,000 transfer with -73.89% markup, saves your recipient's details for next time, and MWK arrives in minutes - 24 hours.

Over the past month, MoneyGram was the cheapest app on 100% of the days it appeared for $7,000 transfers.

Funding from a US bank account or debit card avoids the 1% federal tax that applies to cash-funded transfers.

Sending without a US bank account

Cash & in-person transfers

Paying in cash at an agent can work without a US bank account.

The ID accepted depends on the company and the amount, so check before visiting if you do not have an SSN.

Hand $7,000 to a MoneyGram agent in the US, and your recipient will get 26,411,359.8 MWK in minutes - 24 hours.

Our data shows MoneyGram came out cheapest among in-person options on 100% of days in the past month.

However, transfers funded with cash or a money order carry a 1% federal tax since January 1, 2026. To avoid it, fund with a debit card or bank account instead (most agents take both).

For one-off transfers

Online transfers

For a one-off transfer, an online service funded from your checking account is usually the cheapest way to send money to Malawi.

Of all online companies listed here, MoneyGram gets you the most MWK per USD.

On a $7,000 transfer, you will get 26,411,359.8 MWK after a $1.49 fee and -73.89% markup.

In our comparisons over the past month, it was the cheapest online service on 29 of the 29 days it quoted.

But, bank funding (ACH) takes 1 to 3 business days to clear, while debit cards (and Google Pay/Apple Pay) are usually instant but cost a bit more.

For transfers over $10,000

Currency brokers

For large transfers to Malawi (e.g. a property purchase, tuition, or moving to Malawi), a broker like Regency FX charges no fee, gives you a dedicated account manager, and adds 0.27% markup on USD/MWK that gets lower the more you send.

Our analysis shows Regency FX was the cheapest broker in 100% of the transfers from $5,000 it quoted.

It's also good to check Wise since you get a bulk discount on transfers over $25,000.

Business payments from the US

Global accounts

Global accounts are for US businesses paying people abroad.

Companies like Airwallex, WorldFirst, or Payoneer handle the recurring and batch payments, invoicing, tracking, and more.

Holding & spending currencies

Multi-currency accounts

A multi-currency account like Wise is the best for holding and receiving MWK.

This is useful for traveling to Malawi, building up MWK balance, or receiving payments in MWK.

Wise converts $7,000 at 0.19% markup plus small fee and holds the MWK until you spend it.

Over the past month, it came out cheapest among multi-currency accounts on 100% of days.

Ways to fund USD and receive MWK in Malawi

With MoneyGram, paying by debit card and receiving through mobile wallet is the cheapest combination. Sending $7,000 gives your recipient 26,411,359.8 MWK.

Deposit USD by bank transfer, debit card, credit card, and cash deposit.

The simplest way is to pay from your US checking account

Pay by bank transfer using your routing and account numbers.

An ACH payment is usually cheaper than a card, but it may take some time for it to clear before a money transfer company can send the money to Malawi.

You can deposit cash

You'll need to visit the nearest MoneyGram branch and hand over $7,000.

MoneyGram is the cheapest option and will get you 26,411,359.8 MWK on a $7,000 transfer after fees.

Transfers funded with physical cash are subject to the 1% US remittance transfer tax, but funding from a US bank account or with a US-issued debit or credit card is exempt.

Zelle, Venmo and Cash App only support domestic transfers, so they cannot send money to Malawi.

Your recipient in Malawi can collect MWK through bank deposit, mobile wallet, mobile money, and cash pickup.

They can collect cash in Malawi

Your recipient can collect MWK from a participating MoneyGram location in Malawi.

They should take a valid photo ID and the collection reference, and check that the name on the transfer matches their ID.

  1. 1
    Debit card Mobile wallet

    You pay $7,001.49

    MK26,411,360

    Cheapest

  2. 2
    Bank transfer Mobile wallet

    You pay $7,105.00

    MK26,411,360

    MK0

  3. 3
    Credit card Mobile wallet

    You pay $7,210.00

    MK26,411,360

    MK0

  4. 4
    Debit card Bank deposit

    You pay $7,000.00

    MK15,960,000

    -MK10,451,360

  5. 5
    Debit card Mobile money

    You pay $7,000.00

    MK15,960,000

    -MK10,451,360

Show moreShow less
  1. 6
    Bank transfer Bank deposit

    You pay $7,001.99

    MK13,493,117

    -MK12,918,242

  2. 7
    Credit card Bank deposit

    You pay $7,177.99

    MK13,490,247

    -MK12,921,112

  3. 8
    Cash deposit Cash pickup

    You pay $7,060.79

    MK12,134,430

    -MK14,276,930

  4. 9
    Debit card Cash pickup

    You pay $7,075.99

    MK11,730,846

    -MK14,680,514

  5. 10
    Bank transfer Cash pickup

    You pay $7,105.00

    MK11,730,846

    -MK14,680,514

  6. 11
    Credit card Cash pickup

    You pay $7,179.99

    MK11,730,846

    -MK14,680,514

Things to consider before sending USD to Malawi

The way you fund the transfer now affects the tax, while US law gives you specific rights if something goes wrong.

Find the right USD/MWK company

Cheapest way to send money to Malawi

The cheapest option is MoneyGram, funded by debit card with mobile wallet for the payout. Your recipient gets 26,411,359.8 MWK, which is 39.57% more than the next best option.

Fastest way to send money to Malawi

The fastest option is TapTap Send. Pay by debit card and choose bank deposit for the payout. Your recipient gets 15,960,000 MWK, with the money arriving in minutes.

Cash-funded transfers now carry a 1% tax

Since January 1, 2026, a 1% federal tax applies when an international transfer is funded with cash, a money order, a cashier's check or a traveler's check.

Funding from a US bank account, including ACH, or with a US-issued debit or credit card is exempt.

The rule applies to how you pay in, so your recipient can still collect cash without triggering the tax.

The $10,000 rule is not a transfer limit

There is no federal cap on how much of your own money you can send electronically abroad.

Your bank or transfer company can set its own limit and ask for proof of where a large or unusual payment came from.

Cash reports and the declaration for physically carrying more than $10,000 across the US border are separate rules.

Do not split cash transactions to avoid a report.

You normally have 30 minutes to cancel

The US Remittance Transfer Rule requires a covered company to show the exchange rate, fees and expected amount received before you pay.

You can normally cancel within 30 minutes at no charge, provided the money has not been deposited or collected.

You also have error-resolution rights if the wrong amount arrives or the transfer never turns up.

Contact the company first and keep the receipt.

The CFPB explains the cancellation and error process.

Need to send a large amount of USD to Malawi?

For transfers over $10,000, MoneyGram is the best option.

It offers the best exchange rate, which is more important than the fee for large transfers to Malawi.

While MoneyGram may not always be the cheapest or fastest way to send MWK, they offer years of experience, and will offer you the peace of mind you need when sending large amounts abroad.

Read Review

How we analyze the market

We track, save, and analyze the cost, speed, and product offerings of the leading money transfer services available between Malawi and United States.


We work with leading money transfer companies to provide real time fees and exchange rates. In the past 30 days alone, we analyzed 207 comparisons across 8 amounts.

This page covers the cheapest and fastest options for USD/MWK transfers. This is how we pick them:

  • Cheapest: the company that gets your recipient the most, after fees and the exchange rate. On a tie, live pricing from the company takes priority over the rates we collect by hand.

  • Fastest: the company with the shortest estimated delivery time once you’ve paid. On a tie, the one that pays out more takes priority.

For a deeper understanding of our commitment to integrity and transparency, check out these articles:

Any tax information is for general guidance only and does not constitute tax advice. Speak to a qualified tax adviser about your circumstances.