Mexico receives more remittances than any other country in the world. In 2024, Mexican families received over $63 billion sent from abroad, the vast majority from the United States. Behind every transfer is someone working hard to support the people they love from a distance.
If you’re wondering how to send money to Mexico from the US in 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know: the available methods, how much each one costs, how to avoid hidden fees, and how to make sure your family gets the most out of every dollar you send.
What to know before your first transfer
Sending money to Mexico from the US is simpler than it might seem, but there are a few basics worth understanding upfront.
Documents you need. To register with a money transfer app like ShareMoney, you need a valid ID (passport, consular ID, or driver’s license), an active US phone number, and a payment method: bank account, debit card, or credit card.
Transfer limits. Most digital services allow you to send up to $2,999 per transfer without additional verification. If you need to send larger amounts, a one-time identity verification step in the app unlocks higher limits for future transfers.
Delivery times. Depending on the method you choose, money can arrive in minutes (cash pickup at OXXO or Soriana), within hours (bank deposit via SPEI), or in 1-2 business days (traditional bank transfer). We cover the differences in detail below.
Exchange rate matters. The exchange rate offered by each service can vary significantly. The difference between the best and worst available rate can mean hundreds of pesos less for your family on every transfer. Always compare before confirming a transaction.
2026 note on remittance taxes. A new 1% federal excise tax on international money transfers from the US took effect in 2026. Regulated providers like ShareMoney are required to collect and disclose this tax. When comparing services, make sure you’re looking at the total cost including this fee, not just the advertised commission.
Methods to send money to Mexico from the US
There are three main ways to send money to Mexico from the US: direct bank deposit, cash pickup, and digital wallet. Each has advantages depending on who’s receiving and where they are.
Direct bank deposit in Mexico
With this option, you select your family member’s bank in Mexico (BBVA, Banorte, Santander, Banamex, HSBC, or another available bank) and ShareMoney deposits the pesos directly into their account. The transfer runs through SPEI, Mexico’s electronic payments network, making it fast and secure.
Delivery time: Minutes to a few hours, depending on the recipient’s bank.
Best for: Families where the recipient in Mexico already has a bank account. The money arrives directly to their account without them having to leave the house.
What you need: To make a bank deposit, you need the recipient’s 18-digit CLABE number (not their card number). Your family member can find their CLABE in their bank’s app or on a monthly statement.
Cash pickup (OXXO, Soriana, Waldo’s)
For families who prefer cash or don’t have a bank account, cash pickup is the most practical option. With ShareMoney, your family can collect money at over 175,000 payout locations across Mexico, including OXXO, Soriana, Walmart Mexico, and Waldo’s.
Delivery time: In most cases, money is available within minutes.
Best for: People in areas with limited banking access, those who prefer cash for daily expenses, or whenever you need immediate funds for an emergency.
How it works: Your family member receives a confirmation code and presents it at any enabled payout location. No card, no bank account, no waiting in line at a bank. Just the code, their ID, and the money ready in minutes.
What it actually costs to send money to Mexico
The real cost of a transfer is not just the fee shown on screen. There are two components to always check if you want to know how much actually arrives.
1. The fixed or percentage fee. Some services charge $3, $5, or even $10 per transfer. Others advertise “zero fees” but make up for it with a worse exchange rate. A zero-fee label does not mean the service is cheaper.
2. The exchange rate margin. This is the cost most users miss because it’s built into the rate. If the real (interbank) exchange rate is $17.80 pesos per dollar and the service offers you $17.10, you’re losing $0.70 on every dollar you send. On a $500 transfer, that’s $350 less for your family before the money even arrives.
The most honest way to compare is to calculate how many pesos your family receives per dollar you send, after all fees. That number (not the advertised commission percentage) is what actually matters.
The New 1% Remittance Tax in 2026: Does It Affect You?
In January 2026, the United States introduced a new 1% federal tax on international remittances. It’s a topic many people are talking about, and for good reason: it can directly affect how much money actually reaches your family in Mexico.
But there’s an important detail that not everyone knows: the tax only applies to transfers paid in cash, check, or money order. If you send money through a digital app like ShareMoney using your debit card or bank account, you are exempt.
What does this mean in practice? If you usually go to a physical agency and pay in cash, starting in 2026 you’ll pay an extra 1% on the amount sent. Send $500 in cash and the agency collects an extra $5 just for the tax. But if you use ShareMoney from your phone and pay with a card or bank account, that charge doesn’t apply.
It’s one more reason to make the switch to digital: faster, cheaper, and now also exempt from the new tax.
How to send money to Mexico from the US with ShareMoney: step by step
Sending your first transfer with ShareMoney takes less than 10 minutes from the app.
Step 1. Download the app. ShareMoney is available on the App Store and Google Play. It’s free.
Step 2. Create your account. You’ll need your name, phone number, email address, and a valid ID. The verification process happens directly in the app in a few minutes.
Step 3. Add your recipient. Enter your family member’s information: their full name and, depending on the delivery method, their 18-digit CLABE for a bank deposit, or just their name and location for cash pickup.
Step 4. Choose your amount and how to pay. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or directly from your US bank account. The app shows you exactly how many pesos your family will receive before you confirm, with no surprises.
Step 5. Confirm and track in real time. Once the transfer is sent, you can monitor its status directly in the app. Your family member gets a notification when the money is available for pickup or when it appears in their account.
Your first transfer with ShareMoney has no fee.
5 tips to make every dollar count
Compare the exchange rate, not just the fee. Use each app’s calculator to see exactly how many pesos your family receives. That number (not the fee percentage) is what defines which service is actually better for your situation.
Send larger amounts less frequently if you’re paying a flat fee. If a service charges $4 per transfer, sending $500 every two weeks is more efficient than $100 every week.
Take advantage of the first transfer free. Your first transfer with ShareMoney has no commission. It’s the best moment to compare live how many pesos your family receives versus what other apps offer.
Choose the method based on urgency. For emergencies, cash pickup is available in minutes. For scheduled payments like rent, school fees, or utilities, a direct bank deposit is more convenient.
Double-check the CLABE before sending. An incorrect CLABE can delay the transfer. Ask your family member to share their CLABE directly from their bank’s app, not from memory, to avoid errors.
Can I send money to rural areas of Mexico?
Yes. One of ShareMoney’s advantages is coverage in municipalities and communities outside major cities. With over 175,000 payout locations in Mexico, including OXXO and Soriana branches present even in smaller county seats, your family can collect money without traveling to a large city.
If your family lives in a rural community in Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, or any other state, the cash pickup option is usually the most accessible. It guarantees the money goes directly into their hands without depending on banking infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for money to arrive in Mexico? It depends on the method you choose when you send money to Mexico from the US. Cash pickup at OXXO or Soriana is typically available in minutes. Bank deposits via SPEI with ShareMoney arrive in minutes to a few hours.
Can I send money to Mexico without a US bank account? Yes. You can pay your transfer with a debit or credit card directly in the ShareMoney app. You don’t need a US bank account to register or to send money.
How much can I send to Mexico per transfer? With ShareMoney you can send up to $2,999 per transfer from your first use. Once you complete identity verification inside the app, that limit increases to allow larger amounts on future transfers.
Is it safe to send money to Mexico through an app? Yes, as long as you use a licensed and regulated service in the US. ShareMoney operates with a license in 49 states (NMLS #899521) and uses bank-level encryption to protect your data and your money on every transfer.
What does my family member in Mexico need to receive the money? For cash pickup: just their ID and the confirmation code that arrives by text message. For bank deposit: the money goes directly to their account and they don’t need to do anything.
Can I send money to any bank in Mexico? Yes. Through the SPEI system, ShareMoney can deposit into accounts at BBVA, Banorte, Santander, Banamex, HSBC, Scotiabank, and any bank connected to the Mexican banking network.
How does the new 2026 remittance tax affect my transfer? A 1% federal excise tax on international money transfers applies to transfers sent from the US starting in 2026. ShareMoney discloses this fee clearly before you confirm any transaction, so you always know exactly what you’re paying. There are no hidden charges.
Send your first transfer with no fee
Now that you know how to send money to Mexico from the US and what each method costs, you can make the decision with full information. If this is your first time with ShareMoney, your first transfer to Mexico comes with $0 in fees and a preferential exchange rate above the standard rate. Valid on transfers up to $500 USD with a debit card.
Download the app, add your family member, and see how many pesos your family receives with every dollar you send.
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Last updated: March 2026
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