SendWave has become a go-to money transfer app for many people living abroad, especially within the African, Asian, and Latin American diaspora.
With its promise of fee-free transfers and an intuitive mobile app, it stands out in a crowded remittance market. This review dives into its features, fees, pros and cons, and how it compares to other services.
Key Takeaways
- SendWave is best for fast, fee-free mobile transfers to select countries.
- The app is intuitive and highly rated, but lacks desktop access and broad coverage.
- It’s a great tool for those sending small, frequent personal remittances.
What Is SendWave?
SendWave started as a small startup aiming to make remittances easier for people living abroad. Founded in 2014, it focused on streamlining the remittance experience through mobile-first design. In 2021, SendWave was acquired by WorldRemit, a larger player in the global money transfer space.
SendWave continues to operate as its own app and brand. The company’s mission is to make sending money as easy and affordable as sending a text. Its team emphasizes simplicity, low-cost service, and accessibility for underbanked communities.
Who Is SendWave Best For?
SendWave is ideal for anyone who regularly sends money back home to family or friends. The platform especially resonates with members of the African, Asian, and Latin American diaspora.
If you’re looking to send small amounts frequently and prefer using a smartphone app, SendWave is a great fit. It’s not intended for large or business-related transfers.
Best Suited For:
- Individuals sending money to mobile wallets or bank accounts in supported countries.
- People who prioritize convenience and low fees.
- Users with family in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, and more.
Countries and Currencies Supported
While SendWave supports many popular remittance corridors, it doesn’t cover as many countries as some of its larger competitors. The platform is available in select countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Transfers are typically made in local currencies, depending on the recipient country. The sending side is often limited to countries like the US, UK, Canada, and some EU nations.
Examples of Supported Countries:
- Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, Tanzania
- Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam
- Latin America: Haiti, Dominican Republic
How Does SendWave Work?
Using SendWave is simple and fast, designed to be accessible even for users who are not tech-savvy. The service is mobile-only, meaning everything happens within their iOS or Android app.
To send money, users must download the app, create an account, and verify their identity. Once set up, they can link a debit card and start sending funds instantly.
How to Send Money with SendWave:
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign up and complete identity verification.
- Link a debit card (credit cards not accepted).
- Choose recipient, enter amount, and hit send.
SendWave Fees and Exchange Rates
One of SendWave’s biggest selling points is its zero-fee model. The platform doesn’t charge fees for transfers, but it does make a small profit from the exchange rate margin.
While this may seem like a hidden fee, SendWave is often still cheaper than banks or traditional transfer services. The app shows you the total amount your recipient will get before you hit send.
Example:
- Send $100 to Kenya
- Recipient receives approx. KES 13,000 (subject to rate)
- No additional service fees charged
Transfer Speed and Reliability
Speed is another area where SendWave shines. Most transactions are delivered within minutes, though timing can vary by country and payout method.
The platform is generally reliable, and users report high satisfaction with how quickly their loved ones receive funds. SendWave uses encryption and industry-standard security protocols to protect user data.
Key Points:
- Typical delivery time: minutes to 24 hours
- Encrypted transfers
- High trust ratings from users
SendWave Mobile App Review
The app experience is central to SendWave’s appeal. It’s available on both Android and iOS and consistently receives high ratings.
The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Features are limited, but that’s intentional—SendWave keeps things simple for users who just want to send money, fast.
App Store Ratings:
- Google Play: 4.5/5 from over 100K reviews
- Apple App Store: 4.7/5 from over 60K reviews
Customer Support Experience
Support is available through the app, email, and occasionally by phone depending on the region. Most users report helpful and quick responses.
There are occasional complaints about delayed responses, but these are relatively rare. The company seems committed to providing good service and listens to user feedback.
Support Options:
- In-app chat support
- Email: help@sendwave.com
- Limited phone support in select countries
Pros and Cons of SendWave
Like any platform, SendWave has its strengths and drawbacks. For users in supported corridors, it can be an excellent tool. For others, its limitations can be a dealbreaker.
Pros:
- No fees on transfers
- Fast and reliable delivery
- User-friendly mobile app
Cons:
- No desktop access
- Limited country coverage
- Daily and monthly send limits
SendWave vs Competitors
SendWave competes directly with platforms like Remitly, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and even its parent company, WorldRemit. Each platform has its own strengths.
SendWave is best for quick mobile transfers to specific countries. Wise offers better exchange rates for large transfers, and Remitly covers more countries.
Comparison Table:
| Platform | Fees | Speed | Countries Supported | Desktop Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SendWave | $0 | Minutes | Limited | No |
| Wise | Low | 1-2 Days | 80+ | Yes |
| Remitly | Variable | Minutes–Days | 100+ | Yes |
Is SendWave Safe and Legit?
Yes, SendWave is licensed and regulated in the countries where it operates. As a subsidiary of WorldRemit, it benefits from the infrastructure and compliance standards of a major financial services company.
The app uses industry-standard encryption and data protection methods. It also complies with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
Trust Factors:
- Licensed in the US, UK, Canada, and EU
- Encrypted and secure
- Trusted by millions of users
Final Verdict: Should You Use SendWave?
If you’re in a supported sending country and regularly send money to family or friends abroad, SendWave is a top-tier choice. It combines simplicity, speed, and affordability into one mobile app.
However, if your recipient country isn’t supported or you need business-level transfers, you might want to look elsewhere. Wise, Remitly, or Western Union may be better suited in those cases.
Summary:
- Great for personal remittances to Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Not ideal for business payments or unsupported regions
- Excellent mobile-first experience
Conclusion
SendWave delivers on its promise to make money transfers simple, fast, and fee-free. It’s a strong choice for the diaspora communities it serves, especially those looking to send smaller amounts more frequently.
While its limited coverage and mobile-only access are drawbacks, the overall value it provides is clear. In 2025, SendWave remains a competitive and trusted option in the remittance space.
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FAQ
Is SendWave really free?
Yes, SendWave doesn’t charge a transfer fee. However, it does make money from a small exchange rate margin.
How fast are SendWave transfers?
Transfers are often delivered within minutes, though some may take up to 24 hours depending on the country and payout method.
Is SendWave available in my country?
SendWave supports sending from the US, UK, Canada, and a few European countries. Check their website or app for the full list.
Can I use SendWave on desktop?
No, SendWave is exclusively a mobile app and does not support desktop access.
Is SendWave better than Western Union?
For supported countries, SendWave is often faster and cheaper. However, Western Union supports more countries and cash pickup options.
Does SendWave support business payments?
No, SendWave is only for personal transfers. Business or large-scale payments should be done through other platforms.
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