How to Send Money to Someone in Puerto Rico

Sending money to someone in Puerto Rico involves various methods and requirements for a smooth transaction. As a U.S. territory, the process is simplified because the U.S. dollar is the official currency, eliminating currency exchange concerns.

Choosing a Money Transfer Method

Several avenues exist for transferring money to Puerto Rico, each with distinct features regarding speed, cost, and convenience. Traditional banks offer wire transfers, reliable for sending larger sums. These transfers incur fees ranging from $25 to $50 and generally complete within one to three business days.

Online money transfer services provide a more economical alternative. Platforms such as Remitly, Wise, Xoom, Revolut, WorldRemit, and Ria facilitate digital transfers with competitive fees and faster delivery, sometimes within minutes. These services often offer lower transaction costs compared to traditional bank wires, making them a popular choice for regular transfers.

For in-person transactions or cash pickup, services like Western Union and MoneyGram maintain physical locations. Senders can initiate transfers with cash or debit cards, and recipients can often pick up funds within minutes at a local agent location. Mobile payment applications, such as Zelle or Venmo, primarily serve domestic U.S. transfers, offering immediate peer-to-peer payments. Their applicability for direct transfers to Puerto Rico depends on whether both the sender’s and recipient’s banks fully support the service for inter-bank transfers to the territory.

Essential Information and Preparation

Before initiating any money transfer, gather accurate information. For transfers to a bank account, you will need the recipient’s name, address, phone number, bank name, account number, and routing number. If the recipient plans to pick up cash, their name as it appears on their government-issued identification will be required.

The sender must also provide identification, typically a government-issued ID and sometimes proof of address. Transfer limits vary significantly by service provider, ranging from a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands per transaction or day. Check these limits before attempting a large transfer.

As Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar, no currency exchange rates apply. Transfer fees will apply, structured as either a fixed amount or a percentage of the sum, varying among providers. Some services may offer promotional rates, such as a free first transfer. Transfer speed varies by method; cash pickups can be instant, while bank deposits may take one to three business days. Confirm the estimated delivery time beforehand.

Executing the Money Transfer

After selecting a transfer method and gathering information, initiate the transfer. If using an online service or mobile app, navigate the platform, select Puerto Rico as the destination, and input the recipient’s details, such as their name and bank account information or cash pickup location. Specify the amount to send and choose your payment method, which includes linking a bank account, using a debit card, or a credit card.

For in-person transfers at an agent location, present your government-issued identification and fill out a transfer form, providing the recipient’s details. Payment is made with cash or a debit card. After processing, you will receive a confirmation, often including a tracking number.

This tracking number allows monitoring the transfer’s progress through the service’s website or app. Share it with the recipient, especially for cash pickups, as they will need it along with their government-issued identification to collect funds. For direct bank deposits, funds are automatically credited, and the recipient receives notification from their bank once complete.