The Dominican Republic is one of the largest remittance markets in the Caribbean, and the Dominican community in the United States sends billions of dollars home every year. Sending money to the DR from the USA is fast and affordable when you pick the right service — whether your family wants a bank deposit or to collect cash at Caribe Express. This guide covers the cheapest, fastest ways to send money to the Dominican Republic in 2026.
The short version
- Among the cheapest: Remitly — fees from $0, delivery in minutes.
- Best mid-market rate for bank deposits: Wise.
- Often cheapest for cash pickup: Western Union.
- Check the live rate on our USD to DOP page before you send.
What decides how many pesos arrive
- The exchange-rate markup — the gap between the real mid-market rate and the rate you are offered.
- The transfer fee — the visible charge.
- The delivery method — bank deposit is cheapest; cash pickup costs a little more.
Check today’s USD to DOP rate first so you know a fair deal.
The best ways to send money to the Dominican Republic
Remitly — among the cheapest and fastest
Remitly offers competitive rates with fees starting from $0, and gets money to your recipient within minutes. It supports bank deposits to BanReservas, Banco Popular and others, plus cash pickup at partners like Caribe Express. It is a strong all-round choice for the DR corridor.
Wise — the best mid-market rate
Wise uses the real mid-market rate with a small transparent fee, making it excellent value for bank deposits, especially larger transfers where the no-markup rate saves the most. It delivers to Dominican bank accounts.
Western Union — often cheapest for cash pickup
For recipients who want to collect physical cash, Western Union is frequently the cheapest option and has wide agent coverage across the country.
Cost comparison at a glance
| Provider | Typical fee | Exchange rate | Speed | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remitly | From $0 | Small markup | Minutes–same day | Bank + cash pickup |
| Wise | Transparent, from ~0.5% | Mid-market, no markup | Minutes–1 day | Bank deposit |
| Western Union | Varies (often low for cash) | Margin added | Minutes | Cash + bank |
Rates and fees change — compare the pesos delivered before you send.
How your recipient receives the money
- Bank deposit — to BanReservas, Banco Popular and other banks; cheapest via Wise or Remitly.
- Cash pickup — at Caribe Express, Western Union and other agents, available in minutes.
The 2026 US remittance tax
The 1% US excise tax introduced on January 1, 2026 applies only to remittances paid with cash or a money order. Fund from your bank or card and a normal digital transfer is not affected.
How to choose the right option
- Best all-round value: Remitly.
- Larger bank deposit: Wise, for the no-markup rate.
- Recipient wants cash: Western Union or Remitly pickup.
Step by step: how to send money to the Dominican Republic
- Check today’s USD to DOP rate so you know the benchmark.
- Compare the pesos delivered across two providers for your amount and delivery method.
- Choose delivery: bank deposit (cheapest) or cash pickup.
- Fund from your bank account or debit card to avoid the 1% cash tax.
- Send, and save the recipient for faster repeat transfers.
Check today’s real USD → DOP rate first
See the current market rate on our free converter and measure any provider’s offer against it before you send to the Dominican Republic.
See the USD to DOP rateFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to the Dominican Republic?
Remitly is among the cheapest, with fees from $0 and delivery in minutes; Wise offers an excellent mid-market rate for bank deposits; Western Union is often cheapest for cash pickup. Compare the pesos delivered.
How do I send money for cash pickup in the Dominican Republic?
Remitly, Western Union and others offer cash pickup at partners like Caribe Express and BanReservas, usually within minutes. Wise delivers only to bank accounts.
How long does it take?
Cash pickup and app transfers are often available within minutes; bank deposits arrive same day or within one business day.
Do I have to pay the new 1% US transfer tax?
Only if you pay with cash or a money order. Bank- or card-funded transfers are not subject to the 1% excise tax that began on January 1, 2026.
Is it safe to send money to the Dominican Republic online?
Yes, with a licensed provider like Wise, Remitly or Western Union. Only send to people you know and stay alert to scams.
Related guides: USD to DOP exchange rate · How to send money internationally · Remitly vs Western Union