Remittances are vital to Honduras, making up a significant share of the economy, and the Honduran community in the United States sends billions of dollars home every year. Sending money to Honduras from the USA is quick and inexpensive when you pick the right service — whether your family wants a bank deposit or to collect cash. This guide covers the cheapest, fastest ways to send money to Honduras in 2026.
The short version
- Often the most lempiras delivered: Remitly — its lower fees beat Wise’s slightly better rate at $250 and above.
- Best mid-market rate: Wise, especially for larger bank deposits.
- Pay from a bank or debit card, not credit, to keep costs down.
- Check the live rate on our USD to HNL page before you send.
What decides how many lempiras 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 HNL rate first so you know a fair deal.
The best ways to send money to Honduras
Remitly — often the most lempiras delivered
In 2026 testing, Remitly delivered more Honduran lempiras than Wise at every amount of $250 and above — its lower fees outweighed Wise’s slightly better headline rate. It lets you fund from a US bank account, debit card, credit card or Apple Pay, and your recipient can receive money by bank deposit, debit-card deposit or cash pickup.
Wise — the best mid-market rate
Wise uses the real mid-market rate with a small transparent fee, offering the best HNL exchange rate for bank deposits. It is an excellent, fully transparent choice, particularly if you value knowing exactly what you pay.
Western Union and others
Western Union and specialist services also serve Honduras and are useful for cash pickup across the country. As always, price the transfer before you send.
Cost comparison at a glance
| Provider | Typical fee | Exchange rate | Speed | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remitly | Low (often a few dollars) | Small markup | Minutes–same day | Bank / debit / cash |
| Wise | Transparent, from ~0.5% | Mid-market, no markup | Minutes–1 day | Bank deposit |
| Western Union | Varies | Wider markup | Minutes | Cash + bank |
Some providers advertise a $0 fee but apply a weaker lempira rate — always check how many lempiras your recipient actually gets.
How your recipient receives the money
- Bank deposit — to a Honduran bank account, cheapest via Wise or Remitly.
- Debit-card deposit — straight to a card with some providers.
- Cash pickup — widely available for recipients who prefer cash.
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 value most of the time: Remitly, especially at $250+.
- Want the truest rate on a bank deposit: Wise.
- Recipient wants cash: Western Union or Remitly pickup.
Step by step: how to send money to Honduras
- Check today’s USD to HNL rate so you know the benchmark.
- Compare the lempiras 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 (cheapest, and avoids the 1% cash tax).
- Send, and save the recipient for faster repeat transfers.
Check today’s real USD → HNL rate first
See the current market rate on our free converter and measure any provider’s offer against it before you send to Honduras.
See the USD to HNL rateFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to Honduras?
In 2026 testing, Remitly delivered more lempiras than Wise at every amount of $250+, because its lower fees outweighed Wise’s slightly better rate. Wise is excellent for the mid-market rate on bank deposits. Compare the lempiras delivered.
How can my recipient receive the money?
Providers like Remitly offer bank deposit, debit-card deposit and cash pickup. You can fund from a US bank account, debit card, credit card or Apple Pay — bank or debit is usually cheapest.
How long does it take?
Cash pickup and Express transfers are usually within minutes; bank deposits arrive same day or within a 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 Honduras 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 HNL exchange rate · How to send money internationally · Wise vs Remitly