Vietnam is one of the largest remittance markets in Asia, and the Vietnamese community in the United States sends billions of dollars home every year. Sending money to Vietnam from the USA is quick and inexpensive if you pick the right service — but the best choice depends heavily on how your recipient wants to receive the money. This guide covers the cheapest, fastest ways to send money to Vietnam in 2026, and how to get the most dong to your family.
The short version
- Cheapest to a bank account: Wise — real mid-market rate, small transparent fee.
- Most flexible: Remitly — bank, cash pickup, mobile money and home delivery, from ~$1.99.
- One catch with Wise: it only delivers to Vietnamese bank accounts, not cash pickup or wallets.
- Check the live rate on our USD to VND page before you send.
What decides how many dong 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 and home delivery cost a little more.
Check today’s USD to VND rate first so you know a fair deal.
The best ways to send money to Vietnam
Wise — cheapest for bank transfers
Wise uses the real mid-market rate with a small, transparent fee, and is frequently the cheapest option for larger transfers — it was found to be the cheapest provider for sending $5,000 to Vietnamese dong. The one limitation: Wise only delivers to Vietnamese bank accounts, with no cash pickup or mobile-wallet option. If your recipient has a bank account, Wise is hard to beat on cost.
Remitly — most delivery options
Remitly offers Express transfers (funded by debit card, arriving in minutes, around $4.99) and Economy transfers (around $1.99, a few business days), plus the widest set of payout options: bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile money and even home delivery. If your recipient does not have a bank account or wants cash, Remitly is the flexible choice.
Banks — usually expensive
A US bank wire to Vietnam works but typically costs far more, with high flat fees and a marked-up rate. For most personal transfers, a specialist app delivers noticeably more dong.
Cost comparison at a glance
| Provider | Typical fee | Exchange rate | Speed | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Transparent, from ~0.5% | Mid-market, no markup | Minutes–1 day | Bank deposit only |
| Remitly | $1.99 (Economy) / $4.99 (Express) | Small markup | Minutes–days | Bank / cash / mobile / home |
| US bank wire | $25–50 | Marked-up rate | 1–3 days | Bank deposit |
Rates and fees change — compare the dong delivered before you send.
How your recipient receives the money
- Bank deposit — to Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank and other banks; cheapest and reliable.
- Cash pickup — via Remitly’s partner network, good for the unbanked.
- Mobile money and home delivery — Remitly offers both in Vietnam.
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. Because Wise and Remitly pull funds from your bank or card, a normal digital transfer is not affected.
How to choose the right option
- Recipient has a bank account: Wise, for the no-markup rate.
- Recipient wants cash or has no bank account: Remitly.
- Need it instantly: Remitly Express or cash pickup.
- Sending a larger amount: Wise usually delivers the most dong.
Step by step: how to send money to Vietnam
- Check today’s USD to VND rate so you know the benchmark.
- Compare the dong delivered across Wise and Remitly for your amount and delivery method.
- Choose delivery: bank deposit (cheapest) or cash pickup / mobile.
- 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 → VND rate first
See the current market rate on our free converter and measure any provider’s offer against it before you send to Vietnam.
See the USD to VND rateFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to Vietnam?
For recipients with a bank account, Wise is usually cheapest thanks to its mid-market rate and small fee. For cash pickup, mobile money or home delivery, Remitly is more flexible, with Economy from about $1.99. Compare the dong delivered.
How long does it take to send money to Vietnam?
Wise bank transfers usually arrive within a day and often faster. Remitly Express lands in minutes; its Economy option takes a few business days. Cash pickup is typically available within minutes.
Can I send money for cash pickup in Vietnam?
Yes, with Remitly (bank, cash pickup, mobile money and home delivery). Wise only delivers to Vietnamese bank accounts, so choose based on how your recipient wants the money.
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 via Wise and Remitly are not subject to the 1% excise tax that began on January 1, 2026.
Is it safe to send money to Vietnam online?
Yes, with a licensed provider like Wise or Remitly. Only send to people you know and be alert to scams.
Related guides: USD to VND exchange rate · How to send money internationally · Wise vs Remitly