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How to Send Money to Colombia: Fees, Speed, and Best Methods
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Updated August 2026.
Supporting Colombia after the earthquake 
Following the recent earthquake in Colombia, Ria is waiving transfer fees to help you support loved ones when they need it most. From August 10–16, use promo code MIGENTE for a $0 fee when sending money to Colombia from the U.S., Canada, or Chile through the Ria app or website. Terms and conditions apply.
Whether you’re supporting family, paying for services, or sending a gift, knowing the best way to transfer money to Colombia can make a world of difference.
With so many options available, it’s important to find a solution that’s fast, affordable, and secure. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to send money to Colombia, how much it might cost, how long it takes, and how to do it with Ria Money Transfer.
Ways to Send Money to Colombia
Choosing the right method depends on your priorities: speed, cost, or convenience. Here are the most common options available:
Bre-B: the fastest way to reach any bank or wallet in Colombia
Skip the account number. With Bre-B on Ria, your recipient just shares their llave (phone number, ID, or email) and the money arrives directly in their existing bank account or wallet (Nequi and DaviPlata included) usually within minutes, any day of the week.
Pros: No account number needed, works across all major banks and wallets, available 24/7 including holidays.
Cons: Recipient must already have a llave registered with their bank or wallet.
Bank Transfers
Traditional bank transfers offer security and reliability, making them a trusted choice for larger amounts. However, they typically come with higher fees and slower processing times.
How it works: Transfer funds directly from your bank account to your recipient’s Colombian bank account
Pros: Secure, reliable, ideal for high-value transfers
Cons: Slower processing (1-3 business days), higher fees, less favorable exchange rates
Ria partners with major Colombian banks like Bancolombia, Banco de Bogotá, and Banco Popular to ensure smooth, secure transfers.
Money Transfer Companies
Specialized providers like Ria Money Transfer focus on international remittances. These services offer multiple payout options and competitive speeds, though fees vary based on your chosen method.
How it works: Send money online, through the Ria app, or at an agent location
Pros: Fast delivery (often within minutes), multiple payout options, competitive rates
Cons: Fees vary depending on payment and delivery methods
Digital Wallets
Digital wallets provide instant transfers for tech-savvy users. In Colombia, this usually means Nequi or DaviPlata, the country's two dominant mobile wallets, with a combined ~43 million users between them. Ria sends directly to accounts from both wallets, and funds are typically available in minutes.
Pros: Instant transfers, available 24/7, user-friendly interfaces
Cons: Both parties need digital accounts, transfer limits may apply
Debit Card Transfers
Services using Visa Direct or Mastercard Send allow direct deposits to your recipient’s debit card, offering speed and convenience.
How it works: Funds transfer directly to the recipient’s debit card
Pros: Fast processing (minutes to hours), convenient for recipients
Cons: Not all Colombian banks accept these transfers; verify beforehand
Cash Pickup Services
Perfect for recipients without bank accounts, cash pickup services let your loved ones collect funds at thousands of locations across Colombia.
How it works: Send money online or in-person; recipient collects cash at designated locations
Pros: No bank account required, widely available pickup points
Cons: Requires travel to pickup location, may involve additional fees
How Much Does It Cost to Send Money to Colombia?
Several factors influence your total transfer cost:
Payment method: Since January 1, 2026, a new 1% federal remittance tax applies to transfers funded with cash, a money order, or a cashier's check. Funding from a bank account, debit card, or credit card avoids this tax entirely. See our full guide to the new US remittance tax for details.
Delivery method: Cash pickup, bank deposit, or debit card transfers each have different fee structures
Exchange rates: Rates fluctuate and vary between providers
Transfer amount: Some services offer better rates for larger amounts
With Ria, you can check exact fees and exchange rates before confirming your transfer using our rate calculator.
How Long Does It Take to Send Money to Colombia?
Transfer speed depends on your chosen provider and payment method:
Fast Transfers (Minutes) : Many services, including Ria, offer transfers completed within minutes for cash pickup and some bank deposits.
Same-Day Transfers: Most online transfers process the same day when sent during business hours.
Standard Transfers (1-3 Business Days): Traditional bank transfers and some providers operate within this timeframe.
Factors Affecting Speed:
Time of day and day of the week
Payment method selected
Recipient’s payout method
Provider processing procedures
Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Money to Colombia with Ria
Ria makes international transfers simple, fast, and secure. Follow these steps:
1. Create Your Account
Visit the Ria Money Transfer website or download the Ria app
Register using your email address and create a secure password
Verify your identity with a valid ID for larger transfer amounts
2. Start a New Transfer
Click “Send Money” and select Colombia as your destination
Enter your transfer amount in USD or Colombian pesos (COP)
3. Choose Your Delivery Method
Bank Transfer: Send directly to your recipient’s bank account
Cash Pickup: Recipients collect funds at thousands of agent locations throughout Colombi
Debit Card: Transfer directly to compatible debit cards
4. Enter Recipient Details
For bank deposits: Provide account number, bank name, and recipient’s full legal name
For cash pickup: Enter recipient’s complete name exactly as it appears on their identification
5. Select Payment Method
Bank transfer: Usually offers the lowest fees
Debit card: Moderate fees with faster processing
Credit card: Highest fees but fastest payment processing
6. Review and Confirm
Verify all details including transfer amount, fees, exchange rates, and recipient information
Confirm and submit your payment
7. Track Your Transfer
Receive a tracking PIN to monitor your transfer status
Share this PIN with your recipient for cash pickups
8. Notify Your Recipient
Inform your recipient about the transfer details
For cash pickup, they’ll need valid ID and the tracking PIN
For bank deposits, funds appear directly in their account
FAQs About Sending Money to Colombia
Is it safe to send money online?
Yes, when using licensed, regulated providers. Ria uses advanced encryption, identity verification, and secure systems to protect every transfer. We’ve safely processed millions of transfers worldwide for over 35 years.
What is the cheapest way to send money to Colombia?
Generally, paying from your bank account, debit card, or credit card offers the most cost-effective option — it features lower fees, competitive exchange rates, and, since January 2026, no exposure to the new 1% federal remittance tax, which only applies to transfers funded with cash, a money order, or a cashier's check.
Can I send money to a debit card in Colombia?
Availability depends on the recipient’s bank and card type. Ria supports transfers to many Colombian debit cards through our network. Check with your recipient’s bank to confirm compatibility.
How much money can I send to Colombia at once through Ria?
Transfer limits vary based on your location, payment method, and recipient’s payout option. You’ll see exact limits when setting up your transfer. Larger amounts may require additional verification for security purposes.
Can I send money to Colombia with Bre-B through Ria?
Yes. Choose Colombia as your destination, select Bre-B as the delivery method, and enter your recipient's llave (their registered phone number, ID, or email) instead of a bank account number. Bre-B is Colombia's new central-bank-run payment system, so it works across all major Colombian banks and digital wallets — money typically arrives within minutes. See our full Bre-B guide for details.
Does the new 1% remittance tax apply to money sent to Colombia?
Yes, but only if you fund your transfer with cash, a money order, or a cashier's check — the tax is based on funding method, not destination, so it applies the same way to Colombia as anywhere else. Fund your transfer with a bank account, debit card, or credit card, and you won't pay it. See our full guide to the new US remittance tax for details.
Send Money to Colombia with Ria Today
Ria’s extensive network throughout Colombia, competitive rates, and multiple payout options ensure your money reaches its destination safely and quickly.
Start your transfer to Colombia today and experience the peace of mind that comes with trusted, reliable service.
About the author
Gabriela Solis
Gabriela Solis is Ria's Senior Content Writer. Located in Querétaro, México, she focuses on telling stories that show the myriad human faces of remittances.
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