How to Send Money to Colombia: Fees, Speed, and Best Methods 

Updated July 2026

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.

Just moved to the US and sending money home for the first time? See our full financial checklist for Colombians in the US for everything else to sort out, from your ITIN to your bank account to your work permit.

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:

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, that mostly means Nequi, Bancolombia’s wallet, and DaviPlata, Davivienda’s wallet. Nequi reports more than 21 million users, and DaviPlata reports 19 million clients, a combined base of roughly 40 million people. Ria sends directly to both, and funds are typically available within minutes.

• Pros: Instant transfers, available 24/7, user-friendly interfaces

• Cons: Both parties need digital accounts, transfer limits may apply

Bre-B: One Llave for Every Bank and Wallet in Colombia

Bre-B is Colombia’s new instant payment system, built and operated by Banco de la República, the country’s central bank. Instead of sharing a full bank account number, your recipient shares a llave: a phone number, ID, or email already registered with their bank or wallet. The money lands directly in their account, often within minutes, 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Because Bre-B is centrally mandated, it works across every major Colombian bank and wallet, Nequi and DaviPlata included. You don’t even need to know which one your recipient uses. Ria supports sending to Colombia with Bre-B today.

• How it works: Select Bre-B as your delivery method and enter your recipient’s llave instead of an account number

• Pros: No account number needed, works across all major banks and wallets, available 24/7 including holidays

• Cons: Your recipient needs a llave already registered with their bank or wallet

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:

• How you fund your transfer: 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.

• Payment method: Bank transfers typically offer lower fees than credit cards

• 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.

Example Cost Comparison:

Transfer amounts and fees vary based on current exchange rates and promotional offers. Always verify costs before sending.

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, some bank deposits, and Bre-B, which works 24/7, including weekends and Colombian holidays.

• 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 Colombia

• 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 since 1987.

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 central-bank-run payment system, so it works across all major Colombian banks and digital wallets, and money typically arrives within minutes.

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 how you fund the transfer, not the destination, so it applies to Colombia the same way it applies everywhere 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.