For Ukrainian immigrants in Edmonton, the ability to send money to Ukraine online is not just a technical detail, but a vital necessity for supporting family, friends, and loved ones who have remained in their homeland. In today's digital world, sending money abroad has become much easier, faster, and more affordable thanks to the development of financial technologies and specialized online services. The good news is that from Edmonton, as from any other city in Canada, there are many reliable and secure ways to send money to Ukraine online, and most of them can be done directly from your smartphone or computer without leaving your home.
Modern online money transfer services offer speed, convenience, and competitive rates that often surpass traditional banking methods. You can send money to your loved ones in literally minutes, track the status of the transfer in real time, and be confident that the funds will arrive safely and on time. Understanding what services are available, how they work, what fees they charge, and what methods of receipt are available in Ukraine will help you make the best choice for your specific needs and ensure maximum benefit for your recipients.
Online services available for transfers to Ukraine
Immigrants in Edmonton have a wide range of online platforms to choose from for sending money to Ukraine, each with its own advantages, fees, and delivery methods. Choosing the right service depends on your priorities—whether it's speed of delivery, low fees, ease of use, or reliability.
RemitBee
RemitBee is one of the most popular services among Canadians for sending money to Ukraine due to its simplicity and competitive rates. RemitBee was created by immigrants in Canada who understand the importance of quality money transfer services. The company offers free transfers for amounts over $500 CAD, making it particularly attractive for those who send regular support payments to their families. For transfers under $500, a small fixed fee of $2.99 applies, depending on the payment method.
RemitBee offers several payment methods, including Interac e-Transfer, direct bank transfer (EFT), debit cards, and bill pay. The vast majority of transfers through RemitBee arrive in Ukrainian bank accounts within 24-72 hours after the sender's payment is received. Payments via Interac e-Transfer and EFT are often processed by the next business day, although on weekends, during Ukrainian holidays, or when additional regulatory compliance checks are required, the process can take up to 72 hours.
Wise
Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) is a global leader in international money transfers and is widely recognized for its transparency and use of the true interbank exchange rate without any markups. This means you get the same rate you see on Google, with no hidden fees built into the exchange rate. Wise charges a small, transparent fee that is clearly shown before you make the transfer.
For transfers to Ukraine, Wise charges a fee of approximately 1% to 2.5%, depending on the amount, currency pair, and transfer speed. When sending $800 using the standard method, Wise's fee is approximately $13.60, or 1.7% of the amount, while a traditional bank would charge between $36 and $62 for the same transfer. Most Wise transfers arrive in Ukrainian accounts within a few hours, and 70% of transfers arrive in less than 20 seconds.
Remitly
Remitly offers international money transfers from Canada to Ukraine with two different service levels: Express and Economy. Express is suitable for urgent transfers and is usually delivered faster, but may have a slightly less favorable exchange rate. Economy offers a better rate, but delivery can take up to 5 days. The first transfer for new customers can often be made at a promotional rate or even free of charge up to a certain limit.
Remitly allows you to track your transfer at every stage of its journey via notifications in the app, email, or SMS. You can choose from a variety of payment methods, including Interac e-Transfer, debit or credit card, or bank transfer. For transfers to Ukraine, Remitly supports delivery to bank accounts, Visa and Mastercard cards, as well as cash pickup at partner locations.
Paysend
Paysend specializes in transfers directly to Visa and Mastercard cards and offers a fixed fee of only $3 CAD per transfer, regardless of the amount. This makes Paysend particularly advantageous for sending small amounts, as the fixed fee is much lower than the percentage fees charged by other services for small transfers. Transfers via Paysend are usually processed in real time and can be available to the recipient within minutes, although in some cases it may take up to 3 business days depending on the recipient's bank processing time.
Western Union
Western Union is one of the oldest and most well-known players in the international money transfer market, with a huge network of locations around the world, including Ukraine. Western Union offers several delivery options, including direct deposit to a bank account, transfer to a debit card, or cash pickup at partner locations such as PrivatBank and Oschadbank. The maximum amount for online transfers to a debit card is CAD 7,500, while for cash pickup or bank deposit, the limit is CAD 5,000.
Western Union transfers to a debit card or for cash pickup usually arrive within minutes when paying with a debit or credit card. Bank deposits can also be processed within minutes to one business day. Western Union fees vary depending on the transfer amount, payment method, and pickup method, and the company also applies an exchange rate markup in addition to the transfer fee.
MoneyGram
MoneyGram is another traditional money transfer provider with an extensive network of cash pickup locations in Ukraine. MoneyGram offers similar services to Western Union, including cash pickup, bank deposits, and card transfers. The MoneyGram mobile app makes it easy to initiate a transfer, track it in real time, and find the nearest locations to send or receive cash.
Xoom
Xoom (owned by PayPal) offers fast and secure online transfers to Ukraine with the option to pay via PayPal, bank account, credit or debit card. Xoom supports cash pickup at major locations throughout Ukraine, including Oschadbank, PrivatBank, and Ukrgasbank, as well as bank deposits to most major banks. When choosing cash pickup, the money is usually available within minutes, and with a bank deposit, the funds usually arrive within minutes to most major banks in Ukraine.
TransferGo
TransferGo offers a very attractive deal for transfers to Ukraine—the first two transfers are completely free. After that, the fees remain low, and the recipient receives the exact amount shown in the app, with no hidden fees. TransferGo supports transfers in Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH), euros (EUR), and US dollars (USD) to Ukraine. The fastest delivery option is instant and usually arrives within 2-3 minutes, although a next-day delivery option is also available.
Meest
Meest is a company that traditionally specializes in parcels and logistics between Canada and Ukraine, but also offers money transfer services. Meest offers transfers to PrivatBank in US dollars, and the transfer becomes available at the bank on the next business day. The recipient can receive the transfer via the Privat24 app by selecting “Service” -> “International Transfers” -> “Meest” from the menu and entering the transfer number. Meest's money transfer rates depend on the transfer amount and are the same across Canada.
Methods of receiving money in Ukraine
Understanding which methods of receiving money are available in Ukraine is critical to choosing the best transfer service, as not all methods are suitable for all situations or recipients. Different delivery methods vary in speed, cost, and convenience depending on the needs of your recipient.
Bank deposit
Bank deposit is the most popular and secure method of receiving international transfers in Ukraine. To make a bank deposit, you need to know the name of the recipient's bank and their account number or card number. Most Ukrainian banks accept international transfers, including PrivatBank, Monobank, Oschadbank, PUMB, and many others.
PrivatBank is the largest bank in Ukraine and is most often used to receive international transfers. The bank supports various international transfer systems, including SWIFT, Western Union, RIA, MoneyGram, MEEST, Welsend, and IntelExpress. Monobank is also very popular, especially among younger users, and supports international transfers via SWIFT, SEPA (for euros), Western Union, MoneyGram, RIA, and Payoneer.
When receiving funds to a bank account in Ukraine, it is important to understand the tax implications. Money transfers received from abroad by Ukrainian citizens, regardless of the transfer method, are classified as income subject to personal income tax. The private individual receiving the transfer is required to pay the tax on the amount of the money transfer received, as the bank is not a tax agent when paying out transfer amounts. The recipient must include the amount of foreign income in their total annual taxable income and file a tax return based on the results of the reporting tax year.
Card-to-card transfer
A card-to-card transfer is another fast and convenient method of sending money. For this method, you only need the recipient's Visa or Mastercard number and their full name in Latin characters. Many services, including Paysend, Remitly, and Xoom, specialize in transfers directly to cards and can deliver funds within minutes.
The advantage of a card transfer is its speed and simplicity — the recipient does not need to visit a bank or pickup point, and the money is available in their card account almost instantly. PrivatBank and Monobank both support international transfers to cards, including Visa and Mastercard.
Cash pickup
Cash pickup remains an important method for those who do not have a bank account or need immediate access to cash. Systems such as Western Union, MoneyGram, RIA, and others have an extensive network of pickup locations throughout Ukraine, including bank branches, post offices, and specialized locations. To receive cash, the recipient must provide their passport or other form of identification and the transfer number (MTCN for Western Union or a similar control number).
Cash pickup is usually available within minutes of sending the transfer, making this method ideal for emergencies. However, this method may have higher fees compared to bank deposits, and the recipient must physically visit the pickup location, which may be inconvenient in some situations.
SWIFT transfers
SWIFT transfers are a traditional method of international bank transfers used worldwide. To receive a SWIFT transfer, the recipient must provide complete bank details, including the bank name, full address, account number, SWIFT/BIC code, and, if desired, the IBAN code. SWIFT transfers usually arrive within 1-5 business days, depending on the number of intermediary banks in the chain.
Monobank supports receiving SWIFT transfers to both hryvnia and foreign currency cards, and also allows replenishing the accounts of individual entrepreneurs in dollars and euros. Transfers up to 400,000 hryvnia equivalent at the NBU exchange rate can be made without supporting documents. PrivatBank also widely supports SWIFT transfers for all types of accounts.
SEPA transfers
SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfers are a euro payment system to which virtually all banks and financial companies in Europe are connected. Using SEPA details, you can receive transfers to your euro card from more than 30 countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy, and others. Card top-ups via SEPA are free for the recipient, although sending payments is charged at the rates of the sending bank. SEPA transfers usually arrive within a day or the next day.
Currency restrictions and regulations in Ukraine
Understanding currency restrictions and regulatory requirements in Ukraine is important to ensure that your transfers are received by recipients without interruption. With the start of martial law in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) introduced strict currency restrictions to prevent capital outflows and stabilize the financial system.
Since then, the NBU has gradually eased many of these restrictions, creating a more favorable environment for international financial transactions. As of January 2026, the NBU continues to implement a policy of stimulating currency liberalization to support the economy.
Receiving funds from abroad is generally unrestricted for individuals, and Ukrainians are free to receive international money transfers to their bank accounts or cards. The National Bank has set a monthly limit of 500,000 hryvnia for certain types of overseas payments using payment cards issued by Ukrainian banks for foreign currency accounts. However, this limit applies to spending abroad, not to receiving transfers from abroad.
On January 14, 2026, the NBU introduced a new incentive “credit” limit for business transactions. The amount of this limit is equal to the amount of funds received under a foreign loan or credit in foreign currency credited to the company's account in a Ukrainian bank after January 1, 2026. Within this limit, transactions are permitted for the repayment of “old” loans and interest payments, settlements for imported goods, the return of advance payments to non-residents, the financing of foreign divisions of the company, and the repatriation of dividends.
Sending funds from Ukraine abroad remains restricted due to wartime currency restrictions. At this time, the Ukrainian government has imposed restrictions on outgoing transfers from Ukraine, and once these restrictions are lifted, Ukrainians will be able to transfer their funds from Ukrainian financial institutions to Canada. When opening an account with a Canadian financial institution, such as Ukrainian Credit Union, a contact center representative will provide all the necessary information on how to initiate a transfer of funds from a financial institution in Ukraine to a Canadian account after the restrictions are lifted.
Some users report the ability to make SWIFT transfers from Ukraine, although in the PrivatBank app, the status “Limit from NBU” may be marked as “Unavailable.” Monobank has a reputation for exceptional support compared to other local banks, and it is recommended to create an account through their app and contact support for advice on SWIFT transfers.
The NBU also clarified that sellers and manufacturers now have the right to transfer currency to the accounts of individuals in the event of a refund or non-delivery of goods. Refunds are made to the payer's account, do not exceed the purchase amount, and are made within the time limits specified by the Consumer Protection Law. This innovation is aimed at creating a level playing field for all buyers and preventing excessive demand for currency.
Security and protection for online transfers
The security of your money and personal data is a top priority when choosing an online transfer service. Reputable money transfer platforms use multi-level security systems to protect your information and funds at every stage of the transfer process.
Most modern services use 256-bit encryption to protect all data during transmission. This is the same level of encryption used by banks and financial institutions around the world to ensure that your personal and financial data cannot be intercepted or read by third parties. RemitBee, for example, uses 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer funds.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a standard security feature for most online money transfer services. This means that even if someone finds out your password, they won't be able to access your account without a second factor of verification, which is usually sent to your mobile phone via SMS or generated in an authentication app.
All legitimate money transfer services in Canada must comply with FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) requirements and have the appropriate licenses to conduct financial transactions. RemitBee, for example, is fully FINTRAC compliant, ensuring that all Canadian regulatory requirements for anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing are met.
24/7 fraud monitoring is another important security feature. Systems automatically track unusual transactions or suspicious activity and can block or delay transfers for additional verification if something looks suspicious. Xoom, for example, uses data encryption and 24/7 fraud monitoring to protect customer transactions and financial information.
In the rare event that a transfer fails for technical reasons, reputable services guarantee that your money will be refunded directly to you. TransferGo, for example, clearly states that if transfers ever fail (which is unlikely), your money will be refunded directly to you.
Most services also offer a delivery time guarantee and commit to refunding the fee if the transfer is not delivered on time. Remitly, for example, guarantees that transfers will be delivered on time, or they will refund your fees. This provides an extra layer of protection and confidence when sending money.
Practical tips for efficient transfers
Understanding how to maximize the efficiency of your online transfers can help you save money, time, and avoid potential problems. Here are some practical strategies to consider when sending money to Ukraine from Edmonton.
Compare the total cost, not just the fees
Always look at the total amount your recipient will actually receive in hryvnia, not just the advertised service fee. Some services may advertise “free” or very low fees, but compensate for this with a worse exchange rate. For example, when sending $1,000, a service with a $0 fee but a 3% exchange rate markup actually costs you $30, while a service with a $5 fee and a fair exchange rate may be significantly cheaper.
Use the right payment method
Different payment methods may have different fees and processing speeds. Interac e-Transfer and direct bank transfers (EFT) are usually the cheapest options in Canada, especially for amounts over $500. Credit card payments are usually the most expensive due to additional fees of 3% or more of the total transfer amount. If the timing is not critical, using a free payment method can save you significant amounts on regular transfers.
Take advantage of promotional offers for new customers
Many services offer special deals for new users, such as a free first transfer or an increased exchange rate. TransferGo offers the first 2 transfers completely free of charge. Remitly often offers promotional rates or free transfers for new customers up to a certain limit. Although these offers are temporary, they can be a great way to try out a new service and save money on your first few transfers.
Check verification requirements in advance
Most services require you to verify your identity before making transfers, especially for larger amounts. This process may include providing identification documents, proof of address, and sometimes a photo of yourself with your ID. Completing the verification process in advance means your first transfer won't be delayed by administrative requirements.
Double-check the recipient's information
Errors in the card number, account number, name, or other recipient information can lead to delays, additional fees, or even loss of funds. Always double-check all information before confirming a transfer. Some services, such as ATB Financial, even offer free test transfers for small amounts to ensure that the recipient's information is correct before sending a large amount.
Consider time zones and bank hours
Ukraine is in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone, which is 7 hours ahead of Mountain Time in Edmonton (or 8 hours ahead during daylight saving time). If you send a transfer in the evening in Edmonton, it may be early morning the next day in Ukraine, and processing may take longer due to bank business hours. Sending transfers in the morning Edmonton time may ensure faster processing on the same business day in Ukraine.
Keep records of all transfers
Always keep transfer confirmations, transaction numbers, and any other documentation. These records can be useful for tracking transfers, resolving any issues, and for your own financial records, especially when filing taxes.
Use different services for different needs
Not all services are equally well suited for all situations. For regular small transfers to family, services with low or zero fees, such as RemitBee or TransferGo, may be best. For urgent transfers, Western Union or MoneyGram with cash pickup may be the only options, despite higher fees. For large one-time transfers, Wise may offer the best overall value due to its fair exchange rate.
Special support programs for Ukrainians
Canadian financial institutions and services have introduced special programs to support Ukrainians who have moved to Canada due to the war or who are supporting family in Ukraine. Understanding these programs can help you take advantage of additional benefits and savings.
Ukrainian Credit Union (UCU)
Ukrainian Credit Union (UCU) offers a special program called “UCU Welcome Ukraine” dedicated to helping new Ukrainian arrivals adapt to Canada. The program provides bank accounts for CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) visa holders and waives regular bank fees for basic financial products and services for three years. In addition, fees for transferring money to family or friends in Ukraine or neighboring countries are also waived.
UCU offers financial literacy support for Ukrainians moving to Canada, including families and small business owners. They provide resources to help build a strong financial foundation through webinars and seminars that explain banking, investing, financial planning, loans, starting a business, and the Canadian tax system.
To send a wire transfer from Canada to Ukraine through UCU, you must visit your local UCU branch and bring the following information: the name and full address of the beneficiary/recipient, account number, name and full address of the bank, institution number, SWIFT/BIC/IBAN code (optional), and routing number for domestic transfers.
Financial assistance from the Canadian government
Financial assistance from the Canadian government is available to Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Canada under the CUAET. Adult Ukrainians receive CAD 3,000 and children receive CAD 1,500. This assistance is provided only once and is not taxable. The Canadian government allocates these funds so that refugees can settle in the country immediately upon arrival.
To receive the payment, you must submit an application, for which you need to: be in Canada, arrive under the CUAET program and have the appropriate mark in your temporary resident status document, open an account with a Canadian bank, as the payment is made by direct deposit. The funds will be credited to your bank account via direct deposit, and one of the parents or legal guardians will receive the payment for the child.
Tax implications for senders and recipients
Understanding the tax implications of international money transfers is important for both senders in Canada and recipients in Ukraine to avoid unexpected tax liabilities or penalties.
For senders in Canada
Money you send from Canada to Ukraine does not usually have any direct tax implications, as you are transferring funds that are already yours after tax. Canada does not have a gift tax for amounts you send to family or friends abroad. However, it is important to keep documentation of all your international transfers in case the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requests information about your financial transactions.
If you are sending large amounts, especially for business purposes or investments, it may be helpful to consult with a tax advisor to ensure that you are documenting these transactions correctly. For transfers of $10,000 CAD or more, your bank or money transfer service will automatically report the transaction to FINTRAC, but this does not create any tax obligations for you as the sender.
For recipients in Ukraine
For recipients in Ukraine, the tax rules are more complex. Money transfers received from abroad by Ukrainian citizens, regardless of the transfer method (deposit to a current account, including a card account, or cash), are classified as income subject to personal income tax. Foreign income is the amount of an international money transfer received by any system (SWIFT, Western Union, MoneyGram, Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
A private individual - the recipient of the transfer is obliged to pay tax on the amount of the money transfer received independently. The bank is not a tax agent when paying out transfer amounts, i.e., tax is not withheld from the amount of the transfer paid, and the transfer is paid in full. The private individual receiving the transfer is obliged to independently include the amount of foreign income (international money transfers received) in their total annual taxable income and submit a tax return based on the results of the reporting tax year, calculate and pay tax on such income to the budget.
To convert the amount of an international money transfer received in foreign currency into hryvnia for the purposes of inclusion in the total taxable income, the exchange rate set by the NBU on the date of receipt of the transfer is used. It is important to keep all transfer confirmations and documentation for tax reporting.
Conclusion
Sending money to Ukraine online from Edmonton is not only possible, but also extremely convenient, safe, and affordable thanks to a wide range of modern financial technologies and specialized services. Whether you need to support your family, pay bills, or help with a large purchase, you can find a service that meets your specific needs in terms of speed, cost, and delivery method. Understanding the available options, comparing the total cost of transfers, using the right payment methods, and following simple practical tips will help you maximize the benefits for your loved ones and minimize your costs for each transfer.