No matter the situation - whether you need to transfer funds to a friend or family member for an emergency or if you transfer funds to Mexico on a regular basis to support your family, there are multiple different ways you can do this.

Debit/Cash Cards - There are several outlets that offer debit cards. each company will send the receiver a debit card, while the sender will have the capability to load funds on the card either online or via the telephone. The receiver can claim the funds at most ATM machines. It is important to reiterate that this card is renewable and monies can be added however often as needed.

To begin this process, the sender would register for the service either online or via telephone. First, the sender would load the card with the appropriate amount of money via credit card or bank account. Then, the sender is provided with a security PIN number before the recipient is actually sent the ATM card via rapid mail transfer service. The sender then provides the recipient with the PIN number and when the card arrives, they can withdraw the funds at an ATM location. As another reminder: It is imperative before choosing a firm, that you study the details disclosing the associated rates, as they vary with each card company.

If you decide to transfer funds through a money transfer service, it usually can be accessed in a matter of minutes. Service fees are determined either from a flat rate standpoint or a percentage basis. In addition to sender service rates, the recipient is also charged a fee (at the receiving end) of upwards of 10 percent. International Banks have reputable relationships with Mexican banks and transfer billions of dollars to Mexico yearly.

If wanting to send monies to arrive via a bank, it is imperative that you know what wire transfer services exist and the cost of their services. There are many wire transfer/bank businesses to wire money to those in Mexico. As a result of competition, several of these firms are reducing their charges, which vary considerably, so it is vital to do some comparison shopping. Depending on the type of service wanted, the money is usually available anywhere from within 15 minutes to 24 hours.

In the event of an emergency situation only, monies may be sent through the consulate. The most protected way to do this is by establishing a State Department trust fund. This service is available US citizens and on an emergency basis only. Depositors must first create a trust account in a recipients name. Upon receipt of the monies, the State Department then authorizes payout to the recipient from the appropriate US consulate. This course takes approximately one business day to complete and monies are always disbursed in local currency.

There are several ways to send money to Brazil from the United States. One of the easiest ways to do this is to develop a relationship with a U.S. bank that has a large presence in Brazil, such as Bank of America, Citibank or Wells Fargo.

If the receiver of funds has an account with one of these mentioned banks, it is a very good idea to open local account as well within the same bank, seeing as how account transfers within the same bank are most often processed at a quicker rate and with little to no additional charge. Bank transfers between two entirely different banks are also quite easy; however, transferring funds from one bank to another can bring with it a waiting period of up to 5 business days.

Fees can be very high for international wire transfers. If, however, the money needs to arrive quickly, this is the best viable option.

The ATM/pre-paid debit card is another option for sending money to Brazil. This may not be the best method in an emergency, however, since it can take time for the card to be sent to the receiver; but for those who continually send money to Brazil, the pre-paid debit card or ATM card is the best choice.

After setting up the initial account, sending an ATM/debit card with the CIRRUS or PLUS logo will make sure that the money can be withdrawn from a tremendously far-reaching network of ATM locations throughout the nation. If choosing to use an ATM card, you need to be sure that the cardholder is not withdrawing funds without pre-authorization, for cards that do not hold the pre-paid distinction also hold no specific limitations.

A pre-paid debit card is loaded with a prearranged amount and cannot be overdrawn, making this a very safe option. If more money is needed later, the card can be reloaded as many times as needed.

In addition to these tactics, online money transfer services are becoming the most popular way to send money overseas and to a foreign country. This method transfers the money very quickly and the associated fees also quite low, however, the recipient must have prior bank history in Brazil in order to access funds in this manner.

One benefit of sending money this way is that the funds can be used to purchase goods and services electronically without ever needing to convert the sent money into physical cash. On the other hand, if the recipient does wish to turn these electronic funds into cash, it is more difficult than with other proven methods, due to processing guidelines.

With whichever method you choose, money transfer between the United States and Brazil is now an easy process. Be it via bank transfer, ATM/pre-paid debit card or online transfer, money can be transferred quicker than ever.