Comparison of methods for international transfers: banks vs. apps

Are you thinking of sending money abroad and you don't know whether to do it from your bank or using an app? In this comparative guide we show you the Key differences between traditional banks and FinTech applications, highlighting What is the best option according to your needs. In addition, we analyze the case of Return, an app designed especially for those who send money to Venezuela, Colombia and other countries immediately and safely.

Index/Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why compare them?
2. Advantages and disadvantages of traditional banks
3. Advantages and disadvantages of FinTech apps
4. Return app: an optimized alternative
5. Quick comparison: summary in table
6. Factors to consider when choosing
7. Use cases: when to choose each option?
8. Conclusion and Recommendation

Why is it important to compare?

More and more people need to do international transfers to send money, pay for studies, cover emergencies or invest. Choosing the right method can make a difference in fees, delivery times and exchange rates.

Here we show you the essential differences between using a traditional bank and a modern FinTech app.

Traditional banks: are they still a viable option?

Advantages of banks:

• High regulation and institutional support.
• Personalized service in branches.
• Ideal for large business transactions.

Disadvantages:

• High fees and little transparency.
• Uncompetitive exchange rates.
• Slow processes: can take up to 5 business days.
• Face-to-face procedures and restricted hours.

FinTech apps: a modern and efficient solution

Benefits of apps:

• Lower costs and full transparency.
• Faster transfers (even in minutes).
• Better exchange rate.
• Mobile operations, 24/7.
• Intuitive interfaces and digital support.

Disadvantages:

• Daily/monthly limits depending on the platform.
• Less personalized (yet efficient) support.
• Level of regulation that varies by country.

Retorna: the app for international transfers that changes everything

Return is an app specialized in sending money to Venezuela, Colombia and more countries. It has earned the trust of thousands of users due to its combination of speed, transparency and excellent service.

What makes Retorna different?

• Shipping in minutes, even on non-working days.
• Competitive and visible exchange rate from the start.
• Clear and fair commissions.
• Friendly and efficient customer support via 24/7 chat.
• Local support and knowledge of migrants' financial reality.

🔗 You can read more about how Retorna works in our article:

👉 https://www.retorna.app/es/blog/post/que-es-retorna-app

Comparison table: banks vs apps

FeatureTraditional Banks FinTech Apps (as Returns)CommissionsTall and unclear/Low and transparentExchange rateNot very competitiveClose to the interbankShipping time1 to 5 days/minutes or a maximum of 24 hours depending on the payment method chosen.AvailabilityLimited hours 24/7 from your cell phoneCustomer CareStaff at SucursalDigital with good human supportEase of useBurecratic/Intuitive and modernRegulationHigh and setHigh, but varies by app

What should you consider before choosing?

Before deciding how to send money overseas, consider:

• How much do you need to send? Apps usually have daily limits.
• What country do you ship to? Some apps specialize in specific regions.
• How fast do you need it to arrive? If it's urgent, avoid the bank.
• Do you prefer human care or digital self-service?
• Do you want to see clearly how much the service costs you?

Conclusion: Which one is right for you?

Nowadays, FinTech apps like Retorna clearly outperform traditional banks on most of the things that matter when sending money: speed, cost, convenience and clarity.

Banks can still be useful for very large amounts or companies, but if frequent personal remittances are your thing, a modern app is the smartest way.

🔔 Try Retorna today and discover why thousands of users are already using it to send money easily, quickly and securely.