The holiday season is around the corner: gingerbread cookies cooling on the table, candy canes tucked into stockings, and families preparing for the moments that matter most. It’s a time filled with traditions, connection, and the joy of giving. And even when distance keeps you far from home, the support you send carries you closer to the people you love.

Whether you’re helping with celebrations, gifts, groceries, or year-end expenses, every transfer you make during the holidays represents care, effort, and love. That’s why we’ve created this practical guide, to help your holiday transfers go further, arrive on time, and make a meaningful difference for your family.

From smart timing and better exchange-rate habits to convenient delivery methods like sending directly to a Visa debit card, these tips are designed to help you support your loved ones in the most efficient, secure, and thoughtful way possible this season.

  1. Compare Exchange Rates Before You Send

Exchange rates change throughout the day, and even small differences can have a big impact on how many pesos, quetzales, lempiras, or pesos colombianos your loved ones receive. Before you send, take a moment to compare both the rate and the transfer fees, because what truly matters is the final amount that arrives at home.

While some providers may offer a high rate but charge extra fees, Pangea keeps it simple: excellent exchange rates, low fees, and full transparency. That way, more of your money goes exactly where it’s meant to go: to the people you care about.

  1. Send Directly to a Visa Debit Card (Fast, Easy, and Secure)

One of the best ways to ensure your holiday support arrives quickly is to send directly to a Visa debit card.

With this option, your recipient doesn’t need bank account details, CLABE numbers, or account types, just their card information. Transfers often arrive in minutes*, making it ideal for last-minute holiday needs. It also reduces the chances of mistakes when entering account details, eliminates the need for your loved ones to travel to a pickup location, and provides the added security and reliability that come with Visa-powered transactions.

  1. Plan Ahead to Avoid Holiday Rush Delays

The closer you get to Christmas and New Year’s, the busier banks and pickup locations become. Processing times can slow down, especially for cash pickup or bank deposits.

Sending a few days earlier ensures:

  • Your transfer arrives before the holidays
  • You avoid weekend and banking-hour delays
  • Your family receives funds exactly when they need them
  • Your loved ones have time to pick out something they like

  1. Take Advantage of Holiday Promotions

Many money transfer providers offer:

  • Bonus credits
  • Fee discounts
  • Special holiday rates
  • Referral rewards

These savings can help you send more without paying more.
Check out your app notifications and email, holiday promos often run for a limited time.

  1. Choose the Fastest Payout Method Based on Your Recipient’s Needs

Every family is different. Make sure you’re choosing the payout option that actually helps them the most.

Cash pickup: Great when your recipient prefers local stores or convenience
Bank deposit: Ideal for budgeting and bills
Direct deposit to a debit card (available in selected countries): Great option for everyday spending, groceries, gas, and emergencies
Mobile wallets (available in selected countries): Good for on-the-go users

Selecting the right method ensures the support you send is received quickly and used where it matters most.

  1. Avoid Multiple Small Transfers

If you send several small transfers each week, you may end up paying more in total fees. Whenever possible, combine transfers so you only pay once.

This can help:

  • Reduce fees
  • Minimize repeated FX variations
  • Maximize the total amount your family receives

Making fewer, larger transfers is a simple way to be more efficient and ensure more of your support reaches your loved ones.

  1. Double-Check Receiver Information Before Sending

One simple mistake, like a typo in an account number or wrong receiver name, can delay your transfer during the busiest time of year.

Before you tap ‘Send’, quickly confirm:

  • Receiver name matches their ID
  • Contact information is correct
  • Bank or card details are accurate

Taking a moment to double-check everything can prevent delays and keep your holiday support on track.

  1. Keep an Eye on Daily and Monthly Limits

Holiday transfers can add up. Make sure you’re aware of:

  • Provider sending limits
  • Bank sending limits

Planning ahead helps avoid declined transfers or delays, especially if you’re sending a larger holiday amount.

  1. Use Trusted, Regulated Providers

The holidays also increase fraud attempts. Always use a licensed, reputable company to protect your information and money.

Pangea offers:

  • Encrypted transfers
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added account protection
  • Ongoing security monitoring designed to detect unusual activity

All of this helps keep both you and your loved ones safe during one of the busiest times of the year.

Make Your Holiday Support Count

Sending money during the holidays is more than a transaction, it’s a way to stay close, celebrate traditions, and support the people who matter most. With these tips, you can make sure every transfer goes further and arrives right on time. And whether your loved ones use it for gifts, celebrations, or everyday needs, your support brings comfort and joy during one of the most meaningful times of the year. No matter the distance, you’re helping make the holidays feel a little more like home.

*Processing times may vary due to security checks, recipient bank policies, or other factors.

DISCLAIMER – This content is for informational purposes only. Pangea and its affiliates do not provide financial, legal, investment or tax advice.

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