Sending crypto overseas can be a daunting task for many crypto holders, especially considering the high fees that often come with traditional methods of sending money abroad.
But what if there was a way to send your crypto to friends and family overseas without breaking the bank? That’s where low-fee cryptos come in.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the cheaper ways to send crypto overseas, including popular low-fee cryptos like Solana, ADA, and Polygon.
We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using these cryptos for overseas transactions and explore other options for sending crypto overseas. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto trader or new to the game, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of sending crypto overseas.
Popular Low-Fee Cryptocurrencies
If you are searching for a bargain, several low-fee coins exist that a beginner crypto hodler can use to save on the costs of sending money across borders. Some easy examples include:
Solana (SOL) – Solana is a high-performance Blockchain that is designed for decentralized apps (dApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Its meager transaction fees make it an excellent option for sending money overseas.
ADA (Cardano) – Cardona is a smart contract platform that aims to deliver more advanced features than any protocol previously developed. It uses a unique proof-of-stake consensus algorithm which allows for low transaction fees.
Polygon (MATIC) – Polygon is a decentralized platform that allows for the creation of scalable and secure dApps on Ethereum. It uses a unique layer 2 scaling solution, which enables low transaction fees.
Binance Coin (BNB) – Binance Coin is the native token of the Binance exchange. It can be used to pay for trading fees on the exchange, and it offers a 25% discount if used for that purpose.
Litecoin (LTC) – Litecoin is a peer-to-peer Internet currency that enables instant, near-zero cost payments to anyone in the world. Litecoin is an open-source, global payment network fully decentralized without any central authorities.
It’s important to note that the fees on these coins can be affected by network congestion, and they are also subject to price fluctuations, so It’s best to check the fees and the coin’s value before making any transaction.
Advantages of Using Low-Fee Coins in Cross-Border Transactions
There are numerous advantages to using low-fee cryptocurrencies. Here are the biggest pros:
Low Fees:
One of the primary benefits of using low-transaction fee cryptocurrencies for sending money overseas is that their fees are significantly lower than traditional methods. In particular, sending large sums of money can save you a lot of money.
Faster Transactions:
Sending money abroad can be made more accessible by using cryptocurrency because transactions are processed more quickly than with conventional methods. This is so they can be sent directly from one person to another without the use of middlemen like banks.
Borderless Transactions:
Because cryptocurrencies have no physical borders, it is possible to send and receive payments from anywhere in the world. People who live in nations with strict currency controls or high inflation may find this to be especially helpful.
Enhanced Security:
Cryptocurrencies use cutting-edge cryptography to secure transactions and are decentralized. Thanks to decentralization, crypto transactions are pseudo-anonymous, and only the two parties engaged in the transaction are aware of the details of the transaction. This secures the transaction from hackers.
Disadvantages of Using Low-Fee Cryptocurrencies
Well, despite the benefits, low-transaction fee cryptocurrencies also come with some cons.
Volatility:
One of the main disadvantages of using low-fee cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments is their volatility. The value of these cryptocurrencies can fluctuate significantly, which can result in significant losses if the value drops before the transaction is complete.
Limited Acceptance:
Low-fee cryptocurrencies are not yet widely accepted as a form of payment, so it may be difficult to find merchants or individuals who are willing to accept them for cross-border payments.
Liquidity:
Some low-fee cryptocurrencies have low trading volumes, meaning they are not as liquid as other cryptocurrencies, which can make it difficult to buy or sell them in large quantities.
Lack of Regulation:
Many low-fee cryptocurrencies are not regulated, which can make them more susceptible to fraud and other types of financial crimes. There have been several incidences of rug-pulls in the world of decentralized finance. Be sure to do your own research before using any low-fee cryptocurrency for cross-border payments.
Conversion to fiat:
Some low-fee cryptocurrencies can only be used on specific platforms or to make specific types of transactions and may need to be converted to fiat currency at an exchange before they can be used for cross-border payments. Also, some low-fee coins are not supported on all exchange platforms. This can be a dealbreaker for anyone looking to make cross-border transactions.
Technical complexity:
Some low-fee cryptocurrencies have a high level of technical complexity which can be difficult for beginners to understand and use. Plus, when the coin’s network is congested, miners on that network might move to increase the gas fees of the network and capitalize on the network congestion of that coin.
Risks of Hacks and Scams:
Some low-fee cryptocurrencies are stored on exchanges and wallets, which can be vulnerable to hacking or scamming. It is imperative to do your research and due diligence before entrusting your money to any exchange or wallet.
What Other Cheaper Options Exist?
Well, both centralized and decentralized exchanges have unique fee structures that allow you to send money overseas while paying the lowest fees.
Trade commissions on centralized exchanges are typically calculated as a percentage and can range from 0.1% to 0.5%. On the other hand, decentralized exchanges typically levy a small fixed fee that is paid to the blockchain network in the form of gas fees.
Network congestion is typically a factor in gas prices, which can vary significantly.
Here is a rundown of the pros and cons of using either centralized exchanges or decentralized ones.
Centralized exchanges:
They serve as middlemen, managing user funds and carrying out trades on their behalf. Centralized exchanges include Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken, to name a few.
DEXs:
Also known as decentralized exchanges are online marketplaces that let users exchange cryptocurrencies directly with one another without the use of middlemen. Decentralized exchanges include Uniswap, Sushiswap, and Curve, to name a few.
Conclusion
To sum up, using low-fee cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments can be a great way to reduce transaction costs. Just a few examples of low-cost cryptos that can be applied in this situation include Solana, ADA, and Polygon. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using these cryptocurrencies, including the possibility of price fluctuations and the requirement to exchange them for fiat.
Additionally, there are other ways to send cryptocurrency abroad, including centralized and decentralized exchanges, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Decentralized exchanges offer a higher level of security and privacy but lower trading volumes and can be more difficult to use, whereas centralized exchanges offer a user-friendly interface, high trading volumes, and additional services.
The fact that crypto is a borderless method and doesn’t require intermediaries like banks, not to mention the fact that transactions are processed more quickly, are additional benefits of using it to pay lower fees and get faster transaction finality. As usual, be sure to do your homework, seek advice from a professional or financial advisor, and be aware of the risks.
