Whether you need to send money to a person in an emergency situation or on an ongoing basis, there are several ways you can go do this. Utilizing debit/cash cards, money transfer services, bank transfers or consulate services, are feasible options.

Cash/debit cards are available from a variety of different companies. All of them are reloadable and can be used at many thousands of ATM machines worldwide.

To begin this particular process, the sender would sign up for the service either online or by telephone, as previously mentioned. They would then load the account with the desired amount of money via credit card or personal bank account.

Next, the sender is given a secured PIN number to go with the account. The company then sends the debit card directly to the recipient via rapid mail service.

Once the recipient receives the debit card, the sender can provide them with the access PIN, so they can begin to access funds at any number of ATM machine locations. It is important though to remember, that before choosing a specific ATM location, the recipient needs to read the fine print disclosing any additional fees.

If you choose to send money through a money transfer service, it can be retrieved within a matter of minutes, once setup is completed. Sender service rates can range typically anywhere between $10 and $30, depending on the particular company being used, while recipient fees usually hold about a 10% processing fee.

There are so many wire transfer companies and/or bank services available to send money to people in Mexico and it is quite important that you know which wire transfer companies are out there as well as the cost of their services. Since so many institutions are reducing their costs, it is best to do your research before choosing a company.

In an emergency situation only, and provided you are a documented US citizen, money may be sent through the Mexican consulate. The most protected way is by establishing a State Department trust fund.

With this option, depositors must first establish a trust account in a receiver’s name and then upon the receipt of these funds, is authorized payout. The Overseas Citizens Services Trust (OCS), the bureau that overseas these transaction types, takes approximately one working day to process and can incur a $20 processing fee from the State Department, before funds are given out in local currency.

Should the need arise, there are various ways to send money to Mexico, each with its own set of standards that governs how the money is sent. Service cost, safety and security levels and even the amount of time it takes for funds to be transferred and retrieved can vary.

Time can become the most important factor when choosing a wire transfer company, in certain cases. If/when an emergency comes about, knowing keenly the differences in service options, will best help to make the right decision when it comes to time restraints.

In a time sensitive situation, it is important not to loose focus and/or panic. There are a variety of options available to you that will facilitate your needs quickly and easily.

If you are in a different situation, when time is not as important, fully preparing before the need arises, is still a smart idea. Let’s say for the sake of argument, that you have a son or daughter spending vacation time in Mexico; it would be a good idea to have the necessary steps in place so that a money transfer can be made within short notice, should the need arise.

The ATM/debit card is a wonderful option for this kind of situation and for this kind of traveler. For some, you may trust the recipient enough to have a non-denominational card issued to their name, which is linked to your savings or checking account.

Once the recipient receives both the card and the associated PIN number, they can then go to a large variety of ATM location nationwide. Remember though, that if you choose to go with this option, it grants the receiver and unbridled access to all your funds, regardless of your given preauthorization.

In reality, no matter how much we trust our loved ones, we do not want anyone else having total access to our money. Because this is so often the case, prepaid debit cards are the best option.

A prepaid debit card is similar to an ATM card, apart from the fact that the prepaid card is just what the name suggests: preloaded with a set amount of money. Once all the money has been taken out, the cardholder cannot access anymore money until the card is reloaded with more funds.

With either option that you choose, opening an account with a bank that has branches both in Mexico and in the United States will help to make a transfer between accounts easy. Taking this precaution, along with everything else previously mentioned, will ensure a safe and timely transaction.