Five fundamentals of making secure online transactions to Puerto Rico

Money

Navigating overseas payment transfers as a Puerto Rican expat can be challenging. Whether you regularly send money abroad or trying it for the first time, take active steps to protect your funds. 

Follow these five steps to make safe international transactions as a Puerto Rican expat.

1) Scrutinize the reliability of your transfer method

There are numerous ways to send money to Puerto Rico, each with its pros and cons. Common methods include:

Money Orders

Buy a money order from your nearest bank or cheque location. Fill out the recipient details and mail the money order. It takes a couple of days before the recipient gets the funds. 

Bank Transfer

International bank transfers typically take one to five business days. Before initiating the transfer, consider public and bank holidays to prevent delays. Bank transfers are pretty secure and often charge lower transaction fees. 

Online Apps

In 2025, online apps, such as Western Union or Wise, are the fastest way to transfer money to Puerto Rico. The recipient doesn’t need to have a formal bank account. They can receive money through online applications and digital wallets.

2) Understand currency exchange rates

Currency exchange rates fluctuate continuously and depend on various factors, such as the time of day or month. Financial services offer specialized tools to help you stay informed about current currency trends. 

Avoid making transactions at the beginning and end of the month as the market is quite crowded. Send money to Puerto Rico on Mondays as fewer transactions take place then.

3) Learn how to avoid scams

Do a little research and learn some of the ways exchange rate agents and services scam people. Avoid sharing bank account information or sending your hard-earned money if you notice the following red flags:

  • Unrealistically good currency exchange rates. 
  • The agent is asking you to make a decision quickly. 
  • The agent is using high-pressure sales tactics. 
  • The agent is hesitating to disclose the final amount your loved ones in Puerto Rico will be getting.
  • The currency exchange service encourages you to send larger sums for low fees. 
  • The financial service has poor online reviews and customer remarks. 

4) Monitor your funds

Once you have initiated the transfer, monitor your bank account closely. If you notice any unusual activity, such as unauthorized deductions, contact the customer service team of your money transfer service. 

You should also track the payment until it reaches your family in Puerto Rico. Taking precautionary measures can protect your money and ensure peace of mind. 

5) Robust authentication protocols

Security is of utmost importance when sending money abroad. Make sure your chosen transfer method complies with stringent authentication protocols. Here are some examples:

  • Biometric or password verification when logging into the money transfer service app. 
  • Multi-factor authentication before processing a transaction.
  • Encryption and tokenization to prevent unauthorized access to your funds and personal information. 
  • Compliance with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). 
  • Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates for increased credibility. 

A money transfer service that prioritizes security features will protect your funds.