Circle Pay Review
A free money-transfer app built on blockchain technology that sends cash anywhere in the world, not just within the US.
The days of paying to send money internationally are over.
Our reviewerFree, Global Money Transfers Backed by Blockchain
Circle Pay is an early mover on blockchain technology, built by leaders with backgrounds in the banking industry. Forty-five of the largest banks are reportedly moving their own infrastructure toward blockchain, and Circle's founders positioned the app to take advantage of that shift early.
Using it is straightforward: create an account with an email, verify a phone number, then link a debit card or bank account. From there, money can be sent to anyone by name, phone, email, or even bitcoin address, with Circle guaranteeing the money makes it through.
The standout feature is reach. Unlike Venmo or Google Wallet, Circle Pay works worldwide, a space otherwise dominated by big banks or services like TransferWise that require far more information to send money internationally.
It's also free. Domestic-only apps like Venmo, Square, and Google Wallet can afford to skip fees because they never leave the US. Circle Pay applies that same free model to international transfers, a category where competitors like TransferWise typically charge.
For anyone who regularly sends money abroad, Circle Pay's combination of blockchain backing, global reach, and zero fees makes a strong case over the alternatives.
Why We Love It
- Free to send money, including internationally
- Works worldwide, unlike Venmo or Google Wallet which are US-only
- Send money by name, phone, email, or bitcoin address
- Built by banking-industry leaders on blockchain technology
- $5 bonus for new users with referral code U42PTG
Considerations
- Blockchain technology underpinning the app may be unfamiliar to some users
- Domestic-only users get similar free functionality from established apps like Venmo
How Circle Pay Works
Circle's app is intuitive: create an account with an email, verify a phone number, then add a debit card or bank account number. From there, money can be sent to anyone in the world by name, phone, email, or bitcoin address.
The international reach is what separates it most from US-focused apps. Venmo only works inside the United States, meaning travelers abroad still need cash or TransferWise. Circle Pay sends money anywhere, with the same extreme safeguards protecting user information as Venmo uses domestically.
Circle Pay vs. TransferWise
TransferWise offers some of the best international transfer rates around, but Circle Pay does the same job for free. As more people learn about Circle Pay, services that charge for international transfers may struggle to compete.
A Closer Look
A Free Way to Send Money Anywhere in the World
Circle Pay shows what a world without international transfer fees looks like today. It's worth trying, especially with the $5 signup bonus.
