In addition to benefiting millions of Mexicans, remittances contribute to a significant percentage of the national GDP. This means they represent a key factor in the country's economy, making them an essential source of income for many families.

Because of this, there are different types of remittances in the country, as they vary depending on how the money is sent and its intended use. In today’s content, we explain what remittances are, why they are important, and how they are classified.

Types of Remittances: Which Ones Exist in Mexico and How Do They Work?

What Are Remittances?

Remittances refer to money transfers sent by an individual from abroad to their home country. Most of the time, the recipients of remittances are family members or acquaintances, and the funds are used to cover basic needs such as food and healthcare.

It is worth noting that the term remittances can also refer to financial documents used in commercial transactions. This brings us to the next point.

Remittances in Mexico: What Types Exist?

Remittances in Mexico can be classified in different ways, but two of the most common criteria are the sending method and purpose.

Based on the Sending Method, Remittances Can Be Classified Into:

Bank Remittances

What Is a Bank Remittance?

It is when a person sends money from a foreign bank account number to your account in Mexico. It is one of the safest and most used methods, since it allows you to receive the funds in a reliable financial institution without intermediaries.

In general, bank remittances work similarly to international transfers, with the main difference being their intended use.

Postal Remittances

These are money transfers made through postal services.

Although not very common today, they are still an option in areas with limited access to banking services. In fact, the Mexican Postal Service offers national money orders, allowing recipients to collect funds at authorized locations.

Electronic Remittances

This type of remittance is becoming increasingly popular due to its speed, low cost, and ease of access.

With electronic remittances, there is no need to leave home to send money, as transactions can be made through digital platforms and mobile apps.

Additionally, some services allow recipients to receive funds directly in a bank account or withdraw cash from authorized ATMs.

Cash Remittances

In this case, the sender completes the transfer through specialized companies, while the recipient collects the cash from an authorized agency.

OXXO and Banco Azteca are two available locations for collecting cash remittances, thanks to their agreements with money transfer services.

Now, if we classify the types of remittances according to their purpose, these would be the options:

Family Remittances

These are the most common type of remittance in Mexico.

Family remittances refer to money sent by migrants living in countries like Canada or the U.S. to their relatives in Mexico. These can be received through banks, exchange agencies, digital platforms, or remittance companies.

Payroll Remittances

These are used by companies to pay employees, whether they work abroad or remotely.

Payroll remittances are typically deposited directly into bank accounts or payroll cards to ensure that employees have direct access to their funds without intermediaries.

Commercial Remittances

These remittances are used in business and trade transactions to send money to suppliers or partners in other countries. They are also used to pay invoices, purchase goods, or cover operational costs.

Some common types of commercial remittances include:

• Simple remittances. Payments sent without requiring additional documentation.

• Documentary remittances. Money transfers that require documentation for processing (such as invoices, contracts, or bills of lading) along with the payment order.

• Export remittances. Sent when a Mexican company sells products or services to international customers and receives payment from abroad.

• Import remittances. Used to purchase goods or services from foreign suppliers.

Each type of remittance has its own advantages and characteristics, depending on the needs of both the sender and the recipient.

How Do Remittances Work?

Despite the various types of remittances, the sending and receiving process follows a similar structure.

The sender chooses a method to deposit the money, and this acts as an intermediary. The transaction is then processed and directed to the recipient in the destination country.

Remittances can be processed through a specialized agency, a bank, or online via platforms or applications.

Similarly, how the recipient collects the money varies depending on the method used, which can include:

• Direct deposit into a bank account.

• Cash withdrawal from an authorized location.

• Payment via check.

• Use of a prepaid reloadable card.

It all depends on the institution and its requirements.

For example, with BBVA Mexico remittances, funds can be deposited into a bank account or withdrawn at a teller window.

How Do Remittances Impact Mexico’s Economy?

Remittances in Mexico are very common due to the high number of citizens living abroad. Naturally, this significantly impacts the country’s economy.

To better understand what remittances are and why they are important, consider these facts:

• According to El País, in 2017, Mexico was the fourth-largest recipient of remittances worldwide, receiving approximately $28 billion USD.

• In 2022, the country received over $58 billion USD in remittances, marking a 13.4% increase compared to the previous year.

• By 2024, remittances reached a record high of $64.75 billion USD, reflecting a 7.2% increase over 2023. This marks 11 consecutive years of growth, a trend that started in 2014.

Additionally, according to Banxico and other sources, more than 95% of remittances come from the United States. Moreover, in 2024, 99% of remittances were processed via electronic transfers.

However, for 2025, a more moderate growth rate is expected due to economic factors in the U.S.. A possible slowdown in employment for Mexican migrants could impact this trend.

DolarApp: Send and Receive Money Without Hidden Fees

Since digital applications are one of the most modern methods for remittances, DolarApp is a great alternative.

Unlike other services, DolarApp lets you open a digital dollar account and manage transfers from Mexico. You can also receive money from abroad directly into your account.

Regardless of the transaction amount, the app only charges 3 USDc per transfer.

Another advantage is that you can convert your USDc funds to pesos without paying conversion fees. Plus, when you decide to make the conversion, you’ll get a competitive exchange rate.

So, if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional remittances, try DolarApp—with no hidden fees or excessive commissions.