by Francesca Pawlak

Created on: September 03, 2008   Last Updated: September 16, 2008

Everyone knows that money is tight for just about every family in America right now. It's not uncommon for relatives or friends to help someone out when money gets tight. It's also not uncommon for people to have virtual yardsales via websites like craigslist and ebay. Sending and receiving money online is often the quickest way to complete a transaction. Many feel uncomfortable and worry about things such as credit card fraud or identity theft when making purchases, receiving money, or sending money online. There are a few ways to do this that are safe and effective.

To send and receive money online:

paypal.com offers safe transactions where you can use your bank account, credit card, or you paypal funds and does not share your information. Paypal funds are accrued when someone else sends you payment for goods or service provided or something as simple as a monetary gift. When you send money online you can use the accrued funds, then make up the difference using your credit card or bank account. Using Paypal when making transactions such as buying or selling goods is a secure option. For example, you receive an e-mail stating that you paid for something which you in fact did not authorize. You can file with Paypal administrators and after researching the situation you will be refunded your money without any charges. However, there are fees for having someone pay you using their credit card and other fees depending on the type of account you have.

revolutionmoneyexchange.com is another website that offers services to send and receive money online. Donate to a charity, have scheduled monthly payments for rent, electric bill, car payment, etc. Revolution Money Exchange, known online as RME, also offers amazing promotions! The first is sometimes they offer $25 just for creating an account and the second is if you refer someone, they get $25 just for creating an account and you get $10 for each person referred who creates an account. RME requires a PIN in order to complete a transaction making it secure as well.

Both offer free sign-up!

Sending a money order online:

You can send a money order online using a website such as westernunion.com to send money in a matter of minutes using you Visa, Mastercard, or debit card. You can also use the same methods of payment for direct to bank transactions, which may take up to three days, but allows the recipient to manage the money from home online. The same fees apply online as they do at Western Union locations across the country.

The United States Postal Service (usps) also offers Postal Money Orders (domestic only) and can be purchased with cash, debit card, or travelers check. Small fees apply for money orders and they can be cashed at an Post Office or they can be deposited directly into a bank account.

These are some of the quickest and safest ways to send and receive money online. Always review safety tips for shopping online, never use an unsecure website, and always use methods of payment that do not share your personal and financial information.

paypal.com
revolutionmoneyexchange.com
wes ternunion.com
usps.com

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