About Money Transmitter
An educational resource covering US money transmission regulation. No funds handled. No advice provided.
What This Platform Is
Money Transmitter is a consumer education platform focused on how money transmission services work in the United States. The platform covers the regulatory framework governing licensed money transmitters, the federal registration requirements administered by FinCEN, the state-by-state licensing obligations that apply to money service businesses, and the consumer protections established by the Dodd-Frank Act and enforced by the CFPB.
This platform does not transmit money, hold funds, provide financial advice, or act as an intermediary in any transaction. Content is written to help consumers understand the regulatory environment so they can make informed decisions when selecting a money transfer provider.
The information presented here draws from publicly available regulatory texts, CFPB guidance documents, FinCEN publications, and state regulatory agency materials. Where regulations change, content is reviewed and updated accordingly.
The Information Gap in Consumer Remittances
Millions of people in the United States send money internationally each year. The regulatory framework governing these transfers is complex, multi-layered, and not widely understood by consumers.
Regulatory Complexity
Federal requirements from FinCEN and the CFPB overlap with state-level licensing regimes. Consumers navigating this landscape often encounter unfamiliar terminology and unclear information about their rights.
Fee Transparency
The total cost of an international transfer includes exchange rate margins, transaction fees, and potential third-party charges. Understanding how these components are disclosed helps consumers compare providers accurately.
Consumer Rights
The Dodd-Frank remittance rules provide cancellation rights, error resolution procedures, and mandatory disclosures. Many consumers are unaware these protections exist or how to invoke them when a transfer goes wrong.
How Content Is Prepared
Source Verification
All regulatory information is sourced from official government publications including the Code of Federal Regulations, FinCEN guidance, CFPB rule summaries, and state regulatory agency websites. No content is based on unverified secondary sources.
Plain Language
Regulatory text is complex. Content on this platform translates statutory and regulatory language into accessible explanations without sacrificing accuracy. Technical terms are defined when first used.
Regular Review
Regulations change. FinCEN updates its guidance, states revise their licensing requirements, and the CFPB amends its rules. Content is reviewed periodically to reflect current requirements.
No Advice
This platform provides information, not advice. Nothing on this site constitutes financial, legal, or tax guidance. Consumers with specific situations should consult qualified professionals.
Platform Scope and Limitations
The scope of this platform is specifically the United States money transmission regulatory framework. It does not cover banking regulation, securities law, tax obligations, or the laws of other countries.
Content addresses the federal framework administered by FinCEN and the CFPB, the state licensing frameworks that apply to money service businesses, and the consumer protections that apply to remittance transfers under 12 CFR Part 1005 Subpart B.
This platform does not maintain lists of licensed providers, verify the licensing status of specific companies, or endorse any money transfer service. Consumers should verify provider licensing directly through NMLS, state regulatory agency websites, and FinCEN's MSB Registrant Search tool.
Contact information for this platform is listed on the contact page. The editorial team can be reached with questions about the content. The team cannot assist with specific transfer disputes or provide regulatory interpretations.