Compare Remitly to Other Transfer Options

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Professional woman in red, arms crossed, in front of Remitly logo in Managua, Nicaragua.
Credit: pexels.com, Professional woman in red, arms crossed, in front of Remitly logo in Managua, Nicaragua.

Remitly is a popular option for international money transfers, but how does it stack up against the competition? It's free to send money with Remitly, with no transfer fees for amounts over $1,000.

One notable difference between Remitly and other transfer options is its wide range of payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, and bank transfers. This makes it easier for users to send money.

Remitly's exchange rates are competitive, with a margin of 1.5% to 2% above the mid-market rate. This is comparable to other transfer services, which often charge margins of 2% to 4%.

Rates and Transfer

Remitly's exchange rates are competitive, but they apply a fixed margin, which can lead to higher costs than other services.

Remitly charges a foreign exchange markup, usually around 1% or less, in addition to a secure transfer fee and an international transfer fee, which starts at 0.50 USD for amounts up to 1,000 USD.

Check this out: Model 1 Compare

Credit: youtube.com, Remitly vs Wise: Which Is Better in 2025?

Remitly's exchange rates can fluctuate, but they update their rates multiple times per day to ensure they're always up-to-date with the latest market changes.

The upfront fee is important, but it's essential to look at the exchange rate you're getting when comparing international transfer providers, as it can significantly add to the total expense of your transfer.

Remitly typically includes a margin of 1% to 3.7% on the exchange rates, and Western Union applies a margin that tends to be quite higher, ranging from 1% to 6%.

Remitly often extends promotional rates for new customers, providing a better exchange rate compared to the mid-market rate for your first transfer on certain currencies.

Rates and Transfer Comparison

Remitly offers competitive transfer fees but applies a fixed margin to its exchange rates, which can lead to higher costs than other services.

Wise charges lower transfer fees and uses the mid-market exchange rate, ensuring you get the most accurate rate without hidden costs.

Here's an interesting read: Remitly Fees to India

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Credit: pexels.com, Isometric image of online money transfer via mobile phones on light background \

Remitly's exchange rates are typically better than other foreign exchange providers, making it a cost-effective option for sending money abroad.

Remitly's commitment to transparency is a major advantage, as they clearly list and explain all fees so you know exactly what you're paying upfront.

Remitly's exchange rate margin ranges from 1% to 3.7%, which depends on the currency and transfer time selected.

Western Union applies a higher margin on exchange rates, ranging from 1% to 6%.

Remitly often provides a better exchange rate compared to Western Union, especially for first-time users.

Remitly's exchange rates fluctuate constantly, but they tend to offer more competitive rates than Western Union.

Remitly updates its exchange rates multiple times per day to ensure they're always up-to-date with the latest market changes.

Remitly's transparent pricing and competitive exchange rates make it an attractive choice for anyone looking to transfer money abroad.

Transfer Speeds & Limits

When sending money abroad, transfer speed is a crucial factor to consider. Remitly offers two distinct transfer speeds – Express and Economy.

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Express transfers are processed much faster, often within minutes, making them suitable for urgent transactions. This is especially useful for situations where time is of the essence.

Economy transfers, on the other hand, take longer to process but are more affordable.

Wise generally processes transfers swiftly, with many transactions being instantaneous or completed within a day.

The speed of transfer is contingent on the funding method and the currencies involved.

Remitly limits the amount you can send over different timeframes, which is crucial for users making large transfers.

Wise does not set strict transfer limits, but it does require a minimum transfer amount to ensure that even small transactions are feasible.

Does Have a Maximum Amount at Given Rate?

Remitly has a maximum amount you can exchange at any given time, which is $250,000 USD or its equivalent in the respective currency.

This limit is set to protect customers from potential risks, and transactions larger than this amount require additional authentication and could take extra processing time.

People Exchanging Money
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Before sending or receiving money with Remitly, make sure to read the terms and conditions to get an accurate understanding of the maximum amount you can exchange.

Remitly applies the real mid-market rate available at the time to your transaction, ensuring your recipient gets the best possible rate.

They also provide an estimated total and confirm your exact rate before you complete your transaction, so you know exactly how much you're sending and how much your recipient is receiving.

Pickup Locations: Union

Western Union offers more than 500,000 cash pickup locations worldwide, making cash pickup extremely accessible.

You can send money to every country on Earth, except Iran and North Korea, with Western Union.

Their widespread presence is a testament to their long history in the money transfer industry.

Here are some countries where you can find Western Union cash pickup locations:

  • India
  • Colombia
  • Mexico
  • Philippines
  • Guatemala
  • Dominican Republic

This extensive network is a significant advantage for those who prefer cash pickup over other transfer methods.

Reliability & Security

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Remitly is known for its reliability and robust security measures, including encryption and regulatory compliance, to protect your transactions and data.

Remitly is a fully licensed and regulated international remittance service, committed to safety and customer protection. They are registered with the US Department of Treasury as a Money Service Business and licensed to operate in all Canadian provinces including Quebec.

Both Remitly and Western Union use high-level data security to protect customers from fraud and other cyber crimes. Remitly uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) and modern encryption protocols to keep your private information safe.

Western Union adheres to the highest standards across its global operations, regulated by the FCA (UK), FinCEN (USA), and the FMA (Europe). They implement online security measures, including end-to-end encryption, TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certification, multi-factor authentication, and identity verification.

Remitly conducts thorough account verification, which includes requiring ID, proof of address, and other details if your recipient retrieves the fund from a cash pickup location. Western Union also has a dedicated fraud team that performs a manual confirmation process on the phone for suspicious account activities.

Credit: youtube.com, Remitly Honest Review: Fast & Secure Money Transfers? My Experience & Full Breakdown

Here are some of the key security features of Remitly and Western Union:

  1. Remitly: Registered with the US Department of Treasury, licensed to operate in all Canadian provinces, and uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) and modern encryption protocols.
  2. Western Union: Regulated by the FCA (UK), FinCEN (USA), and the FMA (Europe), and implements end-to-end encryption, TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certification, multi-factor authentication, and identity verification.

User Experience

Remitly's intuitive interface is simple and easy to navigate, receiving positive feedback from users who appreciate its straightforward design.

Users praise Remitly's platform for making sending money quick and hassle-free, appealing to those who prioritise simplicity in their transactions.

Remitly's website supports different languages like English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin, catering to a wide range of audiences.

Remitly's mobile app is free and available on both iOS and Android, offering easy money transfers from the comfort of your home.

Remitly provides easy-to-follow instructions and dedicated screens for choosing delivery options and transfer speed.

Wise also offers a clean and straightforward interface, highly praised for its usability and clarity.

Western Union's mobile app is available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, along with country-specific content, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Both Remitly and Western Union offer user-friendly experiences with website access and mobile apps, making money transfers more convenient.

Comparison and Analysis

Credit: youtube.com, Remitly vs Wise: Which Is Better in 2025?

Remitly and Wise are two popular services for international money transfers, and choosing the right one depends on your individual needs. Remitly offers competitive transfer fees but applies a fixed margin to its exchange rates, which can lead to higher costs than other services.

Wise, on the other hand, is known for its transparent pricing and uses the mid-market exchange rate, ensuring you get the most accurate rate without hidden costs. This transparency can save you money on larger transfers. Wise also charges lower transfer fees compared to Remitly.

In terms of company size and structure, Remitly has a significant advantage, with 1600 employees and a trading volume of $20.4 billion. Wise, by contrast, has a much smaller team of 23 employees and a trading volume of $500 million.

Explore further: Does Remitly Charge a Fee

Service Offerings

Remitly provides traditional bank transfer services that allow users to send money directly to bank accounts abroad.

Remitly also offers cash pickup and mobile wallet options, which is great for users who send money to recipients without easy access to bank accounts.

If this caught your attention, see: How to Wire Money to India

Credit: youtube.com, Feature Comparison Table: Competitive analysis

Wise excels with its multi-currency account offering, allowing users to hold and manage funds in multiple currencies.

This feature is a game-changer for those dealing with regular transactions in different countries, and it's especially useful for frequent travellers or businesses operating internationally.

The Wise borderless account comes with a debit card, providing high flexibility and convenience for users.

User Feedback

Remitly is praised for its speed and ease of use, with many users appreciating its customer service and simple platform.

Users who have tried Remitly's platform have given it positive feedback, citing its simplicity and ease of use as major advantages.

However, some users have concerns about exchange rates and fees, which can be a drawback for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness.

Wise gets high marks for its transparent fees and actual exchange rates, with customers appreciating knowing exactly what they're paying.

Wise's transparent approach has earned it a loyal following, with users valuing the clarity and honesty of its platform.

Vance is popular for its smooth and user-friendly design, making transactions easy for users.

Users also appreciate Vance's reliability, Google rate offering, competitive exchange rates, and lower fees, which make it a great option for those who value value for money.

On a similar theme: Can You Use Remitly in India

Comparative Table

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Let's take a closer look at the services offered by Remitly and Wise. Remitly provides bank transfers, cash pickup, mobile wallets, and home delivery in select areas, whereas Wise offers bank transfers, mobile wallet transfers, multi-currency account, and debit card services.

One notable difference is in the fees charged by these services. Remitly has variable fees with an additional fee for express transfers, whereas Wise offers transparent fees with a percentage fee based on transfer amount and currency.

It's worth noting that Wise provides mid-market exchange rates with no markup, giving you a fair deal on your transfer. Remitly, on the other hand, includes an exchange rate margin in their fees.

In terms of transfer speed, Remitly offers express transfers for faster delivery, but economy transfers take longer. Wise, on the other hand, offers fast transfers, with many being instant or completed within a day.

Here's a summary of the services and fees offered by Remitly and Wise in a table:

Both services have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Comparative Analysis

A close-up of a hand using a payment terminal with currency notes and a money box in view.
Credit: pexels.com, A close-up of a hand using a payment terminal with currency notes and a money box in view.

Remitly and Wise are two popular services for sending money across borders. Remitly has been around since 2011 and has a global reach with over 100 countries supported for sending money, while Wise was founded in 2015 and supports transfers to over 60 currencies from 23 sending countries.

Remitly has a large team of 1600 employees, whereas Wise has a much smaller team of 23 employees. Remitly's annual trading volume is $20.4 billion, significantly higher than Wise's $500 million.

Here's a comparison of the two services in terms of their services, fees, exchange rates, transfer speed, and payout options:

Both services have received awards and recognition in the industry, with Remitly being named one of the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Wise being named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.

Final Verdict: Which One Is Better?

Choosing between Remitly and Western Union can be challenging, but it ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences. If you prefer doing international money transfers online, Remitly is the better option.

Artistic illustration of hands exchanging money on a vibrant purple background, symbolizing finance and business.
Credit: pexels.com, Artistic illustration of hands exchanging money on a vibrant purple background, symbolizing finance and business.

Remitly is more convenient for overseas workers to send money to support their families back home. However, if you need more assistance with your transfers or pay for your transactions in cash, Western Union is a better fit.

Both providers allow you to track transfer status and view exchange rates in real-time, but Remitly tends to offer lower fees and competitive exchange rates compared to Western Union. The total transaction cost varies depending on the amount sent, the destination, and the transfer method.

In many cases, Remitly offers faster transfer options, with some transfers taking minutes for specific routes and payout methods. However, specific transfer speeds can depend on various factors like the destination, chosen transfer method, and processing times.

You can use multiple money transfer providers for your international money transfers, allowing you to compare rates, fees, and transfer speed. Instarem is another option that can help you find the best deal for your transfer needs.

Rates and Pricing

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Remitly offers competitive transfer fees but applies a fixed margin to its exchange rates, which can lead to higher costs than other services.

The exchange rate on Remitly will indeed fluctuate during the day, and the rate on which you can send your money depends on when you initiate the transfer and the current market rates.

Remitly's exchange rate has a margin of 1% to 3.7%, depending on the currency, and this margin varies depending on the transfer time you select.

You can choose the 'Guaranteed Exchange Rate' option offered by Remitly to lock-in an exchange rate, but this may require a fee and the exchange rate used may be slightly different from the present market rate.

Remitly typically offers better rates compared to other foreign exchange providers, making it one of the most cost-effective options for sending money abroad.

Remitly's commitment to transparency is notable, as they clearly list and explain all fees so you know exactly what you're paying upfront.

Rates: Union

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Western Union's exchange rates tend to be higher than competitors, with a margin ranging from 1% to 6%. This can add significantly to the total expense of your transfer.

Their exchange rates often fall short compared to other money transfer providers that charge lower markups on the mid-market rate. This means you might find better deals elsewhere.

The best money transfer option can change over time, so it's essential to stay informed about the market's dynamic nature.

Rate Associated with Rate

Remitly's exchange rate is competitive, but there are fees associated with using it.

The foreign exchange markup can vary between 1% and 3.7% depending on the currency and transfer time selected.

Remitly's exchange rate margin is usually lower than Western Union's, which can range from 1% to 6%.

The exchange rate on Remitly will indeed fluctuate during the day, so it's essential to pay attention to the market situation and choose the best timing for your transfer.

A Person Holding a Black Envelope with Money
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Holding a Black Envelope with Money

You can lock-in an exchange rate with Remitly's 'Guaranteed Exchange Rate' option, but be aware that the rate used may be slightly different from the present market rate.

The fees associated with Remitly's exchange rate include a foreign exchange markup, a secure transfer fee, and an international transfer fee, which starts at 0.50 USD for amounts up to 1,000 USD.

Remitly also charges a small fee when using their mobile app, typically between 0.25 and 0.50 USD.

Limitations and Restrictions

Remitly's exchange rates can be less competitive than some other services, especially for smaller transfers. This is because Remitly charges a fixed fee for each transfer, rather than a percentage-based fee.

You'll also need to pay extra for expedited delivery, which can be inconvenient if you're in a hurry. The cost of expedited delivery varies depending on the country you're sending money to.

Relying on Remitly's online platform can be limiting if you need to send money in person. Remitly has a limited number of physical locations, and not all locations offer the same services.

Rush money transfers through Remitly can be expensive, with fees ranging from $9.99 to $19.99, depending on the transfer amount.

A different take: Moneygram Payment Methods

Customer Support

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Customer support is a crucial aspect of any money transfer service, and Remitly shines in this department.

Remitly offers 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat, making it easy to reach out for assistance whenever you need it.

Their customer support team is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Filipino, which is a huge plus for users who may not be fluent in English.

Remitly's customer support team is also highly rated, with a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot and a 4.5-star rating on the App Store.

You can also access Remitly's knowledge base and FAQs to find answers to common questions and troubleshoot issues on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the disadvantage of Remitly?

Remitly has daily and monthly limits on transfers, higher fees for express transfers, and additional fees for debit or credit card funding. These limitations and fees can increase the cost and complexity of your international money transfer.

Is Xe better than Remitly?

Xe offers better rates than Remitly, but may take longer to transfer funds to India. If you prioritize lower fees, Xe might be the better choice for you.

What's better, world remit or Remitly?

For personal transfers, Remitly is a great option. If you need a more versatile service for business transfers, WorldRemit might be a better fit.

Tommy Weber

Lead Assigning Editor

Tommy Weber is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With extensive experience in assigning articles across various categories, Tommy has honed his skills in identifying and selecting compelling topics that resonate with readers. Tommy's expertise lies in assigning articles related to personal finance, specifically in the areas of bank card credit and bank credit cards.

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