MoneyGram vs Remitly: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
MoneyGram
3.7MoneyGram is a global money transfer company with a large agent network, offering both online and in-person transfer options to 200+ countries.
Remitly
4.5Remitly specializes in personal international money transfers with a focus on remittances to developing countries, offering competitive rates and fast delivery.
MoneyGram and Remitly are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. MoneyGram, founded in 1940 and headquartered in Dallas, USA, is best known for cash pickup and global coverage. Remitly, operating since 2011 from Seattle, USA, focuses on cash pickup and global coverage. This comparison uses real transfer data collected from both providers across 6 popular corridors to show you exactly which one offers better value for your specific needs. Our data shows the difference can be significant — on a $200 USD → NGN transfer, Remitly delivers ₦11526.22 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: MoneyGram vs Remitly across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through MoneyGram vs Remitly on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | MoneyGram | Remitly | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹93,933.32 | ₹93,969.24 | Remitly (+₹35.92) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,135.38 | €1,153.17 | Remitly (+€17.79) |
| USD → PHP($500) | — | ₱29,896.01 | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$17,095.45 | MX$18,269.79 | Remitly (+MX$1174.34) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | — | ₨188,078.26 | N/A |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦269,371.70 | ₦280,897.92 | Remitly (+₦11526.22) |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between MoneyGram and Remitly
MoneyGram vs Remitly: Feature comparison
| Feature | MoneyGram | Remitly |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 (Good) | 4.5/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | From $1.99 to $11.99+ | From $0 to $3.99 per transfer |
| Exchange rate markup | 1% - 3% above mid-market | 0.5% - 2% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 3 days | Minutes to 3-5 days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 100+ |
| Supported currencies | 50+ | 40+ |
| Max transfer | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA | FinCEN, FCA |
| Founded | 1940 | 2011 |
Pros and cons
MoneyGram
Pros
- Large global agent network
- Cash pickup available worldwide
- Transfers can arrive in minutes
- In-store and online options
- Crypto integration with Stellar
Cons
- Higher fees for smaller transfers
- Exchange rate markup can be steep
- Online experience less polished
Remitly
Pros
- Express transfers arrive in minutes
- Cash pickup available in many countries
- Mobile money delivery option
- First transfer promotions often available
- Home delivery in select countries
Cons
- Rates less competitive for large transfers
- No multi-currency account
- Focused mainly on remittance corridors
When to choose MoneyGram vs Remitly
Choose MoneyGram if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need wider country coverage (200+ vs 100+ countries)
- MoneyGram's strengths (Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup) match your needs
Choose Remitly if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You want to send to a mobile money wallet (M-Pesa, GCash, etc.)
- You want zero transfer fees (From $0 to $3.99 per transfer)
Verdict: MoneyGram or Remitly?
Cost winner: Remitly
Remitly wins on cost in 4 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on USD → INR ($1,000), the recipient gets ₹35.92 more with Remitly. Remitly achieves this through transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate.
Speed: Similar delivery times
Both providers offer similar transfer speeds. MoneyGram typically delivers in Minutes to 3 days, while Remitly takes Minutes to 3-5 days. The actual speed depends on the corridor and delivery method.
Wider coverage: MoneyGram
MoneyGram has broader coverage with 200+ countries and 50+ currencies. MoneyGram also offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet.
Bottom line
Overall, Remitly edges ahead for most users thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, MoneyGram is the better pick if you need cash pickup and global coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is MoneyGram or Remitly cheaper for international transfers?
Based on our data, Remitly is generally cheaper across most corridors. Remitly charges From $0 to $3.99 per transfer with a 0.5% - 2% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while MoneyGram charges From $1.99 to $11.99+ with a 1% - 3% above mid-market markup. For example, on a $1,000 USD → INR transfer, Remitly delivers ₹35.92 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, MoneyGram or Remitly?
MoneyGram typically completes transfers in Minutes to 3 days, while Remitly takes Minutes to 3-5 days. Actual speed depends on the corridor, payment method, and delivery option you choose. Bank transfers tend to be slower than card-funded transfers, and bank deposits are generally faster than cash pickups.
Are MoneyGram and Remitly safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. MoneyGram is regulated by FinCEN, FCA and has a 3.7/5 Trustpilot rating. Remitly is regulated by FinCEN, FCA with a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for MoneyGram vs Remitly?
MoneyGram has a maximum transfer of $10,000 (minimum $1), while Remitly allows up to $10,000 (minimum $1). Limits may vary by corridor, account verification level, and payment method. New accounts typically start with lower limits that increase over time.
Can I get cash pickup with MoneyGram or Remitly?
MoneyGram offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. Remitly offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery. MoneyGram supports cash pickup, which is useful when recipients don't have a bank account. Remitly supports cash pickup for recipients without bank access.
Should I use MoneyGram or Remitly to send money internationally?
For most users, Remitly offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, MoneyGram is the better choice if you need cash pickup and global coverage. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Home Delivery.