MoneyGram vs Revolut: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
MoneyGram
4.0MoneyGram is a global money transfer company with a large agent network, offering both online and in-person transfer options to 200+ countries.
Revolut
4.7Revolut is a digital banking app offering international money transfers at interbank rates during market hours, along with a full suite of financial services.
MoneyGram and Revolut 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. Revolut, operating since 2015 from London, UK, focuses on large transfers and business payments. 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 £500 GBP → PKR transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₨3554.24 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: MoneyGram vs Revolut across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through MoneyGram vs Revolut on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | MoneyGram | Revolut | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹93,952.91 | ₹94,227.93 | Revolut (+₹275.02) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,153.60 | €1,139.68 | MoneyGram (+€13.92) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱31,183.94 | ₱30,801.36 | MoneyGram (+₱382.58) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$16,745.27 | MX$16,666.42 | MoneyGram (+MX$78.85) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨187,584.78 | ₨184,030.54 | MoneyGram (+₨3554.24) |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦271,225.66 | — | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between MoneyGram and Revolut
MoneyGram vs Revolut: Feature comparison
| Feature | MoneyGram | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 (Good) | 4.7/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | From $1.99 to $11.99+ | Free up to £1,000/month, then 0.5% |
| Exchange rate markup | 1% - 3% above mid-market | 0% weekdays, 0.5-1% weekends |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 3 days | Instant to 3 days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 150+ |
| Supported currencies | 50+ | 36+ |
| Max transfer | $10,000 | No limit |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Revolut Balance |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet | Bank Deposit, Revolut Account |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA | FCA, ECB, FinCEN |
| Founded | 1940 | 2015 |
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
Revolut
Pros
- Interbank rates during market hours
- Free transfers between Revolut users
- Multi-currency account
- Virtual and physical cards
- Crypto and stock trading available
Cons
- Weekend markup of 0.5-1%
- Free tier has monthly limits
- Customer support can be slow
When to choose MoneyGram vs Revolut
Choose MoneyGram if:
- Your recipient needs cash pickup instead of bank deposit
- You need wider country coverage (200+ vs 150+ countries)
- Speed is your top priority — transfers can arrive in minutes
Choose Revolut if:
- You prefer low or zero upfront transfer fees (Free up to £1,000/month, then 0.5%) and are comparing the total received, not the rate alone
- You need to transfer large sums (Revolut has no upper limit)
- You need a multi-currency account to hold and convert balances
Verdict: MoneyGram or Revolut?
Cost winner: MoneyGram
MoneyGram wins on cost in 4 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on GBP → EUR (£1,000), the recipient gets €13.92 more with MoneyGram. MoneyGram wins on the total, not on any one line: fee from $1.99 to $11.99+, exchange rate 1% - 3% above mid-market. Revolut — fee free up to £1,000/month, then 0.5%, rate 0% weekdays, 0.5-1% weekends — delivered less on these corridors once both were counted.
Speed: Similar delivery times
Both providers offer similar transfer speeds. MoneyGram typically delivers in Minutes to 3 days, while Revolut takes Instant to 3 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, MoneyGram edges ahead for most users thanks to its extensive cash pickup network and multiple delivery options. That said, Revolut is the better pick if you need large transfers and business payments.
Frequently asked questions
Is MoneyGram or Revolut cheaper for international transfers?
Based on our data, MoneyGram is generally cheaper across most corridors. MoneyGram charges From $1.99 to $11.99+ with a 1% - 3% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while Revolut charges Free up to £1,000/month, then 0.5% with a 0% weekdays, 0.5-1% weekends markup. For example, on a $1,000 USD → INR transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₹275.02 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, MoneyGram or Revolut?
MoneyGram typically completes transfers in Minutes to 3 days, while Revolut takes Instant to 3 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 Revolut safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. MoneyGram is regulated by FinCEN, FCA and has a 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating. Revolut is regulated by FCA, ECB, FinCEN with a 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for MoneyGram vs Revolut?
MoneyGram has a maximum transfer of $10,000 (minimum $1), while Revolut allows up to no published upper limit (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 Revolut?
MoneyGram offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. Revolut offers Bank Deposit, Revolut Account. MoneyGram supports cash pickup, which is useful when recipients don't have a bank account.
Should I use MoneyGram or Revolut to send money internationally?
For most users, MoneyGram offers better overall value thanks to extensive cash pickup network and multiple delivery options. However, Revolut is the better choice if you need large transfers and business payments. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Mobile Wallet.