MoneyGram vs WorldRemit: 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.
WorldRemit
4.0WorldRemit is a digital-first remittance service offering fast, affordable international money transfers to 130+ countries with multiple delivery options.
MoneyGram and WorldRemit 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. WorldRemit, operating since 2010 from London, UK, 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 $500 USD → PHP transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₱520.98 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: MoneyGram vs WorldRemit across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through MoneyGram vs WorldRemit on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | MoneyGram | WorldRemit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹94,688.23 | ₹94,545.86 | MoneyGram (+₹142.37) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,156.24 | — | N/A |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱30,550.61 | ₱30,029.63 | MoneyGram (+₱520.98) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$17,224.41 | MX$17,013.87 | MoneyGram (+MX$210.54) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨186,133.01 | ₨186,261.16 | WorldRemit (+₨128.15) |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦275,884.28 | ₦275,609.31 | MoneyGram (+₦274.97) |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between MoneyGram and WorldRemit
MoneyGram vs WorldRemit: Feature comparison
| Feature | MoneyGram | WorldRemit |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 (Good) | 4.0/5 (Good) |
| Fee structure | From $1.99 to $11.99+ | From $0.99 to $3.99 |
| Exchange rate markup | 1% - 3% above mid-market | 0.5% - 3% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 3 days | Minutes to 3 days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 130+ |
| Supported currencies | 50+ | 70+ |
| Max transfer | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Apple Pay |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Airtime Top-up |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA | FCA, FinCEN |
| Founded | 1940 | 2010 |
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
WorldRemit
Pros
- Fast transfers to many corridors
- Mobile money delivery available
- Airtime top-up option
- User-friendly mobile app
- Competitive rates for smaller transfers
Cons
- Transfer limits may be restrictive
- Not ideal for large/business transfers
- Rates vary significantly by corridor
When to choose MoneyGram vs WorldRemit
Choose MoneyGram if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need wider country coverage (200+ vs 130+ countries)
- MoneyGram's strengths (Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup) match your needs
Choose WorldRemit 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 $0.99 to $3.99)
Verdict: MoneyGram or WorldRemit?
Cost winner: MoneyGram
MoneyGram wins on cost in 4 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on USD → INR ($1,000), the recipient gets ₹142.37 more with MoneyGram. MoneyGram 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 WorldRemit takes Minutes 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 transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, WorldRemit is the better pick if you need cash pickup and global coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is MoneyGram or WorldRemit 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 WorldRemit charges From $0.99 to $3.99 with a 0.5% - 3% above mid-market markup. For example, on a $1,000 USD → INR transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₹142.37 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, MoneyGram or WorldRemit?
MoneyGram typically completes transfers in Minutes to 3 days, while WorldRemit takes Minutes 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 WorldRemit safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. MoneyGram is regulated by FinCEN, FCA and has a 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating. WorldRemit is regulated by FCA, FinCEN with a 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for MoneyGram vs WorldRemit?
MoneyGram has a maximum transfer of $10,000 (minimum $1), while WorldRemit 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 WorldRemit?
MoneyGram offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. WorldRemit offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Airtime Top-up. MoneyGram supports cash pickup, which is useful when recipients don't have a bank account. WorldRemit supports cash pickup for recipients without bank access.
Should I use MoneyGram or WorldRemit to send money internationally?
For most users, MoneyGram offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, WorldRemit 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 Airtime Top-up.