PayPal vs MoneyGram: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
PayPal
1.3PayPal is a widely-used online payment platform that also offers international money transfers, though fees and exchange rates can be less competitive than specialists.
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.
PayPal and MoneyGram are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. PayPal, founded in 1998 and headquartered in San Jose, USA, is best known for international money transfers. MoneyGram, operating since 1940 from Dallas, 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 $500 USD → PHP transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₱1421.44 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: PayPal vs MoneyGram across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through PayPal vs MoneyGram on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | PayPal | MoneyGram | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | — | ₹94,688.23 | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,114.24 | €1,156.24 | MoneyGram (+€42.00) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱29,129.17 | ₱30,550.61 | MoneyGram (+₱1421.44) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$16,629.34 | MX$17,224.41 | MoneyGram (+MX$595.07) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | — | ₨186,133.01 | N/A |
| USD → NGN($200) | — | ₦275,884.28 | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between PayPal and MoneyGram
PayPal vs MoneyGram: Feature comparison
| Feature | PayPal | MoneyGram |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 1.3/5 (Poor) | 4.0/5 (Good) |
| Fee structure | 5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max | From $1.99 to $11.99+ |
| Exchange rate markup | 3% - 4% above mid-market | 1% - 3% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Instant to 3 days | Minutes to 3 days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 200+ |
| Supported currencies | 25+ | 50+ |
| Max transfer | $60,000 | $10,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal Balance | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash |
| Delivery methods | PayPal Account, Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA, Various | FinCEN, FCA |
| Founded | 1998 | 1940 |
Pros and cons
PayPal
Pros
- Widely accepted globally
- Instant transfers to PayPal users
- Buyer protection available
- Easy to use interface
- Available in 200+ countries
Cons
- High exchange rate markup (3-4%)
- Transfer fees can add up
- Recipient needs PayPal account for instant transfer
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
When to choose PayPal vs MoneyGram
Choose PayPal if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You're sending large amounts (PayPal supports up to $60,000)
- You need a business account for commercial payments
- You want zero transfer fees (5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max)
Choose MoneyGram if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Your recipient needs cash pickup instead of bank deposit
- Speed is your top priority — transfers can arrive in minutes
Verdict: PayPal or MoneyGram?
Cost winner: MoneyGram
MoneyGram wins on cost in 3 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on GBP → EUR (£1,000), the recipient gets €42.00 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. PayPal typically delivers in Instant to 3 days, while MoneyGram 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, PayPal is the better pick if you need international money transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Is PayPal or MoneyGram 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 PayPal charges 5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max with a 3% - 4% above mid-market markup. For example, on a £1,000 GBP → EUR transfer, MoneyGram delivers €42.00 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, PayPal or MoneyGram?
PayPal typically completes transfers in Instant to 3 days, while MoneyGram 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 PayPal and MoneyGram safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. PayPal is regulated by FinCEN, FCA, Various and has a 1.3/5 Trustpilot rating. MoneyGram is regulated by FinCEN, FCA 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 PayPal vs MoneyGram?
PayPal has a maximum transfer of $60,000 (minimum $1), while MoneyGram 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 PayPal or MoneyGram?
PayPal offers PayPal Account, Bank Deposit. MoneyGram offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. MoneyGram supports cash pickup for recipients without bank access.
Should I use PayPal or MoneyGram to send money internationally?
For most users, MoneyGram offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, PayPal is the better choice if you need international money transfers. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Mobile Wallet.