PayPal vs Remitly: 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.
Remitly
4.6Remitly specializes in personal international money transfers with a focus on remittances to developing countries, offering competitive rates and fast delivery.
PayPal and Remitly 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. 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 £1,000 GBP → EUR transfer, Remitly delivers €38.47 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: PayPal vs Remitly across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through PayPal vs Remitly on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | PayPal | Remitly | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | — | ₹95,833.41 | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,103.72 | €1,142.19 | Remitly (+€38.47) |
| USD → PHP($500) | — | ₱29,915.84 | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | — | MX$17,001.15 | N/A |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | — | ₨189,852.24 | N/A |
| USD → NGN($200) | — | ₦272,575.90 | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between PayPal and Remitly
PayPal vs Remitly: Feature comparison
| Feature | PayPal | Remitly |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 1.3/5 (Poor) | 4.6/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | 5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max | From $0 to $3.99 per transfer |
| Exchange rate markup | 3% - 4% above mid-market | 0.5% - 2% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Instant to 3 days | Minutes to 3-5 days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 100+ |
| Supported currencies | 25+ | 40+ |
| Max transfer | $60,000 | $10,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal Balance | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | PayPal Account, Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA, Various | FinCEN, FCA |
| Founded | 1998 | 2011 |
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
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 PayPal vs Remitly
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 need wider country coverage (200+ vs 100+ countries)
- You want zero transfer fees (5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max)
Choose Remitly if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Your recipient needs cash pickup instead of bank deposit
- 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)
- Speed is your top priority — transfers can arrive in minutes
Verdict: PayPal or Remitly?
Cost winner: Remitly
Remitly wins on cost in 1 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on GBP → EUR (£1,000), the recipient gets €38.47 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. PayPal typically delivers in Instant to 3 days, while Remitly takes Minutes to 3-5 days. The actual speed depends on the corridor and delivery method.
Wider coverage: PayPal
PayPal has broader coverage with 200+ countries and 25+ currencies. PayPal also offers PayPal Account, Bank Deposit.
Bottom line
Overall, Remitly 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 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 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, Remitly delivers €38.47 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, PayPal or Remitly?
PayPal typically completes transfers in Instant 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 PayPal and Remitly 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. Remitly is regulated by FinCEN, FCA with a 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for PayPal vs Remitly?
PayPal has a maximum transfer of $60,000 (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 PayPal or Remitly?
PayPal offers PayPal Account, Bank Deposit. Remitly offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery. Remitly supports cash pickup for recipients without bank access.
Should I use PayPal 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, 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 Home Delivery.