Paysend vs Remitly: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
Paysend
4.3Paysend offers international transfers with flat fees and competitive exchange rates. Known for card-to-card transfers in 180+ countries.
Remitly
4.6Remitly specializes in personal international money transfers with a focus on remittances to developing countries, offering competitive rates and fast delivery.
Paysend and Remitly are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. Paysend, founded in 2017 and headquartered in London, UK, is best known for transparent, low-cost 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 $200 USD → NGN transfer, Remitly delivers ₦4020.49 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: Paysend vs Remitly across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through Paysend vs Remitly on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | Paysend | Remitly | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹96,691.21 | ₹96,140.07 | Paysend (+₹551.14) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,138.64 | €1,140.62 | Remitly (+€1.98) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱30,854.58 | ₱29,950.27 | Paysend (+₱904.31) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$17,386.77 | MX$17,091.78 | Paysend (+MX$294.99) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨185,651.59 | ₨189,195.87 | Remitly (+₨3544.28) |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦268,278.95 | ₦272,299.44 | Remitly (+₦4020.49) |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between Paysend and Remitly
Paysend vs Remitly: Feature comparison
| Feature | Paysend | Remitly |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 (Excellent) | 4.6/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | Flat $2 fee on most corridors | From $0 to $3.99 per transfer |
| Exchange rate markup | 0% - 2% depending on corridor | 0.5% - 2% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 2 days | Minutes to 3-5 days |
| Supported countries | 180+ | 100+ |
| Supported currencies | 70+ | 40+ |
| Max transfer | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Payment methods | Debit Card, Credit Card, Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Card Deposit, Mobile Wallet | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery |
| Regulators | FCA, FinCEN | FinCEN, FCA |
| Founded | 2017 | 2011 |
Pros and cons
Paysend
Pros
- Flat $2 fee on most transfers
- 0% exchange rate margin on select corridors
- Card-to-card transfers available
Cons
- Lower transfer limits than competitors
- Not all corridors have 0% markup
- Cash pickup not available
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 Paysend vs Remitly
Choose Paysend if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need a multi-currency account to hold and convert balances
- You need wider country coverage (180+ vs 100+ countries)
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)
Verdict: Paysend or Remitly?
Cost: Too close to call
Paysend and Remitly are closely matched on cost. Across our 6 sample corridors, neither provider consistently delivers more to the recipient. The best choice depends on your specific corridor.
Speed: Similar delivery times
Both providers offer similar transfer speeds. Paysend typically delivers in Minutes to 2 days, while Remitly takes Minutes to 3-5 days. The actual speed depends on the corridor and delivery method.
Wider coverage: Paysend
Paysend has broader coverage with 180+ countries and 70+ currencies. Paysend also offers Bank Deposit, Card Deposit, Mobile Wallet.
Bottom line
Paysend and Remitly serve different needs well. Paysend is best for transparent, low-cost transfers, while Remitly excels at cash pickup and global coverage. Your best choice depends on what matters most: cost, speed, coverage, or delivery options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paysend or Remitly cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows Paysend and Remitly are closely matched on total cost. Paysend charges Flat $2 fee on most corridors with a 0% - 2% depending on corridor exchange rate markup, while Remitly charges From $0 to $3.99 per transfer with a 0.5% - 2% above mid-market markup. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer using our calculator.
Which is faster, Paysend or Remitly?
Paysend typically completes transfers in Minutes to 2 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 Paysend and Remitly safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. Paysend is regulated by FCA, FinCEN and has a 4.3/5 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 Paysend vs Remitly?
Paysend has a maximum transfer of $10,000 (minimum $10), 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 Paysend or Remitly?
Paysend offers Bank Deposit, Card Deposit, Mobile Wallet. Remitly offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery. Remitly supports cash pickup for recipients without bank access.
Should I use Paysend or Remitly to send money internationally?
It depends on your priorities. Choose Paysend for transparent, low-cost transfers, or Remitly for cash pickup and global coverage. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer amount and corridor using our calculator above.