Remitly vs MoneyGram: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
Remitly
4.6Remitly specializes in personal international money transfers with a focus on remittances to developing countries, offering competitive rates and fast delivery.
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.
Remitly and MoneyGram are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. Remitly, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Seattle, USA, is best known for cash pickup and global coverage. 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 $200 USD → NGN transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₦1315.30 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: Remitly vs MoneyGram across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through Remitly vs MoneyGram on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | Remitly | MoneyGram | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹94,943.71 | ₹94,688.23 | Remitly (+₹255.48) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,153.47 | €1,156.24 | MoneyGram (+€2.77) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱29,729.90 | ₱30,550.61 | MoneyGram (+₱820.71) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$17,130.99 | MX$17,224.41 | MoneyGram (+MX$93.42) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨186,817.60 | ₨186,133.01 | Remitly (+₨684.59) |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦274,568.98 | ₦275,884.28 | MoneyGram (+₦1315.30) |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between Remitly and MoneyGram
Remitly vs MoneyGram: Feature comparison
| Feature | Remitly | MoneyGram |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 (Excellent) | 4.0/5 (Good) |
| Fee structure | From $0 to $3.99 per transfer | From $1.99 to $11.99+ |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.5% - 2% above mid-market | 1% - 3% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 3-5 days | Minutes to 3 days |
| Supported countries | 100+ | 200+ |
| Supported currencies | 40+ | 50+ |
| Max transfer | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA | FinCEN, FCA |
| Founded | 2011 | 1940 |
Pros and cons
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
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 Remitly vs MoneyGram
Choose Remitly 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 to $3.99 per transfer)
Choose MoneyGram if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need wider country coverage (200+ vs 100+ countries)
- MoneyGram's strengths (Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup) match your needs
Verdict: Remitly or MoneyGram?
Cost winner: MoneyGram
MoneyGram wins on cost in 4 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on GBP → EUR (£1,000), the recipient gets €2.77 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. Remitly typically delivers in Minutes to 3-5 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, Remitly is the better pick if you need cash pickup and global coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is Remitly 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 Remitly charges From $0 to $3.99 per transfer with a 0.5% - 2% above mid-market markup. For example, on a $1,000 USD → INR transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₹255.48 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, Remitly or MoneyGram?
Remitly typically completes transfers in Minutes to 3-5 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 Remitly and MoneyGram safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. Remitly is regulated by FinCEN, FCA and has a 4.6/5 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 Remitly vs MoneyGram?
Remitly has a maximum transfer of $10,000 (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 Remitly or MoneyGram?
Remitly offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery. MoneyGram offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. Remitly supports cash pickup, which is useful when recipients don't have a bank account. MoneyGram supports cash pickup for recipients without bank access.
Should I use Remitly 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, Remitly 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 Home Delivery.