Remitly vs PayPal: 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.
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 and PayPal 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. PayPal, operating since 1998 from San Jose, USA, focuses on international money transfers. 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.
In this comparison
Live comparison: Remitly vs PayPal across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through Remitly vs PayPal on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | Remitly | PayPal | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹94,613.02 | — | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,145.44 | — | N/A |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱29,375.75 | — | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$16,902.42 | — | N/A |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨187,835.22 | — | N/A |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦272,917.21 | — | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between Remitly and PayPal
Remitly vs PayPal: Feature comparison
| Feature | Remitly | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 (Excellent) | 1.3/5 (Poor) |
| Fee structure | From $0 to $3.99 per transfer | 5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.5% - 2% above mid-market | 3% - 4% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 3-5 days | Instant to 3 days |
| Supported countries | 100+ | 200+ |
| Supported currencies | 40+ | 25+ |
| Max transfer | $10,000 | $60,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal Balance |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery | PayPal Account, Bank Deposit |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA | FinCEN, FCA, Various |
| Founded | 2011 | 1998 |
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
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
When to choose Remitly vs PayPal
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
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)
Verdict: Remitly or PayPal?
Cost: Too close to call
Remitly and PayPal 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. Remitly typically delivers in Minutes to 3-5 days, while PayPal takes Instant to 3 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
Remitly and PayPal serve different needs well. Remitly is best for cash pickup and global coverage, while PayPal excels at international money transfers. Your best choice depends on what matters most: cost, speed, coverage, or delivery options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Remitly or PayPal cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows Remitly and PayPal are closely matched on total cost. 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. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer using our calculator.
Which is faster, Remitly or PayPal?
Remitly typically completes transfers in Minutes to 3-5 days, while PayPal takes Instant 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 PayPal safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. Remitly is regulated by FinCEN, FCA and has a 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating. PayPal is regulated by FinCEN, FCA, Various with a 1.3/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for Remitly vs PayPal?
Remitly has a maximum transfer of $10,000 (minimum $1), while PayPal allows up to $60,000 (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 PayPal?
Remitly offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Money, Home Delivery. PayPal offers PayPal Account, Bank Deposit. Remitly supports cash pickup, which is useful when recipients don't have a bank account.
Should I use Remitly or PayPal to send money internationally?
It depends on your priorities. Choose Remitly for cash pickup and global coverage, or PayPal for international money transfers. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer amount and corridor using our calculator above.