Ria Money Transfer vs XE: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
Ria Money Transfer
4.1Ria Money Transfer is one of the largest money transfer companies in the world, offering transfers to 190+ countries via bank deposit, cash pickup, and mobile wallets.
XE
4.4XE is a trusted name in currency exchange, offering international money transfers with competitive rates and no transfer fees for most corridors.
Ria Money Transfer and XE are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. Ria Money Transfer, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Buena Park, California, USA, is best known for cash pickup and global coverage. XE, operating since 1993 from Newmarket, Canada, focuses on large transfers and business payments. 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 GBP → PKR transfer, Ria Money Transfer delivers ₨14548.73 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: Ria Money Transfer vs XE across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through Ria Money Transfer vs XE on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | Ria Money Transfer | XE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹94,842.66 | ₹94,946.16 | XE (+₹103.50) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,119.44 | €1,135.68 | XE (+€16.24) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱30,390.26 | ₱28,468.02 | Ria Money Transfer (+₱1922.24) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$16,934.64 | MX$17,021.80 | XE (+MX$87.16) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨188,749.49 | ₨174,200.76 | Ria Money Transfer (+₨14548.73) |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦268,185.80 | — | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between Ria Money Transfer and XE
Ria Money Transfer vs XE: Feature comparison
| Feature | Ria Money Transfer | XE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 (Good) | 4.4/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | $0-$8 depending on corridor and payment method | No transfer fees |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.5% - 3% above mid-market | 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 2 days | 1-4 business days |
| Supported countries | 190+ | 130+ |
| Supported currencies | 50+ | 130+ |
| Max transfer | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet | Bank Deposit |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA, ASIC | FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC |
| Founded | 1987 | 1993 |
Pros and cons
Ria Money Transfer
Pros
- Massive global network (500,000+ cash pickup locations)
- Competitive rates on popular corridors
- Cash pickup option in remote areas
Cons
- Rates vary significantly by corridor
- Exchange rate markup can be high for small amounts
- App experience less polished than Wise/Remitly
XE
Pros
- Well-known and trusted brand
- No transfer fees for most transfers
- Supports 130+ currencies
- Rate alerts available
- Excellent currency data and tools
Cons
- Exchange rates include a markup
- No cash pickup option
- Transfer speed can be slow
When to choose Ria Money Transfer vs XE
Choose Ria Money Transfer if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Your recipient needs cash pickup instead of bank deposit
- You need wider country coverage (190+ vs 130+ countries)
- You want zero transfer fees ($0-$8 depending on corridor and payment method)
- Speed is your top priority — transfers can arrive in minutes
Choose XE if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You're sending large amounts (XE supports up to $500,000)
- You want to lock in an exchange rate with a forward contract
- You need a business account for commercial payments
Verdict: Ria Money Transfer or XE?
Cost winner: XE
XE wins on cost in 3 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on USD → INR ($1,000), the recipient gets ₹103.50 more with XE. XE achieves this through transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate.
Faster: Ria Money Transfer
Ria Money Transfer is generally faster, with transfers arriving in Minutes to 2 days, compared to 1-4 business days for XE.
Coverage: Comparable reach
Both providers have comparable coverage. Ria Money Transfer supports 190+ countries and 50+ currencies, while XE covers 130+ countries with 130+ currencies.
Bottom line
Overall, XE edges ahead for most users thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, Ria Money Transfer is the better pick if you need cash pickup and global coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ria Money Transfer or XE cheaper for international transfers?
Based on our data, XE is generally cheaper across most corridors. XE charges No transfer fees with a 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while Ria Money Transfer charges $0-$8 depending on corridor and payment method with a 0.5% - 3% above mid-market markup. For example, on a $1,000 USD → INR transfer, XE delivers ₹103.50 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, Ria Money Transfer or XE?
Ria Money Transfer typically completes transfers in Minutes to 2 days, while XE takes 1-4 business 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 Ria Money Transfer and XE safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. Ria Money Transfer is regulated by FinCEN, FCA, ASIC and has a 4.1/5 Trustpilot rating. XE is regulated by FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC with a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for Ria Money Transfer vs XE?
Ria Money Transfer has a maximum transfer of $25,000 (minimum $1), while XE allows up to $500,000 (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 Ria Money Transfer or XE?
Ria Money Transfer offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. XE offers Bank Deposit. Ria Money Transfer supports cash pickup, which is useful when recipients don't have a bank account.
Should I use Ria Money Transfer or XE to send money internationally?
For most users, XE offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, Ria Money Transfer 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 Mobile Wallet.