Western Union vs MoneyGram: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
Western Union
4.3Western Union is one of the world's oldest and largest money transfer companies, with an extensive agent network for cash pickups in 200+ countries.
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.
Western Union and MoneyGram are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. Western Union, founded in 1851 and headquartered in Denver, 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 ₦8381.40 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: Western Union vs MoneyGram across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through Western Union vs MoneyGram on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | Western Union | MoneyGram | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹95,919.94 | ₹95,383.64 | Western Union (+₹536.30) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,131.60 | €1,144.01 | MoneyGram (+€12.41) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱29,818.25 | ₱30,246.21 | MoneyGram (+₱427.96) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$17,095.78 | MX$17,080.04 | Western Union (+MX$15.74) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨187,080.95 | ₨187,607.54 | MoneyGram (+₨526.59) |
| USD → NGN($200) | ₦265,044.58 | ₦273,425.98 | MoneyGram (+₦8381.40) |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between Western Union and MoneyGram
Western Union vs MoneyGram: Feature comparison
| Feature | Western Union | MoneyGram |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 (Excellent) | 4.0/5 (Good) |
| Fee structure | From $0 to $10+ depending on method | From $1.99 to $11.99+ |
| Exchange rate markup | 1% - 4% above mid-market | 1% - 3% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 5 days | Minutes to 3 days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 200+ |
| Supported currencies | 130+ | 50+ |
| Max transfer | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA, Various | FinCEN, FCA |
| Founded | 1851 | 1940 |
Pros and cons
Western Union
Pros
- Massive global agent network
- Cash pickup in 200+ countries
- Transfers can arrive in minutes
- Cash payment option available
- Well-established and trusted
Cons
- Higher fees than digital-only competitors
- Exchange rate markup can be significant
- Online rates differ from in-store
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 Western Union vs MoneyGram
Choose Western Union if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You're sending large amounts (Western Union supports up to $50,000)
- You need a business account for commercial payments
- You want zero transfer fees (From $0 to $10+ depending on method)
Choose MoneyGram if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- MoneyGram's strengths (Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup) match your needs
Verdict: Western Union 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 €12.41 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. Western Union typically delivers in Minutes to 5 days, while MoneyGram takes Minutes to 3 days. The actual speed depends on the corridor and delivery method.
Wider coverage: Western Union
Western Union has broader coverage with 200+ countries and 130+ currencies. Western Union also offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet.
Bottom line
Western Union and MoneyGram serve different needs well. Western Union is best for cash pickup and global coverage, while MoneyGram 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 Western Union 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 Western Union charges From $0 to $10+ depending on method with a 1% - 4% above mid-market markup. For example, on a $1,000 USD → INR transfer, MoneyGram delivers ₹536.30 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, Western Union or MoneyGram?
Western Union typically completes transfers in Minutes to 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 Western Union and MoneyGram safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. Western Union is regulated by FinCEN, FCA, Various and has a 4.3/5 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 Western Union vs MoneyGram?
Western Union has a maximum transfer of $50,000 (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.
Should I use Western Union or MoneyGram to send money internationally?
It depends on your priorities. Choose Western Union for cash pickup and global coverage, or MoneyGram for cash pickup and global coverage. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer amount and corridor using our calculator above.