When you need to make an international money transfer, you want a service that’s fast, reliable, and affordable. But how do you know which is the best choice for your needs?
Compare two of the most popular money transfer services, Western Union and Remitly. Both allow you to send money internationally to friends and family. They’re secure and convenient, too. Where they differ is in reach, reliability, and flexibility.
Because each money transfer service has its own unique features, it’s important to review them carefully to find the right fit. Read our guide to Remitly vs. Western Union to learn more about each service and decide which one is best for you.
Key takeaways
- Western Union and Remitly both offer secure international money transfers.
- Remitly works in 170 countries compared to Western Union, which works in 200 countries.
- Western Union offers a hybrid model with both in-person and digital transfer options and more than 500,000 cash pickup locations worldwide.
- Transfer speeds vary based on multiple factors including payment method, but Western Union often offers faster bank-to-bank transfers.
- Western Union also offers credit building and a rewards program to its members.
Comparing reach and availability
One of the differences when comparing Western Union vs. Remitly is the availability of each service and its physical presence.
Remitly offers digital money transfers to 170 countries around the world. It has no branches or locations of its own, but does offer cash pickup in certain locations with select partners.
Western Union offers service to more than 200 countries around the world, including several African countries where Remitly doesn’t operate. Its hybrid model provides both in-person and digital access for greater flexibility. There are more than 500,000 Western Union locations for transfers with an authorized agent, while the website and mobile app provide a convenient way to transfer money digitally at home or on the go.
Remitly vs. Western Union: Exchange rates and fees
Remitly and Western Union both charge fees that vary based on factors like payment method and transfer amount. For example, Western Union and Remitly each charge $2 to send $100 online from the US to Mexico, not including credit card fees.
Each company also sets its own exchange rates using a benchmark rate plus a small markup, which can affect your total transfer costs. Exchange rates fluctuate frequently depending on market conditions, so it’s smart to check the rate you’re getting.
Both companies also offer special discounts for new customers, which could save you money in fees and on the exchange rate, too.
Transfer speed and delivery options
When sending money to your friends and family, you want fast, flexible delivery.
Compare Western Union vs. Remitly: If you want to know how fast a transfer will take with Remitly, you’ll need to visit the website, create an account, and begin a transaction to see your transfer options. Some transfers deliver in minutes, but others, such as bank payments, could take up to six business days.
With Western Union, you can send money in minutes when you pay online with credit or debit, and your recipient can choose to receive the funds to their bank account, a mobile wallet, or as a cash pickup. When sending money to or from a bank account, Western Union transfers can be completed as soon as the same day, depending on the amount, the bank, and the time of day.
Comparing the digital experience
Western Union and Remitly each offer a highly rated mobile app to send money, with millions of reviews. Both apps allow you to:
- Send money
- Review exchange rates
- Track transfers
The Western Union app also allows you to scan your payment cards, save transfer details for easy resending, and pay bills on the go. You can even set up your Apple Pay or Google Pay mobile wallet as a payment method.
Western Union’s online tools integrate with its global ecosystem, so you can flex between the website, mobile app, or agent location depending on your needs. For instance, you can save time at the counter by beginning a transfer on the app, then paying in cash at a nearby agent location.
Remitly vs. Western Union: Reliability and trust
Safety and security are extra important when it comes to sending money abroad. Remitly’s security features include encrypted server connections, two-factor authentication, and predictive technology to prevent fraud. New customers must verify their identity, which may require providing documents like a passport or driver’s license.
Western Union prioritizes safe, reliable money transfers using photo identification, Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) verification, and fraud detection technology in addition to encrypted data transfers and two-factor authentication. Western Union also offers extensive fraud education, prevention, and monitoring, including the ability to file a fraud claim if something goes wrong.
Why choose Western Union vs. Remitly
Both Western Union and Remitly offer money transfer services to customers around the world, with mobile apps and low fees. To choose between Western Union vs. Remitly, look beyond the basics at the features that set them apart. Remitly offers a digital-first approach to transferring money, while Western Union provides more options, whether you prefer in-person or digital transfers.
Western Union also goes a step further, with a free program that lets you build credit while sending money. Members can track progress and see their credit report for free, too. As a member, you’ll also earn Western Union Rewards you can redeem for discounts and other perks.
Send money now or stop by a Western Union location near you to get started.
FAQs
Transfer speed depends on your payment method and whether you’re sending money to a bank account, digital wallet, or cash pickup location. Western Union offers bank-to-bank transfers as soon as same day, while other transactions can be completed in minutes.
No. Remitly works in 170+ countries compared to Western Union, which works in more than 200 countries and territories.
Both Remitly and Western Union offer encrypted server access, customer verification, and two-factor authentication for secure transactions. Western Union also offers fraud monitoring and prevention as well as additional security for cash pickups.
While Remitly does offer cash pickup at its partner locations (including certain foreign banks), it’s primarily an online money transfer service. In comparison, Western Union offers 500,000 payout locations around the world.
Remitly provides simple, low-cost online money transfers to hundreds of countries, but the service falls short of Western Union’s offerings in a few key areas. For instance, Remitly doesn’t have a wide network of authorized agent locations, it doesn’t offer a dedicated fraud hotline and prevention department, and it doesn’t offer credit-building programs to its members.
Western Union has a long history of reliable service, stretching back to its roots in 1851. Today, Western Union is the leading global money transfer platform, offering multiple ways to send and receive money securely whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you.
