Remitly usually costs less than MoneyGram in our model, especially for a bank deposit. MoneyGram can still be the better fit when a sender wants to pay in person or the recipient relies on a particular cash counter, card deposit or wallet. Compare repeat-customer quotes for the same payment and payout method; a welcome rate answers only the first-send question.
- Remitly leads our model on price. Its modelled fee plus rate markup is lower than MoneyGram's on the same amount.
- MoneyGram has stronger in-person access. You can start transfers at agent locations as well as through its digital service.
- Both cover several payout types. Bank deposit, cash pickup and mobile wallet availability changes by country.
- Speed costs money. Match a fast card-funded option with another fast option, not a slower bank transfer.
Remitly vs MoneyGram cost on the same route
Our first example sends $500 from US dollars to Indian rupees. The model assumes typical published fee structures, not a personalised provider quote.
Remitly comes out ahead because our estimate gives it a lower exchange-rate markup. MoneyGram's visible fee is only part of its modelled cost. The value lost in the rate grows with every dollar sent.
At $2,000, the same modelled rate gap has more dollar value:
This ranking can change at checkout. Remitly says its price depends on destination, payment method and delivery option. MoneyGram says its fee varies (opens in a new tab) with the destination, amount, payment method and receive method, with slightly higher fees for credit-card funding. Local exchange rates move independently too.
Speed depends on how the transfer is funded
Remitly may offer Express and Economy on an eligible route. Express is designed for a quick arrival; Economy puts more weight on price when the sender can wait. The receiving country and transfer details decide which choices appear.
MoneyGram's US digital service accepts cards and can offer bank funding. Its standard ACH option normally takes three business days to clear before MoneyGram sends the transfer. A card can be faster, but MoneyGram warns that a credit-card issuer may also charge cash-advance fees and interest.
Before calling either provider faster, line up four fields:
- the time needed for your payment to reach the provider;
- the delivery estimate shown after choosing cash, bank, card or wallet payout;
- the recipient partner's business hours;
- any identity or transfer review still pending.
A transfer advertised as available in minutes can still wait for a closed pickup shop. A cheap bank-funded send can miss an urgent deadline while the payment clears. Read the timestamp on the confirmation screen.
Our guide to how long an international transfer takes explains where those delays occur.
MoneyGram has more ways to start in person
Remitly is a digital service. You create the transfer online or in its app, then choose from the payout methods offered for the destination. MoneyGram lets customers send digitally or visit an agent, subject to local availability.
That in-person path helps a sender who uses cash or needs staff assistance. It can also add travel, queuing and store-specific pricing. Compare the retail quote with the online quote before assuming the counter is cheaper.
The recipient side is broad at both companies. Remitly lists bank deposit, cash pickup and other local methods, which can include mobile money, debit-card deposit or home delivery. MoneyGram lists five receive types (opens in a new tab): bank account, cash pickup, eligible debit card, home delivery and mobile wallet. None is universal.
For cash pickup, the recipient should choose the location. Confirm:
- the branch participates in this transfer type;
- its opening hours and payout currency;
- the recipient's valid photo ID matches the transfer name;
- the recipient has the correct reference number.
If bank access is reliable, compare the convenience and safety of a deposit using our cash pickup versus bank deposit guide.
First-transfer promotions versus the tenth transfer
Remitly advertises new-customer offers. On some routes, a special exchange rate applies only to a set part of the first transfer, with the regular rate used above that amount. MoneyGram may also show discounts for eligible customers. The checkout terms, not the banner, define the deal.
For a one-off emergency, take a valid promotion into account. For monthly support, calculate two costs:
- today's promotional recipient payout;
- the standard recipient payout you expect on the next transfer.
The second number deserves more weight for a routine. A $10 first-send saving is quickly lost if the normal quote delivers $5 less every month after that.
Our stored model excludes new-customer deals so it can act as a repeat-price baseline. Run your amount in the comparison tool, then check both provider sites while signed in with the account you will use.
Who should pick Remitly or MoneyGram?
Pick Remitly if its regular quote delivers more, you are comfortable sending online, and its route offers the speed and payout your recipient needs. The Remitly provider page shows the assumptions behind our estimate.
Pick MoneyGram if an agent counter helps you fund the send, its pickup partner is more practical, or its eligible card, wallet or home-delivery payout is the best local option. Check the MoneyGram provider page before treating the model as a quote.
Pick a third provider if your recipient needs only a bank deposit and another service delivers more, or if neither cash network has a safe nearby partner. The best provider for one country may be absent in the next.
Frequently asked questions
Is Remitly cheaper than MoneyGram?
Remitly is cheaper in our broad model. Real pricing varies by route, amount, funding method, delivery method and promotion. Compare the final recipient amount at both checkouts before paying.
Which provider is faster?
It depends on the choices offered. Remitly Express and a card-funded MoneyGram transfer can both be quick on eligible routes. Bank funding may take several business days to clear. Use the delivery promise shown for the exact transfer.
Can Remitly and MoneyGram both send cash?
Both can offer cash pickup in supported places. The local partner, amount, sender country and recipient country decide availability. MoneyGram also lets some senders start a transfer at an agent location; Remitly starts digitally.
Should I count a new-customer offer?
Count it for the qualifying first send, but also compare standard pricing. A special rate or waived fee may cover only part of the amount and will not define the cost of later transfers.
The displayed estimates use each provider's modelled fee structure and today's mid-market reference rate. Remitly and MoneyGram set actual prices by route, amount, payment method and delivery method. Promotions, card-issuer charges and third-party deductions are excluded. Check the final recipient payout and timing at the provider checkout. We may earn a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you; this never affects rankings. Nothing here is financial advice.
Sources: Remitly US money-transfer options (opens in a new tab), Remitly bank-deposit information (opens in a new tab), MoneyGram transfer costs (opens in a new tab), MoneyGram receive options (opens in a new tab), MoneyGram payment methods (opens in a new tab). Accessed 15 August 2026.