Sites like Remitly

Need to send money overseas? Check out some alternatives to Remitly to see if you can get a better deal.

Remitly aims to offer quick and cheap international money transfers, with a focus on remittances throughout Asia. It’s known for low minimums, cash pick-ups in destination countries and quicker express transfers, but isn’t always the cheapest and doesn’t always have the best rates.

Compare other sites like Remitly to see if there’s a better option available for your transfer.


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Wise

Wise is one of very few providers that offer money transfers at mid-market rates. Instead of relying on exchange rate margins, its fees consist of a percentage of your transfer, plus a few dollar flat fee.

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Why pick Wise instead?

  • One of the few providers that use the mid-market rate
  • Transparent fees
  • Low minimum transfer limit and high sending limits

Downsides

  • Not always more cost-effective than paying a margin on exchange rates
  • Fees can get high for larger transfers, as its a percentage
  • Bank-to-bank transfers only


WorldRemit logo Image: Supplied

WorldRemit

WorldRemit operates in a wide range of countries and currencies, and offers flexible options for receiving money, including sending money directly to a recipient’s phone as mobile airtime.

Why pick WorldRemit instead?

  • Varied delivery options including mobile money, cash pick-up, airtime top-up and cash delivery
  • A wide range of currencies, including all the most popular and plenty of exotic ones
  • Instant transfers available

Downsides

  • Fees and rates can vary widely depending on the situation
  • A maximum transfer amount of $40,000 may rule out large transfers
  • No currency hedging options


OFX logo Image: Supplied

OFX

OFX is a large and well-known transfer service, focused largely on business transfers. But you can also use it for personal money transfers to take advantage of its competitive rates. Its $250 minimum transfer size is larger than some, but still much more accessible than many other providers.

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Why pick OFX instead?

  • No fees on transfers above $10,000
  • Competitive rates on major currency pairs
  • Wide range of currencies and countries
  • Fix your exchange rate for up to 12 months and transfer later

Downsides

  • Flat $15 fee on transfers under $10,000
  • Bank transfers only
  • $250 minimum transfer size


MoneyGram logo Image: Supplied

MoneyGram

MoneyGram has almost the same range of countries and currencies as Western Union but tends to be cheaper, and it has a wider scope than Remitly. Much like Remitly, it’s known for low minimums, cash options and fast transfers.

Why pick MoneyGram instead?

  • Offers a wider range of currencies and countries
  • Cash accepted at MoneyGram affiliates
  • Offers minimum transfers as low as $1

Downsides

  • High transfer fees
  • Bigger margins on exchange rates
  • Inconsistent markup on exchange rates


TorFX logo Image: Supplied

TorFX

TorFX is a digital money transfer service. It’s different to Remitly in that it only allows bank-to-bank transfers, has higher limits and has no fees.

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Why pick TorFX instead?

  • No transfer fees
  • Competitive exchange rates on large transfers
  • Price match competitors’ exchange rates
  • Forex tools such as forward contracts and limit orders

Downsides

  • Bank-to-bank transfers only
  • Can take several days and has no express option
  • Higher minimums mean it doesn’t suit all smaller transfers


Western Union logo Image: Supplied

Western Union

Western Union is the world’s oldest and largest money transfer service. Like Remitly, it’s known for low minimums and cash pick-up options and is largely focused on handling remittances.

Why pick Western Union instead?

  • Offers a wider range of currencies
  • Delivers to a wider range of countries
  • Lets you make cash deposits as well as pick-ups
  • Offers minimum transfers as low as $1

Downsides

  • Higher fees
  • Poor exchange rates
  • Not possible to send more than $7,500 online


Xe logo Image: Supplied

Xe

Xe Money Transfers is focused on offering competitive rates across a wide range of currencies and countries, although there are some gaps in its offerings. Unlike Remitly, it doesn’t charge any fees on transfers of CAD $500 or more (there’s a $4 fee for transfers under CAD $500).

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Why pick Xe Money Transfers instead?

  • No fees on transfers of CAD $500 or more
  • Competitive exchange rates
  • Limit orders and forward contracts
  • You can send up to $500,000 per transaction (or currency equivalent) online and transfers placed over the phone have no limit.

Downsides

  • Need to create an account to get a quote on the exchange rate for your transfer
  • Does not support transfers in some exotic currencies


Still looking for other options?

Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
Alternatively, learn more about Remitly in our review.
Name Product CAFMT Offer Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise logo
24 hours
From 0.43%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Xe logo
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
InstaReM logo
Within minutes
From $0
Enjoy a special exchange rate and zero fees on your first transfer. Conditions apply. Valid until January 15th, 2025.
Instarem offers inexpensive transfers and the opportunity to earn rewards points.
Africhange logo
Within minutes
From $0
Send money in CAD to Africa on this blockchain and P2P powered provider.
Remitly
Finder Award
Remitly logo
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
MoneyGram
Finder Award
MoneyGram logo
Within minutes
From $4.99
For a limited time, get $0 fees on your first money transfer from Canada. Conditions apply.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX  logo
24 hours
$0
Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
Xe logo
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
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Editor

Andrew Munro was the global cryptocurrency editor at Finder, covering all aspects of cryptocurrency and the blockchain. Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales. See full bio

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