Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

WorldRemit vs. Wise (TransferWise)

Don't overpay for your international money transfer.

We compare two top digital money specialists to help you narrow down which offers better rates, lower fees and more flexible transfers for sending cash worldwide.

Established in 2011, Wise uses the mid-market rate to send transfers of up to $199,999.

Compare WorldRemit to Wise

Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
loading

WorldRemit and Wise: How they work

Sign up for a WorldRemit account with your mobile number and government-issued ID.Indicate where your recipient lives, your state of residency and how you’d like to send your transfer — a bank-to-bank transfer, mobile money or cash pickup at one of WorldRemit’s 30,000 agents worldwide.

Agree to the fees and transfer amount, then enter your recipient’s contact info to complete your transfer. You’ll receive text confirmation, and WorldRemit converts your money and delivers it to your recipient.

WorldRemit emails you and your recipient when it’s both sent and received.

Read review: WorldRemit

Create a Wise account or sign in with your Google+, Facebook or PayPal account.Indicate how much you want to transfer and your recipient’s details, then transfer the money to Wise. Once Wise receives your money, it converts the currency and sends it to your recipient’s bank account.

You and the recipient are notified when the transfer is complete.

Read review: Wise

Back to top

Who offers lower fees?

WorldRemit

WorldRemit’s transfer fees vary, but the fee for most countries is $3.99. Fees depend on your transfer destination and how you’re paying.

Wise

Wise charges a fee equal to a percentage of your transfer, though the exact figure depends on the currencies you’re exchanging. You may also pay an additional transaction fee.

The typical fees for most transfers are:

  • $3 fee for transfers of up to $300
  • 1% of the transfer amount up to $5,000
  • 0.7% on any transfer of $5,000 or more

Trophy icon
Winner: WorldRemit

Costs for both companies come down to where you’re sending money. But WorldRemit offers a more transparent structure, charging a flat $3.99 for most transfers — cheaper than Wise overall.

Back to top

Who offers better exchange rates?

WorldRemit

WorldRemit’s respectable margins are sometimes less than 1% above the mid-market rate, depending on your transfer.

Wise

Wise exchanges currency at the mid-market rate, offering to lock in your rate for 24 hours.

Trophy icon
Winner: Wise

Even given WorldRemit’s tight markups, it’s hard to beat the mid-market rate.

Back to top

Who’s faster?

WorldRemit

Bank transfers can take up to three days for delivery, although select banks offer instant transfers. Mobile Money is available immediately.

Wise

It can take up to two days for Wise to receive and convert your money, and another few days for delivery to your recipient. That two-step process can result in up to six days for delivery.

Trophy icon
Winner: WorldRemit

WorldRemit’s Mobile Money option can get it there up to six days faster than Wise. Even its slower option could save you a few days.

Back to top

Who offers more options?

Payment MethodsMinimum and maximum transfersDelivery methodsTransfer speedsCountries and currencies
WorldRemitBank account, credit or debit card, select digital wallets$1 minimum; maximum varies by countryBank transfer, cash pickup, Mobile Money, airtime top-upMinutes to 3 days145+ countries to send to, 50+ countries to send from
WiseBank transfers, credit or debit card, select digital wallets$1 minimum; $50,000 maximumBank transfer1 to 6 business days50+ countries
Back to top

Case Study: Send $100, $1,000 and $10,000 to Mexico

Say you’re looking to transfer to your cousin in Mexico City. Here’s how WorldRemit and Wise compare at different transfer amounts.

$100: WorldRemit by a nose

WorldRemitWise
Transfer fee$2.99$2.09
Exchange rate1 USD = 19.02406 MXN1 USD = 19.30750 MXN
Transfer speedSame day1–2 days
Total received1,902.41 pesos1,890.40 pesos

It’s just about even across the two services. Though WorldRemit gets a few more pesos there faster.

$1,000: WorldRemit — again by a slim margin

WorldRemitWise
Transfer fee$2.99$9.68
Exchange rate1 USD = 19.02406 MXN1 USD = 19.30750 MXN
Transfer speedWithin an hour1–2 days
Total received19,124.06 pesos19,120.60 pesos

Accounting for fees and exchange rates, WorldRemit narrowly wins on cost and speed.

$10,000: Wise — on a technicality

WorldRemitWise
Transfer fee$85.63
Exchange rate1 USD = 19.30750 MXN
Transfer speed1–2 days
Total received191,421.70 pesos

WorldRemit’s maximum transfers to Mexico top out at about $3,000, leaving Wise your only choice.

Trophy icon
Winner: Wise

The two digital specialists are about even for smaller amounts. But Wise’s higher limits give it an edge for those looking to send large amounts to Mexico — a major recipient of remittances from the States.

Back to top

Compare to other services?

Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
1 - 12 of 12
Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Airwallex
Airwallex logo
Within minutes
$0
After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion.
Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
24 hours
$0
Minimizes costs of international transactions and offers custom solutions for business clients. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
24 hours
$0
CurrenciesDirect makes transferring money abroad simple with bank-beating exchange rates. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
loading

Discounts

Code exclusive

WorldRemit: First Transfer FREE

You first transfer is free with WorldRemit when you use this coupon code. Send or pick up cash in the US or around the world.

Bottom line

WorldRemit can get your money around the world at low fees and stronger rates than you find with other banks and even many online providers. Wise guarantees that you’ll get the mid-market rate — the rate banks use to trade among themselves — but a complicated fee structure can eat into your savings, depending on how much you’re sending.

No matter your needs, compare international money transfer specialists to find the cheapest fees and strongest rates you’re eligible for.

Frequently asked questions

Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.

Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
Within minutes
From $0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Within minutes
$0
Provides business solutions for small business owners in over 24 currencies worldwide. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Within minutes
From $8.16
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 40 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
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.
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.
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.
Within minutes
From $0
Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
loading

Are you visiting from outside the US?

Select an option to continue

Julius Hernandez's headshot
Writer

Julius Hernandez, a software development manager for a commercial bank in a past life, works full time as a freelance finance writer and dabbles in software development. Jules is coauthor of an introductory book on Python programming. See full bio

More guides on Finder

Ask a question

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site