Comparing Remitly and Western Union in 2025: Fees, Speed & Best Choice

Choosing between Remitly and Western Union for sending money abroad? This in-depth guide compares their fees, speed, coverage, and features so you can make the best choice in 2025.

Why Compare Remitly and Western Union?

• Both are trusted global brands for money transfers
• Fees, speed, and payout options can vary widely by country and method
• The right choice depends on your needs: cash pickup, bank transfer, speed, or cost

Fee, Speed & Coverage Breakdown

Fees

• Remitly: Lower fees for digital transfers, especially to bank accounts
• Western Union: Competitive for cash pickup, but fees can be higher for some corridors

Speed

• Remitly: Instant, same-day, or 3–5 days depending on method and country
• Western Union: Instant for cash pickup, 1–3 days for bank transfers

Coverage

• Remitly: 100+ countries, strong in Asia, Africa, Latin America
• Western Union: 200+ countries, 500,000+ agent locations worldwide

Step-by-Step Example: Comparing a $500 Transfer

1. Go to the Remitly Fee Calculator and Western Union Fee Calculator
2. Enter $500, sending from the US to the Philippines
3. Compare:
   • Remitly's fee (e.g., $2.99), exchange rate, and delivery time
   • Western Union's fee (e.g., $3.50), exchange rate, and delivery time
   • Amount received by the recipient
4. Choose the provider with the best balance of cost, speed, and convenience

Real-World Scenarios

• Family remittances: Sending money home for emergencies or regular support
• Freelancers: Receiving payments from clients abroad
• Travelers: Emergency cash pickup in another country
• Businesses: Paying overseas suppliers or employees

Actionable Tips for Choosing the Best Service

• Always compare both fees and exchange rates—not just the upfront charge
• Use digital transfers for lower fees when possible
• For instant cash pickup, Western Union may be faster
• For regular bank transfers, Remitly is often cheaper
• Check for first-time user promos or loyalty rewards

Glossary of Key Terms

• Remittance: Money sent by a person working abroad to someone in their home country
• Cash pickup: Recipient collects cash at a local agent location
• Bank transfer: Funds sent directly to a recipient's bank account
• Exchange rate markup: The difference between the real (mid-market) rate and the provider's rate
• Corridor: A specific country-to-country transfer route

Internal Tools

• Remitly Fee Calculator
• Western Union Fee Calculator
• Wise Fee Calculator
• Money Transfer Fee Calculators

Advanced FAQ

Which is faster for cash pickup?

Western Union usually has more instant cash pickup options due to its global agent network.

Which is cheaper for bank transfers?

Remitly is often cheaper for digital transfers, but always compare using our calculators.

Are there limits on how much I can send?

Yes, both providers have limits based on country, payment method, and your verification status.

Is my money safe with Remitly or Western Union?

Both are regulated, licensed, and use secure technology. Always use official apps or websites.

Can I track my transfer?

Yes, both providers offer tracking via app, website, or SMS.

References & Further Reading

• Remitly Pricing
• Western Union Price Estimator
• World Bank Remittance Prices
• Cebofo Fee Calculators

Compare transfer fees: Remitly Fee Calculator | Western Union Fee Calculator