Remitly vs Western Union: Fees, rates, and features compared 2027

Send money abroad

Written by BOSS Money Content Team Reviewed by Ilia Govorkov - Content Strategist

September 16, 2026 • 10 min read

Sending money abroad is rarely just a matter of choosing the first transfer service that appears in a search. The fee, exchange rate, delivery method, and speed can all change how much your recipient actually gets.

That is why people often compare remitly vs western union when sending money from the United States to family or friends overseas. In this guide, we will compare fees, exchange rates, transfer speeds, and payout options, with a focus on people sending money to Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean.

We will also look at BOSS Money as a third option worth considering, particularly for immigrant communities¹ that already use BOSS Revolution services to stay connected with family abroad.

Quick comparison

If you are choosing between these services, the headline fee alone does not tell you which transfer costs less. The table below compares the features that can make the biggest difference to your recipient, including fees, exchange rates, speed, and payout options.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Remitly	Western Union	BOSS Money
Transfer fee (typical)	Varies by destination, amount, payment method, and delivery speed; promotions may reduce the fee	Varies by destination, payment method, delivery method, and speed	Varies by destination, amount, payment method, and delivery method; current promotions can reduce or eliminate fees
Exchange rate markup	Provider sets the rate shown for the transfer; compare it with the mid-market rate	Provider makes money from foreign-exchange transactions², so compare the offered rate with the mid-market rate	Rate is shown before submission and varies by amount, country, and payment method
Transfer speed	Express transfers can arrive quickly; Economy options can take longer	Some cash pickups and mobile-wallet transfers can be available within minutes; bank transfers can take longer	Speed depends on destination and delivery method
Cash pickup	Available in many destinations	Extensive global cash-pickup network	Available in supported destinations
Bank deposit	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mobile wallet	Available in supported markets	Available in supported markets	Available in supported markets
Home delivery	Available in selected markets	Available in selected markets	Available in selected markets
US-based	Yes	Yes	Yes
Countries	175+ countries	200+ countries and territories	50+ countries
Best for	App-based international transfers and flexible delivery options	Broad physical pickup network and multiple sending channels	Immigrant communities, multiple payout options, and BOSS Revolution users

Remitly currently states that it operates across more than 175 countries³. Western Union claims it serves more than 200 countries⁴ and territories, while BOSS Money's current app listing describes transfers to more than 50 countries.

Remitly - Overview, fees & best use cases

Remitly is a U.S.-based digital remittance company founded in 2011. It focuses on international transfers through its website and mobile app and serves customers sending money across more than 175 countries.

The service is particularly relevant to people who regularly send money to family members abroad. Depending on the destination, recipients can receive funds through bank deposits, cash pickup, mobile wallets, and other local delivery methods.

Commission structure: Economy vs. Express

Remitly generally gives customers a choice between different delivery speeds. The faster option can cost more, while a slower Economy option may have a lower fee.⁵

The important point when comparing remitly vs western union fees is not to look at the transfer fee alone. Remitly displays the exchange rate and the amount the recipient will receive before the transfer is completed. A lower advertised fee does not automatically mean the transaction is cheaper if the exchange-rate difference is larger.

For example, Remitly's current U.S.-to-Philippines page advertises special pricing for new customers, including no fee on the first transfer. Promotions are subject to conditions and can change.

The same applies to transfers to Mexico. Remitly currently advertises a special rate and no fees⁶ on qualifying initial transfers for new customers, while noting that promotional and non-promotional rates can differ.

Because of these promotions, there is no responsible single “typical commission” that applies to every $500 or $1,000 transfer to Mexico, the Philippines, India, or Nigeria. Existing customers may see different pricing from new customers, and the delivery method can change the quote.

Real exchange rate markup

Remitly does not simply pass through the mid-market exchange rate in every transaction. The customer receives the exchange rate displayed for the particular transfer.

The practical way to evaluate it is to compare that rate with a current mid-market reference rate. The difference can represent part of the cost of the transfer, even when the advertised transfer fee is low or $0.

Transfer limits

Remitly has substantially increased its U.S. sending limit. Remitly customers in the United States can send up to $300,000⁷ in a single transaction, although an individual customer's available limit may be lower based on verification, payment method, destination, transfer history, and other factors.

Delivery methods and speed

Available options vary by destination. Depending on the corridor, Remitly supports bank deposits, cash pickup, mobile wallets, and other payout methods.

Strong digital-first experience
Multiple delivery options in supported countries
Clear recipient amount shown before payment
Large international network
High current App Store rating

Pricing varies considerably by corridor
Promotional rates can make comparisons difficult
Delivery options differ by destination
The fastest option may cost more

Western Union - Overview, fees & best use cases

Western Union has operated internationally for generations and remains one of the most recognizable names in money transfers. Its current consumer materials advertise service in more than 200 countries and territories and a network of more than 500,000 agent locations.

There is an important distinction here. In 2025 alone, approximately 360,000 locations had conducted money-transfer activity during the preceding 12 months. The larger 500,000-plus figure refers to its broader agent network.

That physical presence remains one of Western Union's biggest advantages.

Fee structure

Western Union's pricing depends on factors such as the destination, how you pay, how quickly the money needs to arrive, and how the recipient receives it.

For example, for U.S.-to-Mexico, qualifying first international online transfers can receive a $0 transfer fee. It also states that Western Union makes money from foreign exchange and that fees and rates can change without notice.

That makes a direct western union vs remitly price comparison difficult unless both quotes are generated at the same time.

Actual exchange rate markup

The exchange rate deserves particular attention. Western Union explicitly states that it makes money from foreign exchange. In other words, the transfer fee is only one part of the cost.

A transaction advertised with a low or $0 fee can still cost more through the exchange rate. Compare the amount the recipient receives rather than assuming the service with the lower visible fee is cheaper.

Examples and limits

Western Union's current U.S.-to-Mexico information provides a useful example of how destination-specific limits work. The maximum for cash receipt is $7,499, while the bank-account maximum is $2,750 per person, transaction, or day, subject to the applicable conditions.

These figures should not be treated as a universal Western Union limit. Limits can differ by destination, delivery method, payment method, customer verification, and other circumstances.

Convenience

Western Union can be used online, through its app, or at physical agent locations. Recipients can receive money through methods including bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup where available.

Very large physical agent network
Cash pickup is available in many destinations
Online, app, and in-person sending
Broad international coverage
Multiple payout options

Exchange rates need careful comparison
Fees can vary significantly by payment and delivery method
Pricing can be less straightforward when comparing channels
Physical-network strength may matter less to recipients who prefer digital deposits

BOSS Money - Overview & how it compares

BOSS Money is a third option worth considering, particularly for immigrant communities that already use BOSS Revolution.

The service is part of the BOSS Revolution ecosystem and is available through dedicated mobile apps. Currently, BOSS Money serves more than 50 countries and supports cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet, and home delivery in supported markets.

Delivery options

BOSS Money supports several payout methods, including bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, direct-to-debit-card deposit, and home delivery in selected markets.

For example, currently for U.S.-to-Pakistan, BOSS supports bank deposit, cash pickup, and mobile wallet options.

Fee structure

BOSS does not publish one universal transfer fee. Currently, the applicable fee and exchange rate are displayed after the customer selects the destination, amount, recipient, delivery method, and payment method. Fees and exchange rates can vary by amount, country, and payment method.

Current promotions can make the fee $0 on particular corridors or delivery methods. For example, BOSS currently offers $0 fees for certain transfers to Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines, Brazil, and other destinations under specified conditions. Its promotions include dates and eligibility restrictions, so they should be checked before sending.

Connection to the BOSS Revolution ecosystem

For customers already using BOSS Revolution for international calling, BOSS Money puts money transfers within the same broader ecosystem. That can be useful for people who regularly communicate with and financially support family members abroad.

BOSS Money also supports U.S.-to-U.S. money transfers, including services designed for people who may not rely entirely on traditional banking services.

Regulation and security

BOSS Money's U.S. money-transfer services are provided by IDT Payment Services, Inc. or IDT Payment Services of New York LLC⁸, both of which are identified by BOSS as licensed money transmitters

Multiple payout options
Strong presence in immigrant-focused corridors
Integration with the wider BOSS Revolution ecosystem
Competitive promotions on selected routes
App-based transfer experience
Cash pickup and home delivery available in supported markets

Coverage is narrower than Western Union
Pricing varies by corridor
Promotions have conditions and expiration dates
Some delivery methods are available only in selected countries

Remitly vs Western Union: Head-to-head breakdown

Remitly and Western Union can both move money internationally, but they are built around different strengths. The comparison below looks at what you actually pay, how quickly the money arrives, where recipients can collect it, and how easy each service is to use.

Fees & exchange rates

The biggest mistake when comparing remitly vs western union exchange rates is looking only at the advertised transfer fee.

For a $500 transfer to Mexico, for example, both providers may show a promotional $0 fee for qualifying customers, but the exchange rate displayed at checkout can differ. Western Union charges money for foreign exchange, while Remitly also displays a provider-specific exchange rate rather than simply guaranteeing the mid-market rate.

The same applies to a $200 transfer to the Philippines or a $300 transfer to Ghana. Remitly and BOSS Money both show pricing based on the specific transaction, while Western Union's price varies with payment and delivery choices. BOSS currently advertises $0-fee promotions for certain Ghana transfers, but the offer depends on the selected delivery method.

For that reason, the most useful comparison is:

Amount sent − fees − exchange-rate cost = value delivered to the recipient.

Check all three quotes immediately before sending rather than relying on a general fee table.

Transfer speed

Speed depends heavily on how the recipient receives the money.

Some cash-pickup and mobile-wallet transfers can be ready within minutes, while its Mexico information notes that bank transfers can take up to five days.

Remitly also offers different delivery speeds. Its faster option can be useful when timing matters, while slower delivery may cost less.

BOSS Money similarly varies by destination and payout method.

There is therefore no universal winner for speed. Cash pickup and mobile wallets are often faster than bank deposits.

Cash pickup network

Western Union wins on sheer physical reach. Its current consumer materials advertise more than 500,000 agent locations across more than 200 countries and territories, although its 2025 annual report gives a lower figure for locations that actively conducted money-transfer activity during the year.

BOSS Money does not match that global physical footprint, but it covers important corridors for immigrant communities.

Remitly also provides cash pickup through partner networks in many destinations.

Mobile app experience

Remitly's U.S. App Store listing currently shows a 4.9/5 rating⁹ from approximately 2.7 million ratings.

Western Union's U.S. App Store listing also shows a 4.8/5 rating¹⁰ from approximately 1.3 million ratings.

BOSS Money's current U.S. listing shows 4.9/5 rating¹¹ on the App Store from approximately 82,000 ratings.

Ratings are not a substitute for testing an app yourself, but all three have substantial user bases. Remitly is particularly appealing if you want a simple digital-first experience. Western Union has more features tied to its physical network. BOSS Money keeps the process relatively focused on sending and tracking transfers.

Customer support

Remitly offers 24/7 customer support through phone and online chat, with support information available in multiple languages.

Western Union offers support through its online help resources, digital channels, and agent network.

BOSS Money provides customer support and states that support is available around the clock through its service channels.

The best option depends partly on whether you prefer digital support or the ability to visit a physical location.

Security & regulation

All three operate within U.S. money-transfer regulatory frameworks and have compliance obligations.

Remitly states that Remitly, Inc. is registered with the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Money Services Business and is licensed as a money transmitter in applicable states.

Western Union operates through a large regulated money-transfer network, while BOSS Money's U.S. services are provided by IDT entities that hold applicable licenses.

Customers should not assume that money held or transmitted through a money-transfer service is automatically protected in the same way as a traditional bank deposit. FDIC deposit insurance generally applies to qualifying deposits at FDIC-insured banks, not simply to every balance or transfer handled by a money-transfer company. Check the provider's current terms for the specific product.

Which is best for your situation?

There is no single answer to western union vs remitly which is better. The right choice depends on where the money is going and how the recipient wants to receive it.

Best for a broad cash-pickup network: Western Union
Best for a simple app-based experience: Remitly
Best for BOSS Revolution customers: BOSS Money
Best for Latin American and Caribbean corridors: Remitly or BOSS Money, depending on the destination and payout method
Best for recipients who need cash pickup: Western Union, Remitly, or BOSS Money depending on local availability
Best for comparing promotional pricing: All three, because offers change by destination and customer
Best for unbanked recipients: The provider offering cash pickup or home delivery in the recipient's specific location

For immigrants from Mexico, the Philippines, Ghana, Nigeria, Colombia, and other major remittance corridors, the best option can change from one transfer to the next. A service with the lowest fee may not provide the best exchange rate.

Our verdict

Remitly and Western Union both have strong reasons to be on a shortlist, but they appeal to slightly different needs.

Remitly is a strong choice for people who want a digital-first experience, multiple payout options, and a straightforward way to manage recurring international transfers.

Western Union remains particularly useful when cash pickup, physical agent access, or broad international reach matters. Its large network is difficult for digital-only competitors to replicate.

BOSS Money is worth checking alongside them, particularly for people sending money to Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other supported markets. Its multiple payout options and connection with the BOSS Revolution ecosystem can make it convenient for existing customers.

The smartest choice is not necessarily the provider advertising the lowest fee. Compare the final amount your recipient receives, the exchange rate, delivery speed, and payout method for the exact transaction you are about to make.

FAQ

Is Remitly cheaper than Western Union?

Remitly can be cheaper than Western Union, but there is no fixed winner on every transfer. The total cost depends on the amount, destination, payment method, delivery option, transfer speed, and exchange rate offered at the time. Compare the amount the recipient will receive rather than looking at the transfer fee alone.

Which is faster — Remitly or Western Union?

Both Remitly and Western Union can deliver some transfers within minutes, so neither is always faster. Remitly offers Express transfers for eligible destinations and payment methods, while Western Union also offers fast cash pickup and other delivery options. Bank deposits can take longer with either service.

What is BOSS Money and how does it compare?

BOSS Money is an international money transfer service that supports bank deposits, cash pickup, mobile wallets, and home delivery in selected countries. It can be a useful alternative to Remitly and Western Union, particularly for transfers to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Its fees and exchange rates vary by destination, amount, delivery method, and payment method.

Are Remitly and Western Union safe?

Yes. Remitly and Western Union are regulated money transfer providers in the United States and use security measures designed to protect customer transactions and personal information. Remitly is registered with the U.S. Treasury as a money services business, while Western Union operates through a regulated network of money transfer services.

How much does it cost to send $500 with Remitly vs Western Union?

There is no single fee for sending $500 with Remitly or Western Union. The price changes based on the destination, payment method, delivery option, exchange rate, and any promotional offer available when the transfer is made. Both services show the applicable fee and exchange rate before you confirm the transfer.

Does BOSS Money have a cash pickup option?

Yes. BOSS Money supports cash pickup in eligible countries. The available locations, fees, transfer limits, and delivery options vary by destination, so the sender should check the current quote before completing the transfer.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of September 15, 2026

https://www.bossrevolution.com/en-us/about-us
https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/send-money-to-mexico.html
https://www.remitly.com/li/en/home/about
https://www.westernunion.com/at/en/home.html
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/money-transfer
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/money-transfer/send-money-to-mexico
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/landing/send-limits
https://www.bossrevolution.com/en-us/services/money-transfer
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remitly-send-money-transfer/id674258465
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/western-union-send-money
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/boss-money-transfer-send-fast

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.