Remitly vs Western Union

How they differ

Remitly and Western Union both specialize in sending money to family and friends, and both offer cash pickup. Remitly is a digital service you use through its app or website. Western Union has a long history and lets you send online, in its app or in person at agent locations, and its US site says it reaches more than 200 countries and territories.

Cost

Western Union states plainly that it makes money from currency exchange, and that fees and rates vary by channel, location and brand. Sending online can be priced differently from sending at an agent. Remitly shows the rate, fee and total in its quote, with pricing that varies by destination and speed. Both may run new-customer offers, so check the current offer on each site.

Because both include a margin in the rate, the honest comparison is the amount your recipient will receive. Also watch how you pay: Western Union notes that a credit card payment may trigger a cash advance fee and interest from your card issuer.

Delivery

Both offer bank account, mobile wallet and cash pickup delivery where available. Western Union's strength is the reach of its agent network, which helps in rural areas or countries with fewer digital options. Remitly's cash pickup runs through partner locations in the countries it serves, so check that a convenient location exists for your recipient.

Speed and tracking

Western Union gives every transfer an MTCN tracking number that you and your recipient can use. Remitly tracks transfers in its app and publishes an on-time promise: if a transfer is late, it refunds the applicable transfer fee.

Safety

Both list NMLS numbers and New York money transmitter licenses on their US sites. Western Union also publishes fraud-awareness guidance. With either service, never send money to someone you have not met in person, and be suspicious of anyone who asks you to pay by money transfer for a prize, a job or an emergency.