Remitly charges $3.99 per transfer while Western Union charges $5.0. However, the total cost depends on exchange rate markup as much as the nominal fee.
- 1. Side-by-Side
- 2. Fee Comparison
- 3. Exchange Rates
- 4. Our Verdict
- 5. FAQs
Remitly vs Western Union: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Remitly | Western Union |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | $3.99 | $5.0 |
| Exchange Rate | Competitive | 1-3% markup |
| Transfer Speed | Minutes-3 days | Minutes-3 days |
| User Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2/5 |
| Best Feature | Express & Economy options | Cash pickup worldwide |
| For $1,000 to India | ₹83,166 received | ₹83,082 received |
Fee Comparison: Remitly vs Western Union
Remitly charges $3.99 per transfer while Western Union charges $5.0. However, the total cost depends on exchange rate markup as much as the nominal fee.
Exchange Rate Comparison
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Remitly uses Competitive exchange rates. Western Union uses 1-3% markup. For USD to INR transfers, exchange rate quality matters more than the nominal transfer fee — a 1% rate difference on $1,000 is $8–10.
Our Verdict: Remitly vs Western Union
🏆 Winner: Remitly
Remitly wins overall due to better exchange rates and user satisfaction (4.7/5 rating). However, Western Union may be better if you need Minutes-3 days delivery speed.
- Choose Remitly if: Express & Economy options
- Choose Western Union if: Cash pickup worldwide
- Consider Wise as an alternative for mid-market rate transfers with no hidden fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about remitly vs western union for india transfers
Which is cheaper: Remitly or Western Union for sending money to India?
For a $1,000 USD to INR transfer, Remitly delivers approximately ₹83,166 while Western Union delivers ₹83,082. Remitly delivers more to the recipient at this amount.
Is Remitly or Western Union faster for India transfers?
Remitly takes Minutes-3 days while Western Union takes Minutes-3 days. If speed is the priority, Remitly is faster for urgent transfers to India.
Which has better exchange rates: Remitly or Western Union?
Remitly offers Competitive rates while Western Union offers 1-3% markup rates. Mid-market rate services like Wise (0% markup) are typically the gold standard — both Remitly and Western Union may have slight markups that add up on larger transfers.
Can I use both Remitly and Western Union to send money to India?
Yes! Many experienced senders use different services for different purposes — e.g., Western Union for urgent transfers and Remitly for regular monthly remittances. Compare rates before each transfer as both services run promotions that can flip the savings equation.
What is the minimum transfer amount for Remitly and Western Union?
Both Remitly and Western Union typically have minimum transfers of $1–10. There's no maximum transfer limit for verified accounts, though larger transfers (above $10,000) may require additional KYC documentation and compliance checks.