Remitly prioritizes speed and delivery options, while WorldRemit stands out for broader payout coverage and flexibility.
Remitly vs WorldRemit reflects how these two global remittance platforms serve expats and international families with distinct approaches to digital money transfers.
While both target expats and international families, they differ in speed, pricing, and usability.
In this breakdown, we’ll explore key questions, including:
- Remitly vs Worldremit: which is better?
- Is Remitly cheaper than WorldRemit?
- How much are Worldremit and Remitly charges?
- Is it safe to use Worldremit and Remitly?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
Which One Is Better, Remitly or WorldRemit?
Remitly is generally better for users seeking faster delivery, more payout options, and broader global reach, while WorldRemit may be preferable for those prioritizing cash pickup availability and slightly lower fees in certain corridors.
Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which service suits you better.
| Feature | Remitly | WorldRemit |
| Transfer Methods | Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet | Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, airtime top-up |
| Speed Tiers | Express (minutes), Economy (3–5 days) | Most transfers within minutes; some up to 24 hours |
| Coverage | 100+ countries | 130+ countries |
| Exchange Rates | Competitive (varies by speed) | Mid-market minus small markup |
| Transfer Fees | Varies by speed, method, and destination | Varies by corridor and payout method |
| Mobile App Experience | Highly rated, streamlined UI | Also well-rated; includes more local payment options |
| Cash Pickup Network | Strong in Asia, Latin America, Africa | Stronger global reach overall |
| Support Languages | Limited | Broader language support |
Pros and Cons by User Type
For Expats
- Remitly offers great convenience for regular remittances to family with its clean interface, reliable delivery windows, and easy tracking.
- WorldRemit stands out with its broader payout network and optional services like airtime top-ups, ideal for regions with varying digital maturity.
For Tech-Savvy Users
- Remitly’s app is fast, intuitive, and tailored for mobile-first users.
- WorldRemit also performs well on mobile but appeals to users looking for more payment variety and recipient-side flexibility.
For Rural or Underbanked Recipients
- WorldRemit has an edge due to its wider network of cash pickup and airtime partners, particularly in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Remitly is more effective in regions with established digital banking or cash agent partnerships.
WorldRemit and Remitly Rates
Both WorldRemit and Remitly apply varying fees depending on where you’re sending money, how much you’re sending, and how the recipient will receive it.
- Remitly typically offers two pricing tiers:
- Express (faster, higher fees, slightly worse exchange rate)
- Economy (slower, lower fees, better exchange rate)
- WorldRemit applies a transfer fee based on the corridor and method, often with slightly higher fees for cash pickups or mobile money deposits. Unlike Remitly, it doesn’t offer speed-based pricing but delivery times are still competitive.
Exchange Rate Markups Comparison
Both companies add a margin to the mid-market exchange rate, which is how they earn additional revenue.
- Remitly’s exchange rates tend to be more competitive on the Economy tier.
- WorldRemit’s rates can vary more widely depending on the corridor, and in some cases, users report a higher markup compared to Remitly.
To illustrate, here’s a sample comparison for a $500 USD transfer to the Philippines:
- Remitly (Economy): Fee of $3.99, exchange rate: 1 USD = 56.20 PHP → Recipient gets ~28,100 PHP
- WorldRemit: Fee of $3.99, exchange rate: 1 USD = 55.90 PHP → Recipient gets ~27,950 PHP
In this case, Remitly offers slightly better value especially for recipients receiving funds in local currency.
That said, differences can flip depending on destination, time of day, and payout method.
WorldRemit vs Remitly Limit: How Much Can You Send?
Sending Limits by Country and Verification Level
- Remitly has tiered verification levels:
- Tier 1 (basic information): Lower limits, such as $2,999 per day.
- Tier 2 (ID verification): Higher limits, up to $6,000–$10,000 per day depending on the country.
- Tier 3 (enhanced due diligence): Even higher thresholds, subject to approval.
- WorldRemit typically allows transfers up to $9,000 per transaction for bank transfers, but limits can be much lower for mobile money or airtime top-ups. Higher amounts require additional KYC checks and may vary significantly by corridor.
Frequency of Transfers
- Remitly permits frequent transactions, even daily, as long as cumulative limits are not breached.
- WorldRemit also supports frequent sending, but some payment methods (e.g. debit cards) may have daily or weekly restrictions set by banks or processors.
For expats and high-net-worth individuals making large remittances or regular family support transfers:
- Remitly tends to offer more flexible scaling through its verification tiers. Its customer service can also handle larger transactions upon request with proper documentation.
- WorldRemit may not scale as smoothly for high-value transfers, especially in corridors with lower mobile wallet or cash pickup thresholds. However, its coverage in more countries may benefit users with niche destination needs.
Overall, Remitly may be a better fit for users who need higher transfer ceilings and more streamlined scaling as verification increases.
Can You Trust WorldRemit and Remitly?
Licensing and Regulation
WorldRemit is a fully licensed money transfer provider regulated by financial authorities in the jurisdictions where it operates.
In the UK, it’s authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and in the US, it holds licenses from individual state regulators.
This ensures it must follow strict rules on consumer protection, data privacy, and anti-money laundering (AML).
In this regard, WorldRemit and Remitly are comparable—both are well-regulated and adhere to rigorous compliance standards.
User Reviews and Ratings
WorldRemit holds mixed user ratings across major platforms. On Trustpilot, it currently has a 3.6 out of 5 stars rating.
Many users appreciate its speed, ease of use, and broad payout network.
However, recurring complaints highlight issues like delayed transfers, account verification problems, and unresponsive customer support—common concerns in the cross-border remittance space.
In contrast, Remitly has a slightly higher Trustpilot rating, suggesting it may offer a more consistent user experience in terms of reliability and customer service.
Security Features and Transparency
WorldRemit employs industry-standard encryption protocols and two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect user accounts.
Its transparency around fees and exchange rates is generally solid, although final rates may still vary depending on the corridor.
The app and website clearly display costs before confirming a transaction, giving users control and clarity.
Remitly also prioritizes strong security measures and upfront pricing, but it often highlights its customer satisfaction guarantees more prominently, potentially making it more reassuring for first-time users.
Final Verdict: Remitly or WorldRemit for 2025?
- Best for digital convenience and lower fees: Remitly stands out with its user-friendly app and competitive pricing, especially for bank transfers and mobile wallets.
- Best for broader coverage or niche corridors: WorldRemit offers access to more countries and diverse payout options, making it suitable for less common destinations.
- Recommendations based on user profile and use case: Choose Remitly if you prioritize speed, transparency, and cost-efficiency for regular remittances. Opt for WorldRemit if you need wide reach or flexible cash pickup options in areas with limited banking access.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs.
Both are reliable, regulated platforms, but one may suit your transfer habits better than the other.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
