Remitly vs Sendwave: Full Comparison of Rates, Limits, and Speed

In 2025, Remitly stands out for its global reach, multiple payout options, and tiered express delivery, while Sendwave remains a favorite for fast, fee-free transfers to select countries, especially in Africa and Asia.

If you’re prioritizing speed and simplicity, Sendwave may be the better choice. For broader coverage, higher transfer limits, and more delivery flexibility, Remitly has the edge.

This article covers key points to help you decide:

• Is Sendwave safe and legit?
• Is it safe to use Remitly?
• How much are Remitly vs Sendwave rates?
• How long do Remitly transfers take?
• How long do Sendwave transfers take?
• What is the maximum money transfer limit for Remitly and Sendwave?

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

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.

Remitly vs Sendwave at a Glance

How Trustworthy Is Sendwave?

Sendwave operates under strict licensing and regulatory frameworks in the countries it serves, ensuring compliance with international money transfer laws.

This regulatory oversight helps protect users from fraud and guarantees that transfers are conducted securely.

User reviews generally reflect a positive experience with Sendwave, highlighting its ease of use and fast transfer times.

However, some users mention occasional delays or customer service issues, which is common in the remittance industry.

In terms of security, Sendwave employs industry-standard encryption and verification protocols to safeguard personal and financial data.

The company is transparent about its fees and exchange rates, which adds to its trustworthiness for users sending money internationally.

Compared to Remitly, both platforms are fully licensed and prioritize user security, but Remitly holds a slight edge in regulatory breadth and trust indicators due to its global presence and more extensive track record.

Remitly also has a higher volume of user reviews, providing a broader base for assessing reliability and consistency.

How Trustworthy Is Remitly?

Remitly is a well-established international money transfer service that operates under a broad set of regulatory licenses, including in the US, UK, Canada, the EU, and other major jurisdictions.

Its global reach and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations contribute to its strong reputation for security and reliability.

The platform uses bank-level encryption, two-factor authentication, and identity verification to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.

Remitly also allows users to track transfers in real time, adding a layer of transparency to the process.

In terms of user feedback, Remitly receives generally positive reviews for its speed, customer support, and mobile app usability, particularly for its Express option.

However, like all transfer services, some users report occasional delays or verification hurdles, especially during first-time transactions.

Compared to Sendwave, Remitly has a longer track record, a larger customer base, and more extensive licensing coverage.

Sendwave vs Remitly Fees and Exchange Rates

When comparing fee structures, Remitly typically charges based on the transfer speed and payment method, offering options like Economy and Express with varying fees.

Sendwave, on the other hand, often provides fee-free transfers for many corridors, making it attractive for cost-conscious users.

Exchange rates play a significant role in overall costs.

Remitly Exchange Rate

Remitly’s exchange rates vary depending on whether you select Economy or Express delivery.

Economy transfers typically offer better rates, especially for high-volume corridors like the Philippines, India, and Nigeria.

Express transfers tend to apply a slightly less favorable rate in exchange for speed.

Remitly also tends to offer more consistent rates across different currencies and allows users to lock in exchange rates at the time of transaction, adding predictability for frequent senders.

For large transfers or destinations with strong Remitly presence, the Economy tier can yield better overall value even after accounting for fees.

Sendwave Exchange Rate

Checking the Sendwave exchange rate today reveals competitive but sometimes slightly less favorable rates compared to Remitly, which often offers better rates on its Economy transfers.

Sendwave offers competitive exchange rates, particularly in its most active corridors across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

For instance, sending $500 to countries like Nigeria or the Philippines might yield a better rate with Remitly’s Economy tier, while Sendwave might offer zero transfer fees but convert the funds at a marginally lower rate.

That said, the difference in final payout is often minor, but it can add up with frequent transfers.

It’s also worth noting that Sendwave doesn’t provide tiered pricing or variable exchange rates based on transfer speed like Remitly does.

Because market conditions and currency volatility influence rates for both platforms, users should always check the live rate before confirming a transaction.

Sendwave and Remitly Transfer Speeds

Remitly and Sendwave Sending Limits and Usage Flexibility

Both Remitly and Sendwave set transfer limits based on the sender’s country, the destination, and the level of identity verification completed.

Generally, verifying your identity and providing additional documentation unlocks higher transfer thresholds and more frequent usage.

Sendwave typically imposes modest limits designed for everyday remittances.

For example, unverified users might be limited to sending up to $999 per day and $2,999 per month.

With full verification, this can increase to approximately $2,999 per day and $12,000 per month, depending on the country.

These limits work well for users sending small to mid-sized amounts regularly, such as for family support or tuition payments.

Remitly, in contrast, offers higher flexibility.

For US-based users, Level 1 (basic) allows transfers of up to $2,999 per day, $10,000 per month, and $18,000 per 180 days.

With Level 2 verification, limits can increase to $6,000 per day, $20,000 per month, and $36,000 per 180 days. Level 3 users may transfer even more, subject to approval.

In terms of use case, Sendwave is ideal for digital nomads, diaspora families, or students needing fast, mobile-first transfers in moderate amounts.

Remitly’s wider payout options, structured tiers, and higher ceilings suit expats or business owners needing to remit larger sums or access cash pickup services.

Conclusion

Choosing between Remitly and Sendwave depends on what matters most to you.

Remitly stands out for its range of delivery options, higher transfer limits, and suitability for larger transactions.

Sendwave excels in simplicity, quick mobile-based transfers, and competitive rates for smaller amounts.

For users prioritizing low fees and fast, straightforward transfers, especially within Sendwave’s supported corridors, Sendwave is a strong option.

Those needing more flexibility, multiple payout methods, and higher sending limits may find Remitly a better fit.

Ultimately, understanding your transfer needs, frequency, and preferred delivery style will guide you to the right choice.

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.