Remitly vs Western Union: Which Is Cheaper, Faster, and More Reliable?

Remitly offers lower fees and a faster digital experience for most app-based transfers, while Western Union is better suited for those needing widespread cash pickup locations, especially in rural or unbanked regions.

With both platforms serving millions globally, expats and international senders often face a tough choice between Remitly’s app-based convenience and Western Union’s massive agent network.

This article breaks down their features to help you decide which service suits your needs best.

We’ll cover key questions and comparison points, including:

• Remitly vs Western Union: which is more suitable for you?
• What are the transfer options for Remitly and Western Union?
• How much are Remitly vs Western Union fees?
• Can I claim Remitly in Western Union?

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 Western Union

Remitly and Western Union are both widely used international money transfer services, but they cater to different types of users and offer different strengths.

Western Union is a legacy player with a long-established global footprint, operating in over 200 countries and territories.

With hundreds of thousands of physical agent locations worldwide, it appeals to users who prefer or require cash-based transactions, especially in regions with limited digital infrastructure.

Its brand recognition and longstanding history give it a reputation for reliability and accessibility.

Remitly, by contrast, is a digital-first company founded in 2011.

It focuses primarily on expats and migrant workers sending money back home.

With operations in over 100 countries, Remitly is known for its user-friendly mobile app, competitive fees for certain corridors, and tiered delivery speeds.

It’s especially popular for digital-to-cash or digital-to-bank transfers in developing countries.

While Western Union has more physical reach, Remitly provides a more modern and often more affordable digital experience.

The choice between them often depends on the sender’s and recipient’s preferences for speed, access, and cost.

Which Is Better Western Union or Remitly?

The answer to this largely depends on the specific needs of the sender and recipient.

Each service has advantages in certain scenarios:

Cash Pickup

If your recipient needs to collect money in cash, Western Union has the upper hand.

Its extensive agent network of over 500,000 locations globally makes cash pickup convenient, especially in rural or underbanked areas.

Remitly also supports cash pickup but in fewer countries and with more limited partnerships.

Bank Transfers

Remitly shines when it comes to direct bank transfers, particularly for users sending money from developed countries to select developing nations.

Its online interface and lower fees for economy transfers (which take a few days) make it cost-effective.

Western Union offers bank transfers as well, but they tend to be more expensive and slower unless you opt for premium pricing.

Mobile Money

For destinations that support mobile wallets (like Kenya, the Philippines, or parts of South Asia), Remitly often provides better integration and lower fees.

Western Union supports mobile money in select markets, but coverage is more limited and not as prominently featured in its offerings.

Pros and Cons by User Type

• Tech-savvy users or those who prefer app-based services: Remitly is typically more intuitive and transparent about pricing.
• Senders dealing with emergencies or needing instant cash pickup: Western Union offers unmatched immediacy and physical accessibility.
• Recipients with limited access to bank accounts or mobile apps: Western Union’s walk-in locations offer essential accessibility.
• Users focused on cost savings for recurring transfers: Remitly tends to offer better value on economy-tier transfers and sometimes provides promotional rates for first-time users.

Ultimately, Western Union is better suited for reliability and physical accessibility, while Remitly is better for digitally oriented users prioritizing convenience and cost.

Remitly vs Western Union Rates

Note: Exact figures vary by time, method, and promotion.

Can I Claim Remitly in Western Union?

A common point of confusion among new users is whether Remitly transfers can be picked up at Western Union locations. The short answer is no. You cannot claim a Remitly transfer at a Western Union branch.

These two companies operate entirely separate money transfer systems, each with its own payout network, software infrastructure, and partnership agreements.

Unlike some local remittance services that may share payout agents or bank partners, Remitly and Western Union maintain distinct delivery channels.

If someone sends you money via Remitly, you must claim it through Remitly’s designated partner locations which vary by country and can include banks, retail chains, or mobile wallet platforms.

Attempting to collect it at a Western Union branch will not work, even if both services operate in the same city or building.

Conclusion

Choosing between Remitly and Western Union ultimately depends on what matters most to the sender and receiver — whether it’s cost, convenience, delivery speed, or geographic reach.

Remitly may appeal more to digital-first users who prioritize lower fees and scheduled delivery, while Western Union remains a strong option for those needing cash pickup in remote or underserved regions.

Each platform caters to different remittance habits and infrastructure levels, so assessing your own or your recipient’s preferences is key to selecting the right fit.

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.