Remitly vs WorldRemit Comparison 2025

When sending payments internationally, picking the right service can save both time and money. Remitly and WorldRemit are two of the most widely used platforms, offering secure and convenient ways to transfer funds across borders.

People compare these services based on fees, transfer speed, exchange rates, and availability, but understanding the fine print is key to getting the best deal.

This guide covers everything you need to know—from costs and payment methods to customer experience and unique features—so you can make an informed decision before your next transfer.

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If you’re sending money abroad, chances are you’ll want to stay in touch, too. That’s where Yolla comes in—call any worldwide for the lowest rates, even when the person you’re calling has no internet.

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Remitly Fees vs. WorldRemit Fees

Nobody likes hidden costs when sending money, but unfortunately, fees are a reality of international transfers. Remitly and WorldRemit both have their own way of structuring fees, and while neither is completely transparent, one does come out on top depending on your priorities.

How They Charge You

Remitly keeps it simple with two transfer speeds:

• Economy (Cheaper but Slower) – Bank-funded, arrives in 1–5 days, often with no fees.
• Express (Faster but Pricier) – Card-funded, arrives within minutes, usually comes with a £2.99–£3.99 fee.

WorldRemit, on the other hand, charges differently based on how you send money:

• Bank Transfers – Lower fees (around £0.99–£3.99).
• Cash Pickup & Mobile Wallets – More expensive (up to £3.99).
• Card Payments – Potentially extra processing fees.

Yolla’s Calling Rates 

Whether you’re transferring funds or just catching up, Yolla makes international calling simple and affordable. See for yourself—view our super-low rates below.

View Rates 

The Real Cost: Exchange Rate Markups

Both services adjust exchange rates to make a profit—so while they might promise "low fees," that’s not the whole story.

• Remitly adds a 0.5%–2% markup but often gives first-time users better rates.
• WorldRemit is less predictable, with a 0.90%–3% markup depending on the currency. Some users report that rates fluctuate strangely, meaning the same transfer might cost more or less on different days.

Which One Actually Gives You More Money?

Destination	Provider	Amount Sent (GBP)	Amount Received	Fee	Exchange Rate
Nigeria	WorldRemit	£1000	1,999,768 NGN	£0	1 GBP = 1999.76 NGN
	Remitly	£1000	1,999,768 NGN	£0	1 GBP = 2040.83 NGN (promo rate)
Uganda	WorldRemit	£1000	4,740,291 UGX	£0	1 GBP = 4740.29 UGX
	Remitly	£1000	4,776,170 UGX	£0.99 (discount)	1 GBP = 4776.17 UGX
Colombia	WorldRemit	£1000	5,184,275 COP	£1.99	1 GBP = 5184.27 COP
	Remitly	£1000	5,363,040 COP	£0.99 (discount)	1 GBP = 5363.04 COP

Our Take?

1. If you’re sending money once and want the best deal, Remitly's first-time promotions win.
2. If you send money regularly, WorldRemit’s lower fixed fees could save you more.
3. Both services sneak extra costs into exchange rates—Remitly is slightly more predictable, while WorldRemit’s fees change more.
4. If you’re transferring small amounts, WorldRemit might be cheaper. For large amounts, Remitly's promo rates can make a big difference.

Winner? It depends. If you prioritize fees, WorldRemit edges ahead. If you want better rates and free large transfers, Remitly takes the lead.

Save on International Calls

Money transfer fees can add up quickly, but international calls don’t have to. Yolla’s article on how to make international calls affordably breaks down ways to stay connected without overpaying.

List of Countries Available

It doesn’t matter how low the fees are if you can’t even send money to the country you need. Remitly and WorldRemit both cover 150+ receiving countries, but when it comes to sending money, one has a clear advantage.

Remitly

• Can send from ~30 countries.
• Receives in 150+ countries.
• Has 3,000+ bank partners and 350,000+ cash pickup locations.
• Bonus: Offers home delivery in some regions—handy if your recipient isn’t near a bank.

WorldRemit

• Can send from 50+ countries (including most of Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia).
• Receives in 150+ countries.
• Strong in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Offers airtime top-ups (useful in countries where mobile credit is key).

Who Covers More Ground?

Feature	Remitly	WorldRemit
Sending Countries	~30	50+
Receiving Countries	150+	150+
Cash Pickup Locations	350,000+	Not specified
Mobile Wallet Support	Yes (select locations)	Yes
Home Delivery	Yes	No
Airtime Top-Ups	No	Yes

Our Take?

1. If you're in the US, UK, or Australia, both are great options.
2. If you need to send money from somewhere less common, WorldRemit has better coverage.
3. Remitly’s home delivery is great for those without bank access.
4. WorldRemit’s mobile wallet and airtime top-ups are a big plus for countries with low bank penetration.

Winner? WorldRemit, if only because it lets you send from more countries. But if your recipient needs cash at the door, Remitly’s home delivery wins.

Do You Need to Call Africa? 

If you’re regularly sending money to Africa, you might also need a reliable way to call. Yolla’s article on how to call Africa explains the best rates and methods to stay in touch without breaking the bank.

Payment and Withdrawal Options

The best money transfer service isn’t just about how much you send—it’s about how your recipient gets the money. Remitly and WorldRemit take different approaches to getting money where it needs to go.

How You Send Money: Traditional vs. Digital Flexibility

Both services support bank transfers and debit/credit cards, but WorldRemit gives you more options, especially for digital payments. Apple Pay, Klarna, and country-specific services like Sofort, Trustly, Poli, and Interac make it ideal for mobile-first users. However, Google Pay is no longer supported, so if that’s your go-to, you’ll need another option.

How Your Recipient Gets Paid: Cash, Bank, or Mobile Wallet?

Both platforms support bank deposits and cash pickups, but their extra features set them apart.

Remitly stands out with home delivery, an option that lets recipients get cash delivered to their door (available in select countries). This is a major advantage for those without easy access to banks.

WorldRemit shines in the mobile space, offering mobile money transfers and airtime top-ups—great for recipients who rely on mobile credit rather than traditional bank accounts.

Which One Makes Getting Money Easier?

Feature	Remitly	WorldRemit
Bank Transfers	Yes (Global)	Yes (Global)
Cash Pickup	Yes (350,000+ locations)	Yes (Africa, Asia, Americas, Middle East)
Mobile Wallets	Yes (select regions)	Yes (widely supported)
Home Delivery	Yes (limited regions)	No
WorldRemit Wallet	No	Yes (UK-only)
Airtime Top-Ups	No	Yes (instant mobile credit)
Apple Pay & Digital Payments	No	Yes (Apple Pay, Klarna, Trustly)
Maximum Transfer Limit	$20,000 per transaction	Varies by country and payment method

Our Take?

1. Need cash at the door? Remitly wins.
2. Want mobile wallet transfers? WorldRemit is better.
3. Using Apple Pay or Klarna? Only WorldRemit supports them.
4. Sending large amounts? Remitly’s higher transfer limit makes it a stronger choice.

If you prioritize digital convenience, WorldRemit is the way to go. If your recipient needs cash delivered or you're sending large sums, Remitly is the better fit.

We’ve Tried Other Money Transfer Services! 

Remitly and WorldRemit are two solid options, but how do they compare to other big names? Yolla’s article on Remitly vs. Western Union takes a closer look at the competition.

Transfer Times

When sending money, speed can make or break the deal. Whether you’re covering an emergency expense or just impatient to get funds where they need to go, processing times matter. Remitly and WorldRemit both offer instant transfers, but the fine print—how fast, how much, and at what cost—makes all the difference.

How Fast is Remitly?

Remitly gives you two-speed choices:

• Express: The fastest option, delivering money within minutes—if you pay with a debit or credit card. However, there’s a catch: a £1.99 fee for transfers under £1,000 (free for larger amounts).
• Economy: A cheaper but slower route, taking 1 to 5 days when funded by a bank transfer. The wait depends on bank processing times, but it’s a cost-effective option, especially for bigger transfers.

How Fast is WorldRemit?

WorldRemit claims 70% of its transfers are instant, but speed depends on the method you choose:

• Bank Transfers: Instant to 1 day for most, but 2-3 days for certain destinations.
• Cash Pickup: Almost always instant—just show up and collect.
• Mobile Money Transfers & Airtime Top-Ups: Instant in most cases, great for people who rely on mobile wallets instead of bank accounts.
• WorldRemit Wallet: If you're in the UK, transfers to this digital wallet are also instant.

The Real Story from Users

Many Remitly users love the Express option—it's fast, reliable, and worth paying extra for in urgent situations. Economy transfers can sometimes arrive earlier than expected, making them a solid budget-friendly alternative.

WorldRemit users, on the other hand, praise its instant payouts for mobile money and cash pickups. But some report that bank transfers and verification checks slow things down, causing unexpected delays.

Our Take?

1. Need instant cash pickup? Both services do the job.
2. Want a mobile wallet payout? WorldRemit wins hands down.
3. Using a debit or credit card? Remitly’s Express option delivers in minutes.
4. Happy to wait a bit to save on fees? Remitly’s Economy transfers are the way to go.

Both platforms offer fast transfers, but Remitly’s Express service is ideal for those who need guaranteed speed, while WorldRemit provides more flexibility for mobile-first users. If speed is your priority, choose wisely!

Legal Requirements and KYC

Nobody enjoys the dreaded “We need more documents” message. But strict verification rules are a reality for money transfers—designed to prevent fraud and comply with financial regulations. The real question? Which service makes it easier to get verified?

Remitly

Remitly is a Money Services Business (MSB) in the U.S., following strict global regulations. It balances security with ease of use, using 256-bit encryption and fraud detection to protect transactions.

What’s Required?

• ID verification (passport, driver’s license, or national ID)
• Proof of address (sometimes requested)
• Security monitoring (all transactions reviewed)

User Experience:

• Quick and hassle-free for most, especially for small transactions.
• Occasional delays when extra documents are needed.
• Video verification may be required for high-risk transfers—some find this intrusive.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is regulated by the FCA (UK) and follows strict financial laws in multiple regions. While secure, the verification process is more demanding—especially for large transfers.

What’s Required?

• ID verification (mandatory for all users)
• Proof of address (requested more often than Remitly)
• Source of funds verification (required for transfers over $1,000)

User Experience:

• Some breeze through verification, but others hit roadblocks with extra checks.
• Account freezes and refund issues reported, with slow resolution times.
• Some users say their accounts were suspended without clear explanation.

Our Take? 

1. Want a smooth, no-fuss process? Remitly is the better choice.
2. Sending large amounts? Expect more checks with WorldRemit.
3. Worried about security? WorldRemit is stricter but thorough—though it may slow things down.

Exchange Rates and Hidden Fees

Ever noticed how “no fees” doesn’t always mean more money for your recipient? That’s because of exchange rate markups—hidden costs baked into the rate you get. Both Remitly and WorldRemit do this, so you won’t get the true mid-market rate (the one you see on Google). But which service takes a smaller cut?

Remitly

Remitly keeps things straightforward with a two-tier pricing model:

• Economy Transfers are free if you send over £1,000, but smaller transfers get hit with a £1.99 fee.
• Express Transfers (for instant delivery) cost extra, usually £2.99–£3.99, depending on the destination.

Now, here’s the catch: Remitly’s exchange rates are inflated, meaning they add a hidden cost inside the rate itself. On average, their markup ranges from 0.5% to 2%, but in some cases, up to 35% of the total transfer cost is buried inside the rate margin.

Users also report fluctuations between the quoted rate and the final rate at checkout, making costs a little unpredictable.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit markets itself as a low-fee provider, and at first glance, that seems true. Fees start as low as $0.99, but they can climb to $3.99 or more, depending on the country, transfer method, and payment type.

However, WorldRemit’s exchange rate markup is less transparent. They don’t use the mid-market rate either, and their margins can be anywhere from 0.90% to 3%, depending on the currency.

For popular currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR, the markup is lower, but if you’re sending money to a country with a less stable currency, expect a steeper margin.

Some users love WorldRemit’s low fees but find that the exchange rate varies unpredictably, sometimes changing between the quote and final transfer. Others have reported their recipient getting less than expected, even when the advertised fee seemed low.

Who’s More Transparent?

• Remitly tells you upfront what you’ll pay, but their exchange rate takes a bigger cut—especially for small transfers.
• WorldRemit has lower fixed fees, but their rate markups fluctuate, making it harder to predict final costs.

Our Take?

1. Sending a large amount? Remitly waives fees for big transfers, so you might save more.
2. Need a smaller transfer? WorldRemit’s low flat fees could work out better—if their exchange rate is good that day.
3. Want predictability? Remitly is clearer about its charges, while WorldRemit users report more surprises.

Customer Support and User Experience

A money transfer service isn’t just about low fees—it’s also about what happens when things go wrong. Whether it’s a delayed transfer, a verification hold, or a locked account, you need a support team that actually responds when you need them.

Remitly

Remitly provides 24/7 phone and live chat support in English, Spanish, and French—a major advantage for urgent issues. Their FAQ section is available in 11 languages, covering common problems.

Users report fast responses for tracking transfers or fixing small mistakes. However, complex issues like account suspensions or verification delays can take longer to resolve. No dedicated email support means you’ll have to rely on chat or phone calls.

WorldRemit

On paper, WorldRemit offers more support channels, including email, live chat, phone, and a Help Hub. The problem? Slow response times, long wait times on calls, and an unhelpful chatbot.

Users frequently complain about delayed replies, unaddressed verification problems, and even sudden account deactivations with little explanation. If you run into serious issues, getting a resolution can be a battle.

Final Verdict?

1. Need fast help? Remitly’s 24/7 phone and live chat support win.
2. Prefer email support? WorldRemit offers it, but responses are slow.
3. Dealing with fraud, refunds, or frozen accounts? Remitly is better at resolving major issues.
4. Willing to wait? WorldRemit may test your patience.

Unique Features and Promotions

When sending money, saving on fees is always a bonus. Both Remitly and WorldRemit offer referral bonuses, promo discounts, and first-time perks—but do they actually deliver?

Remitly

New users get fee-free transfers or better exchange rates, with some deals offering £15 off a first transfer of £100+. The rate-locking feature lets you secure an exchange rate for 24 hours, helping you avoid fluctuations.

Their referral program rewards users for bringing in friends, but many complain about bonuses not being honored. Also, if you’re looking for business transfers, Remitly isn’t an option—personal use only.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit’s £20 refer-a-friend bonus beats Remitly’s offer, and many users find it easy to claim. They also release promo codes for discounts—but there’s a catch. Many report codes being revoked or not working, leading to frustration. Like Remitly, business transfers aren’t supported.

Who Offers Better Perks?

Feature	Remitly	WorldRemit
First-Time User Promotions	Fee-free transfers & rate boosts	Occasional promo codes
Referral Bonus	Yes (£15 per referral)	Yes (£20 per referral)
Rate Locking for 24 Hours	Yes	No
Business Transfers?	No	No
Promo Code Issues?	Mixed reviews	Many reports of revoked codes

Our Take?

Remitly is great for first-time deals and locking in exchange rates, while WorldRemit’s referral bonus gives you more—if they actually pay out. Neither service is 100% reliable with promotions, so don’t sign up just for a discount.

Beyond Savings: Finding Work Abroad

For many immigrants, sending money is just one piece of the puzzle—finding work abroad is another. Yolla’s article on jobs for immigrants in the USA offers helpful insights for newcomers.

Which One Will You Try Next?

At the end of the day, both Remitly and WorldRemit get the job done—you just need to pick the one that fits your situation best.

Whichever service you go with, always check the exchange rate before hitting send—you’d be surprised how much difference a small markup can make.

Download Yolla

And while you're making sure your money gets where it needs to go, why not stay connected, too? With Yolla, you can call abroad without breaking the bank—no hidden fees, no surprises.

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