Best Remittance Companies: Comparison & Analysis of Costs

By 
Alon Rajic
Last Edited Aug 23, 2024

If you live abroad and need to remit money home – whether you’re a retired expat, a migrant worker, or someone who resides in his own country but is being paid from abroad, you should pay good attention to pick the right remittances provider.

Remittances providers are a sub-set of money transfer companies, but the difference between this guide and our top 10 international money transfer services page, is that the following companies are:

Wide network of payout locations, including cash pickup and delivery options

Competitive exchange rates with minimal transfer fees

Strong presence in major remittance corridors

Supports multiple currencies with local currency conversion

Fast transfer speeds, often within minutes

Ability to send money via bank transfer, mobile wallet, or debit/credit card

Ultimately, we want to present valid options to send money home internationally, with a major focus on corridors like sending money to Asia (India, China, Bangladesh), Eastern Europe, Africa and other developing areas.

The Best Remittance Transfer Service Providers and Companies

Below you can compare remittance transfer providers and rates – including bank-to-bank transfers alongside cash pickups and mobile top-ups. Learn which are the best international remittances services and those most suited to your specific requirements and needs.

EU UK USA Australia Wise (Previously TransferWise): Best to Remit Money Abroad for Cheap
Headquarters:
17 Avenue Marnix, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
86.8% Editorial rating
124,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
No Minimum - Send From: UK, Europe, US, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand
Why Them?
  • Largest Money Transfer Provider of its Kind
  • Fees for Most Routes under £1
  • Fully-Online Journey with Transparent Pricing
+Read more
Wise / TransferWise
Wise (Previously TransferWise): Best to Remit Money Abroad for Cheap
86.8%
Editorial rating
Australia UK EU USA New Zealand OFX: Remittances Kings of Australia
Headquarters:
Level 19, 60 Margaret St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
90.4% Editorial rating
4,500 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£100 / €100 / $100 or equivalent, Send From: Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, US, Canada
Why Them?
  • Excellent Reach - Transfer to Any Country with no Fixed Fees
  • Intuitive Online System, Easy to Understand and Use
  • 24/7 Support Wherever You Are on The Globe - Be Treated with Respect
+Read more
OFX
OFX: Remittances Kings of Australia
90.4%
Editorial rating
UK EU Currencies Direct: Best for Large or Repeat Transfers
Headquarters:
1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AA, UK
97.8% Editorial rating
5,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£100 / €100 / $100 or equivalent - Send From: UK, Europe, US, Canada, South Africa, India
Why Them?
  • #1 Rating on MTC for the Past 2 Years - Tailored to Larger Transfers with Excellent Phone Service
  • No Fees on any Transfers, Ever
  • Very Friendly Online Platform
+Read more
Currencies Direct Money Transfer
Currencies Direct: Best for Large or Repeat Transfers
97.8%
Editorial rating
EU UK USA Australia One of the Hottest Money Transfer Startups
Headquarters:
Colm House, 91 Pembroke Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland
86.8% Editorial rating
5,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
No Minimum - Send From: UK, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore
Why Them?
  • No Fees on GBP payments, EUR Charged at €3
  • Very Low Margins, Down To 0.33%
  • Great Reputation And Client Reactions
+Read more
CurrencyFair
One of the Hottest Money Transfer Startups
86.8%
Editorial rating
UK Netherlands Azimo: Fees from £0.99, 4.6/5 on TrustPilot
Headquarters:
Milton Keynes Buiness Centre Foxhunter Drive, Suite 140 Milton Keynes, MK14 6GD United Kingdom
77.0% Editorial rating
51,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
£1
Why Them?
  • Very well known
  • Good online system
  • Tight margins
+Read more
transferGo
Azimo: Fees from £0.99, 4.6/5 on TrustPilot
77.0%
Editorial rating
UK Germnay Turkey TransferGo: Rated 4.8 / 5 from over 22,000 reviews
Headquarters:
241 Southwark Bridge Rd, SE1 6FP, London, United Kingdom
72.0% Editorial rating
22,000 Client Reviews
Minimum transfer:
No Minimum, Remit from UK and Europe to over 65 destinations.
Why Them?
  • ltilingual Support Team
  • Excellent Client Feedback
  • Over 2.5 million Customers to Date
+Read more
transferGo
TransferGo: Rated 4.8 / 5 from over 22,000 reviews
72.0%
Editorial rating

Remittance Company Reviews

Wise: Best to Remit Money Abroad for Cheap

  • Send from: Europe, North America, Australia, Asia-Pacific
  • Send to: 80+ countries, including the UK, India, USA, Canada, Australia, and across Europe and Asia.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: No cash pickup or mobile wallet support. Bank-to-bank transfers only.

Customer Feedback:

  • App Store: 4.7/5 (120,000+ reviews)
  • Google Play: 4.5/5 (190,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Transparency and low fees praised.
  • High satisfaction with speed and app usability.
  • Criticism for lack of cash or mobile wallet options.

OFX: Remittances Kings of Australia

  • Send from: Australia, USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific
  • Send to: 190+ countries, including China, India, Europe, USA, and South Africa.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: No cash pickup or mobile wallet support. Bank-to-bank transfers only.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.2/5 (4,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Competitive rates and 24/7 customer service appreciated.
  • No fees for most transfers.
  • Criticism for lack of cash or mobile wallet options and occasional slower transfer times.

Currencies Direct: Best for Large or Repeat Transfers

  • Send from: UK, Europe, North America, Australia
  • Send to: 60+ countries, including India, South Africa, Spain, and Portugal.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: Supports mobile wallet transfers in select countries, bank transfers only for other regions.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.9/5 (6,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Zero fees and personalized support praised for large transfers.
  • Positive feedback on exchange rates and ease of managing repeat transactions.

CurrencyFair: One of the Hottest Money Transfer Startups

  • Send from: Europe, Australia, Asia-Pacific
  • Send to: 150+ countries, including the UK, USA, Eurozone countries, Australia, and Canada.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: No cash pickup or mobile wallet support. Bank-to-bank transfers via peer-to-peer exchange.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.6/5 (5,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users appreciate the peer-to-peer model and cost savings.
  • Criticism for no cash or mobile wallet options and slower transfers.

TransferGo: Rated 4.8 / 5 from over 22,000 reviews

  • Send from: Europe
  • Send to: 160+ countries, primarily Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: Cash pickup in selected locations, bank transfers, and mobile wallets (e.g., GCash in the Philippines).

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.8/5 (22,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • High ratings for customer service and fast transfers.
  • Criticism for limited sending options outside of Europe and fewer cash pickup locations.

FairFX: YouGov Recommended Payment Service Provider

  • Send from: UK, Europe
  • Send to: 20+ major currencies globally, including Europe, USA, Australia, and South Africa.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: No cash pickup or mobile wallet support. Bank-to-bank transfers only.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (2,500+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users appreciate free payments to major currencies and 24/7 customer support.
  • Criticism includes occasional delays during peak periods.

Instarem: Southeast Asia’s Leading Remittance Company

  • Send from: India, Southeast Asia, UK, Australia
  • Send to: 50+ countries, including the USA, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: No cash pickup. Supports mobile wallet transfers in select countries (e.g., Paytm in India).

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.4/5 (3,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users favor the competitive rates and 24/7 customer support.
  • Some criticism regarding transfer speed during weekends.

XE: Combined Forces with the Experienced HiFX

  • Send from: North America, Europe, Australia
  • Send to: 220+ countries and territories, including the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: No cash pickup. No mobile wallet support. Bank-to-bank transfers only.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.4/5 (45,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users commend the extensive global reach and security features.
  • Criticism for lack of cash and mobile wallet options.

FlashFX: Payments Over the Ripple Network

  • Send from: Australia
  • Send to: Over 35 countries, including the USA, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: No cash pickup or mobile wallet support. Bank-to-bank transfers over the Ripple network.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.6/5 (500+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users appreciate the speed and ease of setup, especially for transfers from Australia.
  • Criticism includes limited country coverage and no cash pickup options.

OrbitRemit: Advanced Offering by a Smaller Company

  • Send from: New Zealand, Australia, UK
  • Send to: 39 countries, including the Philippines, India, and the Pacific Islands.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: Cash pickup available in select locations (e.g., Philippines), bank transfers, and bill payment services.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.8/5 (9,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users favor the service for NZ-based migrants and appreciate the cash pickup options.
  • Criticism for limited cash pickup locations and higher fees for small transfers.

Remitly: Reliable Service Offering Bank-to-Bank and Cash Pickups

  • Send from: USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia
  • Send to: 100+ countries, including the Philippines, India, Mexico, and Pakistan.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: Cash pickup available at 140,000+ locations worldwide, mobile wallet transfers, and bank transfers.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (25,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users praise the wide range of payout options, including door delivery in select countries.
  • Criticism includes occasional delays in processing during peak times.

Pangea: Combines with a Debit Card Aimed at US Immigrants

  • Send from: USA
  • Send to: 15+ countries, primarily in Latin America and the Philippines.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: Cash pickup available at partner locations, mobile wallet support, and direct-to-debit card transfers.

Customer Feedback:

  • App Store: 4.9/5 (10,000+ reviews)
  • Google Play: 4.8/5 (20,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users appreciate the ease of use and the availability of a debit card linked to the service.
  • Criticism for higher fees for smaller transfers and limited country coverage.

Small World Money Transfer: Remittances and Cash Pickup

  • Send from: Europe, USA, Canada, Brazil
  • Send to: 90+ countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, India, and the Philippines.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: Cash pickup at 250,000+ locations, airtime top-up, bank transfers, and bill payment services.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.6/5 (18,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users value the wide range of remittance services, including cash pickups and bill payments.
  • Criticism for occasional delays in cash pickups and higher fees for certain corridors.

Opal Transfer: Eastern-Europe Specialists

  • Send from: UK, Europe
  • Send to: 30+ countries, primarily in Eastern Europe, including Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria.
  • Cash/Remittance Functions: No cash pickup. Supports bank transfers and mobile wallets in select countries.

Customer Feedback:

  • Trustpilot: 4.9/5 (5,000+ reviews)

User Highlights:

  • Users appreciate the focus on Eastern Europe and the transparency of fees.
  • Criticism for limited global coverage beyond Eastern Europe.

Remittances Companies – A Quick Comparison

Legacy Remittance Companies 👴

Western UnionMoneygramRia
UK Customers
USA Customers
MethodBank Transfer, Cash Pickup to thousands of destinations. Mobile top-ups.Bank Transfer, Cash Pickup to thousands of destinations. Mobile top-ups.Bank Transfer, Cash Pickup to thousands of destinations. Mobile top-ups.
% cost GBP to INR online – £120 transfer

 

2.65%

4.53%

 

2.43%

% cost USD to PHP online – $200 transfer

 

4.87%

 

2.63%

1.63%
Trustpilot Review Score2.3 / 54.3 / 54.2 / 5
App Rating4.5 / 54.6 / 54 / 5
Overall Score69%50%77.2%

Fintech Remittance Companies 🆒

AzimoXoomWiseCurrencyfairOrbitRemitWorldRemit
UK Customers
USA CustomersXXX
MethodBank Transfer, Cash Pickup on some destinationsBank Transfer, Cash Pickup on some destinations and cash delivery to home addressBank transfers onlyBank transfers onlyBank transfer, Cash Pickup to a small handful of destinationsBank Transfer, Cash Pickup on some destinations. Mobile top-ups in Africa
% cost GBP to INR online – £120 transfer

 

2.03%

3.06%*0.7%

 

0.76%*

2.21%

 

2.02%

% cost USD to PHP online – $200 transferN/A4.00%

 

1.60%

N/AN/A3.53%
Trustpilot Review Score4.6 / 54.0 / 54.6 / 54.6 / 54.8 / 54.0 / 5
App Rating4.6 / 54.8 / 54.5 / 54.4 / 54.7 / 54.4 / 5
Overall Score77%78%87%86%75%77%

*Rates not available on World Bank Remittance website, findings based on our own calculations using the interbank rate at the time and the currency converter available on the providers’ website.

Cheap Remittances Matter.

Are the companies featured in this section really cheaper than traditional settlements like
MoneyGram and
Western Union agents?

The World Bank has a program named “
Remittances Prices
that has set itself a goal to reduce the remittances fees to developing countries that rely on that inflow of cash from its residents abroad. The most recent report published on remittances prices was
March 2024 which calculated the average cost of remitting money home to be 6.04%.
Follow our tips on cheap remittances providers and you should certainly find a better deal than this.

Below you can find statistics based on the World Bank Remittances Prices for Q1 2024:

Example 1: Remit money online from the UK to Romania

On a £300 transfer, you can save £27 per transfer
(data from World Bank)

Example 2: Remit money online from the UK to Brazil

  • WorldRemit: Total Cost 2.7% of total
  • Azimo: Total Cost 2.73% of total
  • Ria: Total Cost 2.7% of total
  • MoneyGram (online): Total Cost 4.12% of total
  • Western Union (online): Total Cost 6.55% of total
  • MoneyGram (branch): Total Cost 9.45% of total
  • Western Union (branch): Total Cost 9.46% of total

On a £300 transfer, you can save £20 per transfer.

Example 3: Remit money online from the UK to Poland

  • Wise: Total Cost 0.82% of total
  • Azimo: Total Cost 1.37% of total
  • MoneyGram (online): Total Cost 1.78% of total
  • Western Union (online): Total Cost 5.00% of total
  • MoneyGram (branch): Total Cost 5.63% of total

On a £300 transfer, you can save £15 per transfer.

Example 4: Remit money online from UK to Thailand

  • Wise: Total Cost 0.77% of total
  • Azimo: Total Cost 1.39% of total
  • Ria: Total Cost 2.82% of total
  • WorldRemit: Total Cost 3.22% of total
  • Western Union (online): Total Cost 4.26% of total
  • Western Union (Branch): Total Cost 13.19% of total

On a £300 transfer, you can save £37 per transfer
(data from World Bank)

 

You’re in the right place if you are seeking

Migrant Remittances: 

You’re working abroad as a migrant and remitting money (such as your salary) home to family, friends, or your own domestic bank account. You’re looking for cheap remittances with great global reach, enabling you to either wire your money remittances to a bank account, or enable its recipient to receive it in cash. This transaction could be a one-off, or on a regular basis.

Regular Remittances: 

You’re residing abroad and want to conduct  overseas cheap remittances on a regular basis; you are either remitting your salary to your home bank account, remitting money from your home bank account to your current bank account, or paying for something in installments (most commonly, mortgage payments and pensions).

Remitting Payments:

Even if you have not moved abroad as an expat or migrant you may still have a bank account abroad for a variety of reasons. If you are accepting money into that overseas bank account, you would eventually want to receive that money from abroad so you can make use of it. A remittance comparison should help you find the best solution.

Discovering the best remittances companies could be a struggle in this cumbersome area but we are here to help our reader get down to the nitty-gritty.

International Money Order for Remittances?

We have created a large guide about international money orders to explain the associated cost of this method for remittances transfers, and our bottom line is that there’s a $10 fee to issue those in the U.S, and that there are other currency costs making it an expensive method to remit money online.

Most Popular Routes on Money Transfer Comparison (Remittances)

Our focus on this page is to compare remittances options and designated services/companies and their rates specifically for destinations like

✅ Money transfers from USA to India and from UK to India

✅ Money transfers from UK to the Philippines and from USA to Philippines

✅ Money transfers from USA to Thailand and from UK to Thailand

✅ Money transfers from UK to Poland

✅ Money transfers from USA to Mexico

✅ Money transfers from UK to Hungary and from USA to Hungary

✅ Money transfers from UK to Romania and from USA to Romania

✅ Remittance to any other destination [for transfers above £5,000 or $5,000 view our Currency Broker listings]

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