MoneyGram Review

MoneyGram has been around since 1998, and your parents might even be familiar with this name. Is the platform keeping up with the times, or is it having a hard time catching up with modern neobanks like Ogvio? Let's settle the debate in this MoneyGram review.

The company made a name for its strong offline presence. But recently, more and more MoneyGram users have begun using its online services, or a combination of virtual and in-person channels.

Truthfully, there are pros and cons to each method. The best option depends on what you think fits your situation best, which is why I'll provide a feature-by-feature overview in this MoneyGram review and guide you in making a decision.

MoneyGram Review: Quick Overview

MoneyGram’s history has come a long way, dating back to 1940. As one of the oldest peer-to-peer money transfer providers, it has expanded its footprint across more than 470,000 retail locations worldwide. Even with its offline-first, agent-network model, many user MoneyGram reviews note a smooth digital transfer experience, which accounts for roughly 50% of all the platform’s transactions.

To further understand what is MoneyGram, since that’ll likely shape your decision-making, here’s a quick reference table:

Table: A quick overview of MoneyGram

Feel free to skim these essentials or return here anytime. They’ll help ground everything as we dig deeper into how MoneyGram works.

MoneyGram Alternatives

Most people don’t stick to just one remittance provider. They keep comparing options, switching between platforms as their needs and goals change. If you’re trying out MoneyGram, the names below are equally worth a look. Some even offer stronger rates and more flexible features:

• Ogvio. MoneyGram fees can be higher than expected. If you’d like to take a break from that, Ogvio is a more affordable option. Fees stay flat even if your transfer amount escalates, and you always know your total cost before hitting confirm.
• Western Union. One of the closest parallels to MoneyGram in terms of retail offerings, Western Union provides online and offline service channels, most notably through its in-person agent locations.
• WorldRemit. Serving 130 countries, WorldRemit also allows you to send money through electronic transfers or deliver it directly to the recipient. Most users stick to this platform due to its ease of use.

	OGVIO	WESTERN UNION	WORLDREMIT
Overall Score	9.8	9.4	9.0
Transaction Fees	Free-to-Low	Varies	Varies
Pricing Model	Per-transaction	Per-transaction	Per-transaction
Value For Money
Verdict	A global money transfer service with an additional volatile currency rate pegging to USD or EUR.	A global service trusted for decades for sending money digitally or in person, though often pricier than newer alternatives.	An easy-to-use digital transfer app for small to medium-sized remittances.
	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review

Table: A comparison of top money transfer providers

As you can see, every platform has its quirks, and people often use them interchangeably as they see fit. Even so, the goal is to find one provider that you can rely on long-term. Keep these solutions in mind; they serve as the baseline for evaluating various factors in this MoneyGram review.

📚 Read More: Best Money Transfer Apps

Did you know?

Compare Money Transfer Services Side-by-Side With Others

All Money Transfer Services may look similar to you, but they're NOT all the same!

Yes! Show me the Comparison Chart

Who’s MoneyGram For?

With more people migrating across regions, the demand for remittance services continues to rise.^[1] MoneyGram caters to that by letting people in 200+ countries and regions send money to family members and friends abroad.

If you belong to any of the groups below, you’ll likely appreciate MoneyGram’s services:

• Migrant Workers. Perhaps you’re a nurse working in the United States, sending parts of your earnings to your daughter back in the Philippines, or a breadwinner supporting relatives in Mexico. MoneyGram’s international coverage and wide cash pickup network make global remittances accessible, even for older generations who aren’t familiar with electronic transfers.
• Overseas Families. MoneyGram supports 135+ currencies, including USD, EUR, and various local options. As a result, your family can receive money in a currency that they use for spending, settling bills, paying tuition, and more.

• Non-Digitally Savvy Individuals. Alongside its mature digital infrastructure, MoneyGram swiftly accommodates pension recipients, underbanked individuals, and those steering clear of bank fees by offering convenient cash pick-up points and money orders.
• Small-to-Medium Business Owners. Although not as widely known as its C2C (consumer-to-consumer) segment, MoneyGram provides fintech solutions for mass business disbursements, crypto on- and off-ramps, and other flexible payment solutions.

That said, there are certain audiences that MoneyGram doesn’t really fit into. Digital-first users looking for bank-beating rates, for instance, may find better value elsewhere, since MoneyGram fees tend to be higher than the market average.

Advantages

User MoneyGram reviews frequently highlight the following strong points of the service:

• Large network;
• Offline and online experience;
• Bill payments;
• Mobile top-ups.

As one of the oldest players around, it’s clear that MoneyGram has built a far-reaching global network that supports diverse payout endpoints, including debit/credit card (VISA/Mastercard), bank account, cash, and digital wallets. It even lowers the barrier to entry for money orders by not requiring a checking account.

📚 Read More: How to Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account

MoneyGram also leans heavily into an integrated online-offline experience. A user can initiate an online transfer, and the recipient will receive the funds at an offline location with no friction. This hybrid model helps close the gap between users who are comfortable transacting digitally and those with limited access to connectivity and banking infrastructure.^[2]

Most users may know MoneyGram for its core remittance feature. But in the United States, it also supports online and cash bill payments. Americans can pay thousands of billers, from Xfinity and Toyota Financial to 21st Mortgage, and have it posted within 24 hours, especially when using a card. Fast posting times are actually one of MoneyGram’s specialties, as noted by its regular users.

Using MoneyGram, you’re not only limited to sending fiat. Imagine being on a video call with a loved one when they suddenly run out of data. A quick mobile top-up via MoneyGram will get you reconnected right away. At the time of writing, around 600 mobile networks are supported, though availability varies by country.

Limitations

There will always be people who refer to MoneyGram as one of the best remittance solutions. However, for those who’ve seen the wider landscape, the following drawbacks begin to stand out:

• On the expensive side;
• Disparity in agent locations;
• Regional feature limitations;
• Void payments.

MoneyGram price, or rather fees, can quickly climb due to steep FX markups and substantial transfer rates. The platform might give you a generous exchange rate for your first digital transfer. As of November 2025, $1 is equal to MX$18.5703, which is more than fair.

Once you’ve used up that promotion, the rate goes back to MX$18.0924, which is considerably lower than what you’d normally get on the market. To compare, some platforms take a fairer approach with flat-fee pricingrather than variable charges tied to funding corridors.

📚 Read More: Cheapest Way to Send Money Internationally

On top of that, although MoneyGram has a strong offline presence, physical outlets are largely concentrated in populated areas. The provider ended its partnership with a prominent network, the UK’s Post Office, in 2024, which slightly narrowed location gaps.

Not all MoneyGram features are available in every country, either. If you’re in France, you only get sending, receiving, and loyalty rewards. Meanwhile, those in the US can pay bills and even top up data. This regional block extends to other services as well, mainly crypto-to-cash conversions.

Lastly, while MoneyGram holds an outstanding 4.2-star rating on external platforms, unresolved disputes pile up. Some users experience sudden account closures, while others have their transactions repeatedly cancelled without a specific explanation from the internal security team. And when customers try to appeal, they’re unable to, even after submitting proofs of identity.

Fees

As with many other remittance providers, MoneyGram's price is completely free, meaning that you don’t have to subscribe or pay an upfront deposit to use its services. The story changes once you get to transfer fees, as they can be difficult to untangle.

For starters, MoneyGram doesn’t have a dedicated page listing all its fees, but I don’t think the platform lacks transparency. In my testing, the fee estimator has been genuinely helpful in calculating the real cost.

In general, the following factors affect your MoneyGram fees:

• Where you are sending to;
• The total amount;
• The chosen payment and receive methods.

Mind that credit card payments, in general, will incur higher fees.

Here is a sample of transfer fees in the most popular corridors. Note that fluctuations apply. The FX rates outlined are also effective as of November 2025 and change daily:

Table: An estimate of fees across MoneyGram’s primary corridors

The takeaway here is that, if you’d like to save up, you can take advantage of MoneyGram’s new user discounts. However, they’re only available in select countries.

Limits

When transferring large amounts, such as for paying tuition, moving in, or an emergency, your chosen provider’s transfer cap can become a ceiling.

Limits can also be affected when you split the transfers into smaller amounts. MoneyGram sets how often you can remit money on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis to safeguard users.

In a broader sense, your local regulations also determine your transaction cap. Most countries don’t set firm limits, but specific sums, particularly in cash, typically trigger reporting obligations. For the exact regulations, review any existing framework and, if necessary, consult the relevant authority to avoid harsh detention.

Now, if you’re curious about the specific limits on MoneyGram, I ran the numbers through its estimator to find the following figures:

Table: An estimate of transfer limits across MoneyGram’s primary corridors

And just like fees, limits are rarely set in stone. They’re constantly updated, depending on market trends, current laws, and security needs.

Localization

As mentioned in this MoneyGram review, the service operates in 200+ countries. It is an authorized entity in all 50 states, DC, and all US territories. Here is a shortlist of licenses MoneyGram has acquired:

• Money Transmitter License by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
• Nationwide Multistate Licensing System by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.
• Money Services Business by FinCEN.

Outside the US, MoneyGram is the go-to provider in high-traffic markets and corridors like Mexico, the Philippines, Colombia, India, and Jamaica. In niche regions, like Uganda, MoneyGram maintains a strong presence as well.

If you need a secure, traceable, non-bank payment, such as through money orders, you can find the nearest MoneyGram agent branch near you. Around the globe, there are over 470,000 touchpoints, and you’ll likely find them in urban or suburban areas. For instance, you can find multiple outlets in Downtown Toronto.

For those who prefer phone support, MoneyGram’s customer service handles queries in 21 languages (as of writing), including English, Chinese, Tagalog, Português, Korean, and Español. If you’re comfortable speaking in your mother tongue, I’d suggest visiting the agent location instead.

User Experience

User experience is one aspect many people care about when choosing a remittance platform. A clunky user interface can lead to human errors. Transactions can be delayed or, worse, voided. Some actions cannot be reversed, either.

So, is MoneyGram user-friendly? The service has three channels: the app, the website, and physical locations. I tested the website, and the platform guided me through every step without throwing too many unnecessary elements on the screen, so I knew where to focus. I could confidently set up the transfer, add a recipient, and confirm the details in one sitting.

The community also shares positive experiences with their mobile app, as proven by the 5-star and 4.9-star ratings on Google Play Store and the App Store, respectively. Here’s a glimpse into one of the user MoneyGram app reviews:

No ads, no disturbances like other apps. The only thing I would love you to work on is your notifications when a transaction has been sent through.

In most cases, when there’s a valid criticism, the developer is always there to respond.

Moving on to the offline method, most users shower MoneyGram with the same praise for its convenience. Instant cash pickup is found to be helpful in urgent circumstances. However, high fees and sudden cancellations remain the most prominent pain points.

If I have to choose between electronic and physical transactions, I’d say that the former has the upper hand, thanks to the Send Again feature. While you can’t exactly schedule recurring payments, MoneyGram lets you copy the details of past transactions through your account history. The system will autofill the details so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Security

Money is one of the things that often gets stolen or lost, so it’s only normal to ask, is Money Gram Union safe?

The remittance service takes your personal information seriously. Industry-standard database and network encryption are in place to protect sensitive data within the system. All security measures are designed to meet data-protection standards.

MoneyGram also works with UpGuard, a third-party cybersecurity company, to monitor breaches using threat intelligence feeds. Based on audit results, the platform scores an A, or 819/950, for its international security rating (as of November 2025).

Aside from hacks, fraud is also a big danger. MoneyGram complies with stringent anti-money laundering (AML) requirements and the GDPR. However, those safeguards only go so far. Remember to protect yourself against phishing, impersonation, romance scams, or other types of deception.

Customer Support

Customer support on MoneyGram is a mixed bag, but let’s start with some good news.

Reaching out is straightforward, and you’re spoiled for choice, whether you want to report fraud or fix an issue. MoneyGram’s customer support is available via email, support tickets, and phone. There’s a full FAQ sub-directory that serves as a knowledge base if you prefer troubleshooting independently.

I also took a peek into how responsive MoneyGram’s administrators are on social media. It’s reassuring to see that they don’t hide any negative feedback and continue to address concerns professionally.

While the customer support is generally reliable, the quality of the service is not always favorable. That’s fairly typical across platforms, but I did find a recurring number of complaints in user MoneyGram reviews. Quite a lot of people feel frustrated with unfriendly responses, long wait times, and unclear resolution paths.

Nevertheless, MoneyGram consistently makes an effort to follow up where possible, demonstrating its willingness to engage and provide support.

MoneyGram App

Any in-depth take wouldn’t be complete without a MoneyGram app review. I did touch on it a bit, but there’s more to unpack.

MoneyGram integrates seamlessly with Apple Pay. Users can cut down their transfer time through contactless verifications like Face or Touch ID.

The MoneyGram app, whether on iOS or Android, is equipped with biometric access. For extra security beyond a traditional password, make sure to activate the passkey, either using your fingerprint or screen lock. Additionally, you can set up a PIN to lock out intruders.

When you download the app, you’ll see a notice about data safety. While MoneyGram collects certain data types and may share them with third parties, any private information is encrypted in transit. To free up storage space, you can also delete unnecessary data.

How to Use MoneyGram

In order to figure out how does MoneyGram work, let’s jump into the tutorial right after the review. That way, you can better decide if the platform is a good fit for you.

How to Create an Account on MoneyGram

Having an account is necessary to initiate your transfer. Follow the guidelines below:

And that’s it. Do not forget to complete the KYC by submitting the required documents. After that, you can proceed with your first international remittance!

How to Send Money on MoneyGram

Since the previous tutorial took place on a PC, for a change of scenery, let’s see how the money transfer process unfolds on a mobile device.

Afterward, MoneyGram will process your transaction and give you a reference number, so you can track the status of your remittance with peace of mind.

📚 Read More: How to Send Money Online

Comparing MoneyGram With Other Money Transfer Services

Every provider has its strengths and weak spots. A side-by-side comparison makes it easy to pick the option that best fits your priorities.

MoneyGram VS Ogvio

Depending on your corridor, MoneyGram charges anywhere between 2.5% and 4.99%, or even higher. If you’re looking to trim your overall costs, Ogvio is a cost-effective choice.

Available in 160+ countries, Ogvio supports 40 currencies. FX rates generally stay stable, partly because your balance stays pegged to EUR or USD (your choice) as a built-in protection against inflation. Meanwhile, as discussed, non-promotional MoneyGram exchange rates are generally less competitive.

MoneyGram has an expansive distribution network, and Ogvio does, too. The latter puts more emphasis on time-effective payment rails, including SEPA Instant in the Eurozone, Faster Payments in the United Kingdom, UPI or IMPS Instant in India, and more. As a result, your transfer lands in your recipient’s account quickly without days of uncertainty.

	OGVIO	MONEYGRAM
Funding Methods	Bank transfer Crypto transfer Card transfer Apple Pay/Google Pay	Card Bank ACH
Delivery Methods	Internal Bank deposit Crypto wallet	Bank deposit Cash pickup Mobile wallet
Supported Networks	Base	Stellar
Transaction Speed	| | | | | Long Average Very Quick	| | | | | Long Average Very Quick
Bulk Payments
Scheduled Payments
	Visit site Read review	See TOP10 Brands Read review

Table: MoneyGram VS Ogvio's asset movement

In certain markets, crypto ramps function as a practical alternative, particularly when fiat options are limited or expensive. MoneyGram offers crypto-to-cash solutions, but it only supports a handful of tokens. Ogvio lets you hold and trade a roster of tokens on the Base network, from ETH to BTC and AAVE (more to come).

And if you think that MoneyGram is easy to use, Ogvio takes it further. Clear, intuitive prompts guide you through each step of the transfer. As a nice touch, you can use the @Tag functionality to send money like a DM.

Try out Ogvio today, and see how transfers can arrive fast without having to pay extra in fees.

📚 Read More: Ogvio Review

MoneyGram VS Western Union

Both MoneyGram and Western Union are dominant players in the money transfer space, and some remitters use the two interchangeably. Either one is a good pick if you prioritize reputation, but one outperforms the other in certain areas.

Based on user MoneyGram reviews, its transfer fees appear to be lower when you use an optimal payment and delivery route. Sending $500 to France, for instance, will incur $8.99. Meanwhile, Western Union charges slightly higher, with cash pickup options starting around $10. Nevertheless, you can always save up by taking advantage of the free transfer promotion as a first-time sender.

	WESTERN UNION	MONEYGRAM
Deposit Fees	N/A	N/A
Withdrawal Fees	N/A	N/A
Other Fees	Exchange rate markup SMS fees Account over-limit fees	Conversion fee - varies
Card Maintenance Fees	Free	No card
Fee Transparency
Markup
	Visit site Read review	See TOP10 Brands Read review

Table: MoneyGram VS Western Union's fees

Regarding global presence, both have extensive coverage in 200+ countries. Western Union has more visibility with 500,000+ locations, especially in underbanked or remote areas. Interestingly, MoneyGram and Western Union partner with major retail chains, letting you pick up cash while grocery shopping.

If you want to do more than just send money, MoneyGram is a better match, as you find helpful extras like crypto ramps and bill payments. If you prefer sticking to tried-and-true international remittance, Western Union is a familiar choice.

📚 Read More: Western Union Review

MoneyGram VS WorldRemit

Many people also turn to WorldRemit for transferring funds to their loved ones abroad. Sometimes, you can even save up to 5% in transfer fees compared to MoneyGram.

The trade-off is that WorldRemit is available in 130+ countries, while MoneyGram reaches 200+. Depending on your corridor, you can take advantage of WorldRemit’s better prices, but in niche regions, MoneyGram is more reliable.

	WORLDREMIT	MONEYGRAM
Supported Countries	Ghana Kenya Vietnam +127 more	UK Germany US +200 more
Supported Languages	EN DE ES +4 more	EN ES FR +6 more
Supported Fiat Currencies	GBP BGN HUF +78 more	EUR USD GBP +90 more
Supported Cryptocurrencies	Fiat-only	USDC BTC ETH LTC
	Visit site Read review	See TOP10 Brands Read review

Table: MoneyGram VS WorldRemit's coverage

For those relying on a prepaid mobile plan, whether you’re traveling or staying abroad temporarily, WorldRemit has an airtime top-up feature. You can top up your relative’s mobile balance. Even when you’re far apart, you can continue having calls and exchanging text messages with them. Likewise, WorldRemit supports mobile top-ups, stretching to 600+ providers and 150+ countries.

There’s another handy feature: the WorldRemit wallet, which lets you store and manage multiple currencies, from PHP to USD. The catch is that it’s not offered in all regions. MoneyGram also has a wallet, where USDC acts as the central currency you use to send, receive, and cash out. For payments, there used to be a MoneyGram card, but since December 2025, it's no longer available.

📚 Read More: WorldRemit Review

Conclusions

Closing the curtain on this MoneyGram review, it is one of the most reliable remittance providers. It offers a digital money transfer experience that matches the quality of its long-established offline network, supported by fast settlements and broad payout coverage.

Overall, MoneyGram is a solid choice, especially if you prefer a trusted brand and are comfortable with paying a little extra. Just be mindful of the limits when you’re sending money, and don’t forget to take advantage of welcome perks if you’re a new user.

Scientific References

1. Jr R. H. A, Page J.: ‘Do International Migration and Remittances Reduce Poverty in Developing Countries?’;

2. Martina M., Tim R., Jennifer P. W.: 'Migrant Remittances: Alternative Money Transfer Channels'.

Send Money Worldwide

Check out the best ways to send money to other countries quickly, safely, and with minimal fees.

Send Money to Australia

Send Money to Austria

Send Money to Belgium

Send Money to Brazil

Send Money to Canada

Send Money to China

Send Money to Colombia

Send Money to Croatia

Send Money to Cuba

Send Money to Cyprus

Send Money to Dominican Republic

Send Money to Egypt

Send Money to El Salvador

Send Money to Estonia

Send Money to Europe

Send Money to France

Send Money to Germany

Send Money to Greece

Send Money to Indonesia

Send Money to Italy

Send Money to Mexico

Send Money to Nigeria

Send Money to Pakistan

Send Money to Philippines

Send Money to Portugal

Send Money to Singapore

Send Money to South Africa

Send Money to South Korea

Send Money to Thailand

Send Money to Turkey

Send Money to Ukraine

Send Money to United Arab Emirates

Send Money to United Kingdom

Send Money to USA

Send Money to Vietnam