Remitly Review

For sending money abroad, one name that often comes up is Remitly. Its homepage reads worry-free transfers for you and your loved ones. Naturally, you may wonder if that promise really holds up, and this Remitly review takes a closer look at that claim while examining what works and what doesn’t.

Remitly initially made an entrance to the US market in 2011, when it started humbly as a search engine for remittance services; it eventually became one itself. 2013 was a milestone, as Remitly began opening paths to international transfer destinations, such as the Philippines.

However, when comparing money transfer services, regional coverage is a smaller part of the bigger picture. New challengers like Ogvio are taking on Remitly with highly competitive fees and near-instant delivery speeds. As of now, choosing the right platform can be tricky, and that's where my Remitly review fills the gap.

Remitly Review: Quick Overview

Before we dive deep into this Remitly review, and in order to give you a better understanding of the platform and its features, here’s an at-a-glance table that sums up what you need to know:

Table: Remitly's quick overview

As you can see here, Remitly already ticks a lot of boxes, especially in terms of compliance, currency options, and geographical coverage. Still, there are more angles to explore, such as Remitly fees, transparency, and user experience.

Remitly Alternatives

Remitly often tops people’s recommendations. It’s only understandable, since the company has built a solid reputation for 10 years and counting. But as time goes on, more promising players keep entering the scene, offering better fees, greater payout flexibility, and richer features.

Here are some of the best services that go head-to-head with Remitly today:

• Ogvio. This rising contender is set on challenging Remitly’s competitive fees and wide global reach. Most transfers with Ogvio will either be low-fee or fee-free. The platform will support 160+ countries, 40+ currencies, and well-known payment networks or digital wallets like SEPA, Google Pay, and Stripe.
• Wise. This international transfer solution lets you move money to 160+ countries with no hidden markups. Wise is also a multi-functional platform that covers every step of your financial management with its multi-currency account and debit card.
• Western Union. One of the oldest names in the game and still going strong today. Western Union is best known for its extensive offline presence, with thousands of pickup points worldwide. Though in recent years, WU has made a name for itself in online services.

	OGVIO	WISE	WESTERN UNION
Overall Score	9.8	9.3	8.9
Transaction Fees	Free	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 and EUR feature.	A transparent money transfer service that uses the mid-market rate and shows fees upfront.	A global service trusted for decades for sending money digitally or in person, though often pricier than newer alternatives.
	Visit site Read review	Visit site	Visit site Read review

Table: Comparison of top money transfer providers

Keep these names and their unique strengths in mind. They’ll serve as the benchmark as I dive deeper into my Remitly review.

📚 Read More: Best Money Transfer Apps

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Who’s Remitly For?

Remitly targets everyday users, especially those who regularly send remittances home and value convenience over complex financial tools. Simplicity alone can be a double-edged sword, as some users feel that Remitly is too basic for their needs. Considering that in mind, Remitly is best if you are:

• An individual sending money to friends and family abroad. The current CEO of Remitly saw firsthand how slow, costly, and unreliable traditional remittances could be. Those pain points inspired him to create a solution for migrant workers and families, who can now send or receive money without the stress or expense.
• A first-time remittance user. If this is your first time moving funds abroad, you’ll likely want a process that cuts the frills, and Remitly’s intuitive setup makes it easy to get started.

• A casual money sender in underbanked areas. Remitly accommodates users with limited financial access by eliminating the need for a bank account. Onboarding is flexible through alternative IDs, enabling migrant workers and seafarers to send or receive funds with ease.
• A person prioritizing convenience. Remitly is built around the simple premise of making global remittances quick and easy. If that’s your goal, Remitly more than delivers. But if you demand more complex features, such as a multi-currency account, Remitly technically offers some sort of functionality, but it falls short.

If you belong to any of the categories above, there might be merit in exploring how Remitly works and if it ultimately meets your expectations.

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

Advantages

Over the years, Remitly has been building its reputation. These reasons emphasize why the money transfer provider continues to stand strong in the remittance space to this day:

• Ease of use;
• International coverage;
• Multiple delivery methods;
• Thousands of payout options;
• Mobile convenience.

Right off the bat, I realized that using Remitly couldn’t be easier. As you’ll see in the User Experience section later, its interface is highly intuitive, so you’ll immediately know where to click and what to do. And as the upcoming tutorial in the latter section shows, transferring money will just take a few clicks.

No matter where you’re sending money, there’s a good chance that Remitly will be able to facilitate you. Users from 30+ countries can deliver funds to 170+ countries, including supported regions with a banking void^[1] in East Africa. It’s easy to see why Remitly is the go-to choice for migrant workers, international students, and small business owners, following Remitly’s mission:

Freedom to move money.

Remitly’s versatility extends to its diverse delivery methods. Users don’t have to leave their homes to receive money; funds will be deposited directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets. But if you’re sending remittances to parents or pension recipients back home, Remitly makes that as easy with cash pickup or home delivery.

For payout options, you don’t have to rack your brain, either. Remitly supports both mainstream and niche payment gateways, localized to fit each country you send to. Its payment networks include Mercado Pago in Mexico, Maya in the Philippines, and the State Bank of India (SBI).

Last but not least, using Remitly wouldn’t be as easy if it weren’t accessible across devices, including your mobile phone. The app receives 4.9-star ratings on the Google Play Store and App Store. User reviews of the Remitly app consistently commend the platform’s clean interface and 99.99% uptime.

Limitations

Remitly has certainly made a name for itself, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best remittance service out there, especially with newer modern solutions entering the market. A few factors are holding Remitly back:

• No domestic transfers;
• Complex fee structure;
• Escalating FX rates;
• Regional blockers.

First things first, Remitly is a regulated, cross-border payment company. It isn’t built around domestic transfers or point-of-sale payments. For those, you might want to look for the best digital wallets or platforms that handle both domestic and international transfers.

On top of that, Remitly’s fees can be a hard nut to crack. Based on my experience, whenever I switched the payment method or selected a new country, the quote shifted as well. To its credit, Remitly is transparent, but the fluctuating rates make it hard to compare costs between different transfers. For easier estimation, Remitly offers a handy currency converter.

Numerous user Remitly reviews also point to their frustration with escalating FX rates. For your first transfers (specific limit applies), Remitly keeps its FX rates in line with the market average. Once you hit that benchmark, though, the rate jumps back to its normal pricing, which isn’t always as favorable. It only makes sense, then, that many users begin exploring alternatives afterward.

Finally, Remitly’s convenience doesn’t stretch to every corner of the map. Certain delivery methods, like cash pickup and home delivery, are not available in every area. Courier services are only available in the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Fees

In the spirit of tackling the most confusing part first, let’s break down Remitly fees before breezing through the rest.

Generally, the rates and tariffs revolve around three aspects:

Across the board, Remitly offers new users a special exchange rate on their first $1,000 transfer. This promotion runs for a limited time, giving you the opportunity to save. Mind that transfers beyond the specified amount will trigger non-promotional FX rates, particularly when paying with a bank account. These terms are not set in stone - they vary depending on your region and funding method.

Now, when it comes to fees tied to specific destinations, one way to find out is by using Remitly’s currency converter. Aside from that, Remitly will clearly display the total cost before you hit [Send].

For a general illustration, though, here is how much you can expect to pay in some of Remitly’s major corridors:

Table: Remitly's fee breakdown

As you can see, some markets follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Others take a little detective work to figure out. Even so, in most cases, you’ll only deal with one main transfer fee plus the FX rate. Tiered pricing might be introduced for same-currency transfers.

Understandably, transaction costs play an important role in remittance decisions. They influence how much your family receives,^[2] how frequently you remit money, and the service you end up using.

As laid out above, though, it’s possible to cut corners by using newcomer perks, limited-time FX deals, and the Economy delivery option if you don’t mind the wait.

Limits

Limits may not be part of Remitly’s price structure. Nevertheless, both still go hand in hand, since they directly affect how you plan your transfers.

Check out Remitly’s international transfer limits below:

Table: Remitly's transfer limit across countries

There’s one hoop to jump through if you’d like to remit large sums of money - identity verification or KYC. Remitly will prompt you to submit standard documentation like a photo ID and proof of address. Once that’s out of the way, you can freely make higher-value transfers for property purchases or tuition fees.

User Experience

From setting up an account to configuring an international remittance, the end-to-end process is smooth and easy.

Remitly is accessible on the website and the mobile app. Wherever you are, the interface remains clean, minimalistic, and free from any clutter that could distract users. Even the older generations can find their way around effortlessly.

Navigation-wise, Remitly features clear and well-placed call-to-action buttons. Users generally understand where to go and what to do next, whether they're making a transfer, checking rewards, or testing the currency converter tool.

In most cases, the onboarding process is fast and efficient. There are a lot of steps involved, but in 2023, Remitly revamped its old website to a newer and modern design that aligns with WCAG AA standards.

Thanks to the interactivity and accessibility enhancements, Remitly’s UI/UX guides you seamlessly from start to finish, ensuring less confusion along the way.

📚 Read More: How to Send Money Online

Security

Since your hard-earned money is on the line, it’s only natural to ask is Remitly safe.

I looked back through the company’s history for any signs of a data breach, but as it turns out, Remitly maintains a spotless track record against hacks.

In 2024, building on the company’s commitment to security, Remitly collaborated with HackerOne to launch a bug bounty program. The platform invited ethical hackers around the world to identify potential security weaknesses, helping Remitly close the loop on threats and strengthen its defenses even further.

Remitly’s focus on consumer protection is also evident in the account and transaction security measures it has in place. First off, every new user should complete the verification process before initiating a transfer to uphold high standards of security, trust, and protection.

Once your account is active, Remitly doesn’t sleep. It constantly monitors your account activity through manual and automated risk procedures to detect and prevent any suspicious behavior.

Remitly also keeps your data safe with Security Sockets Layer (SSL) and 256-bit encryption, one of the strongest industry standards that’s said to be virtually unbreakable with current technology.

That said, Remitly cannot protect you 100% from every type of scam, and the company does not reimburse losses from the incident. It will only issue a refund if the transaction was unauthorized. Nonetheless, the platform actively advocates and educates users to stay vigilant against potential fraud.

So, if you ask me, is Remitly safe? Yes, it is. Nevertheless, I cannot deny that safety falls onto the responsibility of every user. Pausing and verifying before you transfer remains the most reliable safeguard.

Localization

As mentioned previously, one of Remitly’s strengths is its global network. This trickles down into broader regional availability, language support, and payout options.

Now, let’s clear up a common point of confusion between sending and receiving. Sending countries refer to where you can initiate the transfer from, and Remitly’s list currently includes 30 countries, namely:

• The US
• The UK
• Canada
• Australia

• South Korea
• South Africa
• Portugal
• Eurozone (Italy, Denmark, Finland, etc.)

As for receiving countries, or where you can send money, Remitly stretches its coverage to 170+ countries and territories. These include popular remittance corridors such as the Philippines, India, and Mexico, as well as less-connected markets like Somalia, Honduras, and Ecuador.

Language will hardly ever be a barrier. Remitly’s Help Center supports 18 languages, including Tagalog and Deutsch, while live chat and phone support are available in English and Spanish.

Customer Support

It might be reassuring to find out that Remitly provides multilingual customer support. However, whether or not you can count on the service’s overall quality remains a big question.

Remitly offers 24/7 support through live chat and phone for those who prefer direct human assistance. If you enjoy a bit of DIY, the Help Center doubles as a rich library, with guides and solutions for almost any issue you encounter.

For extra protection against the rising threats of scams, Remitly has a dedicated channel for reporting fraud. And if you’re unsatisfied with its customer service, you can file a complaint through the same platform.

Looking at what people say about their experience on Remitly, the general consensus seems to be satisfactory, which is backed up by a 4.6/5 rating on TrustPilot. There are no huge red flags to worry about, though 1-star reviews do exist, and they mostly point to unresolved disputes and slow response times.

Remitly App

In the User Experience section earlier, I gave you a sneak peek into Remitly’s browser experience. Thankfully, that same level of convenience translates to the mobile version.

Clearly, the app is designed for ease of use. The menus, buttons, and flows are straightforward. In a smooth sequence, you can send money, select a recipient, choose a delivery method, and hit confirm.

The core features on the browser are carried over to the mobile version, as well. There’s even a thoughtful addition of a push notification, which keeps you updated in real-time so you don’t have to stay up worrying at 3AM if the funds have arrived.

Other Features

Most people know Remitly as a remittance service, but if you look closely, it’s also more than that.

To kick things off, Remitly has a Rewards program for users who want to earn perks while sending money. By sharing your special Remitly link and successfully making your friends sign up, you can give $30 and get $30. T&Cs apply.

Next up is the Remitly Wallet. This multi-currency account lets you hold fiat and dollar-backed stablecoins in one to cushion against local currency swings. It’s integrated within the platform, so freelancers, business owners, and families can manage their funds across borders seamlessly. The wallet is a new launch rolled out in September 2025, and it’s still picking up user feedback.

In the near future, the money transfer service plans to debut Remitly One, a membership program with attractive annual rewards, cashback, and instant access to send now and pay later.

Aside from retail offerings, Remitly also caters to corporate clients with its Business feature. This enterprise service assists you with paying overseas teams, vendors, and invoices.

For now, though, it seems that Remitly is sticking true to its identity as a money transfer service, but it’s also keeping up with the times with its newer releases.

How to Use Remitly

At this point, you have sufficient information to make a decision, from Remitly price to its overall outlook. If you decide that this money transfer service is the right choice for you, understanding how does Remitly work will help you get ahead in the transfer process.

How to Create an Account on Remitly

As always, you’ll need an account to begin your journey. Follow the step-by-step below:

And that’s that! It’s simple, right? As a disclaimer, Remitly might ask you to verify your account before proceeding with your transfer. Prepare documents like a government-issued ID, proof of address, proof of income, and any other basic information to streamline your process.

How to Send Money on Remitly

With your account set up, it’s time to begin sending money. As a disclaimer, my tutorial is based on the mobile version. However, you can still adapt some of the steps if you use the browser.

Remitly will send you a confirmation and a reference number to track the status of your transfer. If you encounter any problems, contact Remitly’s customer service right away.

Comparing Remitly With Other Money Transfer Services

Is Remitly the best choice, or are there better services? That depends on your priorities. For your reference and comparison points, here are a few money transfer services worth looking into.

Remitly VS Ogvio

Remitly and the soon-to-launch Ogvio are global remittance players. Many users often criticize Remitly’s unpredictable and occasionally higher fees. While Ogvio isn't built to solve those specific issues, this new kid on the block aims to offer some of the most competitive rates available.

Ogvio will also make your money travel faster. Its near-instant fund delivery to 160+ countries makes the platform ideal for urgent needs. Remitly, by contrast, prompts you to pick between Economy and Express delivery, and you have to pay extra for faster services.

Both Ogvio and Remitly offer wide-reaching payment networks. Ogvio works with 7,000+ banks and wallets worldwide, including SEPA, Stripe, and PayPal. Remitly connects a mix of major banks, local institutions, and fintech partners to complete transfers, depending on the country.

Similar to Remitly, Ogvio is built with ease of use in mind, and in some cases, it will be even more intuitive with its social media-style transfer feature. Just like how you can mention someone on WhatsApp, you will also be able to do that on Ogvio, but this time, you’re sharing money instead of words.

Based on this comparison, Ogvio appears to take a couple of things a step further than Remitly, especially when it comes to fees, delivery options, and accessibility.

Join the Ogvio waitlist today, and once that’s done, go ahead and sign yourself up for BitDegree’s Season 8 Airdrop. A $15,000 prize pool is waiting for you to claim your share.

📚 Read More: Ogvio Review

Remitly VS Wise

While Remitly is a pure remittance platform, Wise also brings domestic transfers to the table. Although Wise offers mid-market exchange rates that can be more favorable than Remitly’s, its fiat support for 40 currencies falls short of Remitly’s coverage of about 100. It’s a give-and-take situation.

However, when it comes to fees, Wise can be more cost-effective for high-value transfers. Sending more than $25,000 automatically qualifies you for a discounted rate. For smaller sums, though, Remitly could work out cheaper, as Wise may tack on extra transfer fees and VAT.

Among the user circles, Wise is well-known for its multi-currency account. Remitly may only be starting out, but Wise has tapped into years of experience to build a plug-and-play solution. Instant settlement, currency conversion, and multiple BINs with Visa and Mastercard make it easy to spend or travel.

Evidently, though, Wise’s comprehensive feature set can be overwhelming, and the platform is indeed harder to navigate than Remitly’s, especially when your goal is to only transfer money abroad. So, when you’re pitted against the two, consider the factors that matter to you most.

Remitly VS Western Union

To this day and age, Western Union still holds the crown as a money transfer service with one of the largest market shares. Available in 200+ countries, Western Union’s presence far reaches emerging regions that other platforms tend to overlook, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.

Remitly provides access to around 470,000 cash pickup outlets, but Western Union surpasses that with more than 510,000 agent locations wherever you are. However, unlike Remitly, Western Union doesn’t provide the convenience of home delivery.

The biggest drawback users have with Western Union revolves around fees. Like Remitly, it offers free online transfers for first-time users. Afterward, the tariffs escalate fast. For context, a typical bank transfer to a US account costs around $10.

At the end of the day, Western Union’s long-standing reputation gives it a stronger brand trust than Remitly. And for some users, they’re okay with paying extra fees. For those seeking a lower-cost option, however, Remitly is a viable alternative.

Conclusions

After a rundown of everything in this Remitly review, it’s clear who the platform caters to. People who value simplicity will appreciate its easy-to-navigate interface. Regular remitters can take full advantage of its broad international payout network.

There are other aspects to consider as well. Remitly doesn’t exactly offer industry-leading rates. Delivery can slow down if you opt for the Economy option, often taking up days. Still, with transfers available to 170+ countries and support of 100+ currencies, it’s hard to overlook Remitly when you’re searching for a cross-border remittance solution.

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Scientific References

1. Muwanguzi S., Musambira G. W.: 'The Transformation of East Africa’s Economy Using Mobile Phone Money Transfer Services: A Comparative Analysis of Kenya and Uganda’s Experiences';

2. Rapoport H., Docquier F.: 'Chapter 17 The Economics of Migrants' Remittances'.