Wise vs Remitly: The Ultimate Money Transfer App Comparison for 2025

Sending money abroad shouldn’t drain your wallet or test your patience. With international remittances hitting $831 billion globally in 2024, choosing the right money transfer service can save you hundreds of dollars annually. If you’re comparing Wise vs Remitly, you’re looking at two of the most popular digital-first platforms that promise cheaper, faster transfers than traditional banks.

But which one actually delivers? After analyzing thousands of user reviews, G2 ratings, Trustpilot feedback, and Reddit discussions, here’s your comprehensive guide to making the right choice.

Wise vs Remitly: Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	Wise	Remitly
G2 Rating	3.9/5 (88 reviews)	3.9/5 (18 reviews)
Trustpilot Rating	4.3/5 (259,847 reviews)	4.6/5 (82,686 reviews)
Transfer Fee	0.35-2% + fixed fee	$0.99-$7.99 + margin
Exchange Rate Markup	0.35-2% above mid-market	1-4% markup
Transfer Speed	Minutes to 2 days	Minutes to 3 days
Cash Pickup	❌ No	✅ Yes
Multi-currency Account	✅ Yes	❌ No
Coverage	80+ countries	100+ countries

International Money Transfer: What You Need to Know

The international money transfer landscape has transformed dramatically. Traditional bank wires that once cost $45 and took a week now compete with digital services charging under $5 with same-day delivery.

Modern remittance services use local banking networks instead of the expensive SWIFT system, allowing them to offer:

Real exchange rates (or close to them)
Transparent fee structures
Multiple delivery options
Mobile-first experiences

However, not all digital services are created equal. Some prioritize speed over cost, others focus on specific corridors, and many hide fees in poor exchange rates.

Money Transfer App Features That Matter Most

User Interface and Experience

Wise builds its platform around transparency. Every transfer shows:

Real-time exchange rates
Exact fees upfront
Expected delivery time
Step-by-step tracking

A Reddit user from r/Philippines_Expats shared their experience:

“Wise has never failed me and I’ve transferred substantial amounts for land and car purchase before. I recommend splitting transactions.” – u/WiseGalaxyBrain

Remitly focuses on simplicity, especially for first-time users. The app guides users through:

Recipient setup with local requirements
Payment method selection
Delivery option choice
Real-time transfer tracking

However, some users report confusion with cash pickup locations. A frustrated user on r/nri described:

“At the other end, my poor recipient went to multiple of the places Remitly listed as ‘partners’ but at each, they did not have the cash, nor did they know what my recipient was talking about.” – Reddit user

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Remitly reported 7.8 million active customers, rising 32% year-over-year

Multi-Currency Capabilities

Wise excels with its multi-currency account, allowing users to:

Hold 50+ currencies simultaneously
Get local bank details for 10+ countries
Convert between currencies at real exchange rates
Use a physical/virtual debit card

Remitly operates as a traditional money transfer service – you send from your home currency to the recipient’s local currency without holding balances.

Cheapest Money Transfer: Breaking Down the Real Costs

Fee Structures Explained

Wise Pricing Model:

Transfer fee: 0.35% to 2% of transfer amount
Fixed fee: $0.50 to $7 depending on corridor
Exchange rate: Mid-market rate (no markup)
Payment method: Bank transfers cheapest, cards more expensive

Remitly Pricing Model:

Economy transfers: $0.99 to $3.99 fixed fee + exchange rate margin
Express transfers: $3.99 to $7.99 fixed fee + higher margin
Exchange rate: 1-4% markup above mid-market rate
Payment method: Bank transfers cheapest, cards and credit add fees

Real-World Cost Comparison

Sending $1,000 USD to Philippines (PHP):

Wise:

Fee: $5.24
Exchange rate: 58.45 PHP (real rate)
Recipient gets: ₱58,126
Total cost: $5.24

Remitly Express:

Fee: $3.99
Exchange rate: 57.21 PHP (2.1% markup)
Recipient gets: ₱57,210
Total cost: $17.31

A Reddit user confirmed this pattern:

“I think when I compared total costs of Wise vs Remitly, Remitly came out cheaper” – u/Hylleh

Note: This user may have been comparing specific corridors or smaller amounts where Remitly’s fixed fees work better.

The company enables transfers in 170+ countries, spanning more than 5,100 currency corridors, building from its initial U.S.–Philippines route to a global presence

Best Money Transfer App: User Experience Showdown

Mobile App Quality

Both platforms prioritize mobile-first design, but user feedback reveals different strengths:

Wise App Strengths:

Multi-currency balance management
Real-time rate alerts
Comprehensive transaction history
Apple Pay/Google Pay integration

As of FY2024, Wise served 12.8 million active customers, marking a year-over-year increase of ~29%

Remitly App Strengths:

Streamlined send flow
Recipient management
Push notifications for pickup
Local payment integration

Customer Support Quality

Wise Support:

24/7 chat support
Phone support for urgent issues
Comprehensive help center
Community forums

A satisfied user noted:

“Use Wise next time, their customer service is excellent.” – u/VaikomViking

Remitly Support:

24/7 chat and phone support
Live tracking assistance
Local language support in key markets
Dedicated fraud prevention team

However, support quality appears inconsistent based on Reddit feedback. One user reported:

“Remitly is hands down the worst money transfer service I’ve ever used. The entire process was a nightmare from start to finish.” – Reddit user

Send Money Abroad: Speed and Delivery Options

Transfer Speed Comparison

Wise Speed:

Bank to bank: 1-2 business days
Debit card funding: Minutes to hours
Wire transfers: Same day to 1 day
Local transfers (same currency): Instant

Wise’s FY2024 results showed total cross-border transfers reached £118.5 billion, a 13% increase compared to the previous year

Remitly Speed:

Economy: 3-5 business days
Express: Minutes to hours
Super Express: Minutes (select corridors)
Cash pickup: 5-60 minutes

An experienced user shared:

“I moved a half million other day on wise (was buying a car). Worked out great. Notice bank deposits are faster than gcash.” – u/foreverbored4619

Delivery Methods

Wise Delivery Options:

Bank account deposit
Digital wallet funding (selected markets)
Cash pickup (limited locations)
Wise debit card top-up

Remitly Delivery Options:

Bank account deposit
Cash pickup at 400,000+ locations
Mobile wallet funding
Home delivery (select countries)
Airtime top-up

The cash pickup advantage gives Remitly a significant edge in markets with limited banking access.

Best International Money Transfer: Security and Trust

Regulation and Licensing

Wise Regulatory Status:

FCA authorized in the UK
Licensed in 40+ jurisdictions
E-money license across the EU
Member of local banking schemes

Remitly Regulatory Status:

Licensed in 50+ U.S. states
FCA authorized in the UK
Licensed across major sending markets
SOC 2 Type II certified

Security Measures

Both platforms employ bank-level security:

Wise Security Features:

2-factor authentication
Biometric login
Device verification
256-bit SSL encryption
Segregated customer funds

Remitly Security Features:

Multi-factor authentication
Fraud monitoring AI
Identity verification
PCI DSS compliance
FDIC-insured deposits (US)

Cheapest Way to Transfer Money Internationally: When to Choose Which

Choose Wise When:

Large Transfers ($2,000+): Wise’s percentage-based fees become more competitive at higher amounts.

“I’ve transferred substantial amounts for land and car purchase before” – u/WiseGalaxyBrain

Multi-Currency Needs: If you regularly deal with multiple currencies or need local bank details.

Transparency Priority: When you want to see exactly what you’re paying without hidden markups.

Business Use: Wise Business offers invoicing, batch payments, and expense management.

Choose Remitly When:

Cash Pickup Required: When recipients need physical cash access.

Small Transfers ($50-$500): Fixed fees can be more predictable for smaller amounts.

Speed Priority: Express transfers often faster than Wise for urgent needs.

Emerging Markets: Better coverage in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia.

First-Time Users: More guided experience for international transfer newcomers.

Customer Support and Problem Resolution

Trustpilot Analysis

Wise Trustpilot Performance (4.3/5 from 259,847 reviews):

81% gave 5-star ratings
10% gave 4-star ratings
Common praise: transparency, speed, rates
Common complaints: account freezes, verification delays

Remitly Trustpilot Performance (4.6/5 from 82,686 reviews):

88% gave 5-star ratings
7% gave 4-star ratings
Common praise: speed, cash pickup, customer service
Common complaints: exchange rates, failed transfers

Reddit Sentiment Analysis

Wise Reddit Sentiment:

Generally positive for regular users
Complaints focus on account restrictions
Praised for business features
Digital nomads favor multi-currency accounts

Remitly Reddit Sentiment:

Mixed experiences reported
Strong positive feedback for bank deposits
Negative experiences often involve cash pickup
Customer service quality varies significantly

Wise vs Remitly: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is cheaper for sending $500 to India?

A: Wise typically costs $3-5 total, while Remitly costs $8-12 including exchange rate markups. Wise wins for transparency and total cost.

Is Wise a bank?

Wise is not a traditional bank, but it is regulated in each country where it operates. It holds a UK Electronic Money Institution license and similar licenses globally. It offers some bank-like services but does not offer credit or loans.

Q: Can I send money for cash pickup with Wise?

A: Wise offers limited cash pickup in select countries. Remitly has 400,000+ pickup locations globally, making it the clear winner for cash delivery.

Q: Which is faster for urgent transfers?

A: Both offer express options taking minutes to hours. Remitly’s Express service is often faster, but Wise’s debit card funding can be equally quick.

Q: Are both services safe for large transfers?

A: Yes, both are regulated financial institutions. However, large transfers may trigger additional verification on either platform.

Q: Which has better exchange rates?

A: Wise uses real mid-market exchange rates with transparent fees. Remitly marks up exchange rates by 1-4% but may have lower fixed fees.

Q: Can I hold money in different currencies?

A: Only Wise offers multi-currency accounts. Remitly is purely a transfer service.

Q: Which is better for business use?

A: Wise Business offers superior features including batch payments, invoicing, and expense cards. Remitly focuses on consumer remittances.+

Q: Which is better for business use?

A: Wise Business offers superior features including batch payments, invoicing, and expense cards. Remitly focuses on consumer remittances.+

Does Remitly offer business accounts?

No, Remitly is designed for personal money transfers, not for business or commercial transactions. Its primary use case is individuals sending money to family or friends abroad. If you need business-focused transfers, services like Wise or traditional banks may be more suitable.

Q: What happens if my transfer fails?

A: Both platforms offer full refunds for failed transfers. Wise typically processes refunds faster due to its digital-first infrastructure.

Final Verdict: International Money Transfer App Winner

For Most Users: Wise Wins on Value and Transparency

Wise delivers superior value through:

True mid-market exchange rates
Transparent fee structure
Multi-currency account benefits
Reliable customer service
Strong business features

For Cash-Dependent Recipients: Remitly Takes the Lead

Remitly excels when:

Recipients need cash pickup access
Speed matters more than cost
Sending to underbanked regions
Simple, guided transfer experience preferred

The Bottom Line: Choose Wise for regular transfers where transparency and cost matter most. Choose Remitly when recipients need cash pickup or you prioritize maximum speed over minimum cost.

As one experienced Reddit user perfectly summarized:

“Wise is optimal for transfers to a Philippines bank account in larger quantities. They have great rates and fast service with a nominal fee. If you’re just transferring to Gcash, Wise is less than optimal as the fees are not worth it for smaller amounts when there are fee free services like Remitly.” – u/Cryptical_Nomad

Both platforms have earned their place in the international money transfer market, but your specific needs—transfer size, recipient preferences, and frequency—will determine which serves you better.