The verdict: Remitly for cost, Western Union for speed.
On the headline measure that matters most — how much your recipient actually receives — Remitly comes out ahead in our reference $1,000 USD → INR comparison, by ₹1,281 (1.56%). On larger transfers the gap widens proportionally, so the right choice for someone sending $200 a month and someone sending $20,000 once a quarter can be different — always compare for your specific amount.
Remitly. Remitly is built for migrant workers sending small, frequent transfers home. Their headline 'no fee' offer is appealing — but the cost is hidden inside an exchange-rate markup that can exceed 1.8%. Best for cash-pickup corridors (Philippines, Mexico, India) where their on-the-ground network is genuinely strong. Read the full Remitly review →
Western Union. Western Union's unmatched physical agent network — over 550,000 locations across 200 countries — is what you're paying for. For emergency cash pickup in remote corridors it's often the only realistic option. For everything else, you're paying a premium of ~3% over the mid-market rate, on top of a $5 upfront fee. Read the full Western Union review →