WorldRemit Review

Send money to 130+ countries for cash pickup, Airtime top up, home delivery or direct deposit to a bank account or mobile wallet.

  • Good for offering a wide variety of transfer options and a super user-friendly app.
  • Look elsewhere if you need to send very large money transfers.

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Details

Product NameWorldRemit
Pay ByCredit card, Debit card, Bank transfer
Receiving OptionsCash pickup location, Bank account, Mobile wallet, Prepaid phone credit, Alipay (China only)
Customer ServicePhone, Live chat
Available CurrenciesAED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BOB, BRL, BWP, BYN, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, LAK, LBP, LKR, MAD, MDL, MGA, MNT, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SZL, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XOF, XPF, ZAR, ZMW, ZWD

What is WorldRemit?

WorldRemit is a global remittance company that was founded in 2010 by Ismail Ahmed, a Somali migrant who was studying in London at the time. WorldRemit is currently headquartered in London, UK, but operates in more than 130 countries around the world including Canada.

Pros and cons of WorldRemit

Pros

  • No minimum transfer amount. A varied fee system and no minimum transfer amount makes it easy to send small transfers.
  • Easy-to-use website. It takes just a few minutes to create an account. Support is accessible through phone, email, live chat and FAQs.
  • Large range of destinations. Customers in 50+ countries can send funds to recipients in 130+ countries.
  • Lots of transfer options. Pay by debit, credit, Interac, Apple Pay or prepaid card. Supports bank account transfers, cash pickup, mobile money, Airtime top-ups and delivery to recipients’ homes (only available in some regions).
  • Fast transfer options. Some transfers including cash pickup, WorldRemit Wallet transfers and airtime top-ups process almost instantly.

Cons

  • Maximum transfer amounts. You can’t send more than $40,000 CAD from Canada in a 24-hour period or more than $4,000 CAD in a single transaction.
  • Unpredictable fee structure. Although a base fee of $2.99-$4.99 applies to most transfers, your actual fee could vary based on the destination country, payment method and the type of transfer. Also, the higher the transfer amount, the higher your fee.
  • No currency hedging options. You can’t take advantage of options like stop-loss orders, futures contracts or forward contracts to guard against currency fluctuations.
Code

Zero fees on your first THREE money transfers

Send money with WorldRemit using the code '3FREE' and pay no fees on your first three money transfers

WorldRemit fees and exchange rates

Unfortunately, WorldRemit’s fee structure isn’t completely predictable. The transfer fee is $2.99-$4.99 for many transactions, but not all. Ultimately, the total cost of your transaction depends on the following:

  • Destination country. Even if the same currency is used in multiple destination, WorldRemit may charge a different exchange rate fee for transfers to each country.
  • Sending amount. Although the fee for most transfers will be $2.99-$4.99, you will pay more for sending to some countries.
  • Payment method. The transfer fee could fluctuate depending on whether you’re sending cash for pickup or home delivery, a bank transfer, an Airtime top up or mobile money.
  • Delivery method. Cash transfers will typically incur higher fees, while sending directly to bank accounts is often cheaper.

The company makes money by charging transfer fees and by pocketing a small percentage of the midmarket exchange rate when converting currencies. This is typical for most transfer services. However, unlike some competitors, WorldRemit offers the same exchange rate no matter how much you send.

Example: Using WorldRemit to send $500 from Canada around the globe

As of March 12, 2022, here are the exchange rates and transfer fees for sending $500 from Canada to bank accounts in various destination countries using WorldRemit.

The mid-market rate is the “true” exchange between 2 currencies—essentially the value of one currency in another currency before taking into account any third-party fees or deductions. The lower WorldRemit’s exchange rate markup, the lower your fees when getting funds converted for an international money transfer.

Sending toCurrencyMid-market exchange rateWorldRemit exchange rateMarkupFees (CAD)
PhilippinesPHP40.9920339.897712.7%$2.99
IndiaINR60.0769159.427141.1%$2.99
ChinaCNY4.968974.834812.7%$3.49 (via Alipay, bank transfer not available)
PakistanPKR139.88811138.784380.79%$2.99
VietnamVND17,960.7230017439.861712.9%$5.99
BangladeshBDT67.43328966.431761.5%$3.99
United KingdomGBP0.601100.590281.8%$3.99
MexicoMXN16.3965016.396500%$3.99-$8.26 depending on the bank

How to send and receive money with WorldRemit

Transfers

Sending a WorldRemit money transfer is easy. Login to your account, and follow these steps:

  1. Choose the destination country
  2. Select the transfer method (bank transfer, cash pickup, Airtime top up etc. Note that some transfer methods may not be available for every destination country)
  3. Enter the amount you want to send. Double-check the transfer fees and exchange rate.
  4. Add your recipient’s information including their name, contact information, the details of the account the money is being sent (if applicable) and the reason for the transfer
  5. Add your payment information
  6. Send money

If you’re sending money on WorldRemit’s desktop app instead of mobile, initiate a transfer by logging into your account and inputting your transfer details in the calculator on the main page. The exchange rate and transfer fee will then appear. Select Continue to proceed, and follow the prompts.

How to find a WorldRemit location for in-person transfers and cash pickups

Withdrawals

There are different ways to receive a WorldRemit money transfer depending on where you live.

  • Cash pickup. Get cash transfers at one of WorldRemit’s partner network locations around the world (mostly banks).
  • Transfer to bank account. Have money sent directly to your bank account. Note that your bank may charge fees related to incoming transfers. Check with your bank to make sure you aren’t hit with any unexpected charges.
  • Mobile money. Have money sent to your mobile wallet. Use funds to pay bills, withdraw in cash at authorized agents and more.
  • Airtime top up. Have money sent directly to your telecom network to cover your phone bill.
  • Home delivery. Get cash delivered to your door (only available in some locations). You must present valid ID that matches the details entered by the sender.

Required information

To send money through WorldRemit, you’ll need the following:

  • WorldRemit account. It usually takes just a few minutes to create an account and it’s totally free.
  • Valid payment method. Payment options for transfers out of Canada include debit, credit, Interac, Apple Pay and prepaid card.
  • Recipient’s name and contact information. You’ll need your recipient’s name (as it appears on their ID), contact information and banking information.
  • Valid ID. Must show your photo, full name, date of birth, expiry date and other details. ID that may be acceptable include:
    • Canadian or international passport
    • Canadian permanent residence card
    • Canadian driver’s license
    • Canadian military ID
    • Canadian passport card
    • Canadian refugee document
    • Canadian visa
    • Canadian employment authorization card
    Go to site

    WorldRemit money transfer speed

    WorldRemit transfer speeds depend on your delivery method.

    Delivery methodTransfer speed
    Bank transferMinutes up to 5 business days
    Cash pickupInstant
    Mobile moneyWithin minutes
    Airtime top-upWithin minutes
    Home delivery1-7 business days

    Compare WorldRemit to other transfer services

    Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
    1 - 13 of 13
    Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
    Xe Money Transfers
    Within minutes
    $0
    Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
    Xe Money Transfers
    Within minutes
    $0
    Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
    OFX
    Finder Award
    OFX
    24 hours
    $0
    Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
    OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
    CurrencyTransfer
    24 hours
    $0
    CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
    Xe Business Transfers
    Xe Business Transfers
    Within minutes
    $0
    Xe Money Transfer can help your business unlock international transfers. Forward contract and limit order options available.
    Remitly
    Finder Award
    Remitly
    Within an hour
    $1.99
    Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    Wise (TransferWise) - Under 10k
    24 hours
    From 0.35%
    Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
    Simplii Financial
    Within minutes
    $0
    Up to $300 off your first Global Money Transfer with our code GMTEVENT depending on the amount you send. For cash pickups instead, earn $50 using code CASH. Limits and regulations apply.
    Send money without fees and at competitive exchange rates to 130+ countries.
    Simplii Financial
    Within minutes
    $0
    Up to $300 off your first Global Money Transfer with our code GMTEVENT depending on the amount you send. For cash pickups instead, earn $50 using code CASH. Limits and regulations apply.
    Send money without fees and at competitive exchange rates to 130+ countries.
    Africhange
    Within an hour
    $0
    Send money in CAD to Africa on this blockchain and P2P powered provider.
    OFX
    Finder Award
    OFX
    24 hours
    $0
    Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
    OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
    Instarem
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Use code FINDER to get CAD 20 off on first two transfers on a min transfer of CAD 250
    Instarem offers zero transfer fees on all transfers.
    WorldRemit
    417 days
    Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
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    Is WorldRemit safe?

    WorldRemit uses many methods to keep your money safe and is authorized and regulated by many government agencies.

    Secure payment channels

    Depending on where you are sending money from and to, you can expect your payments to be secured by the following:

    • Apple Pay
    • Verified by Visa
    • Mastercard and Maestro SecureCode

    Regulation compliance

    WorldRemit holds many licenses around the globe, including in the following countries:

    • Canada
    • United States
    • United Kingdom
    • Australia

    Dedicated security teams

    WorldRemit uses machine learning to monitor all transactions, and anything suspicious is forwarded for human attention. When problems arise, customers can contact WorldRemit 24/7 by using the following methods:

    • Telephone
    • Email
    • Live chat

    Where can I use WorldRemit?

    WorldRemit transfers can be sent from 50+ countries and received in 130+ countries. You can check out the full list of currencies here, but popular currencies and destination countries include the following:

    • Mexico: Mexican peso (MXN)
    • China: Chinese yuan (CNY)
    • India: Indian rupee (INR)
    • Philippines: Philippine peso (PHP)
    • Vietnam: Vietnamese dong (VND)
    • Guatemala: Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
    • Nigeria: Nigerian dollar (NGN)
    • El Salvador: El Salvador colon (SVC)
    • Dominican Republic: Dominican peso (DOP)
    • Thailand: Thai baht (THB)

    Does WorldRemit have a mobile app?

    WorldRemit app screenshot

    Yes, WorldRemit has an app available on both the App Store and through Google Play. With the WorldRemit app, you can:

    • Get daily price notifications. Keep an eye on multiple currency pairs, so you can send funds when the exchange rate is in your favor.
    • Track transfers. Check the progress of your transfer and opt in/out of SMS notifications.
    • Save contact information. Store recipient information to make future transfers quicker and easier.
    • Access customer support. Use live chat, phone numbers and email options to contact customer support.
    Reviews accurate as of March 12, 2022
    Google Play Store4.4 out of 5 — based on 112,709 customer reviews
    Apple App Store4.8 out of 5 — based on 129,957 customer reviews

      WorldRemit Wallet, mobile money and airtime top-ups explained

      Some of these services you may know under different names. Not all of them are available worldwide.

      WorldRemit Wallet

      Available in some countries, the WorldRemit Wallet allows user to hold US dollars, Philippine pesos, Ugandan shilling and Central African francs, making it possible to use funds without transferring to a bank or making a cash withdrawal.

      WorldRemit mobile money

      Available in 80+ countries, mobile money is an electronic wallet allows users to save money, make purchases, pay bills, transfer money and more using their phones.

      Airtime top-ups

      Airtime allows user to pay their phone bills via money transfer, making it easy to stay in touch via phone or text with family and friends living abroad.

      How do I contact WorldRemit?

      You can contact WorldRemit by chat or by phone. Note that you need an account to use the chat function. You can also check out the company’s FAQ section, which is full of useful articles and information on how sending money works, payment methods, transfer tracking, troubleshooting common problems and more.

      WorldRemit review: bottom line

      WorldRemit is definitely an international money transfer service you should check out. The fee structure can be a little unpredictable, and it might not be the right option if you need to send very large transfers. But there are lots of benefits too:

      • Easy account opening process and user-friendly mobile app
      • No minimum transfer amount
      • Lots of transfer options and payment methods
      • Large network of destination countries and agencies for cash pickup

      Want to compare WorldRemit with other services side-by-side?

      Frequently asked questions

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      243 Comments

        Default Gravatar
        Misha
        September 4, 2016

        HeLLo Maam , My Father Send Me Money But He Did Not Ask Me To For My Phone Number ? Is That Possible For Worldremit To Give Reference Number Without phone Number ?

          Avatarfinder Customer Care
          Shirley
          September 6, 2016

          Hi Misha,

          Thanks for your question.

          Worldremit also sends notifications via email – you may want to check if your father provided this.

          Hope this helps.

        Default Gravatar
        Shina
        September 3, 2016

        Please if I sender send money from Germany to Nigeria straight to my account how long will that take to show up at my account

          Avatarfinder Customer Care
          Shirley
          September 6, 2016

          Hi Shina,

          Thanks for your question.

          Unfortunately the Worldremit website doesn’t say how it takes. Generally, bank transfers take two to three days while cash pick up and phone transfers are instant.

        Default Gravatar
        Art
        August 31, 2016

        How can the recipient details be modified? Coz I am the recipient but I was not aware that my bank account, which is a BDO Cash Card is not capable of receiving International Remittances. Thus it needs to be amended as “Pick Up” or it can be cancelled and create a new transaction instead? How much is the service charges? Please Help. The sender is from Sydney, Australia. The recipient is from the Philippines.

        Thank you so much!

        Hoping for your prompt action.

        Truly yours,

        Art,

          Default Gravatar
          May
          September 1, 2016

          Hi Art,

          Thank you for your inquiry. Please note that finder.com is an Australian comparison website and we don’t represent Worldremit.

          If you want to modify how to receive the money, your sender (from Sydney) needs to contact Worldremit directly on the contact details listed in the blue box above.

          Cheers,
          May

        Default Gravatar
        Dennis
        August 31, 2016

        Can I send money from Nigeria to United States? If yes how do I send it.

          Default Gravatar
          Anndy Lou
          September 1, 2016

          Hi Dennis,

          Thanks for your question.

          Worldremit offers services in the United States and Nigeria, so it is possible to send money between these two countries.

          You can start sending money by clicking the “Go to site” button above. When you are in the Worldremit website, please be sure to change the “Send from” details to your own country.

          Cheers,
          Anndy

        Default Gravatar
        BIDHAN
        August 6, 2016

        hello, i am sending money to KATHMANDU, NEPAL.so where would my receiver collect amount from..? Can it be collected from IME if it is cash pickup or is there any branches to collect amount..?

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