- Good if you want to pay in person or send money for cash pickup.
- Not so great for low-cost transfers - watch out for high fees and inconsistent exchange rates.
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MoneyGram review
Edited by Holly Jennings
- Fastest Transfer Speed
- Within minutes
- Minimum Transfer Amount
- $1
- Maximum Transfer Amount
- $25,000
Our verdict
Fast money transfers to 200+ countries worldwide, but watch out for weak exchange rates.
You'll find MoneyGram locations at grocery stores, small corner shops and probably in many other places around your city. But the cost of convenience comes with a high price — more fees and weaker exchange rates than some smaller competitors. Often you may find that MoneyGram is one of your few choices, especially when sending to more remote locations worldwide.
A few places where I think MoneyGram excels are: being able to send straight to a Visa debit card in the US, the exceptionally quick speeds that some cash transfers can be received and the sheer convenience of having more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide. I'd recommend always comparing your MoneyGram transfer costs to that of other companies, though, as you may be surprised at how much money you may save by taking your business elsewhere.
Pros
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More than 350,000 agent locations worldwide
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24 hour transfer speed
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$1-$10,000 transfers
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Low fee (Starting at $1.99 per transfer)
You’ll most likely find MoneyGram locations at grocery stores, small corner shops and many other places around your city. It has served nearly 150 million people globally in the past five years and has an extensive network of agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories. As a result, it provides customers with a range of transfer options and is often one of the fastest money transfer services. But this convenience comes at a cost in the form of more fees and weaker exchange rates than some of its smaller competitors.
Why should I consider MoneyGram?
- Wide reach. MoneyGram has approximately 350,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries — with more than 30,000 locations in the US.
- Diverse transfer options. Customers can send money both online and in person. Pay using credit and debit cards, bank wires and cash. Be sure to select the payment option that best balances your desired transfer speed with the associated fees.
- Speed. With same-day delivery available at many locations (subject to the holiday hours and compliance with regulatory requirements), your recipient could have their money in as little as 10 minutes during normal business hours when using the cash pickup service.
- Delivery options. Send money for pickup in different ways, including cash pickup, to a mobile wallet, directly to a Visa debit card in the US, to a bank account and even to inmates.
- Rewards. Sign up for MoneyGram Plus Rewards, which gives you discounts on fees for every few transfers you send.
What to be aware of
- Low maximum limits. When sending online with MoneyGram, your transfer is limited to $10,000 per transaction. There is also a $10,000 per month limit. In the US, you can send up to $15,000 per online transfer to 42 countries, depending on the sender’s bank account limits. When you need to send more, you can do so in person from a MoneyGram agent location.
- High fees. As with most money transfer services, MoneyGram’s international and domestic transfers incur a fee. Fees are often higher when paying with a credit or debit card and lower when making a bank transfer.
- Inconsistent exchange rates. MoneyGram’s exchange rates vary depending on how you pay for your transaction and how it will be received. Pay close attention to the exchange rate to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- No hedging options. MoneyGram doesn’t offer recurring transfers, scheduled transfers or any other hedging too to help you save money.
How much are MoneyGram’s transfer fees?
MoneyGram bases fees on the amount you are sending. Fees typically increase between $500 and $1,000, sometimes doubling when you bump up to the next fee tier. If you select the Rates & Fees tab on the homepage, you can see an estimate of transfer costs.
- Cheapest option. Paying via bank transfer and having the money delivered to a bank account is often the cheapest way to send money through MoneyGram.
- Expensive option. Paying by credit card and having the money available for cash pickup is often the most expensive way to transfer money using MoneyGram.
How are MoneyGram’s exchange rates?
MoneyGram makes money by adding a margin to the exchange rate in addition to any fees charged. These exchange rates may change depending on how you are paying and how the money is being received, so pay attention to the total amount expected to be transferred when deciding on how to send your money through MoneyGram.
It is best to compare the displayed rate on MoneyGram with the current mid-market rate to work out the size of the margin charged. You can also then use the interbank rate as a benchmark for comparing the rates of other money transfer providers.
What are the ways I can send money abroad with MoneyGram?
MoneyGram has a diverse range of transfer options. We’ll go through each one and what the steps look like.
How to send money transfer online with MoneyGram
How to send money with the MoneyGram app
MoneyGram’s Money Transfer app enables you to move your money around the globe.
How to send money in person at a MoneyGram location
Agent locations are in almost every country in the world. Take advantage of this network and send money in person by completing the following steps:
How to send money with Sendbot on Facebook
MoneyGram’s Sendbot feature allows you to send money using the Facebook messenger app.
How can my recipient get the money?
MoneyGram has several options for how your intended recipient can get their money. You can choose from any of the following:
- Send to a bank account. Although slower, this lets your recipient get the money directly into their account.
- Send as a cash pickup. You can opt for the funds to be picked up in cash at a MoneyGram location. The money will be ready at your chosen location in as few as 10 minutes after you’ve sent it.
- Send directly to someone’s debit card. To do this, select Debit Card Deposit when choosing your receive method. This only works for Visa debit cards within the US.
- Send to a mobile wallet. A mobile wallet is a place to store funds digitally, with actual wallet types varying by country and user preference. Read our starter guide on mobile wallets as a launching point for further research.
- Doorstep delivery. In some locations, you can choose home delivery as a receiving method. A local MoneyGram agent will deliver your money.
- Pay bills through MoneyGram. MoneyGram supports bill payments to utility companies, credit cards and more. Use the online bill pay search to find out if the MoneyGram network supports the company you want to pay.
- Send money to an inmate. Funding commissary and calling accounts for inmates is possible through MoneyGram. You can read more in our guide on how to send money to someone in jail.
What payment methods does MoneyGram accept?
If you send money online, you can use your bank account or a credit or debit card. When making an in-person transfer, you can also pay with cash.
How long does an international transfer with MoneyGram take?
Transfer speed will depend on the fees you are comfortable paying and how quickly you need it to arrive.
If you choose to pay with a debit or credit card, you’ll pay a higher fee, but your transfer can be completed in as little as 10 minutes. Your credit card may charge a cash advance fee, increasing your transfer’s total cost.
Money transfers paid via bank transfer are typically cheaper but take longer. For your first transfer through MoneyGram, you may have to verify your account, which can take four or more business days. After verification, your actual transfer may take an additional five business days.
Transfers typically take
1 day
Is MoneyGram safe to use?
MoneyGram prioritizes protecting your banking information when you make a transfer. It has established a reputation for secure transfers with a number of safeguards.
- Established and licensed. Founded in 1940, MoneyGram is a licensed money transmitter that’s successfully completed millions of transfers.
- Tracking. You can easily track your transfer online by entering your last name and the reference number in your confirmation.
- Secure connection. Using physical, technical and administrative security measures, its website is verified by Entrust, Inc.
- Accountability. MoneyGram (MGI) is listed on Nasdaq.
How does MoneyGram compare to other services?
If you want to see how MoneyGram compares to the exchange rates and fees offered by other money transfer services, enter your transaction details into the table.
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