MoneyGram vs. Ria (2026)

MoneyGram

Fees vary depending on how much money you’re transferring, how you’re sending it and the country you’re sending it to. Unless you actually initiate a transfer, it’s not easy to find out up front how much you’ll pay. For example, to send $1,000 to China from a bank account, you won’t pay anything for a bank account to bank account transfer; but to pay the same amount with a credit card, you’ll pay $32.99. To send $1,000 for cash pickup in the Philippines, it’s $5.99 from a bank account and $34.99 by credit card.

Ria

Money transfer fees with Ria also vary by payment method, country and the amount you’re sending. The cheapest way to send money is by bank transfer, with a typical fee that’s lower than $5. However, fees for credit card payments can be as high as $45.

MoneyGram

Depending on where you’re sending your money, MoneyGram’s exchange rate could be 5% or more above the mid-market rate. This means that hundreds of dollars on a large transfer could be diverted to MoneyGram’s pockets.

We’ll use the example of a transfer to Indian rupees (INR):

• If the mid-market rate is 1 USD = 76.63 INR
• MoneyGram’s exchange rate might be 1 USD = 75.67 INR

Ria

Ria takes a smaller margin than MoneyGram, with rates that can be less than 1% on the mid-market rate.

Using the same examples of a transfer to Indian rupees (INR):

• If the mid-market rate is 1 USD = 76.63 INR
• Ria’s exchange rate might be 1 USD = 76.07 INR

MoneyGram

MoneyGram’s delivery speeds vary by transfer option. Transfers in person or by phone can be delivered in minutes, although at higher costs. MoneyGram’s cheaper options take two to four business days.

Ria

Ria’s transfer speeds also depend on the method that you choose to send your money. When you use your credit or debit card, the exchange typically takes 15 minutes or less. Cheaper transfers from your bank account can take up to four days.

MoneyGram

MoneyGram has an extensive network of agent locations worldwide, which it uses to provide multiple options for how your intended recipient can get their money. These include:

• Bank account.
• Cash pickup.
• Debit card.
• Mobile wallet.
• Doorstep delivery.
• Pay your bills.
• Send money to an inmate. For more, see our guide on send money to argentina. For more, see our guide on send money to puerto rico. For more, see our guide on send money to malawi. For more, see our guide on send money to timor leste. For more, see our guide on send money to samoa. For more, see our guide on send money to togo. For more, see our guide on send money to estonia. For more, see our guide on send money to bermuda. For more, see our guide on send money to gabon. For more, see our guide on send money to seychelles. For more, see our guide on send money to angola. For more, see our guide on send money to solomon islands. For more, see our guide on send money to chad. For more, see our guide on send money to guinea conakry. For more, see our guide on send money to malta.

Ria

Ria is more limited with its transfer options. Recipients can pick up their money in one of three ways:

• Bank deposit.
• Cash pickup at an agent location.
• Home delivery (not available in all locations).

MoneyGram

MoneyGram has over 350,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories. It does have limits to how much money customers can send on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis. As these are changeable, it is best to check the restrictions for your chosen transfer destination.

Ria

With a network of more than 507,000 locations in over 160 countries, Ria is the third-largest provider of international money transfers worldwide.

MoneyGram

If you are making an online money transfer, then you can pay through your bank account, or with a credit or debit card. When making an in-person transfer you can also pay with cash.

Ria

You can use several methods to pay for your online transfer with Ria. These include a transfer from your bank account, credit or debit card or with cash when initiating a transfer at an agent location.