In this Remitly Review 2026, we share everything you need to know before sending money internationally with Remitly.

Sending money abroad should be simple and affordable. But with so many services available, do you know which one to trust?

We tested Remitly ourselves so you can make the right choice.

What Is Remitly?

Remitly is an international money transfer service founded in 2011 in Seattle, USA. Today, over 5 million customers use Remitly to send money to more than 170 countries worldwide.

Remitly focuses specifically on helping immigrants and expats send money home to their families quickly and safely.

Our Remitly Verdict

★★★★☆ 4.5 out of 5

After testing Remitly ourselves, we found it delivers fast and reliable transfers at competitive rates. It is especially good for sending money to developing countries.

How Much Does Remitly Cost?

Remitly offers two transfer options:

Express Transfers

Faster delivery, usually within minutes to hours

Higher transfer fee applies

Economy Transfers

Slower delivery, usually 3 to 5 business days

Lower fee applies

Example: Sending $500 from USA to Philippines

Express fee: around $3.99

Economy fee: around $0

Yes, economy transfers are sometimes completely FREE.

Remitly Exchange Rates

Remitly exchange rates are competitive, but not always the absolute best.

They add a small margin to the mid-market rate. This is how they make money on economy transfers.

Always compare the total amount received, not just the fee, before sending money internationally.

How Fast Is Remitly?

Transfer speeds vary depending on:

Destination country

Transfer method chosen

Payment method used

Delivery Speeds

Express: Minutes to hours

Economy: 3 to 5 business days

Bank deposits and mobile wallet transfers are usually the fastest with Remitly.

Who Is Remitly Best For?

Remitly is perfect for:

✅ Immigrants sending money home
✅ Families supporting relatives
✅ Sending money to developing countries
✅ Mobile wallet transfers
✅ Anyone wanting delivery guarantees

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

Remitly may not be ideal if:

❌ You need the absolute best exchange rates
❌ You send money to Europe frequently
❌ You need business transfer services

Remitly Pros and Cons

Pros

✅ Supports 170+ countries
✅ Economy transfers are sometimes free
✅ Delivery time guarantees
✅ Easy-to-use mobile app
✅ Multiple delivery options
✅ Good customer support
✅ Regulated and safe

Cons

❌ Exchange rates are not always the best
❌ Express transfer fees can be high
❌ Limited European transfer corridors
❌ No business accounts

Is Remitly Safe?

Yes. Remitly is fully regulated and licensed.

FinCEN licensed in the USA

FCA authorized in the UK

Licensed in multiple countries worldwide

Remitly has processed over $30 billion in transfers and is backed by major investors.

Your money is protected, and transfers come with a delivery guarantee.

Remitly vs Wise — Quick Comparison

Remitly Is Better For

Sending money to developing countries

Mobile wallet delivery

Free economy transfers

Wise Is Better For

Best exchange rates

Sending money to Europe

Multi-currency accounts

Our Final Verdict

Remitly is an excellent choice for sending money to developing countries, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The economy transfers are sometimes completely free, which offers outstanding value for users.

However, if you want the absolute best exchange rates, Wise may be a better option.

For most immigrants and expats sending money home, Remitly is highly recommended.

Final Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 out of 5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Remitly free to use?

A: Signing up is free. Economy transfers are sometimes free, but express transfers usually include a fee.

Q: How long does Remitly take?

A: Express transfers usually arrive within minutes to hours. Economy transfers typically take 3 to 5 business days.

Q: Is Remitly safe?

A: Yes. Remitly is licensed and regulated in the USA, UK, and multiple other countries.

Q: Which is better — Remitly or Wise?

A: Remitly is better for developing countries and mobile wallet transfers. Wise is usually better for European transfers and exchange rates.

Q: Does Remitly have a delivery guarantee?

A: Yes. Remitly guarantees delivery by a specific time or they refund your transfer fees.

Disclosure

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