Comparing Wise and Remitly: our 2026 guide

Sending money abroad has never been easier — but with so many providers out there, it can be hard to know which is right for you. 2 of the most popular names in international transfers are Wise and Remitly. They both let you send money overseas quickly and securely, but they work very differently and serve quite different needs.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can make the right call.

Quick summary

If you're short on time, this comparison table might be helpful. You can see the main differences between Wise and Remitly at a glance.

Which provider offers the best exchange rate?

The exchange rate is one of the most important factors to check when sending money internationally — even a small difference in the rate can mean a significant amount lost on larger transfers.

Wise usually offers better exchange rates because it uses the mid-market rate with no added margin.

Remitly offers competitive exchange rates and low fees, though they don’t use the mid-market rate. While they'll often provide a special rate for your first transfer, future ones are subject to a regular rate that includes a margin.

How do fees compare?

Both Wise and Remitly charge fees to send money, but they calculate them in very different ways.

Wise uses a straightforward, transparent fee structure. You're charged a percentage of the total amount you're sending. This percentage starts from 0.33% (fee varies by currency). Crucially, Wise shows you the full breakdown — a transaction fee, a percentage fee, and the exact amount your recipient will receive — before you confirm anything. There are no hidden charges or surprises.

Remitly fees depend on 3 things: the amount you're sending, the payment method (bank transfer, debit card, or credit card), and which delivery option you choose for your recipient. Remitly will give you a clear breakdown of any costs or fees for your money transfer, so you can make an informed decision.

How are fees calculated?

Wise fees are variable and will depend, among other things, on the amount you're sending. The larger the transfer, the smaller the fee. You'll always see the exact cost of your transfer before you confirm the payment.

Remitly offers 2 service levels:

• Economy: lower fees, but transfers can take up to 3–5 business days to arrive. Usually the best option if you're not in a rush and want to keep costs down.
• Express: higher fees, but your money arrives much faster — often within minutes or hours. Note that Express transfers typically require payment by debit or credit card rather than a bank transfer. You’ll see the total cost before you send your money.

What are the payout and delivery options?

This is arguably where the biggest practical difference between the 2 services lies. Wise is built around the global banking system, while Remitly is designed with flexibility in mind — particularly for recipients in countries where traditional banking isn't as accessible.

Can my recipient pick up cash?

Yes, but only with Remitly. Remitly has built an extensive network of cash pickup locations. In some countries, they even offer home delivery, where a courier will bring the money directly to your recipient's door. This makes Remitly a valuable service for families sending money to regions with limited banking infrastructure.

Wise doesn't offer cash payouts. Your recipient must have a bank account, a Wise account, or a mobile wallet to receive a transfer via Wise. If they don't, Wise simply isn't an option — at least not for the final delivery.

Can I send money to a mobile wallet?

Yes — both Wise and Remitly support direct transfers to mobile wallets. Popular options like GCash (used widely in the Philippines) and M-Pesa (popular across East Africa) are supported by both providers. Mobile wallets are increasingly common in developing economies, and this is a useful feature for recipients who may not have a traditional bank account but do have access to a smartphone.

How long does an international transfer take?

Transfer speed can vary a lot depending on the provider, the destination country, and the payment method you use.

Wise is generally very fast for standard digital transfers. In fact, over 70% of Wise payments arrive in under 20 seconds, and transfers to more lesser-known countries almost always land the same day. Just be sure to check the estimated delivery time for your specific route before hitting send.

Remitly's speed depends entirely on the service level you choose. If you opt for Express and pay by card, your transfer can arrive within minutes. If you choose Economy and pay from your bank account, it may take up to 3–5 business days.

Why do transfer times vary?

Even with fast services, a few factors can slow things down:

• Banking hours: if you send money over a weekend or a public holiday, the receiving bank's systems may not process the payment until the next business day.
• Verification checks: both providers are legally required to verify large or unusual transfers to ensure the money comes from a legitimate source. This can occasionally cause short delays.
• Provider tier: Remitly's Economy service can take 3–5 business days, while their Express service usually delivers within minutes or hours. Wise is generally fast regardless of which service you use, but speeds can vary by destination.

How safe are these services?

Both Wise and Remitly are well-established, reputable companies with strong safety records.

Both providers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, which means they're held to strict standards around how they handle your money. They're also regulated in other countries where they operate — for example, both are licensed by FinCEN in the United States.

In terms of account security, both use industry-standard encryption to protect your data, and both require a two-step login or multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access your account. This means that, even if someone gets hold of your password, they'd still need a second form of verification — like a code sent to your phone — to log in.

How does Revolut compare to Wise and Remitly?

We've built a full financial platform designed for people who live, work, travel, or send money across borders regularly.

Competitive exchange rates and transfer fees

• Revolut exchange rates: use our very competitive exchange rates. A mark-up applies to exchanges made over the weekend when currency markets are closed for our Standard and Plus customers (respectively 1% and 0.5%), and fair usage limits apply depending on your plan tier.
• Quick payments: send money to other Revolut customers in minutes and with no transfer fees, regardless of where in the world either of you are. Exchange and remittance fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.
• Global spending: our cards allow you to spend in over 150 currencies.
• Global travel tools: exchange in 38 currencies at the Revolut exchange rate, within plan limits (weekend fees apply, depending on your plan).
• Mobile wallets: send money directly to anyone on their bKash or M-Pesa wallet.

How do I get started with Revolut?

If you're ready for an international transfer experience that gives you more control, joining is simple. Here's how it works:

1. Download our app: head to the App Store or Google Play Store and download the app
2. Sign up for your account: enter your mobile number and follow the instructions to set up your profile
3. Verify your identity: upload a photo of your ID and take a quick selfie to keep your account secure
4. Add money: put money into your account via a bank transfer or debit card
5. Send money: select your destination and currency to see our rates and any fees before you send

Sources:

1. Send Money Abroad, Wise Official Site.
2. Wise Exchange Rates, Wise Official Site.
3. Wise fees, Wise Official Site.
4. Remitly Pricing and Rates, Remitly Official Site.

This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 11 March 2026 and is aimed at customers in the UK.

You should visit their websites for confirmation of their most updated costs and charges.

Please note that actual charges and services offered may change and vary depending on individual circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend visiting each provider’s official website.

This article and the information provided herein are not intended to constitute legal, regulatory advice.

Capital at risk.

Revolut Trading Ltd provides a non-advised reception and transmission of orders investment service. Revolut Trading Ltd does not provide investment advice or personal recommendations. You, as an individual investor, must make your own decisions, seeking professional independent advice if you are unsure as to the suitability and/or appropriateness of any investment for your individual circumstances or needs.

The value of investments can go up as well as down and you may receive less than your original investment or lose the value of your entire initial investment. Past performance and forecasts are not reliable indicators of future results. Currency rate fluctuations can adversely impact the overall returns on your original investment.

Any trades outside of your monthly allowance are charged at 0.25% of the order amount if you are a Standard, Plus, Premium or Metal customer, or at 0.12% of the order amount if you are an Ultra/Trading Pro customer. Please read more on our fees page. Further information about the investment service of Revolut Trading Ltd can be found in the Terms of Business, Risk Disclosures and Invest FAQs.

Revolut Trading Ltd (No. 11567840) is a firm authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 933846). The registered address of Revolut Trading Ltd is at 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, England, E14 5HX.