WorldRemit Fees: What You Pay and How to Check
WorldRemit does not have one fixed fee. The cost of a transfer depends on the receiving country, the way your recipient gets the money, and how you pay, and WorldRemit says it shows you the fees and exchange rate before you send. So the best way to know what a transfer costs is to enter your amount and read the screen.
What makes up the cost
There are usually three things to look at:
- The fee. WorldRemit says that "the cost and speed of a money transfer depends on the receiving country, the receive method as well as how it is paid for". It also says there are no hidden fees and that you see all fees up front.
- The exchange rate. This is the rate used to convert your money into the recipient's currency. WorldRemit's own articles say it makes money from the exchange rate, and that rates are subject to change.
- Your card or bank charges. These are outside WorldRemit's control and depend on your provider.
How to check the cost before you send
- Open WorldRemit's calculator on the website or the screen in the app.
- Enter the amount you want to send and choose the receiving country.
- Pick the receive method, such as bank transfer, mobile money, cash pickup or airtime, where offered.
- Read three numbers: the fee, the total you pay, and the amount your recipient gets.
- Change the receive method and the payment method to see how the numbers move.
WorldRemit's app guide says a pop-up shows exactly how much you will pay, including fees, and how much your recipient will get. That last number is the one that matters most, because it already includes the exchange rate.
Paying by debit card, credit card or bank deposit
WorldRemit offers a choice of payment methods, depending on where you send from. Its homepage says:
- Bank deposit: you can pay by bank transfer.
- Debit card: quick and easy, and cheaper than a credit card.
- Credit card: credit card issuers may charge an advance payment fee.
WorldRemit's help article adds that some card issuers treat payments like this as a cash advance, which can add a fee, and suggests asking your bank if you are unsure. Here is WorldRemit's own video on sending with a debit card deposit:
Does WorldRemit say it is cheap?
WorldRemit's homepage says it is on average 46% cheaper than most banks. That is its own claim, so treat it as a sign that it competes on price, and test your own route. A comparison only means something when you use the same amount, the same destination and the same payment method.
How to compare fairly
- Compare the amount your recipient actually receives, not just the fee.
- Use the same send amount and the same payout method on each service.
- Look at the exchange rate alongside the fee, because a low fee with a weaker rate can cost more.
- Check how long the transfer takes. A cheaper option is not better if the money arrives too late.
- If you send often, set up exchange rate notifications in the app (Account, Settings, Notifications). That helps you pick a better moment to send.
For a step-by-step walk through the first transfer, read how to use WorldRemit.
Can a promo code lower the cost?
A promo or voucher code can reduce what you pay on a transfer, and a referral offer can give a reward after your first transfer. How each works is covered in where to enter the code and in the guides for UK and USA senders. If you are new, you can start with the referral link and enter REFERNNF57P9SAA1L at sign-up. Check the conditions shown in the app.
Check the company too
The numbers on screen are WorldRemit's own, and the way to judge them is to compare. To look at the company's regulation and what customers say, read Is WorldRemit legit?.
FAQ
How much does WorldRemit charge to send money?
It varies by receiving country, receive method and payment method. WorldRemit says you see the fee and exchange rate before you send.
Are there hidden fees?
WorldRemit says there are no hidden fees and that all fees are shown up front. Your own card issuer or bank may add charges, so check with them.
Is paying by debit card cheaper than a credit card?
WorldRemit's homepage says paying by debit card is cheaper than a credit card, and that credit card issuers may charge an advance payment fee.
How does WorldRemit make money?
WorldRemit's own articles say it makes money from the exchange rate, and its prices show up front in the fee and the rate.
Where can I see the exchange rate?
On WorldRemit's calculator on the website, and on the transfer screen in the app before you pay. Rates change, so we do not print live rates.