MoneyGram
remittance Β· US, GB, AU, CA, globalMoneyGram is the second-largest money transfer company in the world by agent network, operating over 350,000 agent locations across more than 200 countries and territories. Its core strength is cash pickup β the ability for recipients to collect transferred funds in cash at a local agent location without needing a bank account or smartphone. This makes MoneyGram essential for sending money to regions where banking infrastructure is limited, mobile internet penetration is low, or recipients are unbanked. MoneyGram has invested significantly in its digital platform allowing senders to initiate transfers via app or website while recipients collect cash locally. The company was taken private by Madison Dearborn Partners in 2023 after a complex acquisition history including a failed takeover by Ant Financial blocked by US regulators. MoneyGram's digital transfer option via Ripple blockchain for select corridors offers faster settlement than traditional correspondent banking. Exchange rates and fees vary significantly by corridor β verify current rates before transferring.
What does MoneyGram cost and is it right for your international transfers?
MoneyGram is a money transfer service Transfer to US, GB, AU. Largest cash pickup network after Western Union β essential for sending to unbanked recipients
β Important β Money Transfer Disclaimer
The international money transfer services listed on this page are third-party platforms. Finatune does not handle, process, or facilitate any money transfers and is not a licensed money transfer operator. Exchange rates fluctuate in real time β the rate you see when comparing may differ from the rate locked in at the time of transfer. Always verify the total cost (fee + exchange rate markup) for your specific transfer corridor and amount before sending. Transfer speed estimates are typical ranges and are not guaranteed. Some services advertise 'no fees' β these platforms generate revenue through exchange rate markups above the mid-market rate, which can significantly increase the effective cost of your transfer, especially for larger amounts. Identity verification (KYC) is required by all regulated money transfer providers. Funds may be subject to holding periods or additional verification for first-time transfers or large amounts. Finatune may earn affiliate commissions from referrals to some platforms listed on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Pricing
// verify pricing before launch β prices shown may not reflect current vendor rates
Key Features
- β’350,000-plus agent locations in 200-plus countries for cash pickup
- β’Cash pickup without bank account or smartphone required for recipients
- β’Digital transfer via app or website with cash pickup delivery
- β’Bank deposit and mobile wallet delivery in select countries
- β’MoneyGram Plus Rewards loyalty program
- β’Ripple blockchain integration for faster settlement in select corridors
- β’24/7 customer service
- β’Transfer tracking from send to pickup
Pros
- +Largest cash pickup network after Western Union β essential for sending to unbanked recipients
- +200-plus country coverage reaches destinations unavailable on digital-only platforms
- +Cash pickup enables transfers to regions with limited banking infrastructure
- +Digital initiation with cash pickup combines convenience for sender with accessibility for recipient
- +MoneyGram Plus Rewards provides value for frequent senders
- +Ripple integration offers faster settlement in select corridors
Cons
- βFees and exchange rates less competitive than Wise or Remitly for digital bank-to-bank transfers
- βExchange rate margin added on top of transfer fees β total cost higher than specialist digital platforms
- βAgent location quality and hours vary significantly by country
- βDigital platform less polished than Wise or Remitly for tech-savvy users
- βExchange rates and fees change frequently β verify current rates at moneygram.com before transferring
- βBest value only when cash pickup is specifically required β digital alternatives cheaper for bank transfers
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Integrations
Compare MoneyGram with other tools
See how MoneyGram stacks up against wise, remitly, worldremit side by side.
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Reviewed by Finatune Β· Last updated 2026-07-01