MoneyGram vs. Western Union for sending money in 2026

Send money abroad

Sending money is a major element in migration, with the World Bank¹ noting that in 2023, remittances around the world totaled $656 billion. Two of the leading money sending platforms, MoneyGram and Western Union, have been around forever, so it’s easy to assume they’re the automatic safe pick for remittances. However, the remittances world has changed fast. In 2026, most people are paying for speed when it matters, clarity on fees, and control from their phone.

If you have never used a money transfer app before, remittances are basically the act of sending money to someone in another country. You choose how you will pay on your side, and your recipient chooses how they want to get the money on their side. That path is called a transfer route or corridor. For example, the United States to Mexico is one corridor.

The two biggest choices are payment method and delivery method. Payment method is how you fund the transfer, like a bank account, a debit card, a credit card, or cash at a location. Delivery method is how the person receives it, like cash pickup, bank deposit, or a mobile wallet.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at MoneyGram vs. Western Union, and how both stack up in the areas where people actually feel the difference, like pricing transparency, how you can pay, and how your recipient can get the money.

MoneyGram vs. Western Union: How these services compare

Both MoneyGram and Western Union are built around big payout networks. Where they start to differ is how you can fund a transfer, which delivery options are available per country, and how transparent the limits are up front. Below is a side-by-side snapshot that also shows where BOSS Money fits in, especially if you want app-based sending with flexible payout methods and clear pricing before you hit pay.

Note on accuracy: Payment methods, delivery options, speeds, and limits can vary by country and sometimes by customer verification level. The table reflects what each provider states in official materials as of January 19, 2026.

Category	MoneyGram	Western Union	BOSS Money
Payment methods	Online payments include card and bank account options, while cash funding is available when sending in person at agent locations	Online payments can include bank account and card options, and cash payment is available at agent locations	Bank account Debit card Credit card
Cash delivery options	Cash pickup Bank deposit Mobile wallet Options vary from country to country.	Cash pickup Bank deposit Mobile wallet Options vary from country to country.	Cash pickup Bank deposit Mobile wallet Home delivery Options vary from country to country.
Speed of transfer	Can be ready in minutes	Can be ready in minutes	Can be ready in minutes
Minimum and maximum transfer amounts	According to the MoneyGram website², “There are limits on different transactions involving the MoneyGram Account. You can see how much you are able to send when you initiate your transfer.”	Western Union’s website³ reads: “To send more than 3,000 USD from the United States, you will need to verify your identity online or at an agent location. Once verified, you can send up to 50,000 USD.”	Maximum is placed at $5,000.
Additional features	With online and app experience with transfer tracking.	App and online tracking, plus built-in tools for easier usage.	Transparent-fee messaging on country pages, tracking and updates, and payout-method flexibility depending on destination

No matter which platform you choose, the best option usually comes down to two things: how you can pay and how your recipient needs to receive the money. MoneyGram and Western Union both lean on their long-standing pickup networks, while BOSS Money is built for people who want clear fees upfront, flexible payout options, and home deliveries.

To make it easier to decide the best money transfer platform for you, here are a few rules to stick to:

Assume the options change by country. Cash pickup, bank deposit, and mobile wallet availability depend on where you are sending and where the recipient is receiving.
Assume the price changes based on how you pay. Card payments often cost more than bank payments. Cash-funded transfers depend on what is available at the agent location.
Assume the speed changes depending on how the money is delivered. Cash pickup can be fast on some routes. Bank deposits can be fast or slower depending on the local bank network and processing rules.
Assume limits depend on verification. Many providers allow higher limits after identity checks. The exact number can change by country and by customer profile.
Compare like for like. Use the same send amount, the same destination, the same payment method, and the same delivery method. If you change one thing, you are no longer comparing the same product.

MoneyGram overview

MoneyGram is one of the older, big-name remittance brands. The global network has been around long enough that many people recognize the name and know where to pick up cash. People use it in two common ways. Some send digitally through the website or app. Others pay in person with cash at an agent location, so they don’t need to use a bank card. On the receiving side, cash pickup is often the familiar option, but other delivery methods may be available depending on the country.

Typical fees structure

When you use the platform, you’ll typically see a transfer fee and exchange rate set at the time you send. MoneyGram also notes its exchange rate may include a markup, and both fees and rates can change.

Transfer speed

The speed of your money transfer depends on the route and delivery method. Some cash pickup transfers can be fast on certain corridors. Bank deposits can be fast or take longer, depending on local processing.

Security & regulation

In terms of safety, MoneyGram is a regulated money services business and uses identity checks and monitoring to reduce fraud. As a sender, your best protection is using the official website or app, double-checking recipient details, and keeping your receipt or tracking reference until the money is collected.

Pros and cons of Moneygram

Multiple ways to send money, like digital options (through website or app) and in-person cash funding at agent locations.
Moneygram is a recognizable, legacy remittance brand, making it easier to build trust with recipients who prefer working with familiar names.
Helpful for cash-based senders who aren't familiar, don't like, or don't have a credit card.
Works well when the recipient prefers picking up cash in person.
Easy to follow and track because transfers have a tracking and reference number that recipients and senders can follow.

Pricing is harder to "judge at a glance" because the total cost depends on both the fee and exchange rate offered at checkout.
Available delivery methods will depend on the destination, meaning not every corridor will offer the same options.
Speed of delivery also depends on the corridor since it depends on payout method, destination, and verification method chosen.
Limits may appear once you start a transfer because they're situational.
In-person transfers and flows may have extra steps, like varying store hours, travel time, and possible verification requirements upon pickup.

Western Union overview

Western Union (WU) is probably the best-known money transfer and remittance center globally.

Transfer speed

It’s built for sending money online, in-app, or in person, and it often promotes cash pickup in minutes for certain transfers. For certain routes, WU advertises cash pickup that can be ready in minutes, which is why people reach for it in “urgent” situations.

Typical fees structure

WU’s pricing works like most remittance services, where the pricing is highly dependent on external factors. You pay a transfer fee, and the exchange rate you get also matters. WU explicitly notes it earns revenue from currency exchange too, so you should compare both the fee and the rate, not just the fee.

Pros and cons of Western Union

Many recipients already know what Western Union is and how cash pickup works.
Flexible sending options, like online, in-app, and in-person.
Fast cash pickup, which makes it a great pick for urgent transfers.
A large physical network can be a real advantage for recipients who prefer walking into an agent location.
Flexible for users who prefer both app usage and face-to-face service.

Total cost can be equivalent to the fee and exchange rate margin, so the cheapest-looking fee is not always the cheapest transfer overall.
Delivery speed is usually in minutes, but this can still vary depending on the route and payout method of the sender.
Exchange rates and fees vary based on the payment method chosen. Cards, bank transfers, and cash all have different corresponding fees.
Higher amounts being transferred may require ID verification, and limits appear based on the corridor and customer profile.
In-person transfers and flows may have extra steps, like additional verification requirements upon pickup and travel time.

Fees and real cost of sending money

Here’s the simplest way to understand remittance pricing: what you pay isn’t just the fee. The real cost is usually the transfer fee and the exchange rate margin (which is the difference between the mid-market rate you see on Google and the rate you’re actually offered). Both MoneyGram and Western Union say exchange rates may include a markup, and fees and rates can change, so any “cheapest” claim needs a same-day comparison.

Is MoneyGram or Western Union cheaper than BOSS Money?

Money transfer pricing is usually built the same way across big brands. You pay a transfer fee plus an exchange-rate markup (often called the FX margin). That’s why two services can look “cheap” in the ad, but end up nearly the same once you compare what the receiver actually gets. Both MoneyGram and Western Union clearly signal that they earn money from currency exchange, not just the fee.

In many popular corridors, MoneyGram vs. Western Union's total cost ends up pretty similar. The winner can flip depending on payment method (card vs. bank vs. cash), payout method (cash pickup vs. bank deposit), and even the time of day you check rates.

Sending $300 abroad

Western Union has a price estimator⁴. Here’s a table comparison of the average service fee and total amount to be received by the recipient when sending money to Mexico, the Philippines, and India.

Country	Western Union	MoneyGram	BOSS Money
Philippines	Total to receiver: up to 17,121.33 PHP	Total to receiver: up to 17,927.40 PHP	Total to receiver: up to 18,113.00 PHP
Mexico	Total to receiver: up to 5087.17 MXN	Total to receiver: up to 5286.74 MXN	Total to receiver: up to 5,333.00 MXN
Colombia	Total to receiver: up to 1,056,140.59 COP	Total to receiver: up to 1,097,132.76 COP	Total to receiver: up to 1,115,521.18 COP

Note on accuracy: Pricing and payout amounts depend on the exchange rate, selected delivery method, and payment option. Rates reflect data available as of January 26, 2026. First-time fee reductions were not included in this comparison.

MoneyGram⁵, on the other hand, bases its additional fees on the exchange rate, amount, location, and receiving method. To best gauge the amount you need to prepare, create an account on their website to estimate fees and see how much you can send. Here’s a formula you can use when estimating fees and rates:

Receiver gets = (300 − fee) × rate

Trust, safety, and reach

MoneyGram, Western Union, and BOSS Money are all legitimate ways to send money when you use the official app or site and follow the rules. With MoneyGram and Western Union, the biggest advantage is familiarity. Your relatives may already know the brand name and feel comfortable using a nearby agent location, and WU highlights wide access to agent pickup.

Where BOSS Money tends to win is the modern, convenient money transfer experience. With BOSS Money, you get a simpler app flow, clearer pricing screens, and payout options that match how people actually receive money (cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet, and sometimes home delivery depending on the country).

When MoneyGram or Western Union makes more sense

Sometimes the best option is the one that fits the real-life situation. MoneyGram or Western Union can make more sense when your recipient needs a very specific pickup point (like “the agent inside the grocery store near my job”) or when they trust face-to-face service more than a phone app. Western Union also emphasizes in-person and agent-based pickup flows, which some families prefer for peace of mind.

It can also be simpler if the receiver is dealing with limited internet access, an older phone, or just doesn’t want to troubleshoot logins and verification steps. In those cases, a big physical network is the feature.

If your goal is a smoother mobile-first experience and you want to clearly see your costs before you commit, that’s where BOSS Money is often the best option.

When BOSS Money is the better choice

BOSS Money tends to be the smarter pick when you’re sending money the way most people usually do it today. It’s a strong option if:

You send regularly (weekly or monthly). Once you’ve set up your recipient, repeat transfers are quick.
You’re fee-sensitive. You can compare the total cost before you hit “send,” so you’re not guessing what the recipient will end up with.
You want mobile control. You can start, track, and manage the transfer in the app, instead of relying on a counter visit.
Your recipient needs choices. Depending on the country, you can pick what fits best between cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet, or home delivery (availability varies by destination).

In short, if you prioritize repeatability, clear costs, and being able to manage everything from your phone, BOSS Money is usually the easiest choice.

Final verdict: Which service should you choose in 2026?

There isn’t one “best” service for everyone, only the best match for your unique situation. MoneyGram and Western Union still make a lot of sense if you want an offline, cash-based option, or if your recipient prefers going to a familiar agent location.

BOSS Money stands out if you’re the kind of sender who wants to handle everything on your phone, see costs clearly before paying, and keep control with tracking and flexible payout methods (where available). If you’re unsure, decide how you want to pay (card/bank/cash where supported), how your recipient wants to receive, then compare the fee and exchange rate on the same day.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of January 26, 2026

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/migration/brief/remittances-knomad
https://www.moneygram.com/us/en/help-center/faq/send-receive/send-money-online/how-much-money-can-i-send-online-through-moneygram-are-there-limits-to-how
https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/frequently-asked-questions/faq-sending-money.html#How-much-can-I-send-with-Western-Union
https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/send-money/app/price-estimator
https://www.moneygram.com/us/en

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.