💰 Fee Structure Breakdown
| Feature | Remitly | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| First Transfer | $0 fee | Regular fees apply |
| Economy Service | $2.99-4.99 | $4.14 + 0.43% |
| Express Service | $9.99-24.99 | Same as economy |
| Exchange Rate | Includes margin | Real mid-market rate |
📊 Real Cost Examples
Sending $500 to India
Remitly (Economy)
Transfer fee: $2.99
Exchange rate margin: ~$8
Total cost: $510.99
Recipient gets: ₹ 41,500
Wise
Transfer fee: $6.29
Exchange rate margin: $0
Total cost: $506.29
Recipient gets: ₹ 41,850
Winner: Wise saves $4.70 more
Sending $2,000 to Philippines
Remitly (Economy)
Transfer fee: $4.99
Exchange rate margin: ~$32
Total cost: $2,036.99
Recipient gets: ₱ 111,200
Wise
Transfer fee: $12.14
Exchange rate margin: $0
Total cost: $2,012.14
Recipient gets: ₱ 112,800
Winner: Wise saves $24.85 more
🎯 When to Choose Each Provider
Choose Remitly When:
- ✓it's your first transfer ($0 fee offer)
- ✓You need express delivery (minutes to hours)
- ✓Sending to cash pickup locations
- ✓You prefer simple pricing (fixed fees)
Choose Wise When:
- ✓Sending large amounts ($1,000+)
- ✓You want the real exchange rate
- ✓Transparency is important to you
- ✓Regular transfers (better long-term value)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Remitly's first transfer really free?
Yes, Remitly offers $0 transfer fees on your first transfer. However, they still make money from exchange rate margins, so the "free" transfer still has costs.
Does Wise really have no exchange rate markup?
Yes, Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup. They make money only from transparent, upfront fees.
Which provider is faster?
Remitly Express is typically faster (minutes to hours) but costs more. Wise usually takes 1-2 business days but is often cheaper overall.
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