Remitly vs XE (2026) — Which is Better for International Money Transfers?
Remitly and XE are both popular choices for international money transfers but they serve different needs. Remitly is built for speed and convenience with Express delivery and mobile wallet support. XE is better suited for larger transfers where its competitive rate spread has more impact. This guide breaks down exactly how they compare.
Quick verdict
Remitly
Best for: Speed & mobile wallets
Express delivery in minutes, supports GCash and Maya, free first transfer. Best for urgent transfers and mobile wallet recipients.
XE
Best for: Larger transfers
Competitive rate margin for larger amounts, no fixed fee. Good for transfers over $2,000 where rate matters more than speed.
Remitly vs XE — full comparison
| Feature | Remitly | XE |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1–3% margin | Near mid-market |
| Transfer fee | $0 (first transfer) | No fixed fee (spread model) |
| Rate margin | 1–3% | 0.5–1.5% |
| Delivery speed | Minutes (Express) | 1–3 business days |
| Bank deposits | ✅ All major banks | ✅ Supported |
| Cash pickup | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available |
| Mobile wallets | ✅ GCash, Maya, bKash | ❌ Not supported |
| India transfers | All major banks, 3–5 hrs | 1–3 business days |
| Philippines | GCash, Maya, banks | Bank only |
| First transfer | Often free | Standard rate applies |
| Best amount | Any amount | Over $2,000 |
| Best for | Speed & wallets | Large transfers, best rate |
Fees — Remitly vs XE
Remitly and XE use different fee models. Remitly charges a transfer fee (often waived for first transfers) and applies a rate margin. XE uses a spread-only model with no fixed fee but a slightly lower rate margin than Remitly.
Remitly
Fee: $0 (first)
Rate margin: 1–3%
$1,000 → INR: ~₹82,500
$1,000 → PHP: ~₱56,500
XE
Fee: $0
Rate margin: 0.5–1.5%
$1,000 → INR: ~₹83,800
$1,000 → PHP: ~₱56,800
* Rates are approximate and change daily. Use RateMigo to see today's exact figures.
Remitly vs XE for sending money to India
For urgent USD to INR transfers, Remitly is the clear winner — Express delivery reaches Indian banks in 3–5 hours. XE takes 1–3 business days.
For larger non-urgent transfers over $2,000–$3,000, XE is worth comparing — its lower rate margin can deliver more INR on bigger amounts despite Remitly's free first transfer promotion.
Compare live USD to INR rates →Remitly vs XE for sending money to the Philippines
For Philippines transfers, Remitly is significantly better. Remitly supports GCash and Maya wallets directly — XE does not. Remitly also delivers faster and has a stronger Philippines-specific feature set.
XE is only worth considering for Philippines transfers if your recipient has a bank account and the transfer amount is large enough for XE's rate margin to be competitive.
Compare live USD to PHP rates →Frequently asked questions — Remitly vs XE
Is Remitly cheaper than XE?+−
It depends on the transfer amount and corridor. For smaller transfers, Remitly's first-transfer free promotion makes it cheaper. For larger amounts over $2,000, XE's rate spread can be competitive. Always compare the recipient amount on RateMigo to find the cheapest option for your specific transfer.
Is Remitly faster than XE?+−
Yes — Remitly is significantly faster than XE. Remitly Express delivers in minutes to eligible bank accounts and mobile wallets. XE typically takes 1–3 business days for most transfers.
Does Remitly or XE have better exchange rates?+−
XE generally offers a slightly better exchange rate than Remitly because it applies a smaller rate margin. However Remitly's speed and mobile wallet support make it more versatile for most everyday transfers.
Which is better for sending money to India — Remitly or XE?+−
For urgent transfers to India, Remitly is better — Express delivery takes 3–5 hours to major Indian banks. For larger non-urgent transfers where rate matters most, XE is worth comparing. Always check RateMigo for live rates before sending.
Does XE support mobile wallets like GCash or Maya?+−
No — XE only supports bank account transfers. Remitly supports GCash and Maya in the Philippines, making it the better choice for recipients using mobile wallets.
Can I trust both Remitly and XE?+−
Yes — both are regulated financial institutions. Remitly holds licenses in all countries it operates. XE is owned by Euronet Worldwide, a publicly traded company, and is regulated across all its operating markets.
See today's live rates from Remitly, XE and more
Rates change daily. Compare live rates right now to see who's offering the best deal.
We may earn a commission when you use our links. This helps keep RateMigo free for users.