WorldRemit Review
WorldRemit offers digital payments to friends and family, on popular remittance routes covering 130+ countries globally. You can pay with your debit, prepaid or credit card, or with Apple Pay, and the recipient can get the money as a bank or mobile money account deposit, for cash collection or as airtime top up. The exact options available to you do vary based on the country you’re sending to.
Read on for our WorldRemit review covering how the service works, the fees you pay, whether it’s safe to use, how fast it is, how to get set up, and more.
What is WorldRemit?
WorldRemit is an online money transfer company that focuses on remittances to family and friends. WorldRemit has pay out options which vary based on destination and can include cash pick ups, mobile wallet deposits, airtime top up, and bank deposits. That makes it an especially popular service for people sending money to loved ones who can’t easily access a bank or ATM. Here’s a look at the services available from WorldRemit in Australia:
Pros and cons of using WorldRemit
- Website is easy to use, and you can set up an account very quickly.
- WorldRemit has competitive rates, and a lot of the time these will be better than what you'd find a your bank.
- They don't have a minimum amount you can transfer.
- 24/7 support available in nearly 20 countries worldwide.
- Can easily get an accurate quote for your transfer using their online calculator.
- Maximum transfer size of $10,000 and is even lower for some currencies.
- Don't offer support for businesses.
- Their transfer fee is not fixed, so it can change between different currencies.
- WorldRemit are unable to offer financial advice.
- Not all transfer methods are available in all countries. For example, there's no cash pick up when you send money to India.
Overall: WorldRemit lets you send payments online and in app to 130+ countries around the world, in 70+ currencies. Payments are arranged online or in-app with a great range of pay out options, which can suit people with or without a bank account. Most WorldRemit transfers arrive very quickly, with variable fees and rates which depend on the details of the transfer. Whether WorldRemit is right for you might come down to the specific service you need to access - read on for more.
When to use (and avoid) WorldRemit to transfer money overseas
Specialising in remittances and smaller transfers, WorldRemit are particularly good for transfers up to $10,000.
Because of this, they are tailored more toward personal and individual transfers. We particularly like them for transfers to Asia (China), Africa and South America.
Their rates are usually better than what you would find in your bank, and they are more flexible than companies such as Western Union.
Learn more
How to use WorldRemit
There are three main steps to setting up an account with WorldRemit, which we have outlined below. You can also watch our video tutorial for a complete guide.
Step 1: Register
Register your details through the WorldRemit website. You will choose the type of account you need, your details and the currencies you'll transfer. Once you provide some ID, WorldRemit will let you know when your account is ready.
Step 2: Transfer
Once you have a quote for your transfer, you will go ahead and fill in the details of the person you're sending the money to. If you're sending it to your own international account, fill in your own details.
Step 3: Pay
WorldRemit can accept payment in a few different ways. They accept both credit and debit card and their website is also integrated with Apple and Android pay.
How much can I save with WorldRemit?
Often using a specialist service like WorldRemit can mean you pay less overall compared to sending an international payment with a bank - plus you can get different pay out options which may suit your recipient better.
Here’s a quick overview of WorldRemit compared with another specialist service, Wise, and a major bank - ANZ - so you can see how much your recipient will get in each case across several different payment values. In this case we’re modelling a payment from your bank to another bank, to be received in GBP in the UK.
| Send amount in AUD | With WorldRemit your recipient gets: | With Wise your recipient gets: | With ANZ your recipient gets: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 510.75 GBP
Total send amount 1,001.99 AUD |
515.31 GBP
Total send amount 1,000 AUD |
497.33 GBP
Total send amount 1,000 AUD |
| 5,000 | 2,553.76 GBP
Total send amount 5,001.99 AUD |
2,577.59 GBP
Total send amount 5,000 AUD |
2,504.62 GBP
Total send amount 5,000 AUD |
Fees and exchange rates correct at time of research - 31st January 2024
As you can see in this comparison, both specialist providers were cheaper than ANZ. Bear in mind that WorldRemit adds the transfer fee to the send amount which pushes up the cost a little - but they’ve also got a great range of alternative pay out options not available from either Wise or ANZ, which can make them very attractive.
How does WorldRemit work?
Use WorldRemit to make transfers online or through the WorldRemit Apple and Android apps. Before you can get started you’ll need to register an account, but this can all be done with just your phone or laptop - and no need to leave home or wait in line at a bank.
Ways to send money with WorldRemit:
- Send payments online
- Sent payments in the WorldRemit app
One of the strong points for WorldRemit is that the recipient doesn’t need to have a bank account to get money - they can collect their payment in cash or you can send it to a mobile money account instead.
Transfer money for bank deposit
Send payments to bank accounts in 130+ countries around the world. Payments may take a day or two - but often they’re much quicker.
Good for: Low cost payments to family and friends deposited direct to bank accounts for convenience
Transfer money for cash collection
Payments can be collected in cash at a local agent, often within minutes of the payment being set up. The service isn’t available in all countries - although WorldRemit’s agent network is pretty broad ranging.
Good for: Getting cash to someone who can’t easily get to a bank or ATM
Transfer money to a mobile money account
In some countries, WorldRemit offers instant transfers to a mobile money account linked to the recipient’s mobile phone.
Good for: Quick transfers to regions where mobile money accounts are popular
Transfer money for airtime top up
Arrange a payment online to top up someone’s airtime so you can more easily talk to them by phone, or to allow them to access data in their home country.
Good for: Topping up someone’s phone data from the other side of the world
How to create an account
Start using your WorldRemit account online or in app in minutes. To create a WorldRemit account:
- Download the app or head to the WorldRemit website
- Select Sign up
- Enter your email and create a secure password
- Get verified by uploading documents showing your ID and address
- Once your account is verified you can transact
What documents you'll need
To get verified in Australia you’ll need either a local driving license, a local or foreign passport, or an Australian ImmiCard. Follow the prompts on screen to complete the verification process.
How long does WorldRemit verification take
Getting verified with WorldRemit should only take a few minutes.
Do I need a bank account for WorldRemit?
As a sender you’ll need either a debit, prepaid or credit card to pay for your WorldRemit transfer. Your recipient does not need a bank account - they can receive money as cash or to a mobile money wallet instead.
What do WorldRemit customer reviews say?
Trustpilot TrustScore: 3.9/5
WorldRemit scores an average of 3.9 stars on Trustpilot, from a total of over 85,000 listed reviews at the time of writing. That’s a Great rating on the Trustpilot scale.
5 star reviews commonly mention the speed and reliability or service, as well as ease of use. Poor reviews seem to be frequently about delays caused by transfer verification or similar issues. While getting verified can slow down a payment and be frustrating, it’s something all financial service providers have to do from time to time to comply with the law.
WorldRemit customer service
WorldRemit is available online and in app on both Apple and Android phones. Get in touch with WorldRemit directly if you need to get support about a specific payment:
| Support channel | WorldRemit contact information |
|---|---|
| In app | Use the in app chat funcion |
| Phone | 1800 569135 |
| Online | Extensive FAQ section available |
Is WorldRemit safe to send money?
Yes, WorldRemit is safe and legitimate. WorldRemit Pty Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). It’s also overseen by other similar regulators globally wherever it offers services.
They have a seriously strong focus on safety and protect sensitive data for you. A strict privacy policy is also adhered to for your personal information.
How long does WorldRemit take to transfer funds?
Once you have set up your transfer with WorldRemit and payment has been processed, it can be instant or take up to 2 days for a money transfer.
However, the speed of transfer depends on how the money is being received.
- Cash Pick-up: Instant
- Bank Transfer: Instant to selected banks, but it depends on the bank
- Mobile Money: Instant or near-instant
- Airtime pop-up: Instant or near-instant
- Home Delivery: 1-7 days, depends on location
The good news is, the expected delivery time is displayed to you before you make your payment.
WorldRemit pricing
WorldRemit fees depend on how you want to pay, how you want your payment to be collected, where you’re sending to and the value of your transfer. There’s an easy-to-use online calculator on the WorldRemit website which helps you view and compare your transfer options.
WorldRemit fees vary but can include:
- Transfer fee - this is added to the send amount
- Exchange rate markup - a percentage added onto the rate used
- Third party costs - such as a cash advance fee from your credit card
WorldRemit Exchange Rates
WorldRemit’s exchange rates include a markup. That’s a variable percentage fee added onto the exchange rate used for your transfer. It’s not split out from other costs you pay so to see it you’ll need to compare your WorldRemit rate against the mid-market exchange rate. The markups used by WorldRemit are likely to be smaller than those used by banks, but may not be the absolute cheapest on the market.
Alternatively, you can use our exchange rate comparison engine. You can see WorldRemit actual exchange rates and compare them to 4 of the biggest banks and other money transfer companies to see if they are the best option for you.
Read also:
Does WorldRemit have an App?
Yes. When you have an account with WorldRemit, you can make transfers through their website, or through their iOS and Android apps.
The app is quite easy to use, and it makes transferring money easy to do anywhere. A lot of the customer feedback for the app says that it is easy to navigate, but that there are also reports of it crashing sometimes.
WorldRemit's app is available to both Apple and Android users.
WorldRemit alternatives
WorldRemit vs Wise - Wise offers international payments deposited to bank accounts in 160+ countries. There’s no markup - you get the mid-market exchange rate and pay just low transparent fees. Read more on how does Wise work
WorldRemit vs Western Union - Western Union has a network of agents as well as online and in-app services. Payouts for cash collection are available from 600,000+ locations, which can mean it’s a good WorldRemit alternative for cash transfers. Read more on how does Western Union work
WorldRemit vs PayPal - send instant payments at home and abroad - convenient and quick, but not always the cheapest. With PayPal your recipient will also need to set up an account to get their money.
WorldRemit vs Revolut - open an online international account to send money globally, with some no fee currency conversion every month
WorldRemit money transfer review FAQs
Is WorldRemit legit?
Yes. WorldRemit is a large, safe and regulated company which is legit and can be used securely in Australia.
How much does WorldRemit cost?
WorldRemit has variable fees based on the destination and how you want your money to be received.
How long does WorldRemit take to transfer funds?
It often takes only minutes for your money to arrive when paying by card, and sending for cash collection. Bank deposits can take a bit longer but you’ll see a delivery estimate before you confirm the transfer.
Is it safe to transfer money with WorldRemit?
Yes. WorldRemit Pty Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
How does WorldRemit apply exchange rates?
WorldRemit adds a markup to the mid-market exchange rate to calculate the rate used to convert customer payments for deposit. To see this you’ll need to compare the WorldRemit rate with the mid-market rate you can find on Google.
Does WorldRemit have a mobile app?
Yes. WorldRemit has well rated apps on both Apple and Android phones.
How does WorldRemit work?
Create a WorldRemit account online or in the WorldRemit app, to send payments to friends and family in 130 countries using just your phone.
How many currencies does it support?
Send money to 130+ countries and 70+ currencies globally with WorldRemit.
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