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.

WorldRemit Review

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:

WorldRemit Australia review

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.

OFX Review Registration

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.

OFX Review Money Transfers

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.

OFX Review Payments

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:

  1. Download the app or head to the WorldRemit website
  2. Select Sign up
  3. Enter your email and create a secure password
  4. Get verified by uploading documents showing your ID and address
  5. 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?

WorldRemit Customer Reviews

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?

WorldRemit Review on Safety

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?

OFX Review on Money Transfer Timing

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 Review on Costs & Exchange Rates

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?

WorldRemit Review 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 Business Review

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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Claire Millard
Fintech copy and content writer
Claire Millard is a content and copywriter with a specialty in international finance. Her work has featured in The Times and The Telegraph, as well as industry magazines and leading personal finance blogs.
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Ileana Ionescu
Content manager
With a background in business journalism, Ileana is an experienced content manager, creating content for Exiap that helps its audience make informed decisions about their finances.
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Last updated
March 16th, 2024