Remitly alternatives in the UK: Comparison

When sending money abroad from the UK, the service you choose determines how much arrives - and how much is lost to fees and currency conversion costs. The transfer fee is only half the story. A significant cost factor is often the markup in the exchange rate.

If you use Remitly but are looking for alternatives, read on. This guide explains how to compare international money transfer services, and runs through Remitly alternatives in the UK. This should help you make an informed decision so you can save money on your next transfer.

We’ll also show you another smart alternative - the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It’s not a bank account but an international account that lets you manage your funds in 40+ currencies.

Over 14.8 million people worldwide use Wise to send, receive and convert money at mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees. Your money is safeguarded and you’ll also get dedicated support and volume discounts when sending large amounts. On a £50,000 transfer, you could save up to £1,000 with Wise vs your bank.

➡️ Learn more about the Wise account

What services and products does Remitly offer?

Remitly is a digital service for sending personal payments from the UK to a large network of countries. It specialises in remittances, which are funds sent by individuals to family and friends abroad.

Users can choose between two main delivery speeds when sending Remitly money transfers. The 'Express' option uses a debit or credit card for faster transfers, usually for a higher fee. The 'Economy' option uses a bank transfer, which is slower but usually cheaper.

Recipients can receive money in several ways, including direct bank deposits, cash pickup at partner locations, or deposits to a mobile money wallet. Remitly’s pricing model often includes a margin on the exchange rate, even on promotional ‘zero-fee’ transfers.

Quick comparison of Remitly and alternatives

Choosing the right service depends on your priorities. Here is a brief Remitly comparison, to see how it stacks up to some of the alternatives available in the UK right now:

Fees and rates are correct at the time of writing (22/04/26), but may be subject to change. Markup rates vary by provider, currency route, transfer amount, and delivery speed. Check with the provider for the most up-to-date information.

4 popular alternatives to Remitly in the UK

Now, let’s run through some of the most popular alternatives to Remitly for sending money abroad.

1. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a direct competitor to Remitly, offering a similar focus on cash-based remittances. It provides a wide range of payout options, including bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile money, and airtime top-up.

Main benefit: Its global network is extensive, making it a good choice if your recipient needs flexible ways to receive funds.

2. Revolut

Revolut is a fully licensed UK digital bank that includes international money transfers as one of its many features. For UK users who already manage their money with the app, it offers a convenient way to send funds overseas.

Main benefit: Transfers between Revolut users are instant and free.

3. Western Union

Western Union (WU) is one of the oldest and most recognised names in money transfers. Its main advantage is its vast network of physical agent locations, allowing for cash pickup in nearly every corner of the world.

Main benefit: Unmatched global network for sending transfers for in-person cash pickup.

4. Skrill

Skrill is a digital wallet that facilitates fast online payments and international transfers. You can send money directly to a recipient's bank account or to their Skrill wallet.

Main benefit: The service is known for its speed, with many Skrill transfers completing quickly.

What if your recipient needs cash pickup?

Cash pickup is a critical feature for many, especially if the recipient doesn't have easy access to a bank account. Wise doesn’t offer cash pickup services.

If collecting physical cash is a requirement, you should consider providers like WorldRemit or Western Union. Just be sure to compare the total cost, as the convenience of cash services sometimes comes with higher fees and less favourable exchange rates.

Wise – International transfers with transparent fees

When comparing alternatives to Remitly, it's important to look beyond transfer fees alone. The exchange rate you receive can have a significant impact on how much money ultimately reaches your recipient.

Banks and other providers may claim to have “no fees” but they could be adding a sneaky mark-up to their exchange rate. This can impact your budget by up to 2% when sending money abroad. For example, on a £50,000 transfer, you could save up to £1,000 with Wise vs your bank.

Wise has built its own payment network that allows customers to send money internationally for less. You’ll get the mid-market exchange rate (close to the one you see on Google) with no hidden markups and low, transparent fees.

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments are not guaranteed, and your capital is at risk.

Wise is an Electronic Money Institution (EMI), so features like Interest and Stocks are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Instead, we safeguard your funds to meet regulatory obligations.

In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets, the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 839689).

We do not provide investment advice, and taxes may apply. If unsure, seek qualified financial advice. Full fund information is available on our website.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is Remitly the cheapest way to send money from the UK?

Remitly may not be the cheapest option. While it advertises low fees, the total cost is also affected by the exchange rate. Services that add a margin to the rate can be more expensive overall than those using the mid-market rate. This is why it’s sensible to carry out a Remitly fees comparison with other providers before choosing one for your transfer.

Can I use Wise instead of Remitly in the UK?

Yes, you can use Wise in the UK as an alternative to Remitly. It is a strong option if you are sending money to a recipient's bank account and want to avoid hidden costs in the exchange rate.

What are the main differences between Remitly and Wise?

The primary difference between Remitly and Wise is their pricing model. Remitly often adds a markup to the exchange rate, while Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a clear, upfront fee. Remitly also offers cash pickup, which Wise does not.

Key takeaways

• Remitly is a digital remittance service for sending personal payments from the UK, offering faster Express transfers via card or cheaper Economy transfers via bank transfer.
• Many popular UK money transfer providers, including Remitly, WorldRemit, Western Union, and Skrill, add a hidden markup to the mid-market exchange rate.
• While alternatives like Western Union and WorldRemit offer extensive networks for cash pickup, services like Revolut provide instant, free transfers between app users.
• Remitly alternatives vary significantly by transfer speed, delivery methods, and weekend fees, making it vital to compare the total cost rather than just advertised transfer fees.
• Wise solves the problem of hidden exchange rate markups and high transfer costs by offering international payments with low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 22-Apr-2026