Western Union and Revolut are two of the biggest companies in the online money transfer market, and they have a number of similarities and differences. The main difference is, of course, that Western Union is a global corporation, while Revolut is a start-up. While the latter has significant momentum and has grown in stature since it was launched in 2013, it is nowhere near as old as Western Union, which was founded back in the 19th century.
In some ways, the two firms are on an equal footing. They both offer local settlement options across the world, and transfer speeds are between one day and three days for each. However, Revolut can still hold its own in many ways – and especially in terms of fees. No fees are levied on cross-border payments transactions with Revolut, and this isn’t the case for Western Union. There, fees can range from £1 to closer to £5 depending on the nature of the transaction. Revolut also offers a distinctive product portfolio, including cryptocurrencies – meaning that there is, in some ways, more choice for the end-user.
For many customers, and especially those in locations where underbanking is a problem and there is little digital penetration, the main advantage of Western Union is that it offers physical branches for customers to use. Western Union ‘agents’, as they are known, are scattered all over the globe and are a crucial node in the firm’s ability to ensure that cash is transferable in more than 200 nations. Some customers may also avoid Revolut because it uses what is known as the ‘interbank’ rate for settlements made at weekends – this could cause significant losses if the market moves in the customer’s favour before the real rate has a chance to catch up.
Fully authorised by the FCA
Fee-free transactions
Easily manage your account online or through the mobile app
Free multi-currency account with up to 29 different currencies
Easy to set up an account, you can start using it quickly
Easy to transfer money back off your card into your bank account
Cryptocurrency offering
24-hour customer service
Uses the interbank rate for transactions at weekends, which misses out on any currency fluctuations
Charges fees when markets are closed at weekends
Free cash withdrawals have a monthly limit
There are no physical branches
Free to open account
Fee-free transactions
Intuitive website design
Pledge to match or beat competitor rates
Trade online, over telephone or by email
iOS and Android apps available
Not possible to transfer to cash collection locations, only bank accounts
Fee-free transactions only apply to UK transfers
Less focus on personal account management
OFX provides secure and speedy international money transfers to over 300,000 people in 55 currencies at better-than-bank rates.
Use the code '3FREE' and pay no fees on your first three money transfers
WorldRemit is an online service that lets people send money to friends and family living abroad, using a computer, smartphone or tablet.
Average of the top US Banks costs as compiled by our own FXC Intelligence group
FXcompared.com is an fx money comparison site for international money transfer and to compare rates from currency brokers for sending money abroad. The website and the information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or advice on any financial service or transaction. None of the information presented is intended to form the basis for any investment decision, and no specific recommendations are intended. FXC Group Ltd and FX Compared Ltd does not provide any guarantees of any data from third parties listed on this website. FX compared Ltd expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any direct or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from (i) any error, omission or inaccuracy in any such information or (ii) any action resulting therefrom.
