Is Western Union or MoneyGram cheaper?

Western Union is cheaper on most of the corridors tested (5–0), but results vary by route and amount. Use the FX Skipper live comparator for your specific transfer.

What is the FX margin of Western Union vs MoneyGram?

Western Union charges an FX margin of 2% above the mid-market rate. MoneyGram charges 2.5%. The lower the margin, the more your recipient receives.

Western Union vs MoneyGram — Which is cheaper in 2026?

Which cash transfer network is cheaper and faster?

💡 Affiliate disclosure: Links to providers may be affiliate links. Rankings are always by net amount received, never by commission.

Western Union

FX margin 2% 2.5%

Flat fee $5.00 $5.00

Transfer fee None None

Speed Minutes – 5 days Minutes – 3 days

Rating 4.2/5 4.1/5

Visit Western Union ↗

MoneyGram

2.5%

Send online or via 350,000+ agent locations worldwide with cash pickup and bank deposit.

Visit MoneyGram ↗

Head-to-head: recipient gets on 1000 USD equivalent

Corridor	Western Union	MoneyGram	Winner & saving
🇺🇸 USD → 🇮🇳 INR	₹92,894.61	₹92,420.66	Western Union +₹473.95
🇺🇸 USD → 🇵🇭 PHP	₱59,298.69	₱58,996.15	Western Union +₱302.54
🇬🇧 GBP → 🇮🇳 INR	₹125,180.59	₹124,541.91	Western Union +₹638.68
🇪🇺 EUR → 🇵🇱 PLN	zł4,195.64	zł4,174.23	Western Union +zł21.41
🇦🇪 AED → 🇵🇰 PKR	₨72,776	₨72,405	Western Union +₨371

Green = higher net amount. Based on sending 1000 USD equivalent as of 2026-08-07. Check live rates →

🏆 Verdict: Western Union wins 5–0 on these corridors

Western Union delivers more to the recipient on most corridors tested, primarily because its FX margin (2%) is lower than MoneyGram's (2.5%). However, results depend on corridor, amount and delivery method. Use the live comparator for your specific transfer.