MoneyGram

Sending money with MoneyGram, the Dallas-based transfer service with a large global agent network? Choose your transfer, then go through ShopBack before you pay: ShopBack Cashback works like a discount, only easier than a promo code. Products include online transfers via moneygram.com and the app, walk-in agent transfers at CVS, Walmart, 7-Eleven, and independent agents, cash pickup at partner networks abroad, bank deposit, and mobile wallet top-up in select corridors. MoneyGram is registered with FinCEN and licensed as a money transmitter in all applicable US states. Activate ShopBack via the ShopBack MoneyGram merchant page to earn cashback on eligible first transfers at the current published rate.

MoneyGram charges a transfer fee that varies by send channel (online cheaper than walk-in), corridor, funding source (bank ACH cheapest, credit card most expensive), payout method (bank deposit vs cash pickup vs mobile wallet), and send amount, plus an FX markup on the exchange rate. Small online sends to Mexico can carry near-zero flat fees when funded by bank account, with the profit built into the FX spread. Walk-in transfers at agents run higher fees. Cash-pickup outbound to remote corridors carries additional fees. Verify the total cost and delivered amount on the MoneyGram quote screen before confirming.

Both operate similar agent-and-digital hybrid models. Western Union has a larger global agent network (over 500,000 locations) and better niche corridor coverage in Africa and the Middle East. MoneyGram tends to undercut Western Union online for Mexico, Philippines, and India corridors, though the delta swings week to week. Both offer digital-to-cash-pickup delivery in minutes. For US senders remitting to Latin America, MoneyGram often wins on price. For US senders remitting to Africa or the Middle East, Western Union typically wins on coverage. Both are cashback-eligible via ShopBack where the merchant page is active. Get a quote from both before sending.

MoneyGram's strongest corridors from the US include Mexico (via Elektra, Banco Azteca, and OXXO), Guatemala and El Salvador (Banrural, Banco Agromercantil, and independent agents), Philippines (Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Pawnshop, GCash), India (bank deposit to major banks, UPI, and select cash pickup), Vietnam (bank deposit and agent pickup), and Colombia (Efecty and Banco de Bogota). Sub-Saharan Africa coverage is thinner than Western Union. Verify pickup network availability by city on moneygram.com before quoting a specific recipient location, since agent density varies within a country.

Remitly leads on digital-first UX, clean quote screen, and typically cheaper FX spreads on major corridors like Mexico and India for digital-to-bank or digital-to-mobile-wallet transfers. MoneyGram leads on physical agent access (both send-side and receive-side), niche corridor coverage, and walk-in options for senders without US banking. For a US senders with a bank account remitting to a banked or mobile-wallet recipient, Remitly typically wins on total cost. For cash-only recipients in a Latin American town without banking penetration, MoneyGram's cash-pickup network often wins on convenience. Both are cashback-eligible via ShopBack where the merchant page is active.

Traditional US bank wires cost $25 to $50 outbound plus a receiving-bank fee and hidden FX spread of 2% to 4%. MoneyGram digital transfers typically run at a lower all-in cost for corridors under $2,000. Wires still make sense for very large transfers over $10,000, business transfers requiring SWIFT documentation, or corridors MoneyGram does not serve. For typical family remittance, MoneyGram wins on cost and delivery speed. Compare the MoneyGram quote against the total wire cost including receiving-bank fees before choosing.

Sender initiates a cash pickup transfer online or at a walk-in agent and receives an eight-digit reference number. The recipient walks into any MoneyGram partner agent in the destination country with a government-issued ID and the reference number to collect cash in the local currency. Pickup is typically available within minutes for most corridors. The sender chooses the payout currency at time of quote. Verify the recipient's nearest MoneyGram partner and its cash on-hand hours before sending, particularly in rural areas.

Yes. MoneyGram is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a Money Services Business and holds state Money Transmitter Licenses in all applicable US states. Customer funds in transit are held in segregated pooled accounts at partner banks per state MTL requirements. MoneyGram is not a bank, so funds are not FDIC-insured in the same way as a deposit account. Consumer complaints route through the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database or the sender's state banking regulator. MoneyGram is a subsidiary of Madison Dearborn Partners since the 2023 take-private transaction.

Go through ShopBack before you pay and the Cashback tracks to your ShopBack account. The current Cashback is shown on the MoneyGram page on ShopBack.

Check the item and specs before you pay so the order is right the first time.