Western Union and MoneyGram are two of the largest cash money transfer networks in the world. Both reach 200+ countries through large agent networks. Choosing between them comes down to fees on your specific corridor, which network has a convenient location for your recipient, and whether one is currently running a promotion. Figures below are general patterns, not live quotes — compare both services directly for your transfer before deciding.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Western Union | MoneyGram |
|---|---|---|
| Agent locations | 600,000+ (per westernunion.com, checked Sept 2026) | Roughly 350,000–440,000+ depending on source (confirm at moneygram.com) |
| Countries served | 200+ | 200+ |
| Online per-transfer limit | Western Union’s own limits page states up to $50,000 for verified accounts (see Western Union limits) | Confirm current limit at moneygram.com |
| Cash pickup speed | Often minutes (card-funded) | Often minutes (card-funded) |
| Bank deposit speed | Typically 1–5 business days | Typically 1–5 business days |
| Exchange rate | Generally not the mid-market rate; margin varies by corridor | Generally not the mid-market rate; margin varies by corridor |
| US retail partners | Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and others | Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and others |
| App availability | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Regulated by | FinCEN; money transmitter licenses in US states/territories | FinCEN; money transmitter licenses in US states/territories |
| Loyalty program | My WU | No comparably prominent program as of this review |
Fee Comparison: US to Mexico or Philippines
Neither company publishes a fixed fee or exchange-rate-margin table by corridor. As a general pattern, both Western Union and MoneyGram are more competitively priced on high-volume corridors like US → Mexico and US → Philippines than on lower-volume routes. The cheaper option on any given day can differ by a few dollars in either direction — get live quotes from both westernunion.com and moneygram.com for your specific amount and corridor before sending, rather than relying on a cached comparison.
Network Coverage: Does Your Recipient Have a Nearby Agent?
Western Union states its network includes major US retail partners such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and Dollar General, plus post offices and banks in many countries.
MoneyGram states its network includes Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and post offices in Europe and elsewhere.
For the recipient’s side, what matters most is whether there is a convenient agent location near them. Use the WU agent locator (westernunion.com) and MoneyGram locator (moneygram.com) to check both networks for your recipient’s city before deciding.
Transfer Limits
Confirm current online per-transfer and rolling-period limits directly at westernunion.com and moneygram.com before a large transfer — see Western Union limits for what Western Union currently publishes.
Who Should Use Western Union vs MoneyGram
Choose Western Union when:
- Your recipient’s country or city has better WU agent coverage
- You want to earn My WU loyalty points on frequent transfers
- You are sending from a Walmart or another large WU retail partner location
Choose MoneyGram when:
- MoneyGram has a more convenient agent location for your recipient
- MoneyGram’s current published limit or rate is better for your specific corridor and amount
Neither is ideal if:
- You are sending a meaningful amount and do not need cash pickup — Wise generally offers a lower total cost for bank-to-bank transfers because it uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup; compare a live Wise quote against both WU and MoneyGram for your transfer.
Summary
Western Union generally has the larger agent network and a loyalty program; MoneyGram is sometimes competitive or cheaper on specific corridors and dates. In practice, both services are broadly similar — the best approach is to check both on your specific corridor before sending, since fees and exchange rates change frequently and neither company publishes a fixed comparison table.
Related articles:
- Western Union Fees 2026
- Western Union vs Wise 2026
- Western Union Limits 2026
- Wise Review 2026
- Compare payment apps
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy