How to Open and Use a Remitly Account in USA: Complete Guide 2025
Remitly's intuitive interface makes international money transfers simple
In today's interconnected world, sending money internationally has become a common necessity for many people living in the United States. Whether you're supporting family back home, paying for services abroad, or making international investments, having a reliable money transfer service is essential. Remitly stands out as one of the leading international money transfer services, offering competitive exchange rates and various delivery options to over 170 countries.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and using a Remitly account in the USA. From the initial registration process to making your first transfer and troubleshooting common issues, we've got you covered with expert tips to ensure a smooth experience.
Table of Contents
- What is Remitly?
- Account Requirements
- Step-by-Step Setup Process
- Account Verification
- Adding Payment Methods
- Making Your First Transfer
- Security Features
- Using the Remitly Mobile App
- Understanding Transfer Limits
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- User Reviews and Experiences
- Pros and Cons
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What is Remitly?
Remitly is an American online remittance service based in Seattle that specializes in international money transfers. Founded in 2011, Remitly has grown to become one of the most trusted platforms for sending money worldwide, with services available in over 170 countries across different currencies.
Unlike traditional banks that often charge high fees and offer unfavorable exchange rates, Remitly focuses on providing affordable, fast, and secure international transfers. The service is particularly popular among immigrants and expatriates who regularly send money back to their home countries.
- Two delivery speed options: Express (minutes) and Economy (typically 3-5 business days)
- Competitive exchange rates with transparent fee structure
- Multiple delivery methods: bank deposits, cash pickup, mobile wallets
- Real-time tracking of transfers
- Strong security measures including encryption and fraud monitoring
- User-friendly mobile app and website interface
- 24/7 customer support available in multiple languages
Account Requirements for Remitly in the USA
Before you begin setting up your Remitly account, it's important to understand the requirements and have all necessary information on hand. Here's what you'll need to create a Remitly account in the USA:
Basic Requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old
- Valid Email Address: For account communication and verification
- Phone Number: A working US phone number for two-factor authentication
- Physical Address: Your current residential address in the United States
- Personal Information: Your full legal name and date of birth
Required Documentation
Depending on your usage and transfer amounts, Remitly may ask for additional verification. Be prepared to provide:
- Government-issued ID: Such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card
- Social Security Number (SSN): May be required for identity verification
- Proof of Address: A utility bill, bank statement, or official mail showing your name and address
- Banking Information: Details for the bank account or credit/debit card you'll use to fund transfers
Important Note:
Remitly is designed for personal use only. If you're looking to make business transfers, you'll need to set up a separate Remitly business profile, which may have different requirements and features.
Step-by-Step Setup Process: Creating Your Remitly Account
Setting up a Remitly account is straightforward if you follow these steps. You can create your account either through the website or the mobile app.
Remitly's account creation screen
Method 1: Setting Up Through the Website
- Visit the Official Website: Go to www.remitly.com and click on "Join Now" or "Sign Up".
- Select Countries: Choose "United States" as your sending country and select the destination country where you want to send money.
- Enter Email and Create Password: Provide your email address and create a strong password. Remitly recommends using at least 8 characters with a combination of letters and numbers.
- Verify Email: Check your inbox for a verification email from Remitly and click the verification link to confirm your email address.
- Complete Personal Information: Enter your full name, date of birth, and US address as they appear on your official documents.
- Add Phone Number: Enter your US phone number. You'll receive a verification code via SMS to confirm it.
- Review and Accept Terms: Read through Remitly's terms of service and privacy policy, then check the box to accept them.
Method 2: Setting Up Through the Mobile App
- Download the App: Get the Remitly app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Open the App: Launch the app and tap "Sign Up" or "Create Account".
- Select Countries: Choose the United States as your sending country and select where you want to send money.
- Enter Personal Details: Follow the prompts to enter your email, create a password, and provide your personal information.
- Verify Contact Information: Verify both your email address and phone number through the codes sent to you.
- Complete Setup: Review the terms and conditions, accept them, and finalize your account creation.
Downloading the Remitly app from app stores
Pro Tip:
For enhanced security, set up biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) in the mobile app if your device supports it. This adds an extra layer of protection without the hassle of entering your password each time.
Account Verification Process
After creating your Remitly account, you'll need to complete the verification process before you can make transfers. This is a regulatory requirement to prevent fraud and comply with anti-money laundering laws. The verification process may be immediate or could take a bit of time depending on the information provided.
Remitly's account verification screen
Standard Verification Steps
- Identity Verification: Remitly will verify your identity using the personal information you provided during account setup.
- Document Upload: You may be asked to upload a photo of your government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID).
- Selfie Verification: In some cases, you might need to take a selfie to match against your ID photo.
- Additional Information: Depending on regulatory requirements, you might need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or answer additional questions about your transfers.
- Address Verification: For higher transfer limits, you may need to provide proof of address through a utility bill, bank statement, or other official document.
Verification Status
After submitting your verification documents, Remitly will review them and update your account status. This usually happens within one hour, but can sometimes take longer.
- Verified: Your account is fully verified and you can send money up to your assigned limits.
- Pending: Your verification is being processed. You may have limited functionality until verification is complete.
- Additional Information Required: Remitly needs more information to complete your verification.
- Failed: There was an issue with your verification. This could be due to unclear images, mismatched information, or other problems.
Important:
Always provide accurate and truthful information during the verification process. Any discrepancies between your provided information and your identification documents can lead to account restrictions or closure.
Adding Payment Methods to Your Remitly Account
Before you can send money through Remitly, you'll need to add a payment method to fund your transfers. Remitly offers several payment options for US customers:
Adding a payment method in the Remitly app
Available Payment Methods
- Best for: Economy transfers with lower fees
- Process: Link your US bank account by providing your account and routing numbers
- Verification: Remitly may make small test deposits to verify your account
- Timing: ACH transfers take 3-5 business days to process
- Best for: Express transfers when you need money delivered quickly
- Process: Enter your debit card details including card number, expiration date, and CVV
- Verification: Your billing address must match your registered address
- Timing: Funds are transferred immediately, but may incur higher fees
- Best for: Express transfers with maximum convenience
- Process: Similar to debit card setup, enter your credit card information
