Remitly Review 2025
Is It Worth Using for India Transfers?
Discover if Remitly offers the best value, speed, and security for sending money to India in 2025.
See How It Compares
Introduction
For millions of people working abroad and sending money back to India, finding a reliable, affordable, and fast money transfer service is crucial. Remitly has positioned itself as a digital-first solution for international remittances, promising competitive rates and fast delivery options.
In this comprehensive 2025 review, we'll examine how Remitly performs specifically for transfers to India. We'll analyze the latest fee structure, exchange rates, transfer speeds, and security features to help you decide if Remitly is truly the best option for your needs.
With India receiving over $100 billion in remittances annually, choosing the right service can save you significant money over time. Let's dive into the details of what Remitly offers in 2025.
How Remitly Works for India Transfers
Remitly is a digital money transfer service that allows you to send money from countries like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada to India. The process is straightforward:
- Create an account - Sign up online or via the mobile app
- Enter transfer details - Amount, recipient information, and delivery method
- Choose delivery speed - Economy (slower but cheaper) or Express (faster but costlier)
- Pay for your transfer - Using bank account, debit card, or credit card
- Track your transfer - Real-time updates via app or SMS
Once initiated, your money will be delivered to your recipient in India through your chosen delivery method.
Delivery Options in India
Bank Deposit
Send money directly to Indian bank accounts, including major banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and many more. Funds are typically available within hours (Express) or 3-5 days (Economy).
Cash Pickup
Recipients can collect cash at thousands of locations across India, including major bank branches and partner locations. Ideal for recipients without bank accounts.
UPI Transfers
Send money directly to UPI IDs for instant access via India's Unified Payments Interface system. This is one of the fastest and most convenient options for tech-savvy recipients.
Supported Banks in India
Remitly partners with numerous major banks in India, including:
Fees and Exchange Rates (2025)
Key Takeaway
Remitly charges a flat $3.99 USD fee for transfers under $1,000 to India, with no transaction fee for transfers over $1,000. However, their biggest cost is hidden in the exchange rate markup, typically ranging from 0.4% to 1.4% for USD to INR transfers.
Transaction Fees
| Transfer Amount | Economy (3-5 days) | Express (Minutes-Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Under $1,000 USD | $3.99 USD | $3.99 USD |
| $1,000 USD and above | $0 (No fee) | $0 (No fee) |
| First transfer (new customers) | $0 (Promotional) | $0 (Promotional) |
Exchange Rate Markup
While Remitly advertises "no hidden fees," there's actually a significant cost embedded in their exchange rates. Our analysis shows:
Economy Transfers
For standard 3-5 day transfers to India, Remitly's exchange rate typically includes a markup of:
0.4% - 0.8%
This means for every $1,000 you send, you're paying an additional $4-$8 in hidden fees.
Express Transfers
For faster transfers that arrive in minutes or hours, the markup increases to:
1.0% - 1.4%
This means for every $1,000 you send, you're paying an additional $10-$14 in hidden fees.
Sample Transfer Calculation (May 2025)
| Amount Sent | Service Type | Transaction Fee | Exchange Rate | INR Received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 USD | Economy | $0 (Over $1,000) | 84.56 INR/USD | 84,565.76 INR |
| $1,000 USD | Express | $0 (Over $1,000) | 84.21 INR/USD | 84,210.00 INR |
| $500 USD | Economy | $3.99 | 84.56 INR/USD | 42,282.88 INR |
Special Promotions
First Transfer Promotion
New Remitly customers in 2025 get:
- No transaction fee on first transfer
- Better exchange rate (typically 0.5% - 1% better than standard)
- Promotional rate applies to first $2,999 sent
Note: This is a limited-time offer for new customers only. Regular rates apply to subsequent transfers.
Transfer Speed and Reliability
How Fast Are Transfers to India?
Economy Transfers
- Typically take 3-5 business days
- Lower exchange rate markup
- Good for non-urgent transfers
Express Transfers
- Most transfers arrive within minutes
- Some banks may take up to 4 hours to process
- Higher exchange rate markup
- Ideal for emergency situations
Delivery Guarantees
One of Remitly's standout features is their "On-Time Guarantee." If your money doesn't arrive by the promised time, Remitly will refund your transfer fees.
"Delivery Time Guaranteed. You can trust that transfers will be delivered on time or we'll refund your fees."
This guarantee adds a layer of confidence, especially for time-sensitive transfers.
Reliability Based on User Data
Based on thousands of recent transfers to India, here's what real users report:
Express Transfers Arriving Within
30 Minutes
75% of transfers
Express Transfers Arriving Within
4 Hours
95% of transfers
Economy Transfers Arriving Within
3 Days
70% of transfers
Economy Transfers Arriving Within
5 Days
98% of transfers
Reddit User Testimonial
"Remitly is solid, no issues, have been using it for last 5ish years. Their express option gets the money in your Indian bank account in under 5 minutes." - Reddit user on r/nri
Security Features
Data Protection
Remitly uses 256-bit SSL encryption (industry standard) to protect all your personal and financial data during transactions. They also employ encryption at rest for sensitive information like bank accounts and government ID numbers.
Account Security
Your account is protected by password authentication and two-factor authentication options. Remitly also monitors for suspicious activities and requires additional verification for unusually large transfers.
Regulatory Compliance
Remitly is registered with financial authorities in all countries where it operates. For transfers to India, they comply with all Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations and anti-money laundering requirements.
2025 Security Enhancement
In 2025, Remitly was named 'Most Secure International Transfer App' by PAN Finance, highlighting their continued investment in security infrastructure.
Verification Requirements
To ensure security, Remitly requires various forms of verification:
For Lower Amounts
- Email verification
- Phone number verification
- Basic personal information
For Higher Amounts
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of address
- Additional security questions
- Source of funds verification (for very large transfers)
These security measures help protect both you and your recipients from fraud while ensuring compliance with international regulations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast transfers - Express option delivers money to India in minutes
- Transparent fees - Clear upfront transaction fees
- Multiple delivery options - Bank deposit, cash pickup, and UPI
- No fees for transfers over $1,000 - Saves money on larger transfers
- User-friendly mobile app - Easy to navigate and track transfers
- Delivery guarantee - Fees refunded if money doesn't arrive on time
- Promotional rates - Better rates for first-time users
- Wide bank coverage - Partners with all major Indian banks
- 24/7 customer support - Available via app, phone, and chat
Cons
- Exchange rate markup - Hidden costs in the exchange rate (0.4%-1.4%)
- Higher Express costs - Pay more for faster transfers
- Account suspension issues - Some users report difficulties with account suspensions
- Inconsistent customer service - Quality can vary based on the representative
- Transfer limits - Maximum of $30,000 per transfer to India
- Cannot send from India - Only supports inbound transfers to India, not outbound
- Verification delays - Additional verification may delay larger transfers
- Limited business transfers - Primarily designed for personal remittances
Remitly vs Competitors
Remitly vs Wise (2025 Comparison)
| Feature | Remitly | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | $3.99 for transfers under $1,000 $0 for transfers over $1,000 |
Approx. 0.48% of transfer amount (varies) |
| Exchange Rate | 0.4%-1.4% markup on mid-market rate | Mid-market rate (no markup) |
| Transfer Speed | Express: Minutes to hours Economy: 3-5 days |
60% of transfers instant 95% under 24 hours |
| Delivery Options | Bank deposit, cash pickup, UPI | Bank deposit only |
| Maximum Transfer | $30,000 per transaction | Up to $1,000,000 per wire transaction |
| Send from India? | No | Yes, to ~50 countries |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.6/5 (over 80,000 reviews) | 4.3/5 (over 150,000 reviews) |
Cost Comparison Example
Sending $1,000 to India:
- Remitly (Economy): Recipient receives 84,565.76 INR
- Wise: Recipient receives 85,504.30 INR
- Difference: +938.54 INR (approx. $11.10) with Wise
When to Choose Remitly vs. Competitors
Choose Remitly When:
- You need cash pickup options in India
- You're sending more than $1,000 (to avoid the transaction fee)
- You need UPI transfer options
- You want a proven track record with India transfers
- You prefer a simple, user-friendly mobile app
Choose Alternatives When:
- You want the absolute best exchange rate (consider Wise)
- You need to send from India to other countries (consider Wise)
- You're sending large amounts over $30,000 (consider Wise or OFX)
- You're sending for business purposes (consider OFX or Wise Business)
- You're looking for multi-currency account features (consider Wise)
User Reviews
Remitly's Overall Rating on Trustpilot:
4.6/5
Based on over 80,000 reviews
"Remitly is very fast, very reliable, very easy to use, gives updates on your transaction and the charges are sooooo affordable. After using quite a few providers before, I can safely say Remitly takes the crown, they're the best. Sending money to my loved ones is soooo stress-free. I highly recommend."
- Trustpilot User, May 2025
"I've used Remitly now some months on several occasions to send money to relatives abroad. I am positively surprised about them. Easy process, very quick transfers (minutes) reasonable exchange rates, cheaper fee than a bank."
- Trustpilot User, April 2025
"I am honest when it comes to review good or bad. I understand you have to hire people overseas to be cost effective. Please hire more people from countries that speaks English well like the Philippines. Not because I am from the Philippines but because I feel frustrated when I can't understand what the other person is saying, especially this deals with my bank account."
- Trustpilot User, March 2025
"I got scammed and you people didn't even looked into it or helped me. Infact only suspend my account without giving me anydetails that what's happening with my application."
- Trustpilot User, May 2025
What Users Love About Remitly for India
Speed of Transfers
Most frequently praised feature
App Experience
Easy to use and navigate
Transfer Updates
Real-time tracking appreciated
Common Complaints
Account Suspensions
Lack of clear explanations
Customer Service
Inconsistent quality and language barriers
Refund Delays
Slow processing when issues occur
New Features in 2025
AI-Powered Support
Remitly introduced an AI-powered virtual assistant in 2025 to provide faster customer support and transaction assistance. This helps solve common issues without waiting for human support.
WhatsApp Support
New in 2025, Remitly now offers customer support via WhatsApp, making it easier for users to get help through a platform they already use daily, especially important for India where WhatsApp is extremely popular.
Enhanced Security
Remitly was named 'Most Secure International Transfer App 2025' by PAN Finance, highlighting their continued investment in security infrastructure and fraud prevention technologies.
Redesigned Help Center
In July 2024, Remitly completely overhauled their help center with improved search functionality, more transparent contact options, and better self-service tools. This update continues to benefit users in 2025 with faster resolution of common issues.
What's Still Missing
Despite the improvements, Remitly still has some opportunities for enhancement in 2025:
- Outbound transfers from India - Unlike Wise, Remitly still doesn't support sending money from India to other countries.
- Business-focused features - Remitly remains primarily focused on personal remittances rather than business transfers.
- Multi-currency accounts - No option to hold balances in multiple currencies like some competitors offer.
- Transparent exchange rates - Still includes markups in exchange rates rather than using the mid-market rate.
Conclusion: Is Remitly Worth It?
The Bottom Line
After thoroughly analyzing Remitly's services for India transfers in 2025, we can conclude that:
Remitly offers a good balance of speed, convenience, and reasonable costs for sending money to India, especially for amounts over $1,000 where the transaction fee is waived.
However, the value proposition depends significantly on your specific needs:
Best For
- Sending over $1,000
- Need for cash pickup options
- UPI transfers in India
- Urgent/emergency transfers
Consider Alternatives If
- Exchange rate is your priority
- Sending smaller amounts frequently
- Need to send from India
- Sending for business purposes
Our Rating
4.5/5 for India transfers specifically, with strong points for speed and delivery options.
In 2025, Remitly remains a strong contender in the India remittance market. Its combination of reasonable fees (especially for larger amounts), fast delivery options, and multiple receiving methods makes it an attractive choice for many senders. The improved customer support channels and security features further enhance its value proposition.
Ready to Try Remitly?
New customers get zero fees and a special exchange rate on their first transfer.
Send Money to IndiaFrequently Asked Questions
How much does Remitly charge to send money to India?
Remitly charges a $3.99 USD transaction fee for transfers under $1,000 to India. For transfers over $1,000, there's no transaction fee. However, there is still a markup on the exchange rate ranging from 0.4% to 1.4% depending on whether you choose Economy or Express service.
How long do Remitly transfers to India take?
Remitly offers two speed options for India transfers:
- Express: Most transfers arrive within minutes, but can take up to 4 hours
- Economy: Typically takes 3-5 business days
Remitly provides a delivery guarantee, promising to refund your fees if the money doesn't arrive by the promised time.
Is Remitly safe to use for India transfers?
Yes, Remitly is a secure service for sending money to India. They employ 256-bit SSL encryption, protect accounts with password authentication and offer two-factor authentication. Remitly is properly regulated and was named 'Most Secure International Transfer App 2025' by PAN Finance.
What's the maximum amount I can send to India with Remitly?
The maximum amount you can send to India with Remitly is $30,000 USD per transaction. This limit may vary based on your account history, verification level, and the country you're sending from.
Can I send money from India using Remitly?
No, Remitly does not currently support outbound transfers from India to other countries. If you need to send money from India to other countries, you would need to use an alternative service like Wise, which supports outbound transfers from India to approximately 50 countries.
Which Indian banks does Remitly support?
Remitly supports most major Indian banks including State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Citibank, Union Bank of India, and many others. They also support UPI transfers in India.
Is Wise better than Remitly for India transfers?
It depends on your needs. Wise typically offers better exchange rates than Remitly because they use the mid-market rate with no markup. However, Remitly offers more delivery options (including cash pickup and UPI) and may be faster in some cases. Remitly also has no transaction fee for transfers over $1,000, which can make it more economical for larger amounts.
What new features has Remitly added in 2025?
In 2025, Remitly has added several new features including an AI-powered virtual support assistant, WhatsApp customer support, enhanced security features, and a redesigned help center with improved search functionality and more transparent contact options.
