With MoneyGram US you can send money through a variety of routes, with services varying a little between locations.
Finding a convenient, safe and inexpensive way to send money overseas will require a bit of research. This guide is a great way to start, giving you an overview of MoneyGram money transfer, including the fees, exchange rates, processes you’ll want to understand and how to find the nearest MoneyGram location.
MoneyGram Fees
When you estimate the costs of your MoneyGram international transfer, you’ll be able to see a breakdown of the costs and exchange rates available for each payment type.
It’s good to know that there may be other fees you can’t easily estimate prior to the payment of the transfer being made. For example, your recipient’s own bank, or your credit card issuer might charge a fee, which is out of the control of MoneyGram. These costs are often known as third party fees.
Let’s take a look at an example, to show the MoneyGram fees you need to pay attention to.
| Payment of USD1,000 to a UK recipient | Exchange rate (1USD=GBP) | Fee | Sender pays | Recipient gets |
| Pay from your bank account, direct to recipient’s account | $1 = £0.7150 – Check for exchange rate markups, and third party fees | No upfront fee | $1,000 | £714.5 |
| Pay from your debit or credit card direct to recipient’s account | $1 = £0.6970 – Check for exchange rate markups, and third party fees | $12.99 | $1,012.99 | £696.99 |
| Pay from your bank account, for cash collection | $1 = £0.6772 – Check for exchange rate markups, and third party fees | $4.99 | $1,004.99 | £677.23 |
| Pay from your credit or debit card, for cash collection | $1 = £0.7042 – Check for exchange rate markups, and third party fees | $14.99 | $1,014.99 | £704.17 |
*Fees and exchange rates are correct at the time of research – 6th May 2021. Check online for up to date information.
Alternative international money transfer providers
If you want to get more options for your international money transfer, check out the providers below, for an alternative option:
| Provider | USD1,000 – GBP | Exchange rate | Fee | Sender pays | Recipient gets |
| Wise | Bank account to bank account payment | $1 = £0.718184 | $8.26 | $1,008.26 | £712.25 |
| WorldRemit | Bank account to bank account payment | $1 = £0.7053 | $2.99 | $1,002.99 | £705.28 |
| Xoom | Bank account to bank account payment | $1 = £0.7044 | No upfront fee | $1,000 | £704.40 |
*Fees and exchange rates are correct at the time of research – 6th May 2021. Check online for up to date information.
MoneyGram exchange rate
You’ll be able to see the exchange rate offered for your MoneyGram transfer, when you estimate the fees online. It’s worth noting that the exchange rate MoneyGram uses may vary according to the payment route you choose – a different rate may be applied for cash pickup compared with a direct payment to a bank account, for example.
You may also find that MoneyGram adds a markup to the mid-market exchange rate.
The mid-market exchange rate is the one that you’ll find on Google, and the rate MoneyGram will have received when they buy currency themselves. It’s common for banks and other currency and payment services to add a markup to their exchange rates, which they can then keep as additional profit. However, this can make it hard to see the full fee you’re paying for the service – and can mean your transfer is more expensive than you expect, if you’ve been looking at the exchange rate for your currency on Google.
How does MoneyGram work?
MoneyGram allows customers to send money to friends and family overseas, online or by visiting an agent location. There are agents active in over 200 countries and territories, helping customers move money all over the world.
Before we start, it’s good to note that MoneyGram is a global business, and the exact services available will vary depending on where in the world you are. For example, while the core services available are the same in the US compared to the UK, there are a few additional payment options available in the US, such as sending money via a Kiosk. This guide will focus on the core money transfer services available – check the local MoneyGram website in your location to get the full range of options.
Sending money with MoneyGram online
To send money with MoneyGram online, you’ll need to take the following steps:
STEP 1
- Register or log in to MoneyGram – you may need to verify your identity at this stage
STEP 2
- Confirm who you’re paying from your list of previous recipients, or enter the details if it’s a new payment
STEP 3
- Enter and check the amount, currency, and fees
STEP 4
- Click to confirm, and process the payment. In the US you can pay with credit or debit card, or using a bank transfer – in the UK you can pay with credit card, debit card, or Sofort
Sending cash with MoneyGram
MoneyGram has thousands of agent locations all around the world. Here’s how to send money in person via an agent:
STEP 1
- Find a convenient agent location near you – there are tools on the local MoneyGram websites to help with this
STEP 2
- Show your own valid ID to arrange a payment
STEP 3
- Give the agent the details of the payment, including your recipient’s full name, location, and the amount you want them to receive
STEP 4
- Pay for the money transfer, plus the fees, in cash
STEP 5
- You’ll be given a reference number, which you must give the recipient to allow them to collect their payment
How to receive money with MoneyGram
If you have been sent money as a direct payment to your bank account, you won’t need to take any further action. The money will arrive in your bank account once the payment is processed.
If you’re collecting your payment in cash, you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Find a convenient agent location using the online tools available, including MoneyGram websites
- Take along your valid government issued ID, and the reference number given to you by the sender. You might also need to prove your address with a bank statement or utility bill
- Show your ID and reference number to the agent – you may need to complete a form to do this – and you’ll be given your money in cash
MoneyGram Review
MoneyGram US has a rating score of 4.3 on Trustpilot. You can check it out here for more detailed opinions from MoneyGram customers.
Is MoneyGram safe?
MoneyGram is a global brand with locations all over the world, and an active online presence. MoneyGram is authorized to do business in all 50 states, D.C. and all U.S. territories. For more information about the licences, please consult their online page.
MoneyGram Pros & Cons
Choosing the best currency service for your payment will require a bit of research. There are many different options, so taking a look at the fees and features of a few of them will help you find one which suits your needs. Here are some pros and cons of MoneyGram to help kickstart your research:
PROS:
- Send money online or in person – cash collection is convenient if you need to make a payment quickly, or to someone without access to a bank account
- Some payment types are available within minutes
- Global presence, and a well established brand
CONS:
- You may pay an exchange rate markup as well as any transfer fee
- Transfer fees vary according to payment type and destination – check the full range of options available
- You can’t estimate the costs of using an agent location online – you’ll need to visit one in person to get a quote
MoneyGram exists to help customers make international payments through a variety of routes, and in almost every country and territory in the world. Check out the costs of a MoneyGram payment, and compare them to alternatives to see if it’s the right service for you.
