MoneyGram vs Profee
Side-by-side comparison — pricing, features, ratings, use cases. Find which Money Transfer fits you best.
🔍 Independently researched ·
📊 Data-driven
53/100
23 Kč starting
Individuals who need to send reliable cash-pickup remittances, especially from the US to Latin America, and value physic
💰 Pricing
Starting at 23 Kč (per_transaction)
Fee notes:
- MoneyGram charges a transaction fee plus an exchange rate spread. A $100 transfer from US to Mexico via bank deposit: fee $0.99, effective FX markup ~3%.
- Cash pickup is more expensive than bank deposit: e.g., $4.99 for $200 to Mexico, $7.99 for $500 to Nigeria.
- Paying by credit card adds an additional 2.5% processing fee in most corridors.
- Receiving bank may levy an incoming wire fee (up to $15 in some countries).
- Manual review or customer-assisted transfers may incur a $5.00 handling fee.
⚠ Watch for:
- Exchange rate margin (2-4% above mid-market) is often the largest cost, not the flat fee
- Credit card cash advance fees from your card issuer (up to 5%) if using credit card
- Cancellation/refund fees up to $15 after the recipient accepts the transfer
- Some third-party agent locations charge an additional service fee not shown in online quote
🔧 Features
✓ 350k Locations✓ 200 Countries✓ Public Company✓ Us Latam✓ Digital Transformation
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Extensive cash pickup network: MoneyGram's 350,000+ agent locations are its biggest strength. In Latin America, Africa, and Asia, recipients can collect cash at local stores, banks, and post offices. This is critical for unbanked individuals who lack access to traditional banking. For example, sending to a rural village in Guatemala often requires cash pickup, and MoneyGram's network ensures the recipient is never far from a pickup point.
- Multiple payout options: Beyond cash, senders can send directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets. For instance, in the Philippines, recipients can receive funds via GCash or PayMaya mobile wallets, which is convenient for those with smartphones. This flexibility allows senders to choose the most suitable method based on the recipient's circumstances, reducing friction.
- Established trust and regulatory compliance: As a publicly traded company, MoneyGram operates under stringent regulatory oversight in over 200 countries. This provides a level of security that startups may not offer. For example, users can be confident that their funds are protected by robust anti-fraud measures and compliance with local financial regulations.
- User-friendly digital app: The MoneyGram app offers a straightforward transfer process with features like quick send (saving recipient details), transaction tracking, and a calculator that shows fees and estimated delivery times. The app also supports multiple languages, including Spanish, which is beneficial for the core LatAm user base.
- High transfer limits: MoneyGram allows relatively high transfer amounts compared to some competitors. For instance, users can send up to $10,000 per transaction (subject to verification), which is useful for those paying for large expenses like tuition or property purchases.
⚠ Watch out for
- High fees and poor exchange rates: MoneyGram's fees are typically higher than digital-first competitors. For a $500 transfer, you might pay $9.99 in fees plus a 1.5% to 3% markup on the exchange rate. Over time, this adds up significantly. Wise, for instance, offers the mid-market rate with a small flat fee, potentially saving users 20-30% on each transfer.
- Inconsistent transfer speeds: While cash pickup is often instant, bank deposits can take 2-5 business days. This unpredictability is frustrating if the recipient expects funds quickly. For example, an emergency transfer to a bank account in Nigeria could be delayed due to weekend processing or intermediary bank issues.
- Customer support issues: Numerous online reviews cite poor customer service experiences. The 1-800 line can have long wait times, and email support may take days to respond. In-store agents often have limited ability to resolve digital transaction issues, leading to frustrated users. For instance, if a digital transfer is flagged for fraud, customers may need to contact support multiple times and provide extensive documentation.
- Limited clarity on fees: The fee structure is not always transparent, especially for less common corridors. Users must go through multiple steps in the app to see the total cost, and the exchange rate is disclosed only after entering the recipient's details. This opacity can lead to surprise charges at checkout.
- No built-in currency conversion for transfers between same-currency accounts: If sending from a US bank account to another US account, MoneyGram charges a fee that is higher than a simple ACH transfer, making it less suitable for domestic transfers.
🎯 Best for
Individuals who need to send reliable cash-pickup remittances, especially from the US to Latin America, and value physical agent availability over the lowest cost.
🚫 Who should skip
Price-sensitive users making large or frequent transfers with bank-account deposit options, or businesses looking for automated mass-payout APIs.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal — the app and in-person form are straightforward, but understanding the total cost (fee plus exchange rate margin) requires reading the small print.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
MoneyGram is a solid choice for sending cash pickups to Latin America and other regions with limited banking access, thanks to its unmatched agent network. However, if you're sending bank-to-bank transfers and prioritizing low fees and fast delivery, look elsewhere, such as Wise or Remitly. Bottom l
69/100
12 Kč starting
Individuals in the European Union who need to send money quickly, easily, and affordably to family, friends, or freelanc
★ Best
💰 Pricing
Starting at 12 Kč (per_transaction)
Fee notes:
- Card-to-card transfer fee: from €0.50 per transaction, plus a percentage (typically 1.5% to 2.5% depending on corridor and payment method).
- FX markup: 0.5% to 1.5% above interbank rate, varying by currency pair and corridor.
- Bank transfer (SEPA) fee: €1.00 per transaction (if available).
- Cash pickup fee: varies by agent (e.g., 1-2% of amount, minimum €3).
- No subscription fees; pay only for transactions.
⚠ Watch for:
- Transfer fees can be deducted from the sent amount or added on top; check total recipient amount.
- Card issuing bank may charge cash advance or foreign transaction fees.
- Recipient bank may deduct incoming wire fees.
- Weekend transfers may incur higher FX markup due to market closure.
🔧 Features
✓ Card To Card✓ Cis Corridors✓ Cyprus Latvia✓ Russian✓ Central Asia
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Specialized Corridor Expertise: Profee's focus on EU-to-CIS and EU-to-Asia corridors is its biggest strength. Services like Wise have restricted transfers to Russia and some Central Asian countries, leaving a void. Profee steps in, offering reliable transfer routes to these regions, which is invaluable for expats, immigrants, and business owners paying freelancers in places like Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan.
- Card-to-Card Convenience: The card-to-card system eliminates the need for bank account details or cash pickup. You only need the recipient's card number. This is a massive time-saver and reduces friction, especially for senders who may not have the recipient's IBAN or similar. It also helps unbanked recipients receive funds directly to their cards, which is common in these regions.
- Instant Transfer Speed: Transfers are typically completed within minutes, which is crucial for urgent remittances. Whether it's helping a family member with an emergency or paying a freelancer promptly, the speed is a major selling point. This is achieved through card network integration, ensuring funds reach the recipient's card almost immediately.
- Transparent Fee Structure (for standard corridors): For popular routes like EU-to-Russia or EU-to-Turkey, Profee offers competitive fees, sometimes even lower than traditional banks. The fee is displayed upfront before you confirm the transfer, with no hidden margins on exchange rates. This transparency builds trust, a key factor in financial services.
- Regulatory Compliance and Security: Profee is licensed in Cyprus and Latvia, operating under EU regulations. This provides a layer of security and accountability, which is reassuring for users sending money across borders. The platform uses encryption and complies with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) directives, ensuring transactions are secure and monitored.
⚠ Watch out for
- Limited Corridor Coverage: Profee is not a global service. It only sends from select EU countries to Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia. If you need to send money to Africa, South America, or other parts of Asia, you'll have to look elsewhere. This narrow focus is excellent for its niche but a dealbreaker for those needing diverse routing.
- Misleading 'Free' Tag: The starting price of $0.5 is promotional and applies to specific corridors and card types. For less common routes or when using certain cards, fees can be higher than competitors like Wise or Revolut. Users have reported that the 'free' tag is misleading, as the actual cost varies and sometimes exceeds expectations.
- Low Transaction Limits: Profee is designed for personal remittances, with limits that are capped. High-volume senders or businesses will quickly hit these limits and be forced to split transfers or seek alternatives. This makes it unsuitable for payroll or large transactions, a significant limitation for some potential users.
- Limited Customer Support Options: Support is primarily via email and an in-app chat, with no phone support. Response times can be slow, especially during peak hours. For a service dealing with money, this lack of immediate assistance can be frustrating, particularly if a transfer is delayed or fails.
- No Business Features: There are no API integrations, multi-user accounts, or invoicing tools. Profee is strictly a consumer service. This is a con for freelancers or small businesses that might want to automate payments or manage team expenses. They would need to use a separate platform for business needs.
🎯 Best for
Individuals in the European Union who need to send money quickly, easily, and affordably to family, friends, or freelancers in Russia, Turkey, and Central Asian countries using just a card number.
🚫 Who should skip
Businesses with high-volume payment needs, people sending money globally outside the supported corridors, and those who prefer traditional bank-to-bank transfers or cash pickup options.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal — the platform is straightforward: create an account, verify your ID, enter the recipient's card details, and pay. Even first-time users can complete a transfer in under five minutes.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
Profee is an excellent choice for individuals sending remittances from the EU to Russia, Turkey, or Central Asia, especially those who value speed and convenience. However, its limited corridor coverage and low transaction limits mean it's not suitable for businesses or those needing a global soluti
📊 Use Case Suitability
Higher score = better fit. Scores from editorial review.
Use CaseMoneyGramProfee
Sending cash-pickup remittances to Latin America95—
MoneyGram's agent network is extremely dense across Mexico, Central America, and
Mobile app transfers for US–LatAm corridors85—
The refreshed app provides competitive rates, quick tracking, and saved recipien
Bank account deposits abroad70—
MoneyGram supports bank deposit payouts in numerous countries, but fees and deli
Emergency funds to a traveler or relative80—
With thousands of physical locations worldwide, MoneyGram is reliable for urgent
Business or large-scale payout automation30—
MoneyGram does not offer a well-publicized API-first payout platform for busines
Remittances to Russia—95
This is Profee's core strength—fast card-to-card transfers to Russian bank cards
Sending money to Turkey from Europe—90
Profee has strong Turkish corridors and supports transfers to major Turkish bank
Paying freelancers in Central Asia—85
With coverage across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, Profee offers a sim
🧭 Which One Should You Pick?
Choose MoneyGram if...
- You are: Individuals who need to send reliable cash-pickup remittances, especially from the US to Latin America, and value physic
- 👍 Huge physical agent network: over 350,000 locations across 200+ countries, giving it an enormous edg
- 👍 Multiple payout options: recipients can choose cash, bank deposit, or mobile wallet, depending on th
- 👍 Strong brand trust and regulatory experience: publicly traded and regulated across many jurisdiction
- 💰 From $0.99/mo
- ⚠ Trade-off: Fees and exchange rate markups are higher than digital-first competitors like Wi
Choose Profee if...
- You are: Individuals in the European Union who need to send money quickly, easily, and affordably to family, friends, or freelanc
- 👍 Specialized in EU-to-CIS corridors, including Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia, where many general m
- 👍 Card-to-card transfer system means no bank account details or cash pickup locations are needed—just
- 👍 Fast transfers, typically arriving within minutes to the recipient's card, which is essential for ur
- 💰 From $0.5/mo
- ⚠ Trade-off: Limited to specific corridors and not a global money transfer solution; sends on
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MoneyGram charge for transfers?
The app itself is free to download, but every transfer incurs a fee that varies by payment method, destination, payout type, and amount. MoneyGram also makes money on an exchange rate markup, so the cost you see at checkout may be higher than the mid-market rate.
Can I send money directly to a bank account or mobile wallet?
Yes, MoneyGram supports bank deposits and mobile wallet payouts in many countries, in addition to cash pickup at agent locations. Availability depends on the destination country and the specific receiving service.
How quickly will a transfer arrive?
Depending on your payment method and the recipient's payout choice, transfers can arrive in minutes to a few business days. Cash pickup and mobile wallet deliveries are typically the fastest, while bank deposits can take 1–3 business days.
Are there limits on how much I can send?
Yes, transfer limits vary by country, destination, and whether you use the app or visit an agent. For larger amounts, identity verification and additional documentation are often required.
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