RemitBee vs Western Union: which is better for sending money from Canada?
4.5
RemitBee
3.8
Western Union
How does RemitBee compare to Western Union
Attribute | RemitBee | Western Union |
|---|---|---|
Exchange rate markup | 0%–1% on major corridors | 2%–4% above mid-market |
Transfer fee | ✓ $0 on transfers over $500 CAD; $2.99 below $500 | Varies; typically $5–$15 flat or % fee |
Transfer speed | Same day to next business day (bank transfer) | ✓ Cash pickup often within minutes; bank transfer 1–3 days |
Delivery options | Bank deposit, mobile wallet | ✓ Cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet, home delivery |
Corridors | 80+ countries | ✓ 200+ countries and territories |
Android app rating | ✓ 4.4 star | 3.7 star |
Who are they for?
You send $500 CAD or more in one transfer — the fee drops to $0 above this threshold
You need to send to India, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, or Pakistan
You want a Canadian-incorporated service registered with FINTRAC
You prefer to send online without visiting a physical location
Western Union
Your recipient needs cash in hand today — Western Union has 500,000+ agent pickup locations worldwide
You need to send to a country or territory that RemitBee does not yet support
You or your recipient prefer an in-person transaction at a physical location
Your recipient does not have a bank account and needs cash pickup
Fees & transfer costs
RemitBee charges $0 for transfers of $500 CAD or more to most corridors — including India, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. For transfers below $500 CAD, a flat fee of $2.99 applies. Your first transfer is free regardless of amount.
Western Union's fee structure varies by destination, amount, and payment method. For a typical CAD to INR transfer, fees generally range from $5 to $15. Western Union also adds a margin to the exchange rate, separate from the stated transfer fee. Always check the total amount your recipient will receive before confirming.
Exchange rates
RemitBee adds a small margin (typically 0%–1%) to the mid-market rate. The rate shown in RemitBee's calculator is the rate applied to your transfer — no last-minute change at checkout.
Western Union adds a margin of 2%–4% above the mid-market rate on most corridors. This margin is built into the rate shown in their calculator and is separate from the transfer fee.
Transfer speed
Most RemitBee bank transfers to major corridors arrive same business day or the next business day. RemitBee does not offer cash pickup — all transfers go to a bank account or mobile wallet.
Western Union's cash pickup transfers are often available within minutes at agent locations. Bank deposit transfers typically take 1–3 business days. Speed advantage most pronounced for recipients needing urgent cash.
Delivery options
RemitBee delivers to bank accounts and mobile wallets in supported countries. No cash pickup option. Bank and mobile wallet delivery widely available on primary corridors.
Western Union offers cash pickup at agent locations, bank deposit, mobile wallet, and home delivery in some markets. The 500,000+ agent cash pickup network is Western Union's most significant advantage.
Corridors & coverage
RemitBee supports 80+ countries, with primary strength in South and Southeast Asia: India, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Western Union operates in 200+ countries and territories. Particularly strong in cash-pickup corridors across Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia.
App & user experience
RemitBee rated 4.5 star App Store / 4.4 star Google Play (verify August 2026). Transfers, tracking, rate alerts, customer support. Canadian phone support available.
Western Union rated 3.8 star App Store / 3.7 star Google Play (verify August 2026). Supports transfers, agent location search, and transfer tracking.
Regulation & security
Registered with FINTRAC as a licensed Money Services Business
Canadian-incorporated since 2012
You want a Canadian-incorporated service registered with FINTRAC
All customer data stored on Canadian servers
Western Union
Regulated by FINTRAC in Canada, FinCEN in the US, and financial regulators in multiple other countries
Publicly traded company operating since 1851
Send on the go from any device
Created for our customers on the go, the Remitbee app has all the functionality you expect from the website compacted into your iPhone or Android device!
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