Wise vs Remitly: comparing international transfers from Australia

Migratio Editorial · Last updated 23 July 2026

TL;DR: Wise and Remitly both offer online money transfers from Australia but serve slightly different markets. Wise targets a broad range of currencies and transfer sizes with transparent mid-market pricing. Remitly specialises in remittance corridors to developing countries with features like express delivery and cash pickup. For common remittance corridors (India, Philippines, Vietnam), comparing total received amount reveals which is cheaper for your specific transfer.

Wise and Remitly both offer online money transfers from Australia but serve slightly different markets. Wise targets a broad range of currencies and transfer sizes with transparent mid-market pricing. Remitly specialises in remittance corridors to developing countries with features like express delivery and cash pickup. For common remittance corridors (India, Philippines, Vietnam), comparing total received amount reveals which is cheaper for your specific transfer.

Fee structure

Wise charges a percentage-based fee (0.4–1.5% for most AUD transfers) at the mid-market exchange rate.

Remitly offers tiered pricing based on delivery speed and funding method. "Express" transfers (faster, card-funded) carry higher fees than "Economy" transfers (slower, bank-funded). Fees range from AUD 0 to AUD 10+ depending on the corridor and tier. Remitly's exchange rate includes a margin above mid-market (typically 0.5–2%), though the gap varies by corridor and whether you choose Express or Economy.

Exchange rate approach

Wise uses the real mid-market rate and shows the fee separately.

Remitly builds its margin into the exchange rate. The rate shown is the rate you receive — the margin is not broken out separately. Remitly often runs promotional rates for new customers or specific corridors that can temporarily beat mid-market pricing.

Delivery options

Wise: Bank deposit in 50+ currencies. E-wallet delivery in some corridors.

Remitly: Bank deposit, cash pickup (through partnerships with local agents), and mobile wallet delivery (GCash, Maya, bKash, JazzCash, and others depending on corridor). Remitly's delivery network is broader than Wise's for developing-country corridors.

Transfer speed

Wise: 1–2 business days for most corridors. Some same-day.

Remitly Express: Minutes to hours for supported corridors (India, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh).

Remitly Economy: 1–3 business days.

Remitly's Express option is one of the fastest available for remittance corridors, often beating Wise's standard delivery time.

Supported corridors from Australia

Wise: 50+ currencies, broad global coverage including both developed and developing markets.

Remitly: Focused on remittance corridors from developed countries to developing countries. From Australia, the primary supported corridors include India, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and several others. Remitly does not support as many developed-market corridors (e.g., AUD to EUR or AUD to GBP may not be available or may be less competitive).

Regulation

Both are registered with AUSTRAC. Wise holds an AFSL. Remitly is licensed for remittance services in Australia.

When each makes more sense

Wise suits: Broad currency coverage needs, transfers to developed markets (UK, EU, US, NZ), full transparency on pricing, and users who prefer a multi-currency account.

Remitly suits: Remittance-specific corridors (India, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh), senders who need express delivery, cash pickup or mobile wallet delivery, and first-time users who benefit from Remitly's promotional rates.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper for sending AUD to INR?

Compare for your specific amount. Wise's mid-market rate plus fee is often competitive, but Remitly's promotional rates or Economy option can be cheaper for certain amounts. Focus on total INR received.

Can I do cash pickup with Wise?

No. Wise only delivers to bank accounts and selected e-wallets.

Is Remitly's Express delivery worth the extra cost?

If the recipient needs funds within hours, yes. The fee premium over Economy is typically AUD 3–8. For non-urgent transfers, Economy is more cost-effective.

Which is better for sending to the Philippines?

Both serve this corridor well. Remitly supports GCash and cash pickup; Wise supports bank deposit. Compare total PHP received for your amount.

Are both regulated in Australia?

Yes. Both are registered with AUSTRAC.

Can I send AUD to GBP on Remitly?

Remitly's developed-market corridor coverage is more limited. Check Remitly's Australia-specific page for current supported corridors.