Instarem vs Remitly
Instarem
instarem.comRemitly
remitly.comSide by side
| Figure | Instarem | Remitly |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Money Transfer Apps | 8.7 (#12) | 9.1 (#2) |
| Exchange-rate model | markup | variable |
| Upfront fee display | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 2014 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Singapore | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Mobile platforms | both | The app is available on iOS through the App Store and on Android through Google Play. |
| Transfer limits | Transfer limits depend on the sending and receiving countries, and users can check the applicable limit in the app. | Sending limits apply over 24 hours, 30 days, and 180 days, varying by sender and recipient location. |
| Transfer speed | instant | instant |
| Transfer tracking | Yes | Users can follow transfers in real time through the app, website, email, or SMS notifications. |
Plans
Remitly
- Bank depositFree
- Cash pickup$2.99, paid once
- New customer promotional ratePrice not published
In their own words
Instarem
Instarem provides international money transfers for individuals and cross-border payments for businesses. Personal users can send money to more than 60 countries, see fees upfront, and track transfers in real time. Fees vary by sending amount, currency, payment method, and destination and receiving method. Transfers are typically processed instantly or the same day after funds arrive, but can take up to two business days depending on destination and payment method. The service is available on Android, iOS, and the web; the mobile app includes Quick Send for frequent recipients and support by query or live chat. Businesses can pay overseas suppliers or employees across more than 160 countries. They can upload Excel payment and recipient details for up to 1,000 transactions in one go in listed markets. Business accounts also offer virtual cards with spending limits and real-time expense tracking. Instarem says it is licensed and regulated in 11 jurisdictions and uses encryption in transit and at rest, vulnerability assessments, external penetration tests, and AWS Cloud security controls. Personal and business account registration is free, but transaction fees apply.
Remitly
Remitly is a mobile app for sending money internationally, available on Android and iOS. It serves more than 175 countries and offers several ways for recipients to receive funds: bank account, mobile wallet, cash pickup, mobile money, home delivery, or debit card deposit. Senders can pay by bank transfer, debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Before sending, the app displays the exchange rate, fees, and total cost; exchange rates are variable, and transfer speed is listed as instant. Transfers can be tracked, and recipients do not need to install the app or sign up. The app is free to download, and a free plan is listed. For transfers from the United States to France, bank deposit is free and cash pickup is $2.99, paid once. A new-customer promotional rate applies to the first 1,500.00 USD sent. Sending limits vary by sender and recipient location and apply over 24 hours, 30 days, and 180 days. Remitly says it refunds fees if a transfer is not delivered on time.