WorldRemit vs OFX

WorldRemit offers

WorldRemit is tailored for individuals with account services that include:

• Foreign bank transfers
• Cash pick-up
• Foreign bill payments (ie electricity, credit cards and television services)
• Pre-paid mobile credit top-ups
• Recurring / regular transfers are also supported

Note: bill payments and cash pick-up services are not available in all countries.

WorldRemit has two unique features. These are:

• Mobile money - Shop in-store, online and withdraw cash at authorised agents
• WorldRemit Wallet - Money can be received through their vast global network into a multi-currency wallet

WorldRemit does not offer

• Travel debit cards
• Access to a personal account manager (helpful when transferring large sums of money)

OFX offers international money transfer solutions for individuals specialising in international bank transfers.

What OFX offers individuals

• International money transfers
• Personal account manager
• Regular transfers
• OFX mobile app

What OFX does not offer individuals

• Digital wallets for individuals
• FX optimised travel cards
• Cash pick up or international bill payments

WorldRemit does not provide a business service, although WorldRemit could be used for business transfers. The Mobile Wallet could be used for business, however it may not be suited for this purpose.

Where OFX really shines is their business solutions and partnerships. Global businesses small and large can take advantage of their variety of solutions to work with global customers and suppliers. Most importantly they help manage currency risk. 

What OFX for business offers

• Risk management
• Multi-currency accounts
• Global payment solutions
• Business specialists
• Xero accounting integration

What OFX for business doesn’t do

• Business debit card optimised for FX

WorldRemit Fees

Most of the WorldRemit fees are within the exchange rate offered. The exchange rate offered can and does change depending on payment type, receiving option and the amount being transferred.

• Bank deposit - 0.5% - 2% depending on the destination country and amount
• Bill payment fee - 1% - 4%
• Cash pick up fee - 1% - 4%
• Mobile airtime top up - 1% - 4%
• Additional fee - $1 - $5 per transfer

New customers from eligible countries signing up through iCompareFX receive 3 transfers fees for free using the code 3FREE. Eligible countries for this free transfer promotion are the USA, UK, Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, New Zealand, and Norway.

OFX Fees

Exchange rate margin fee - OFX offered exchange rate includes a fee of 0.5% and 0.7%. This is low and competitive.
 

Are OFX exchange rates negotiable?

By calling an OFX Expert and discussing your money transfer needs, it may be possible to arrange better pricing. In particular for larger sums and large yearly volume trades.
 

Are there additional OFX fees?

Yes. When sending under CA$10,000 or AUD$10,000, there is an additional fee of $15.
 

OFX & iCompareFX offer

OFX offers customers referred by iCompareFX a low exchange rate margin fee of 0.4%. This is an outstanding offer and is sure to lower all your money transfer costs which means more money being transferred.

Registration - Simple and easy through their website or mobile app.

ID verification -  If requested, it is a simple process that can be actioned through their mobile app or via email. Simply upload the requested documentation as photos from your phone. 

Transfer speed -  Speed ranges from instantaneous to up to 2 days. This depends on the country you are sending money to, and if it is a bank transfer or sending cash. 

Payment options - Uploading your funds to WordRemit is also a simple process. With in-country solutions such as Australia’s POLi or via debit card, you can instantly transfer your funds to WorldRemit. This speeds up the entire process of sending money overseas.

Mobile app - There is a WorldRemit mobile app to help manage your transfers end to end.

What OFX does well

Sign up process - Fast and intuitive.

ID verification - If requested, ID verification is generally your drivers license ID number and a quick phone call to discuss your money transfer requirements.

Transfer speed - 1 - 2 business days upon payment.

Mobile App - To initiate money transfers. Current and historical exchange rates are also available.

Where OFX could improve

Payment options - There are limited payments available other than local bank transfers.

Minimum transfer amount -  The minimum transfer amount is US$1,000, AU$250, CA$250, £100, €250. 

WorldRemit supported countries

WorldRemit has an impressive list of supported countries. 

• Mobile Money - 23 countries
• Cash pick up - 80 countries
• Bank transfer - 150 countries
• Bill payment -  Selected countries
• Phone support - Multiple languages
• Multilingual website
• Local settlement accounts in dozens of countries.

Customer support

There are reports on TrustPilot and through its mobile app reviews of poor wait times to talk to a customer service representative.

What OFX does well

Supported destination countries - OFX supports over 55 currencies and many more exotic currencies. 

Global presence - OFX has seven global offices in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, United States, Canada and the UK.

Customer support - Customer support is available locally in the global offices, over the phone and via email.
 

Where OFX could improve

Languages - Customer service and their website is in English only.

Customer sign up countries - Currently OFX supports customer registration from USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

• WorldRemit is regulated by multiple financial regulators globally including the FCA in the UK. 
• Their company structure is sound and customers funds are segregated from their company accounts thereby reducing the risk for their customer.
• The WorldRemit fee structure for money transfers includes a hidden fee within the offered exchange rate which reduces transparency. This is unfortunately common amongst most international money transfer companies.
• High TrustPilot rating. However, there are an increasing number of poor reviews. This will be monitored by iCompareFX. 

What OFX does well

• OFX is fully regulated in multiple countries UK, Australia, USA and Canada.
• OFX is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and therefore is regularly audited for the compliance and safety of customer funds.
• OFX has a Trust Pilot score of Excellent. Customer complaints are dealt with on TrustPilot quickly and directly by their customer service team.
• iCompareFX customers make thousands of transfers through OFX yearly.

Where OFX could improve

Exchange rate margin fee transparency - OFX’s offered exchange rates include margin fees. While the exchange rate margin fee is low, it would be beneficial for current and future customers to clearly understand the fees. This would improve customer satisfaction of their money transfer service.