Do you want to send money abroad? The reality is that money transfers still feel clunky, costly, and opaque. In a modern era, moving money should be effortless, transparent, and fast. There are many ways to do that, including through your bank. But, if you seek to make quick international money transfers that are cheaper and more convenient, you may need a better way, which is why Moneygram is coming to the discourse. As many are familiar with this money transfer, it is important to know how it works.

What is Moneygram?

Moneygram

Moneygram is a US-based money transfer company that provides services to users across the world. It is one of the world’s largest money transfer services, with over 150 million customers.

Launched over 80 years ago as Traveler Express, it officially became Moneygram International in 1998. Today, you can use this service to send money online or at its over 380,000 physical locations to over 200 countries and territories across the world. It also supports almost every currency.

How Does Moneygram Work?

Moneygram usually facilitates the transfer of money from one country to the other, which is similar to how Wise works. But you can also use this money service to receive money from someone who used Moneygram as their payment method.

You can use credit/debit cards and bank accounts to send money on the platform. There is also an option for cash if you are sending the money to an agent’s location.

Meanwhile, the service charges a transfer fee, which varies with how much you are sending, your transfer destination, and your payment method. You can use the Moneygram rates and fees calculator to know your transfer charge.

How to Send Money on Moneygram

There are different ways to transfer money using Moneygram; these include:

  • Online at the Moneygram website.
  • Through the Moneygram app.
  • Pay in person at an agent location.
  • Start the transfer in-app and pay at an agent location.

Sending Money Online with Moneygram

The following are the steps to transfer money through its website or mobile app:

  • Visit the Moneygram website or download its mobile app on the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
  • Create an account and log in.
  • Enter the details of your recipient.
  • Enter the amount you are sending.
  • Choose a preferred delivery method (bank transfer or cash).
  • Select your preferred transfer method.
  • Click “Send” after checking the details, fees, and exchange.

Sending Money in Person Via an Agent

Visit any MoneyGram agent location near you. You will:

  • Provide sender and recipient details (full legal name, destination country).

  • Present a valid government-issued ID as required.

  • Pay the cash amount plus fees.

  • Receive a reference number (for cash pickup) and share it with the recipient.

The recipient visits an agent, presents proof of identity (driver’s license, international passport, etc.)  + reference number, and collects the funds. 

What Are the Safety Tips When Using MoneyGram?

1. Ensure Recipient Details

Accuracy is your greatest insurance. Take care to double-check the recipient’s full legal name precisely as it appears on their identification and double-check the country of sending prior to making the transfer. A single minor spelling error or misplaced detail can lead to delays, misdirected funds, or refusal. In keeping this information accurate from the start, you keep yourself from sending money to the wrong person and deliver your funds to their true destination.

2. Use Official Channels

Never use links sent through social media, messaging services, or unsolicited email. Criminals often replicate official pages to capture data. Use only the official website of MoneyGram, verified mobile app, or authorized physical agent offices to initiate transfers. These platforms employ encryption and regulatory cover that secures your financial and personal data. Using only legitimate sources ensures that all transactions remain in MoneyGram’s secure ecosystem.

3. Keep Reference Numbers Private

Your reference number for the transaction is basically a key to your money. It could be used by a scammer to pretend to be your recipient and get the money first. Use it only in safe, private channels of communication and never make it available to everyone on the Internet. Keep it like a PIN—something that only you and the person you meant for should have. This alone can keep one of the most popular transfer-related scams at bay.

4. Beware of Scams

Scammers use pressure, fear, or emotional manipulation to get senders to send money for false purposes. Watch out for those asking for MoneyGram payments for “investment opportunities,” “lottery winnings,” or “job placements.” Money is usually gone forever once it’s been collected. Wikipedia reports that these “advance-fee” scams have resulted in millions of dollars of worldwide losses. Always check the validity of requests and keep in mind: real organizations do not require immediate transfers to strangers.

5. Track Your Transaction

Monitoring your transfer gives you peace of mind and control. MoneyGram’s in-app and online track capabilities enable you to monitor the status of your transaction from the point of sending it until completion. Regular monitoring ensures that money reaches the recipient and there are no unexpected delays. It also enables you to detect and report suspicious behavior early. Such an option makes every transaction a transparent process where you can confirm success in real time.

6. Save Receipts

Every transaction generates proof of payment that can be useful when there is a dispute. Preserve the digital and paper copies of your receipts, reference number, and transaction ID. These are significant if you have to contact MoneyGram’s support, apply for a refund, or fix errors. Maintaining proper records also increases your financial security and accountability, providing you with verifiable evidence of your cross-border transactions.

7. Check Fees and Rates

Prior to accepting a transaction, check the total cost — transfer fees and margins on currency exchange. Exchange rates shift fast, and the secret fees may halve the actual value your recipient gets. Comparing tools or looking at Wise allows you to estimate transparency and fairness. Having these costs upfront, you send more wisely, maintain control over the value of your money, and prevent surprises at delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Moneygram

Is Moneygram Safe?

It is safe to use Moneygram as it provides fraud awareness guidance to help you while using the service. The company also monitors transactions and conducts checks for customer accounts, which keeps your money and data secure. 

Does Moneygram Have Transfer Limits?

Moneygram does not have transfer limits associated with how much you can send once or within a given period. While these are not publicly available as they are subject to change, you must always check your Moneygram for more and the latest updates.

How Much is the Transfer Fee for Using Moneygram?

There is no fixed transfer fee with Moneygram. How much charge you pay depends on the amount you’re sending, the recipient destination country, and your payment method. But as a tip, transferring from your bank account is always cheaper than credit card or cash at an agent location.

How Long Do Moneygram Transfers Take?

The time taken for Moneygram transfers depends on where you send the money and the destination country. It also includes your preferred payment and delivery method.

How Can I Cancel a Transaction with Moneygram

You can cancel your transfer on Moneygram by logging into your account and navigating to the “Transaction Details” page to opt to cancel the transaction. This will take between 3 and 10 business days before you get a refund to your bank account or credit/debit cards.

You can also get a refund for your transfer fee if you cancel within 30 minutes of sending the money, but any period longer than that will not have your transfer fees refunded to you.

What Are the Alternatives to Moneygram Money Transfers?

Alternative ways to make international money transfers are banks, traditional money services, and digital payment gateways.

Do I Need a Bank Account to Receive Moneygram?

You do not need to have a bank account to receive money from Moneygram. This is because you can either use a bank account or mobile wallet when receiving money from the service.

Conclusion

Moneygram allows you to send and receive money from anywhere across the world. It is widely available in almost every country, and you can easily use it online and offline. But it is important to understand the terms and conditions of use, as well as your transfer fee, before sending money through the service.

Last updated on October 29, 2025