Introduction
As an Indian business, you may be evaluating every available channel to streamline international payments. MoneyGram is a well-known name in the global money transfer market, recognised everywhere from airports to local agent outlets. Though MoneyGram works perfectly for personal remittances, it is not built with the tools or the regulatory compliance to meet the needs of Indian exporters.
Let’s see what MoneyGram is and what better alternatives your business can use to receive money from your International customer base.
What is MoneyGram?
MoneyGram is a global platform for money transfer that allows individuals to send and receive money across borders. It works in over 200 countries and is used widely for personal payments. It is mostly used by families who depend on income sent by relatives working abroad.
In India, the RBI categorizes the MoneyGram platform as a Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS). This limits its use to inward personal remittances and restricts it from being used for commercial business payments. So, Indian businesses cannot use MoneyGram to collect payments from their clients from across borders.
What are the key features of MoneyGram?
MoneyGram is meant for fast personal remittances. It combines a huge network of digital payment rails that individuals can choose from. Here are the key features:
1. Wide global coverage
MoneyGram operates in 200+ countries and territories with hundreds of thousands of agent locations. You can send money from most major geographies and receive it in India through partner banks, money changers, and retail outlets.
2. Multiple send and receive options
MoneyGram supports different ways to fund and receive transfers:
- Senders can pay via bank account, debit card, ecredit card, or cash at an agent location.
- Recipients can get funds as cash pickup, direct bank deposit, debit card credit, or mobile wallet credit (where supported, such as Paytm-type partners).
3. Fast personal remittances
Cash pickup and wallet-based payouts are usually available within minutes once the transfer is approved. Bank deposits can arrive the same day or within 1-2 business days, depending on the corridor and local banking cut-offs.
4. Omnichannel experience
MoneyGram has evolved from a cash-only counter service into an omnichannel platform. A sender can start a transaction online or on the app and still rely on the retail network when needed.
5. Transparent tracking and notifications
MoneyGram lets users track the status of their payment online in real-time using their unique reference number.
6. Strong focus on compliance and security
MoneyGram is heavily regulated worldwide. It runs KYC, AML, and fraud monitoring on transactions, uses encrypted connections, and works only with licensed financial institutions in each country.
How does MoneyGram work?
MoneyGram allows senders from abroad to initiate money transfers digitally or through a physical agent location. The recipients in India can then collect it using payout options of their choice. MoneyGram processes all transactions through its global network.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Transfer initiation: The sender starts the transaction online, via the app, or at a physical agent location, and pays using a bank account, card, or cash.
- Money movement: MoneyGram routes the funds through its global network and partner banks, applying its exchange rate and fee structure.
- Receiving funds: The recipient in India can collect the money via cash pickup, direct bank deposit, debit card deposit, or mobile wallet credit, depending on what the sender selected.
- Speed: Cash pickups and wallet credits are usually available within minutes, while direct bank deposits may take a few hours to a business day.
What are the fees and exchange rates charged by MoneyGram?
MoneyGram’s cost structure depends on two components:
1. Transfer fees
2. Exchange rate markup
The exact fee you have to pay depends on the amount you are sending, where you are sending it from, the destination and how the funds move through the network. MoneyGram’s fees may also vary based on how the receiver chooses to collect the amount.
Typical transfer fees
- Sending money to India via bank deposit can sometimes have no upfront fee for moderate amounts.
- If you pay with a credit or debit card, fees are usually around $3.99 for a $1,000 transfer.
- Cash at an agent location may cost about $7.00 for the same send amount.
Exchange rate markups
MoneyGram does not use the mid-market (interbank) rate. Instead, it applies a markup to the exchange rate, meaning you receive fewer INR than you would at the true market rate.
What are the pros and cons of MoneyGram?
As an Indian business, you may want to understand whether MoneyGram can play any role in your international payment workflow. While it is a familiar and trusted remittance brand, its regulatory limitations in India mean its usefulness is very different for individuals versus businesses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widely available across India through banks, agents, and retail outlets. | Cannot be used to receive commercial payments due to RBI’s MTSS restrictions. |
| Fast personal transfers for employees or clients who rely on family remittances. | No FIRA/e-FIRC issued, making it non-compliant for export revenue. |
| Multiple payout options like bank deposit, wallet credit, or cash pickup. | Low per-transaction limits (USD 2,500) unsuitable for business invoices. |
| Strong compliance, brand trust, and global presence. | Higher FX markups and fees compared to business-focused payment solutions. |
| Potential revenue source if a business becomes an authorised MoneyGram agent. | No scalability for recurring or high-value cross-border transactions. |
What are the best MoneyGram alternatives?
With MoneyGram, the major drawback you have to consider is the fact that it cannot be used by Indian businesses to receive payments from customers across borders. However, there are several other alternatives you can use that are fully compliant with RBI/FEMA norms, support commercial transactions, and provide the mandatory e-FIRA for exports.
| Tool | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Xflow | AI-powered FX optimisation; multi-currency accounts (25+ currencies); local collection via ACH/SEPA; one-click e-FIRA/FIRC; no transaction limits | Businesses receiving high-value invoices, SaaS companies, IT exporters, and service-based businesses that want better FX earnings and full RBI compliance. |
| Remitly | Fast global transfers; bank deposit and cash payout options; optimised for low-fee personal remittances | Individuals sending money home or businesses making simple outbound payments; not suitable for receiving compliant export revenue into India. |
| Western Union | Large global agent network; cash pickup in 200+ countries; combined digital and retail channels | Personal remittances only; not suitable for trade or export payments due to MTSS restrictions in India. |
| Skydo | Flat, transparent pricing tiers; live mid-market FX rate; automated e-FIRA; virtual US/UK/EU receiving accounts | Freelancers, agencies, and small exporters who want predictable costs, zero FX markup, and quick compliance documentation. |
| Payoneer | Marketplace integrations (Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon, etc.); local receiving accounts; multi-currency balances; automated digital FIRC/e-FIRA | E-commerce sellers and freelancers who are paid via global marketplaces or platforms and need a trusted global payout layer. |
Xflow vs MoneyGram: A better alternative for modern users
MoneyGram is familiar, widely accessible, and effective for personal remittances. However, the moment an Indian business tries to receive international payments, its limitations become impossible to ignore.
MoneyGram operates under India’s MTSS framework, which prohibits commercial transactions, does not issue e-FIRA, and caps payouts in ways that make it unusable for exporters, IT service providers, SaaS companies, and freelancers.
This is where Xflow stands out as a purpose-built, business-friendly alternative designed specifically for India’s regulatory landscape.
Why Xflow is better suited for indian businesses
1. Built for RBI/FEMA-Compliant Commercial Payments
Xflow automates all the compliance work that MoneyGram cannot support. You get automatic e-FIRA for every payment, usually within 24 hours, which is essential for GST refund claims, SOFTEX filing, Export revenue reporting (EDPMS) and income tax and audit requirements.
2. Better FX Rates and Higher INR Earnings
MoneyGram and legacy remittance services typically rely on high FX markups. Xflow offers zero or minimal FX markup, live mid-market-linked exchange rates and an AI-driven tool that converts your foreign currency only when the rate is optimal.
3. Faster, Cheaper Payments for Your Clients
Xflow provides virtual local accounts in the US, UK, Europe, and other regions. Your client can pay you using ACH (US), SEPA (EU/UK) or Local bank transfers. This eliminates costly international wire fees and speeds up settlement. Most Xflow payments settle into Indian bank accounts within a business day, which is far faster than SWIFT or traditional remittance channels.
4. No Transaction Limits
MoneyGram restricts remittances (e.g., $2,500 cap and recipient limits). Xflow imposes no such limits. This means you can easily handle large invoices, high-value B2B contracts and enterprise transactions.
Ready to modernise how your business receives international payments? Get started with Xflow and transform the way you receive global revenue.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, MoneyGram is a licensed global money transfer company, and it is regulated in multiple countries. It follows strict AML and KYC guidelines, which makes it a secure option for personal remittances.
MoneyGram’s fees depend on the amount, payment method, and destination you select. You need to pay a transfer fee plus an FX markup. This usually makes the total cost higher than the stated fee.
Cash pickups are usually available within minutes once the transfer is approved. Bank deposits can take a few hours to a business day, depending on clearing times and verification.
MoneyGram adds a high exchange markup on top of the exchange rate and charges. This applies to all card-funded and in-person transactions. Digital transactions usually avoid these overheads and are priced more competitively.
Yes, MoneyGram offers cash pickup at several agent locations across the world. The recipients can pick up money in cash or have it transferred directly into their bank account or mobile wallet.
MoneyGram and Western Union are very similar in terms of the services they offer and the large global networks they have. However, the costs of using them change with the corridor you choose. So the better option depends on where you are sending money to and how the recipient wants to receive it.
MoneyGram allows transfers through its website and mobile app in many countries. You can also complete transactions in person at agent locations if you prefer cash-based transfers.
Sending limits depend on the country and payment method, with caps like $2,500 per transaction for some corridors.
