OFX vs Western Union
A detailed head-to-head comparison of OFX and Western Union based on our 100-point scoring system.
Winner
OFX
OFX International Money Transfer
85/100
Very Good4.3
8,420 reviews
Western Union
Western Union International Money Transfer
79/100
Good3.9
34,000 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
OFX
Western Union
Overall Score
85/100
79/100
Price
$0.00
$0.00
Customer Rating
4.3/5
3.9/5
Review Count
8,420
34,000
Best For
Best for Large Transfers
Best Global Cash Pickup Network
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
OFX — Score Breakdown
Fees & Exchange Rates0/25
Transfer Speed16/20
Global Coverage14/15
Ease of Use8/15
Security & Regulation0/10
Customer Support5/10
Transparency0/5
Western Union — Score Breakdown
Fees & Exchange Rates15/25
Transfer Speed17/20
Global Coverage15/15
Ease of Use12/15
Security & Regulation9/10
Customer Support7/10
Transparency4/5
Pros & Cons
OFX
No transfer fee above $1,000 makes OFX one of the lowest-cost options for large transfers where fee savings significantly exceed those offered by banks.
190-country coverage and $1,000,000+ transfer limits give OFX genuine enterprise capability suitable for business payments and property transactions.
Publicly listed company with multi-jurisdiction regulatory licenses, providing a transparency and compliance profile that exceeds most fintech competitors.
$15 flat fee on transfers under $1,000 makes OFX uncompetitive for small remittances where Wise or Remitly offer better per-transfer economics.
No cash pickup network means OFX is unsuitable when the recipient needs physical cash rather than a bank deposit.
Account verification can take 1–2 business days, which creates friction for first-time users who need an immediate transfer.
Western Union
Unmatched global cash pickup network with 500,000+ agent locations across 200+ countries — accessible even in remote and unbanked areas.
Cash pickup available in minutes, one of the fastest delivery mechanisms available for reaching recipients without bank accounts.
Trusted brand with 170+ years of operating history and regulatory oversight in every major market.
Higher fees and exchange rate margins than most digital competitors — total cost can be 2x to 3x the cost of Wise or Remitly on the same corridor.
Exchange rate margin of 2%–5% is not always transparent during the initial send flow, making it easy to underestimate the true cost.
Customer service quality is inconsistent, with a 3.9/5 Trustpilot rating reflecting a higher rate of negative experiences than category leaders.
Our Verdict
OFX comes out ahead with a score of 85/100 compared to 79/100. OFX is best for best for large transfers. However, Western Union may be a better fit if you prioritize best global cash pickup network.
Transfer fees, exchange rates, and delivery times may vary based on destination, amount, and payment method. Always verify current rates and fees before initiating a transfer.