When considering payment solutions for personal or business needs, many people find themselves weighing the options between Ria and Western Union. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of both services, comparing their prices, features, and overall offerings to help you make an informed decision.
A quick overview on Ria and Western Union
What is Ria?

Ria Money Transfer is an international remittance service that allows users to send money across borders. It supports various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit and debit cards, and cash payments at physical locations.
Recipients can receive funds through cash pickups, direct bank deposits, mobile wallets, ATM withdrawals, or home delivery. This flexibility caters to diverse customer needs, making it a versatile solution for global money transfers. Common use cases include sending remittances to family members abroad and paying international suppliers or employees.
What is Western Union?

Western Union is a comprehensive money transfer service that facilitates both domestic and international transactions. It supports various currencies and payout methods, including cash pickups, bank deposits, and mobile wallets.
Unique benefits include an extensive global reach and multiple transfer options, such as online transfers, a mobile app, and in-person services at agent locations. Common use cases include personal remittances, business payments, and emergency transfers.
Pricing of Ria and Western Union
Ria Money Transfer generally offers competitive rates and lower fees compared to Western Union. For instance, Ria's fees for bank account-funded transfers to certain countries can be as low as $5, while Western Union's fees for similar transactions can be higher. Additionally, Ria's exchange rate margins typically range from 1.5% to 2.5% above the interbank rate, which is often more favorable than Western Union's rates.
Western Union's pricing structure tends to be more variable, with fees depending on the destination, transfer amount, and payment method. For example, sending $500 to Mexico online via Western Union may incur a fee of $2, but a similar transfer to the United Kingdom could cost around $12. This variability can make Western Union more expensive for certain transactions. Overall, Ria tends to have better pricing for most users.
Features of Ria and Western Union
Ria features
Ria Money Transfer offers several unique features that cater to a wide range of consumer needs:
- Extensive Network: Over 500,000 agent locations worldwide facilitate easy access for recipients.
- Multiple Transfer Options: Offers cash pickup, bank deposits, mobile wallets, ATM withdrawals, and home delivery.
- Competitive Rates and Fees: Provides favorable exchange rates and low transfer fees, enhancing the value for customers.
- User-Friendly Platform: The website and mobile app are designed for ease of use, allowing quick and straightforward transactions.
- Partnerships with Major Retailers: Collaborations with companies like Walmart provide additional convenience and accessibility for users.
Western Union features
Western Union offers several unique features that cater to a wide range of consumer needs:
- Extensive Global Reach: Enables customers to send and receive money in numerous countries, even in remote areas.
- Multiple Transfer Options: Offers online transfers, a user-friendly mobile app, and in-person services at agent locations.
- Rapid Transactions: Provides options for quick transfers, with funds often available within minutes.
- Diverse Payment Methods: Accepts various payment methods, including bank accounts, credit/debit cards, and cash.
- Security Measures: Employs robust security protocols to protect transactions and customer information.
Comparing Ria, Western Union and OneSafe

Why choose one over the other?
- Why Choose Ria Over Western Union: Ria generally offers more competitive rates and lower fees, making it a cost-effective option for many users. Additionally, Ria's extensive network of over 500,000 agent locations and partnerships with major retailers like Walmart provide greater accessibility and convenience for recipients.
- Why Choose Western Union Over Ria: Western Union excels in speed, often completing transfers within minutes, which is crucial for urgent needs. Its extensive global reach, covering over 200 countries and territories, ensures that even remote areas are well-served, making it a reliable choice for international transfers.
Considering OneSafe vs Ria and Western Union
- Why Choose OneSafe Over Ria and Western Union: OneSafe offers seamless USD to USDC conversion on Polygon, making it ideal for Web3 companies needing efficient payroll and expense management. Its end-to-end financial tools and exceptional customer support provide a modern, reliable banking solution tailored for the digital asset space.
What are the customers saying?
Ria reviews
Customer reviews for Ria Money Transfer highlight a mix of experiences. Users often mention issues such as transfer delays, unexpected fees, and challenges with customer service. Some have reported difficulties with account verification and transaction cancellations without clear explanations. Check out more Ria reviews here.
Western Union reviews
Customer reviews for Western Union highlight a mix of experiences. Users often mention issues such as high fees, less favorable exchange rates, and challenges with customer service responsiveness. Additionally, there are reports of technical issues with the online platform and mobile app. Check out more Western Union reviews here.
OneSafe reviews
Customer reviews for OneSafe highlight the platform's exceptional customer support, ease of payroll processing, and ability to simplify complex banking tasks for Web3 companies. Users consistently praise the seamless USD to USDC conversion on Polygon, which facilitates instant, borderless transactions, making it an optimal choice for global teams.
Notable feedback includes:
- “OneSafe has the best customer support I've ever experienced from a bank.” - Amit Chu, Investments @ Celo Foundation
- “OneSafe is a game-changer. They solve so many headaches for our company. Finally a banking solution that gets it.” - Marco, CEO of Ensuro
Want to learn more? Check us out here.
Ria, Western Union, or OneSafe: Which is the best platform for you?
In conclusion, while Ria and Western Union offer reliable services for various money transfer needs, we believe OneSafe stands out as the optimal choice for modern businesses, especially those in the Web3 space. With its seamless USD to USDC conversion, exceptional customer support, and comprehensive financial tools, OneSafe provides a cutting-edge solution tailored for global teams. Ultimately, any of these services could meet your needs, but we highly recommend giving OneSafe a try for a more innovative banking experience.






