What is MoneyGram? Detailed instructions on how to transfer and receive money internationally

icon calendar19/11/2025

Learn what MoneyGram is, its mechanism, transaction fees and how to transfer and receive money in Vietnam. Compare with Western Union, PayPal to have the optimal choice.

Customers are wondering “What is MoneyGram?” and is this service reliable for international money transfers? MoneyGram is one of the most popular cross-border money transfer solutions today, trusted by millions of people thanks to its fast speed and global coverage.

Note: The figures and information in the article are compiled from general market sources and do not apply specifically to SeABank's products or services.

 

1. Overview of MoneyGram

1.1. What is MoneyGram?

MoneyGram is one of the world's leading international money transfer services, allowing customers to send and receive money quickly globally.

MoneyGram's main purpose is to help users transfer money across borders safely, conveniently and quickly. This money transfer method is suitable for those who need to send money to relatives abroad, receive money from international partners or make personal financial transactions.

With its simplicity, fast processing speed and high flexibility, MoneyGram has become a popular choice not only for foreign workers and international students, but also for small-scale personal money transfers. This is the reason why more and more people are interested in this service, especially when learning what MoneyGram is and how to use it.

MoneyGram has a long history with hundreds of thousands of transaction points globally.

1.2. History of formation

MoneyGram was founded in 1940 in the United States under the name Travelers Express. Initially, the company provided domestic money transfer services. In the 1980s, the service expanded internationally and was officially named MoneyGram International in 1998.

Through many mergers and technological improvements, MoneyGram is now one of the largest money transfer brands in the world. With a network covering more than 200 countries with more than 350,000 transaction points, MoneyGram serves millions of transactions every year, especially in the field of cross-border personal money transfers.

1.3. Operating mechanism

MoneyGram acts as an intermediary service that allows senders to transfer money from one country to another through their network of agents or online platforms. Customers can make money transfers in three ways:

  • At the counter of the agent or affiliated bank.
  • Online through the MoneyGram website or app.
  • Via bank card, if supported in your country.

Normally, money transfer transactions via MoneyGram are processed within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the payment method, the sending and receiving country and the transaction time frame. This is a big advantage that attracts many users to choose the service.

2. Advantages of MoneyGram

Despite being an established international money transfer service, MoneyGram still retains its appeal thanks to its outstanding advantages. Some of the main advantages of MoneyGram include:

  • Extensive global network:Covering more than 200 countries and territories, with over 350,000 transaction points, helping customers easily make or receive money anywhere.
  • Fast processing speed: Transactions are completed in just a few minutes, especially with over-the-counter or live agent transfers.
  • Various transaction methods: Support for online money transfer, at the counter, via bank account or payment card, providing maximum flexibility for customers.
  • No bank account required: Recipients can receive cash directly at a MoneyGram location without opening a bank account.
  • Track transactions easily: With MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number), customers can check transaction status anytime, anywhere, ensuring transparency and safety.

MoneyGram is highly regarded for its speed, convenience and security.

3. How to transfer and receive money via MoneyGram in Vietnam

To make transactions with MoneyGram, customers can go to official support agents such as the Vietnam Post Office, some banks or financial supermarkets. In addition, users can easily find the nearest MoneyGram transaction point by accessing MoneyGram's official website and using the "Find a Location" tool to look up by area.

3.1. How to transfer money

Requirements and documents to prepare:

  • Original ID card/CCCD/passport
  • Recipient information: full name, country of receipt
  • Amount and currency to deposit

Steps to follow:

  • Step 1: Go to the nearest MoneyGram agent and present your documents.
  • Step 2: Fill in the sender – recipient information form.
  • Step 3: Pay in cash (or by card if supported).
  • Step 4: Get the money transfer control number (MTCN) and send it to the recipient so they can withdraw the money.

3.2. How to receive money

To receive money via MoneyGram in Vietnam, users have 2 options: cash at the counter or receive via bank account (if service is supported).

3.2.1. Receive cash at the agent

Requirements and documents to prepare:

  • Original ID card/CCCD/passport
  • Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN)
  • Sender's name and expected amount to receive

Steps to follow:

  • Step 1: Go to the nearest MoneyGram agent.
  • Step 2: Present your ID and provide the MTCN code.
  • Step 3: Sign the confirmation and receive cash with receipt.

3.2.2. Receive money into your bank account

Requirements and documents to prepare:

  • Valid bank account number
  • MTCN code and transaction information provided by the sender

Steps to follow:

  • Step 1: The sender clearly declares the recipient through the account when making the transaction.
  • Step 2: The MoneyGram system processes and transfers the money to the recipient's bank account.
  • Step 3: Recipients check their accounts or receive balance change notifications.

4. MoneyGram money transfer fees

MoneyGram money transfer fees vary significantly depending on the sending and receiving country, payment method (cash, card, bank transfer) and receipt method (cash at agent, bank transfer).

For example, when sending from the United States to Mexico, using a debit card can cost as little as $1.99 for $500 sent online. However, if you pay by credit card or pick up cash at the dealership, the fee can increase to $10 or more. Furthermore, even if the main fee seems low, the sender still gets “eaten” by the exchange rate difference – MoneyGram often applies a less favorable exchange rate than the market rate. 

MoneyGram's transaction fees are generally quite high.

Below is a comparison table of money transfer fees between MoneyGram and some other typical international money transfer services:

Service

Reference fee for sending money (international)

Note

MoneyGram

About 4% deposit amount according to reference source in Vietnam.

Fees depend on the sending/receiving country, payment method and transaction type.

Western Union

About 3% in a Vietnamese example.

Fees may vary by region and transaction type.

PayPal (international transfer)

Fixed fee + percentage, no specific % given in reference.

Usually for transferring money between PayPal accounts, not receiving cash immediately.

 

5. Notes when using MoneyGram in Vietnam

When using MoneyGram international money transfer service in Vietnam, customers need to note some important issues to make transactions safer, more accurate and more cost-effective:

  • Amount limit: Each MoneyGram transaction usually has a maximum amount limit depending on the sending and receiving country and legal regulations in Vietnam. Users should check in advance to avoid transaction interruption.
  • Change foreign exchange rates: MoneyGram's exchange rates are often different from those at banks and may be less favorable, so check the exchange rate carefully before making a transaction, especially if the amount is large.
  • Note on recipient information: The recipient's name and identification information must match 100% with the registered information. If there are small errors such as accents or abbreviations, you may have difficulty receiving the money.

To receive money from MoneyGram more quickly and safely, users can choose to transfer directly to a bank account instead of receiving cash. Customers can consider opening an account at SeABank to not only easily receive money from MoneyGram but also receive many benefits:

  • Free online account opening
  • Simple and quick procedures via SeAMobile app
  • Support for multiple currencies
  • Real-time balance change notification
  • Safe and secure with high technology

Hopefully through this article, customers have clearly understood "What is MoneyGram?” and how to use this service effectively in Vietnam. Overall, this is an extremely convenient international money transfer method that you should consider. To use MoneGram conveniently, customers can open a bank account at SeABank to receive money faster and more safely.

If you want to learn more about SeABank products, you can contact the nearest transaction point or call Hotline 1900 555 587 or visit the website www.seabank.com.vn for more details.

Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank SeABank

  • Address: BRG Building, 198 Tran Quang Khai, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi
  • Call Center: KHCN 1900 555 587 / (024) 39448702 – KHDN 1900 599 952/ 024-32045952
  • Customer Service Email: contact@seabank.com.vn

 

Chat bot