MoneyGram in Japan: Exchange rate and fee explained

MoneyGram is a global service which allows customers to send and receive international payments in cash, to mobile wallets or direct to their recipient’s bank account.¹

This guide walks through all you need to know about MoneyGram in Japan. We’ll also look at a smart alternative when sending money from Japan - Wise, which uses the real mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent transfer fees.

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MoneyGram’s fees and exchange rate - watch out for ‘hidden fees’

MoneyGram’s fees and exchange rates can vary depending on where you’re sending money, the delivery method you choose and the amount you want to transfer. You’ll be able to estimate the fees and exchange rates which will apply to your particular payment by going to the MoneyGram page and using the MoneyGram calculator there.

Example: Sending from JPY to a BDO bank account in Peso¹

It’s also worth noting that not all payment delivery methods are available in all countries, so you’ll need to make sure your preferred payment type is possible before you proceed.

When you look at the costs quoted by any international payment provider it’s important to look at both the transfer fees and the exchange rates which will be used. That’s because it’s common for banks and currency services to add an extra fee in the exchange rate they offer. This makes it tricky to work out the full cost of your payment - and can mean you spend more than you need to.

Compare the MoneyGram exchange rate for your currency against the mid-market exchange rate which you can find on Google or Wise online currency converter. If there’s a difference it’s likely to mean a markup has been added.

Let’s look at an example, based on sending a payment from Japan to the Philippines. Here’s the MoneyGram exchange rate, compared with the ‘real’ rate used by Wise:

• MoneyGram: 1 JPY = 0.4590 PHP
• The mid-market rate used by Wise: 1 JPY = 0.4637 PHP

*Rate taken from the MoneyGram and Wise calculators at 17:06, 23 November 2020.²⁺³

What does this difference mean to you?

If you convert and send 100,00 JPY with MoneyGram, it is converted into 45,900 PHP. But with the mid-market rate at that time, 100,000 JPY should be worth 46,370 PHP.

So the real cost you’re paying for MoneyGram in this case is not just their transfer fee but also an extra charge of 470 PHP, due to a markup in the exchange rate.

The good news is that you can send money without any markups or hidden fees with an international transfer service such as Wise. You can clearly see how much you’re paying, unlike most banks and providers.

Wise also offers a multi-currency account where you can hold 50+ currencies at one place and receive money for free from the USA, UK, Europe, and more!

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How to send money with MoneyGram from Japan

If you want to use MoneyGram Japan to send an international payment you’ll have a few options. Here’s what you need to know.⁴

In person

• Visit a convenient MoneyGram Japan location, with the required documents and information (covered below) and the payment in cash
• At the MoneyGram agent location, complete a send form and make your payment
• Get a 8-digit reference/tracking number
• Share the number with your recipient if they’re collecting the payment in cash (If it’s to a bank account, then it will be sent directly into the account)

Online (via SBI Remit)

If you want to send money without going to an agent location, you can send money online thanks to MoneyGram’s partnership with SBI remit. This means you could still have your recipient collect their money in cash at a MoneyGram agent location near them, if you choose to.⁵

• Create an account
• Upload your ID documents
• Wait for a welcome pack (This process may take a week)
• Deposit funds into your reserve account
• Arrange your international payment, with our recipient’s name and bank account information
• Get a reference/tracking number
• Share the number with your recipient if they’re collecting the payment in cash (If it’s to a bank account, then it will be sent directly into the account)

What you need to send money with MoneyGram

To make a payment you’ll need to provide:⁴

• Your ID document
• Your recipient’s full name, as shown on their ID paperwork
• Your recipient’s bank details if you’re sending a payment directly to their account
• Recipient’s mobile number for mobile wallet payments

You must also take along the money you want to send plus the applicable fees.

MoneyGram locations in Japan

You can search for your closest MoneyGram location online by simply searching on GoogleMap or using MoneyGram location finder.

MoneyGram tracking: How to track your money transfer

When you set up a MoneyGram transfer, an 8 digit reference number is generated. If you’re the sender, you’ll need to pass this to the recipient so they can get their cash payment. You can also use this reference number to track your MoneyGram transfer. Here’s how;⁶

• Go to MoneyGram Japan and click ‘Track a Transfer’
• Enter the 8 digit reference number and your last name on the MoneyGram transfer tracking tool
• Check the status of the payment

MoneyGram can be a useful way to send international payments if you want to pay in cash and have the money collected in local currency in another country. However, it’s important to check out the full range of fees for this service, including any markup added to the exchange rate. A marked up exchange rate can mean you’re paying more than you think.

If you’re sending a payment direct to someone's bank account, you might find there are more convenient - and cheaper - alternatives. Choosing Wise means you access the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup, and only ever pay an upfront transparent fee. This may work out much cheaper than using your bank or even an alternative provider. Do your research before you set up your payment, to see if you can save.

See if you can save with Wise