Remitly has broadened its WhatsApp Send service to include the United Kingdom, Canada and Spain, adding 14 new destinations for customers to send money, including key markets such as India, Mexico and the Philippines.
The company also introduced a new "Request Money" feature that partners with Elektra bank in Mexico. The feature lets recipients initiate a transfer request directly within WhatsApp, generating a secure checkout link that the sender can use to complete the transfer in seconds—no app download required. This recipient‑initiated flow is the first of its kind for Remitly and expands its reach to users who traditionally rely on cash‑based channels.
Unique WhatsApp send sessions grew more than 62% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting strong demand for digital‑first remittance options. The growth is driven in part by the 1% U.S. federal tax on non‑digital remittances that took effect on January 1 2026, which incentivizes customers to shift to digital channels and helps convert offline senders into digital users.
By embedding remittance into a widely used messaging platform, Remitly reduces friction and lowers customer acquisition costs. The new recipient‑initiated flow taps into a segment that has historically relied on cash, potentially increasing transaction volume and customer lifetime value.
Management emphasized that the move makes sending money as easy as texting, reinforcing Remitly’s commitment to seamless cross‑border payments and positioning the company to capture a larger share of the growing digital remittance market while supporting its broader goal of becoming a comprehensive cross‑border financial services provider.
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