Remitly's $100 Business Bonus: A Smart Deal for Cross-Border Payments?

If your business regularly sends money overseas—whether to pay freelancers, contractors, or vendors—you know fees can add up fast. Remitly, a major player in international money transfers, is currently running a promotion for its business accounts that could make your first couple of transfers significantly cheaper. But is it worth the sign-up process? Let's break down exactly what's on the table and who this deal makes sense for.

How the $100 Bonus Actually Works

This isn't a straightforward cash-back offer. Here's the play-by-play: First, you need to sign up for a new Remitly Business account. Then, you must complete your first international money transfer, sending at least $300 (or the equivalent in CAD/GBP) from your business to a bank account in another country.

Once that first transfer is successful, you'll receive a promotional credit. This credit isn't cash in your pocket; it's a discount that will be automatically applied to your *second* transfer with Remitly Business. The key detail is that you must use the entire credit in that one transaction—you can't split it across multiple sends. Any leftover value from the credit vanishes if your second transfer's fees are less than the bonus amount.

Is This a Good Deal for Your Business?

The value here depends entirely on your situation. If you were already planning to use a service like Remitly, Wise, or PayPal for a couple of sizable international payments in the next two months, this offer effectively gives you one transfer with no fees (the first one) and a hefty discount on the next.

For example, if your second transfer has fees totaling $50, the $100 credit would cover them entirely, and you could send an extra $50 worth of value to your recipient for free. It's a solid perk for onboarding.

However, if you don't have a genuine, immediate need to send money abroad, creating an account just to chase the bonus is probably more hassle than it's worth. The sign-up requires business details, and you're locking up at least $300 in a transfer you might not have otherwise made.

Practical Tips and Things to Watch Out For

Before you jump in, keep these points in mind to avoid surprises.

• **Separate Account Needed:** If you already have a personal Remitly account, you must use a different email address to create your business account. They are treated as separate entities.
• **It's a Credit, Not Cash:** Remember, the $100 is a one-time-use discount for your next transfer. You won't receive it as a statement credit or deposit.
• **Mind the Expiry:** The offer itself expires on March 20, 2026. Make sure you can complete both qualifying transfers well before that date.
• **Check the Exchange Rate:** While the bonus covers fees, the exchange rate you get is still crucial. Compare Remitly's rate at the time of your transfer against other services to ensure you're getting a good overall deal.
• **Have Your Docs Ready:** Opening the business account requires information like your business address, EIN (if applicable), ownership details, and personal ID. Gather this beforehand for a smooth setup.

Who Should Consider This Offer?

This promotion is a no-brainer for small business owners, freelancers, or consultants who already work with international clients or team members and were about to make a payment. It's a great way to test-drive Remitly's business platform with a financial incentive.

It's less ideal for someone looking for passive sign-up bonuses (like with credit cards) or for individuals sending personal remittances, as this is strictly for business accounts. The requirement to send to a bank account in another country also means it's not for domestic payments.

Bottom Line

• The $100 bonus is a credit for your second transfer, not cash back.
• You must send two international transfers to benefit: one to qualify, one to use the credit.
• Best for businesses with real, immediate cross-border payment needs.
• Compare the total cost (fee + exchange rate) even with the bonus.

Common Questions