Ria Money Transfer & Currency Exchange in Bakersfield, CA
Global money transfer company with nearly 40 years of experience, operating 600,000+ locations across 200 countries. Send money online and in-person with access to 4.1 billion bank accounts and 3.1 billion mobile wallets.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Ria Money Transfer & Currency Exchange Review
Ria Money Transfer was founded in 1987 as a small immigrant-operated business with a mission to help people stay connected to loved ones worldwide. The company was acquired by Euronet Worldwide Inc. in 2007 and has since grown into one of the world's leading cross-border money transfer providers. Despite its expansion, Ria maintains its founding philosophy of acting locally while thinking globally, positioning itself as a company made by and for migrants.
Ria's core service is international money transfer, available both online and through physical locations. The company leverages a vast network of 600,000+ agent locations across nearly 200 countries and territories, combined with digital tools for location finding and transfer tracking. Their infrastructure connects to 4.1 billion bank accounts and 3.1 billion mobile wallet users, enabling multiple receiving methods. Beyond basic transfers, they offer currency exchange services and bill payment options through their check-cashing category positioning.
Ria distinguishes itself through its emphasis on local, personalized service—agents speak customers' languages and understand their communities—combined with technological infrastructure. The company has established itself as more than a transactional service, partnering with Save the Children since 2022 to support early-childhood education (reaching 23,000+ children in Mexico and Philippines) and sponsoring Inter Milan to align with values of excellence and global reach. Their brand messaging emphasizes affordability, speed, and safety as core commitments.
As a major player in remittances, Ria serves a critical function for migrant workers and families separated by geography. However, the website provides limited transparency on specific fees, transfer speeds, exchange rates, or competitive pricing—essential information for consumers comparing money transfer options. The corporate site focuses on brand narrative and partnership opportunities rather than detailed service terms, requiring users to visit the consumer site for operational details.
Services & Features
Feature Checklist
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 600,000+ agent locations across nearly 200 countries and territories for in-person service
- Extensive digital infrastructure: 4.1 billion bank accounts and 3.1 billion mobile wallet users accessible
- Multilingual, immigrant-focused staff who speak customers' languages and understand their communities
- Nearly 40 years of industry experience with established brand recognition and trust
- Multiple sending channels: online and in-person options with digital tracking tools
- Corporate partnership with Save the Children, demonstrating social responsibility commitment
- Local presence with global reach—operates as a distributed network rather than centralized service
Cons
- Website lacks transparent fee schedules, exchange rates, or transfer speed comparisons needed for consumer decisions
- No information on competitive pricing relative to competitors like Western Union, MoneyGram, or digital alternatives
- Limited details on dispute resolution, fraud protection, or customer service response times
- Corporate website emphasizes brand story over practical service details, reducing accessibility for rate-shopping consumers
- No mention of regulatory compliance details, licensing scope, or limitations despite NMLS ID reference
Rating Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ria Money Transfer & Currency Exchange legitimate?
Yes. Ria Money Transfer & Currency Exchange is a registered company, headquartered in 1115 Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 1115 Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Ria Money Transfer & Currency Exchange
Ria Money Transfer is best for migrant workers and families sending remittances internationally who prefer established, community-oriented service with multilingual support and physical locations. The primary caveat is that the corporate website provides minimal transparency on pricing, fees, and competitive terms—consumers must visit the consumer-facing site or contact the company directly to make informed rate and service comparisons.
Best For
- Migrant workers sending remittances to family in countries with limited digital banking infrastructure
- Consumers preferring in-person service with multilingual staff over digital-only platforms
- Customers in underbanked regions where Ria's 600,000-location network provides reliable physical access
- Users seeking established brand reputation and international reach for large or frequent transfers
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