Hidden Fees, 0 Transparency, Crypto Beginners Beware
Response from developer
Hi Carmela, Thanks for your review. It looks there is a misunderstanding, LocalPay does charge any fees during the top up (it's technically impossible since we are non-custodial wallet, and we do NOT do it). The 3rd party platforms you use to top up may apply some fees -- and you always can contact us to clarify it As for Cash App -- we are sure it's the best way to top up, since it's instant and has 0 fees (as far as i know), and LocalPay supports USDC. Always happy to help you, and if you have any questions please contact the support in the app We truly appreciate the detailed feedback you shared -- it helps us make the app more transparent and improve the experience. We’re always happy to stay connected through our support chat.
Fees
Response from developer
Hi, There should be Cash App As top up option -- it has 0 fees and instant. If you need help, please contact support in the app -- we are happy to help
SUPER HIGH FEES!!!!
Be very careful with LocalPay. The fee they display is tiny and misleading — the real cost is buried in a marked-up exchange rate, and it adds up fast.
I sent 20,000,000 VND. At the real market rate (26,322 VND/USD) that’s worth about $760. LocalPay charged me $806.47. The app proudly listed a “$7.26 fee” — but I actually overpaid by $46.66, around 6%. So where did the other ~$39 go? Straight into a worse-than-market exchange rate they don’t disclose.
This wasn’t a one-off. I checked several transfers in the same period and the all-in cost ran from about 1% on a tiny amount up to 6%+ on the larger ones. The bigger the transfer, the more they quietly take. The displayed “fee” has almost nothing to do with what you actually lose.
Worst part: customer support never replied and just closed my ticket.
If you’re sending real money to Vietnam, calculate the effective rate yourself (VND sent ÷ USD charged) before trusting the fee they show you. You’ll likely find a much better deal elsewhere. The competitor has lower fees and it’s stated clearly
Also don’t forget about the on priority cost, which cost $.32 every single transaction regardless of cost so if you sent a dollar it’ll cost $.32 with an additional terrible market rate.
Response from developer
Hi, thank you for sharing such detailed feedback. We take your concerns about your experience with the app and our support team very seriously. We’d appreciate the opportunity to review your experience and the closed support request in detail, as the figures you described appear unusual. Transparency is important to us, and we’ve recently added an option to cover network fees. Please contact us again through the support chat and reference this review so we can investigate your case. Your feedback helps us identify where greater clarity is needed and improve the overall experience.
Great to use
Response from developer
thanks, really appreciate your feedback
Good app, bad exchange rate
I use it just as a back up, but wouldn’t recommend to anyone as a main way to pay in Vietnam.
SUPER HIGH FEES!!!!
Be very careful with LocalPay. The fee they display is tiny and misleading — the real cost is buried in a marked-up exchange rate, and it adds up fast.
I sent 20,000,000 VND. At the real market rate (26,322 VND/USD) that’s worth about $760. LocalPay charged me $806.47. The app proudly listed a “$7.26 fee” — but I actually overpaid by $46.66, around 6%. So where did the other ~$39 go? Straight into a worse-than-market exchange rate they don’t disclose.
This wasn’t a one-off. I checked several transfers in the same period and the all-in cost ran from about 1% on a tiny amount up to 6%+ on the larger ones. The bigger the transfer, the more they quietly take. The displayed “fee” has almost nothing to do with what you actually lose.
Worst part: customer support never replied and just closed my ticket.
If you’re sending real money to Vietnam, calculate the effective rate yourself (VND sent ÷ USD charged) before trusting the fee they show you. You’ll likely find a much better deal elsewhere. The competitor has lower fees and it’s stated clearly
A great app but be aware.
Residency outside US: You need an exchange or another person to send you crypto.
Residency inside US: You can top up using your US local bank or cards to use while traveling abroad.
