MoneyGram to Pilot Ripple's XRP Token

International money-remittance firm MoneyGram is partnering with Ripple to test the startup's XRP token for international payments.

According to a press release, MoneyGram will test Ripple's xRapid service due to its claimed speed and cost efficiency. The release noted that XRP transaction fees are significantly less than those of the bitcoin network.

While existing money transfer companies need to have pre-funded accounts in different nations to ensure they are able to facilitate transactions, using XRP means the company can directly transfer funds from one country to another instead, Ripple chief executive Brad Garlinghouse said.

Garlinghouse continued:

"The inefficiencies of global payments don't just affect banks, they also affect institutions like MoneyGram. ... By using a digital asset like XRP that settles in three seconds or less, they can now move money as quickly as information."

The companies will also test Ripple's other products, including xVia, according to the release.

MoneyGram CEO Alex Holmes said the company looks forward to using xRapid in its pilot program, adding: "We're hopeful it will increase efficiency and improve services to MoneyGram's customers."

Disclosure: CoinDesk is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which has an ownership stake in Ripple.

MoneyGram image via Shutterstock