Taptap Send v2.85.0 Abandons No-Fee Promise, Sparking Rating Drop in June 2026

The update's official release notes on the App Store stated only "Bug fixes and minor improvements," failing to disclose a fundamental shift in the app's business model.^[2] Previously known for its commission-free transfers, the service now imposes explicit charges. For users sending money from the United States, a fee of $1.99 USD now applies to transactions.

This change marks a significant departure from the app's core value proposition, which attracted a large user base, with over 320,000 downloads in the last 30 days alone.^[4] The legal framework for this change appears to have been established months prior, with a User Agreement updated in November 2024 granting the company the right to charge service fees.

The introduction of fees caused a sharp drop in user sentiment. The average ratingGlossaryStar RatingThe 1-5 star average users give your app on the App Store and Google Play — a primary ranking signal and one of the biggest conversion drivers on your product page. for reviews of v2.85.0 fell to 3.29 stars, down from 4.23 for v2.84.0. Before v2.85.0, users praised the service for its cost-effectiveness. One 5-star review noted, "I love the App because it is very efficient and they don't charge for sending."

After the update, reviews became critical. A 1-star review on v2.85.0 stated, "Too bad they started charging their commission, I think they are forgetting about their customers." Another user wrote, "They are now charging for services, it's like a commission company, it would be better to lower the exchange rate but not charge!"

In addition to the new fees, users began reporting other operational issues more frequently after the update. Complaints about funds being held for extended periods have become more prominent in App Store reviews. One 1-star reviewer on version 2.85.0 wrote, "They been holding my money for more than 2 weeks. Do not use this app."

This theme is not entirely new, with similar complaints appearing on the Better Business Bureau website before this update. However, the increased visibility of these reports suggests the pricing change has made users less tolerant of any service failures, leading them to voice all grievances.

The decision to add explicit fees likely represents a strategic shift from user acquisition to revenue maximization. By abandoning its 'no transfer fees' marketing, Taptap Send risks alienating the user base it built on that promise. The lack of transparency in communicating the change has damaged user trust, a critical asset in financial services.

This move makes the app more vulnerable to competitors like Wise and Remitly, who now compete on a more level playing field regarding explicit fees. The company's failure to address the backlash suggests a risk of sustained brand damage and customer churnGlossaryChurnThe rate at which users stop using an app (general churn) or cancel a subscription (subscription churn) over a time window — retention's mathematical complement.. These figures compare the 61 US App Store reviews tagged with v2.84.0 against the 59 tagged with v2.85.0, measured on 2026-07-03.