Millions of Pakistanis in the UK, US, UAE and Saudi Arabia send money home every month to support parents, pay school fees or build a house. Yet many still lose more than they need to through poor exchange rates and hidden charges. This guide explains the cheapest way to send money to Pakistan, how to compare providers properly and how to use the fee-free options that exist for transfers to Pakistan.
Fees and exchange rates change daily, and promotional rates come and go. Use this guide to understand how to compare, then check live quotes on the day you send.
The Real Cost: Fee Plus Exchange-Rate Markup
A transfer has two costs. The first is the visible fee. The second, and often bigger, is the exchange-rate markup: the difference between the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google or XE) and the rate the provider gives you. A service that advertises “zero fees” can still be expensive if its rate is poor.
Simple test: enter the same amount on two or three apps and compare how many rupees the recipient will actually get. The one that delivers the most PKR is the cheapest for that transfer.
Main Ways to Send Money to Pakistan
| Method | Typical cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online transfer apps (e.g. Wise, Remitly, ACE Money Transfer, Taptap Send, Ria) | Low fees and rates close to mid-market | Minutes to 1–2 days | Regular monthly transfers |
| Traditional money transfer companies (e.g. Western Union, MoneyGram) | Varies; rates can be weaker | Minutes for cash pickup | Cash pickup in smaller towns |
| Bank-to-bank SWIFT transfer | Usually the most expensive; banks often add a markup of several percent to the rate | 1–5 days | Very large amounts where the bank offers a good deal |
| Mobile wallet payout (JazzCash, Easypaisa) | Often cheap | Minutes | Family without a bank account |
Free Transfers Through the Pakistan Remittance Initiative
The State Bank of Pakistan runs the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) to encourage people to use legal, formal channels. Under this scheme, many partner services do not charge a transfer fee on remittances of US$200 or more (or the equivalent) sent to personal accounts in Pakistan; they earn through the exchange rate instead. Ask your provider whether your transfer qualifies before you pay a fee.
Best Options by Country
From the UK
- Compare Wise, Remitly, ACE Money Transfer and Taptap Send for bank deposits.
- Use a service regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for protection.
- Avoid sending through your high-street bank unless it offers a special rate; markups are common.
From the US
- Wise and Remitly are among the most popular choices; in some tests one delivers more PKR, in others the other does, so compare on the day.
- Paying by bank transfer (ACH) is usually cheaper than paying by debit or credit card.
- Remitly offers both an Express option (faster, slightly more expensive) and an Economy option.
From the UAE and Saudi Arabia
- Competition is strong, with local exchange houses and apps offering good rates.
- Wallet payouts to JazzCash or Easypaisa are often the fastest.
Step by Step: Sending Money Safely
- Get the recipient’s full name exactly as on their CNIC and their IBAN (or wallet number).
- Check the mid-market rate on Google or XE.
- Compare two or three providers for the exact amount you want to send.
- Pay by bank transfer if possible to avoid card fees.
- Save the tracking number and share it with your family.
Avoid Hawala and Hundi
Informal hawala or hundi transfers may seem to offer a better rate, but they are illegal in Pakistan and many other countries, have no consumer protection and can be linked to money laundering. Formal channels also help Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and make your family eligible for benefits such as fee-free PRI transfers.
Want to Invest in Pakistan Instead?
If you want to save or invest in Pakistan rather than only send money for expenses, a Roshan Digital Account lets overseas Pakistanis open a bank account online. See our step-by-step guide: How to Open a Roshan Digital Account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to Pakistan?
Usually an online transfer app paying into a bank account or mobile wallet, especially for amounts of US$200 or more that qualify for fee-free PRI transfers. Always compare the final PKR amount.
How long does a transfer to Pakistan take?
Wallet and cash pickup transfers can arrive in minutes. Bank deposits usually arrive the same day or within one to two working days.
Is there a limit on how much I can send?
Each provider sets its own limits and may ask for ID or proof of funds for larger amounts. This is a normal anti-money-laundering check.
Final Word
Saving even 2% on every transfer adds up to a lot over a year. Compare the final rupee amount, use formal channels, and check whether your transfer qualifies for fee-free PRI transfers.