Send Money to Pakistan: Cheapest and Best Ways

Last Updated on December, 2024

Sending money overseas can be a real headache, right?

With all the different providers, fees that seem to pop up out of nowhere, and exchange rates that leave you scratching your head, it’s no wonder why so many people get overwhelmed.

That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you, carefully selecting the top options to help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary stress while transferring money to Pakistan.

With our guide, you’ll find the cheapest, fastest, and most trustworthy ways to get your hard-earned money safe into the hands of your recipients in Pakistan.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Quick Summary

The top-rated, cheapest, and fastest options for sending money to Pakistan are Wise, Remitly, and Xe. Additionally, Western Union and MoneyGram offer convenient cash pickup services, while OFX is suitable for large transfers to Pakistan. It is important to consider factors such as transfer speed, accessibility, security, and costs when choosing a method to send money to Pakistan.

Sending money to Pakistan can be a complex and overwhelming process due to various providers, fees, and exchange rates.

You can send money to Pakistan through various methods like online platforms, bank transfers, and cash pickup, but choosing a trusted provider is crucial for a smooth and secure transaction.

Key Highlights: Sending Money to Pakistan

a banner promoting electronic money transfer to Pakistan
Number of Providers Compared06
Cheapest ProviderRemitly
Cheapest CostFee Free
Currently The FastestWise
Fastest Transfer TimeIn Minutes
Currently Best RatedWise and Xe
Recommended ProvidersWise, Remitly, Xe, OFX, Western Union, MoneyGram
Payment MethodCredit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Direct Bank Payment, Apple or Google Pay

Top-Rated, Cheapest, and Fastest Ways to Send Money to Pakistan

I understand selecting the best method or provider can be overwhelming when plenty of options exist. That’s why we have carefully selected the best in the market to fulfil all your transfer needs.

Here’s the detailed breakdown of your top three cheapest and quickest provider comparisons.

1. Wise

wise logo displayed on a laptop screen

4.3/5 | Fastest | Mid Market Exchange Rate | Transparent Fees

Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a fast, low-cost, secure online money transfer service for sending money from the USA to Pakistan. Transfers from USD to PKR (Pakistani Rupee) typically arrive within seconds, making it a fast and efficient way to send money to Pakistan.

Click here if you want to learn more about Wise money Transfer Platform.

Pros

Wise has received positive user reviews, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 216,711 reviews.
Wise provides the most competitive exchange rates, targeting mid-market rates without markup.
Wise offers borderless multi-currency accounts that allow you to hold, convert, and manage money in multiple currencies.

Cons

Wise does not offer cash pickup or collection option
The most a recipient can get is only up to 980,000 PKR

2. Remitly

remitly logo displayed on a laptop screen

4.2/5 | Cheapest | Best Exchange Rate | Fee Free

Currently, Remitly has the best deal when sending money from the USA to Pakistan. Remitly users can get one fee-free (zero fees) transaction and a special foreign currency rate (better than the mid-market rate) of up to $1,000 on their first transfer to Pakistan.

Note: The promotion is valid for transfers initiated between January 30, 2023, and December 31, 2024.

Click here if you want to learn more about Remitly money Transfer Platform.

Pros

Wide range of country and currency coverage
Variety of payout options, including cash pickup
Excellent customer service and mobile app experience

Cons

Credit card fees are higher and not an ideal option for larger transfers
The exchange rate upfront may include a markup

3. Xe

xe logo displayed on a laptop screen

4.3/5 | Cheapest | Fastest | Best Exchange Rate

Xe facilitates secure and fast online money transfers to over 200 countries (including Pakistan) with flexible delivery method and payment options, live tracking, and notifications.

Click here if you want to learn more about Xe money Transfer Platform.

Pros

There are no hidden fees when transferring through a bank or wire transfer
Multiple transfer options and delivery methods
Xe allows sending up to USD 500,000 to Pakistan from the United States

Cons

Exchange rates include a small markup of 0.5% to 2%
Transfer fees upfront differ based on how you choose to pay and the currencies involved

What are the Best Money Transfer Options for Cash Pickup?

Western Union and MoneyGram are two popular options for sending money to Pakistan, offering convenient cash pickup services.

Western Union

western union logo in a laptop screen

With Western Union, you can transfer funds from the United States through their extensive network of 61,000 agent locations or online/mobile platforms.

Did you know? Over 20 banks in Pakistan partner with Western Union for direct account transfers and cash pickup, including UBL, HBL, Bank Alfalah, and others. (1)

Click here if you want to learn more about Western Union money Transfer Platform.


MoneyGram

moneygram logo displayed on a laptop screen

MoneyGram also enables residents to receive money through cash pickup at over 350,000 agent locations in 200 countries or directly into local bank accounts in Pakistani Rupees. Creating a MoneyGram account online is required for online transfers but is not necessary for agent location transfers.

For both providers, recipients can withdraw money directly into their bank account or by picking up cash at an agent’s location.

Click here if you want to learn more about MoneyGram money Transfer Platform.


How to Send Large Amounts of Money Internationally to Pakistan?

Do you have a big transfer to make to Pakistan? Don’t fret about safety and legality concerns; with OFX, your transfer is secure and compliant at every step. There are no limits on the amount that can be sent, making OFX suitable for personal and business transfers.

Note: OFX supports transfers to most major banks in Pakistan, including Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB, Bank Alfalah, Bank Islami Pakistan, and Faysal Bank.

Best and Recommended Ways to Send Money to Pakistan

In the modern world, many options exist for international transfers. When choosing a method, consider factors like transfer speed, accessibility, security, and costs. A few of the common and top ways to send money to Pakistan are: 

  • Send in Person:

For instance, providers like Western Union allow users to visit any of their agent locations throughout the country to send money internationally.

Platforms like Wise, XE, and Remitly allow you to send money online to bank accounts or digital wallets in Pakistan for a small flat fee.

  • Bank Transfer:

Many providers allow money to be sent to all major banks in Pakistan through bank transfers. The required recipient information includes the full name, city, IBAN number, mobile number, and reason for sending it.

Note: The recipient’s bank account must be in Pakistani Rupee (PKR).

  • Cash Pickup:

Providers like MoneyGram and Western Union offer cash pickup and money transfer services in Pakistan. Money is usually available for collection within just a few minutes after the transfer is sent.

Recipients can collect funds from any major bank in Pakistan, including Allied Bank, Bank Al Habib, U Microfinance Bank, MCB, and National Banfunk of Pakistan.

How to Send Money to Pakistan?

options to send money to pakistan

Sending money to Pakistan is a straightforward process. Still, having the correct information is essential to ensure a smooth transaction.

When using trusted service providers, the process typically involves the following steps:

  • Create an account: Sign up for your money transfer service and provide the necessary personal and financial details to set up your account.
  • Verify your identity: You’ll need to provide identification documents, such as a government-issued ID, passport, or driver’s license, to verify your identity.
  • Top up your account: Once verified, you must fund it with the amount you wish to send to Pakistan.

Most services accept payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or cash deposits.

  • Add recipient details and send: Provide the recipient’s full name, address, and bank account details in Pakistan. 

Double-check the information to avoid any errors. Review the fees and currency rates, then confirm the transaction. Finally, Get confirmation of your payment and track its progress online or in an app.

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the discussion on the best ways to send money to Pakistan, it’s clear that there are several excellent options available to meet varying needs. Whether looking for speed, affordability, or convenience, you’ll find a solution that fits the bill. 

Online platforms like Wise, XE, and Remitly offer competitive rates and quick transactions, making sending money hassle-free. If you prefer the traditional route, services like Western Union and MoneyGram provide reliable cash pickup options. 

Whether sending money online, through a bank transfer, or for cash pickup, choosing a trusted provider ensures a smooth and reliable transfer experience to Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can use any currency as long as it is converted to PKR before sending to a PKR-denominated bank account in Pakistan. The recipient’s bank will handle the conversion using current exchange rates. Please note, availability of currencies may differ based on the sender’s country and recipient’s bank.

It is recommended to avoid using Xoom and PayPal when sending money to Pakistan as they have high fees and less favorable exchange rates. Although PayPal is not directly available in Pakistan, its partner service, Xoom, can be used internationally. However, better options such as Remitly or Wise offer lower fees and a better exchange rate for recipients in Pakistan.

Yes, transferring money online to Pakistan can be safe if you use a reputable service and follow good security practices. In 2022, 489.1 million was transferred through digital channels, a significant increase from 2021, showing that digital remittances are growing rapidly. Services like Wise, Remitly, Xe, and Western Union are trusted options for sending money to Pakistan online. These services utilize advanced encryption technologies to safeguard users’ data and privacy.

The best website to send money to Pakistan is Wise (formerly TransferWise) for its low fees, transparent exchange rates, and fast transfers.

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Author
Allen Morning
I'm Allen Morning, with a background spanning over 15 years in international finance and education from Harvard and Stanford. I founded Currenciap with a vision to demystify and streamline global financial transactions. My journey in finance has fueled my commitment to creating a platform that is both user-friendly and efficient, making international finance accessible to everyone. You can find more about me here.

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