Every year, thousands of British Pakistanis send billions of pounds back home to support their families. Whether it’s for household expenses, a wedding, medical bills, or education — finding the cheapest and fastest way to send money from UK to Pakistan can save you hundreds of pounds annually. This guide breaks down the best options available in 2026, so you can keep more money in your family’s pockets.
Why You Should Avoid Your High Street Bank
The first mistake most people make is walking into Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays, or NatWest and sending money directly from their bank account. Banks are convenient — but they are almost never the cheapest option.
Banks typically apply a hidden markup on the exchange rate, often 3% or more above the real mid-market rate. On top of that, they charge transfer fees. So if you’re sending £1,000, you could lose £30–£50 just in hidden costs before the money even arrives. Over a year, if you send money regularly, this adds up to a significant loss.
The good news? There are far better alternatives.
The Best and Cheapest Services to Send Money to Pakistan from UK
1. Remitly — Best Overall for Low Fees
Remitly is consistently ranked as one of the cheapest and most popular services for sending money to Pakistan. They offer fee-free transfers on many options, and their exchange rates often closely match the real mid-market rate — meaning your recipient gets more Pakistani rupees per pound.
Remitly supports four delivery methods:
- Bank transfer directly to Pakistani banks
- Cash pick-up at locations across Pakistan
- Mobile wallet (Easypaisa, JazzCash)
- Cash delivery to the doorstep
For a £1,000 transfer, fees are approximately £5 — much cheaper than a bank. Delivery is typically same-day or next day.
2. Wise (formerly TransferWise) — Best for Transparent Rates
Wise is the gold standard for transparency in international money transfers. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate — the same rate you see on Google — with a small, upfront percentage fee. There are no hidden markups.
Key features:
- 74% of transfers arrive in under 20 seconds
- 95% arrive within a day
- Fees are clearly shown before you confirm the transfer
- Available via app and website
Wise is slightly more expensive than Remitly on some transfers, but many people trust it because of its complete honesty about costs.
3. WorldRemit — Best for Mobile Wallets (Easypaisa & JazzCash)
If your family in Pakistan uses Easypaisa or JazzCash, WorldRemit is one of the best options. Transfers to mobile wallets arrive within minutes, which is ideal for urgent situations.
WorldRemit also supports bank deposits and cash pick-up. Their fees are competitive, and for £100 transfers to cash pickup or mobile wallet, they are often the cheapest available option.
4. Skrill — Best for Small Transfers
For smaller amounts — like sending £100 to cover immediate expenses — Skrill is frequently the cheapest provider. It’s a digital wallet service that’s quick to set up and easy to use.
However, Skrill’s rates can be less competitive for larger transfers, so always compare before you send.
5. Taptap Send — No Fees, Great Rates
Taptap Send has become popular in the British Pakistani community for one simple reason: zero fees on most transfers, with great exchange rates. They send money directly to Pakistani banks, Easypaisa, JazzCash, or cash pickup locations.
Most transfers arrive within minutes. The app is simple and designed specifically for remittances to countries like Pakistan.
6. ACE Money Transfer — Popular in the Pakistani Community
ACE Money Transfer is a UK-based service that has built a strong reputation in the British Pakistani diaspora. They offer competitive exchange rates, multiple payout options (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallets), and a straightforward app.
They accept payments via debit card, credit card, and Google Pay, making it convenient for most users.
7. Western Union — Best for Cash Pickup Across Pakistan
Western Union is the oldest name in international money transfer, and it remains highly reliable. With tens of thousands of locations across Pakistan, it’s the best option when your recipient needs cash in hand quickly — even in smaller towns or rural areas.
It’s not always the cheapest, but the network coverage is unmatched. For families in remote areas without easy bank access, Western Union is often the most practical solution.
How to Get the Best Exchange Rate: Tips and Tricks
Regardless of which service you use, here are a few tips to maximise the amount your family receives:
1. Always compare before you send. Exchange rates and fees change daily. Use a comparison site like Monito.com to check who is cheapest on that specific day.
2. Send larger amounts less frequently. Many services charge a flat fee per transfer. Sending £500 once is cheaper than sending £100 five times.
3. Use bank transfer (not card) to fund your transfer. Paying via debit card or credit card is convenient, but it usually costs more. Funding via bank transfer is typically the cheapest payment method on most platforms.
4. Avoid sending on weekends. Some providers (like Revolut) apply different exchange rates on weekends when the currency markets are closed. Sending on a weekday usually gets you a better rate.
5. Check for first-transfer promotions. Many services offer zero fees or a special exchange rate for your first transfer. Remitly, Wise, and WorldRemit all run such promotions regularly.
How Long Does It Take?
| Provider | Typical Transfer Time |
| Wise | Instant to 24 hours |
| Remitly (Express) | Within minutes |
| WorldRemit | Minutes (mobile wallet) |
| Taptap Send | Minutes |
| Western Union | Minutes to hours |
| Bank Transfer (SWIFT) | 3–5 business days |
If it’s urgent, always choose a provider that delivers to Easypaisa or JazzCash — these mobile wallets receive money within minutes.
Final Verdict
The cheapest way to send money from UK to Pakistan in 2026 depends on your amount and how your recipient wants to receive funds:
- Cheapest overall: Remitly or Taptap Send
- Most transparent: Wise
- Best for mobile wallets: WorldRemit or Taptap Send
- Best for cash pickup in rural areas: Western Union
- Best for small amounts: Skrill
Whatever you do — stop using your bank for international transfers. The savings from switching to a specialist provider can easily add up to hundreds of pounds a year.
Compare rates on the day you send, choose the service that works best for your recipient, and your family in Pakistan will receive significantly more money — every single time.
Rates and fees are subject to change. Always compare live rates before making a transfer.
