How to send money to US from Kenya with the best KES-USD rate

The exchange rate determines the price you’ll pay for US Dollar when sending Kenyan Shilling to the United States.

The rate between the Kenyan Shilling and US Dollar is currently 0.0077.

The total cost of money transfers from Kenya to United States is a combination of fees and exchange rates. Get the best of both, and you will be getting a good deal.

• The Mid-Market and Exchange Rates: The mid-market rate for KES-USD is currently 0.0077 USD per Kenyan Shilling. Providers offering services closer to this rate will ensure more US Dollar for your Kenyan Shillings.

• Fees: Transfer fees are charged alongside a transfer. The company offering the lowest fee is Key Currency, charging 0 KES per transfer. In all cases, we recommend searching for your exact send amount as fees may change.

• Amount Received: Money transfer companies will show you the amount eventually received in US Dollar. Simply, the higher the amount received in Kenya, the lower the cost of sending from the United States.

Sometimes, waiting a day or two can help you get more USD for the same amount of Kenyan Shilling. Using a forward contract that also allows you to lock in an agreed exchange rate between Kenya and the United States.

Sending money via a bank transfer is the recommended option for sending money from Kenya to the United States.

Here are all the ways to send money from Kenya to United States:

Bank transfers

Paying via a bank transfer is often the better option for sending money from Kenya to the United States.

By using a money transfer company such as Key Currency for transfers from Kenya to the United States, you can send money and while benefit from lower fees and more favorable exchange rates than you would get with a traditional bank. 


Debit and prepaid cards

Sending money from Kenya to the United States with a debit or a prepaid card is easy with .


is a one of the better options in the market for international debit card transfers from Kenya to the United States.

Credit cards

Not many money transfer companies offer direct credit card deposits, because it is more expensive for everyone (especially with high cash advance fees).

We recommend using a bank transfer or a debit card transfer if you can; otherwise, make a quick comparison to find the latest deal.

Some services between Kenya and the United States have minimum or maximum thresholds on how much you can transfer. This is applies when receiving money in the United States as well.

Companies will offer different rates and fees for different transfer amounts. For regular transfers to the United States, use Key Currency. The combination of rates and fees when sending from Kenya to the United States is the most competitive, even at larger amounts.

Also, always check with the recipient and understand any declarations needed on large amounts of money leaving Kenya, or entering the United States. Mis-understanding these could result in a slower, or even failed, transfer.

There are different ways to receive US Dollar in United States. This includes a direct bank deposit, cash pickup, a mobile wallet or receiving money into a multi-currency account.

Not all providers serving transfers from Kenya to the United States will offer every method for incoming US Dollar, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

One of the more common ways to transfer from Kenya into US Dollar is directly into a bank account. Key Currency is the best company for bank transfers between Kenya and United States.

And if you need cash right away, check if cash pickup is an option for transfers between Kenya and United States.

Mobile wallet services and payment apps like PayPal, Xoom, and CashApp are popular too, but they come with more limitations and higher costs compared to money transfer providers like Key Currency.

When signing up to and sending Kenyan Shilling to United States, through a money transfer company, you will have to verify your ID.

The precise documents you need will vary and in some cases you will need more than one.

For the most part however, in Kenya this will be a government issued ID such as a passport or driver's license. In the United States it will be similar, although this should only be needed if you are opening a new account in the United States, or collecting in cash. Sending to an existing bank account in the United States shouldn’t require any additional ID checks.

Large transactions between Kenya and United States, are subject to additional checks. A provider may ask you for proof of address or may want to carry out a proof of funds check.

One of the reasons Key Currency has scored so highly for transfers to the United States is their easy sign up process in Kenya.

When sending large amounts of money between Kenya and United States there will potentially be a tax declaration to consider.

Some transfers into US Dollar may need to be reported to tax authorities in the United States, particularly where inheritance or property purchases are involved.

Tax limits and personal allowances will change in the United States based on age, income and a few other elements. When in doubt, please contact a tax professional in Kenya or the United States to discuss your personal circumstances.