Compare all the best ways to send money to Kuwait

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much KWD your recipient in KW will get.

For example, in the past month average rate for USD to KWD was 0.3078 KWD.

Since USD-KWD exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more KWD.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Wise, which has consistently offered the best rates for Kuwaiti Dinar over the past six months.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Kuwait is through a Bank transfer with Revolut, which is 1% cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Kuwait impacts the cost, speed, and how much KWD the recipient will receive.

Based on our data from the last six months for a $2,000 transfer from the US to Kuwait, the following are your best options:

• Revolut with bank transfer deposit costs $0 and has a 0.1% markup.

• Wise with a debit card deposit costs $28.68 with -0.01% markup.

• Wise with a credit card deposit costs $24.75 with 0% added to the KWD exchange rate.

We advise against using Debit card, as they tend to be the most expensive option for KWD transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on KWD.

CC deposits also tend to be more expensive. For example, charges $24.75 for credit card deposits, while a bank transfer via Revolut costs $0.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to KW. SWIFT transfers to Kuwait are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much KWD you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the KWD exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Kuwait.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of KWD you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Kuwait.

The speed of sending Kuwaiti Dinar to Kuwait depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $2,000 transfer to Kuwait:

Use Ria Money Transfer for fastest transfers

Of the 11 companies offering KWD transfers, Ria Money Transfer consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods, appearing 8 times in our searches over the past 6 months.

For bank account & card deposits use Ria Money Transfer

Ria Money Transfer offers fast and affordable Kuwaiti Dinar transfers, with fees of around $4 for bank deposits and $Wise for debit card deposits, plus a small 2.8% markup on top of the KWD rate.

For credit card transfers use Wise

Based on our six-month search data, Wise takes up to one day to send KWD via credit card, with a fee of $24.75 and 0% markup.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for KWD transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Kuwait, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Kuwait:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our six-month analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Kuwait, appearing in 100% of KWD transfers in our search system.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Kuwait offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on KWD exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Kuwait are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Kuwaiti Dinar as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Kuwait to collect the KWD.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Kuwaiti Dinar via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire KWD directly to Kuwait due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send KWD from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Kuwait. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the KWD transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Kuwait, we recommend Revolut. They appeared in 95.5% of KWD searches as the cheapest option for bank transfers to Kuwait.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Kuwait. Use Wise to deposit with a debit card at just $28.68 per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Kuwait needs KWD urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Kuwait, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive KWD directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like Revolut.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Kuwait, Kuwaiti Dinar will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending KWD as cash or transferring large amounts to Kuwait, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Kuwait, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of KWD being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Kuwait, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Kuwaiti Dinar.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on KWD transfers/payments to KW.

Some KWD transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain KWD transfers (especially large sums of Kuwaiti Dinar) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Kuwait or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Kuwait or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.