The best, fastest & cheapest ways to send money to Pakistan

Today’s average USD to PKR exchange rate is 279.4774.

However, rates can fluctuate daily due to market volatility.

Even a small improvement can add thousands of rupees to the final amount received.

If your transfer isn’t time-sensitive, consider watching the rate and sending when it peaks.

But if speed is essential, Wise remains a top performer for immediate transfers.

How you pay has a direct impact on fees, speed, and how much PKR your recipient gets.

Based on a $2,000 USD transfer to Pakistan, here’s what our data shows:

• Remitly (Bank transfer): $0 fee + 1.65% markup on the mid-market rate

• Wise (Debit card): $9.16 fee, 0.13% markup

• (Credit card): $0 fee, % markup (may incur cash advance fees)

Bank transfers are generally the cheapest.

Avoid credit cards unless necessary, they often come with extra fees from your issuer.

If using a card, check your provider's terms before initiating the transfer.

Avoid SWIFT transfers to Pakistan whenever possible.

They are slower, more expensive, and prone to hidden fees from intermediary banks.

Whether you're sending a monthly allowance or a one-time larger amount (e.g., for a wedding or land purchase), the size of the transfer may affect your available options.

Larger transfers often qualify for better rates but may require identity and source-of-funds checks.

Providers like Wise or Paysend are well-suited for higher-value transfers to Pakistan and offer reliable compliance handling.

Based on a $2,000 USD transfer, these were the fastest options:

• Wise appeared in 63.2% of searches as the fastest

• Wise provided bank transfer delivery in as little as 1–2 business days

• Cash pickup via Western Union or Ria is almost instant, often within minutes

Faster transfers usually involve higher fees.

If urgency isn’t a factor, opt for bank transfers via services like Remitly to keep costs low.

There are multiple ways to receive money, depending on location, bank access, and urgency.

Bank Account Deposits

Most recipients in urban areas prefer direct bank deposits.

Remitly ranked as the most affordable bank transfer option in 32.3% of cases.

Pakistan has an extensive local banking network, including Meezan Bank, UBL, HBL, Bank Alfalah, and MCB, all of which accept international remittances.

Cash Pickup

Cash transfers remain extremely popular, especially in rural areas.

Services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Ria Money allow recipients to collect PKR from nearby branches with a valid ID.

Mobile Wallets: Easypaisa & JazzCash

Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing mobile wallet markets.

Many providers allow transfers directly to Easypaisa or JazzCash, enabling recipients to access funds instantly via their phones, without needing a bank account.

These are widely available and especially useful for unbanked individuals or those in remote locations.

To comply with local laws and prevent fraud, you or the recipient may be required to provide:

• Government-issued ID (CNIC, passport, or driver’s license)

• Sender's full name and address

• Transfer reference number

• Bank account details, IBAN, or SWIFT code (if applicable)

• For large transfers: proof of source of funds and address (e.g. utility bill, payslip, bank statement)

Transfers into Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) are subject to additional screening but offer a secure and efficient way for overseas Pakistanis to invest, save, and remit funds.

Generally, money received as income that you've already paid tax on in another country is usually not taxed again in Pakistan. But it's a good idea to consult a financial adviser if you need more details.