Introduction
Cost to send money to Pakistan Sending money to Pakistan from the UK is more popular than ever in 2026, with millions of British Pakistanis sending remittances every month. However, the cost of sending money varies significantly depending on the provider, fees, exchange rate margin, transfer speed, and payment method.
This complete 2026 guide explains exactly how much it costs, the cheapest ways to send money, the fastest ways, and how different companies compare. Whether you’re sending money to support family, pay bills, invest, or handle emergencies, this guide will save you time and money.
1. Understanding the Cost of Sending Money to Pakistan
The true cost of a money transfer includes:
1. Transfer Fee
A fixed or percentage-based fee charged upfront.
2. Exchange Rate Margin
The difference between the real rate (mid-market) and the provider’s rate.
This is where companies often make the most money.
3. Payment Method Cost
- Bank transfer = cheap
- Debit card = moderate
- Credit card = expensive (cash advance fees)
4. Receiving Method
- Cash pickup (slightly higher fee)
- Bank deposit (cheaper)
- Wallet/ mobile transfer (varies)
Understanding these components helps you choose the cheapest option.
2. Average Cost to Send Money to Pakistan in 2026
Here is the typical cost to send £100, £500, and £1,000 from the UK:
| Amount | Typical Fee | Exchange Margin | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| £100 | £0–£2 | 1.5–3% | £1.50–£5 total |
| £500 | £0–£3 | 1.2–2.5% | £6–£15 total |
| £1,000 | £0–£5 | 1–2% | £10–£25 total |
This varies depending on the provider (Wise, Western Union, WorldRemit, Ria, MoneyGram, Remitly, SadaPay UK).
3. Cheapest Ways to Send Money to Pakistan (2026)
These are the consistently cheapest options for UK → Pakistan transfers:
1. Wise (Best Overall for Bank Transfers)
- Very low exchange rate margin
- Real mid-market rate
- Transparent fees
- Fast bank transfers
- No hidden charges
Typical cost:
£1.50–£3 for £500 transfer.
2. Remitly (Best for First-Time Offers)
- High rate for new users
- Fast transfers
- Solid customer service
Economy transfers: £1–£2
Express transfers: Higher fee but instant
3. WorldRemit (Best for Mobile Wallet & Cash Pickup)
- Great for cash pickup
- Fast transfers (minutes)
Fees: £2–£3 average
4. Western Union (Best for Cash Pickup & Large Transfers)
- Thousands of branches in Pakistan
- Fast service (often instant)
Fees: £0–£5
Margin: Higher
5. Ria Money Transfer (Best Rate for Cash Pickup)
- Good rates
- Popular in UK convenience stores
- Affordable fees
4. Comparison Table – UK → Pakistan Transfers (2026)
| Provider | Fee | Exchange Rate Margin | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | £1–£3 | 0.5–1% | Same day | Bank deposits |
| Remitly | £0–£2 | 1–2% | Minutes – 3 days | First-time deals |
| WorldRemit | £2–£3 | 1.5–2% | Minutes | Cash pickup |
| Western Union | £0–£5 | 2–3% | Minutes | Large transfers |
| Ria | £1–£3 | 2–3% | 10–30 min | Cash pickup |
| MoneyGram | £2–£5 | 2–4% | Same day | Urgent transfers |
5. How Much PKR Receivers Get (Example: £500 Transfer)
Approx calculations for 2026 using typical margins.
| Provider | Exchange Rate | PKR Received |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | 1% margin | ~PKR 176,000 |
| Remitly | 1.5% margin | ~PKR 174,500 |
| WorldRemit | 2% margin | ~PKR 173,500 |
| Western Union | 2.5% margin | ~PKR 172,000 |
| Ria Money Transfer | 3% margin | ~PKR 170,500 |
(Based on mid-market: 1 GBP ≈ 180 PKR)
6. Hidden Fees to Watch Out For (2026)
❌ Credit Card Fees
Most credit cards treat transfers as “cash advances”:
- 3–5% fee
- High interest
- No grace period
❌ Poor Exchange Rates
Some providers advertise “£0 fee” but use a weak rate, costing more overall.
❌ Receiving Bank Charges
Most Pakistani banks do not charge for receiving remittances, but exceptions exist for commercial transfers.
7. Best Method Based on Your Need
A. Cheapest Overall
Wise
B. Fastest Delivery
Remitly Express / Western Union
C. Best for Cash Pickup
WorldRemit / Western Union / Ria
D. Best for Large Transfers (£5,000+)
Western Union / Wise
E. Best Exchange Rate New Customers
Remitly Promo Rate
8. Transfer Speed – How Long Does It Take?
| Provider | Speed |
|---|---|
| Wise | Same day – 24 hrs |
| Remitly Express | Minutes |
| WorldRemit | Minutes |
| Western Union | Minutes |
| MoneyGram | Minutes |
| Bank SWIFT transfer | 2–3 days |
9. Requirements to Send Money to Pakistan
Most UK providers require:
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Photo ID
- Debit card or bank account
- Receiver details
For larger transfers (£1,000+), additional ID verification may be needed.
10. Internal Links (Add these once articles are live)
Internal linking helps your SEO grow faster.
- UK Visit Visa Cost 2026
- Priority UK Visa Cost 2026
- Money Transfer Fees to India 2026
- eSIM Cost for International Travel 2026
11. External Trusted References
◼ FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) — Money Transfer Regulations
https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/money-transfer
◼ GOV.UK – Sending Money Overseas
https://www.gov.uk/money-transfer-overseas
◼ State Bank of Pakistan – Foreign Remittance Information
https://www.sbp.org.pk/
These boost article authority and trust.
Conclusion
Sending money to Pakistan in 2026 has become faster, easier, and more affordable, especially with modern digital transfer services. However, costs vary between providers, and exchange rate margins can significantly change how much your recipient receives. Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, Ria, and Western Union remain the most trusted and competitive options depending on whether you prioritise lowest fees, fastest speed, or cash pickup convenience.
To save the most money, always compare transfer fees and exchange rates before sending, especially for large transfers. With the right provider, you can save £5–£20 per transfer and ensure your family gets more in PKR.
Cost to send money to Pakistan
Home