Best Money Transfer Services to Kenya: 2025 Comparison
Looking for the best way to send money to Kenya? Our 2025 comparison of top money transfer services will help you save on fees and get the best exchange rates available.
Quick Comparison (June 2025)
| Service | Exchange Rate | Fees (KES 10,000) | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Market rate - 0.5% | KES 250 | 1-2 business days |
| WorldRemit | Market rate - 1% | KES 150 | Instant - 24 hours |
| Remitly | Market rate - 0.8% | KES 200 | Instant - 1 business day |
| Sendwave | Market rate - 1.2% | KES 0 (for first KES 70,000/month) | Instant |
| Banks | Market rate - 2-3% | KES 500-1,500 | 1-3 business days |
Detailed Comparison of Top Money Transfer Services
1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise offers some of the most competitive exchange rates with full transparency on fees. They use the real mid-market rate and charge a small percentage fee.
- Best for: Transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates
- Fees: From 0.5% of the transfer amount
- Delivery: 1-2 business days
- Limit: Up to KES 1,000,000 per transfer
2. WorldRemit
WorldRemit offers multiple payout options including bank transfer, mobile money, and cash pickup at various locations across Kenya.
- Best for: Multiple payout options
- Fees: From KES 150 per transfer
- Delivery: Instant to 24 hours
- Limit: Up to KES 2,500,000 per month
3. Remitly
Remitly offers two transfer speed options: Economy (cheaper but slower) and Express (faster but more expensive).
- Best for: First-time transfers (special offers available)
- Fees: From KES 200 (Economy) or KES 1,000 (Express)
- Delivery: 3-5 days (Economy) or minutes (Express)
- Limit: Up to KES 1,000,000 in 24 hours
How to Choose the Best Service
When comparing money transfer services, consider these factors:
- Total Cost: Compare both the exchange rate and fees to find the best deal
- Transfer Speed: How quickly you need the money to arrive
- Payout Options: Whether you need bank transfer, mobile money, or cash pickup
- Transfer Limits: Check both minimum and maximum limits
- User Experience: Mobile app quality and customer service
Tips for Saving on Money Transfers
- Use comparison tools (like our USD to KES converter) to find the best rates
- Consider timing your transfer when exchange rates are favorable
- Look for first-time user promotions and referral bonuses
- For large transfers, negotiate fees with the service provider
- Consider using cryptocurrency for very large transfers (but be aware of volatility)
Pro Tip:
For amounts over KES 100,000, it's often worth calling the transfer service directly to negotiate a better rate than what's shown online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest way to send money to Kenya?
For most transfers, Wise offers the best combination of low fees and competitive exchange rates. However, for smaller transfers (under KES 10,000), services like Sendwave with their fee-free tier might be cheaper.
How long do international transfers to Kenya take?
Transfer times vary by provider and payment method. E-wallet transfers can be instant, while bank transfers typically take 1-3 business days. Some services offer instant transfers for an additional fee.
Are there limits on how much I can send to Kenya?
Yes, most services have both minimum and maximum transfer limits. These can range from KES 1,000 to KES 2,500,000 per transaction, depending on the provider and your verification level. For larger transfers, you may need to provide additional documentation.
Ready to Send Money to Kenya?
Now that you're equipped with the latest information, you can make an informed decision about the best way to send money to Kenya. Remember to compare the total cost (fees + exchange rate) rather than just looking at one or the other.
For the most up-to-date exchange rates, check our USD to KES converter.