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Find the best way to send money to Pakistan

Learn how to send money to Pakistan from the US in our step-by-step guide.

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Looking for the best way to send money from the United States to family, friends or businesses in Pakistan (or even to your own overseas bank account)?

Don't head straight to your American bank – compare specialist money transfer services instead. They nearly always offer better PKR exchange rates and lower fees, so for the same amount of US dollars you send, your recipient will receive more Pakistan rupees.

Of the companies we've compared, Western Union is among the cheapest, with competitive exchange rates and fees starting from $0. Need a really fast transfer? Western Union can get money to your recipient in Pakistan within minutes.

Best ways to send money to Pakistan from the US

The best way to send money to Pakistan depends on your payment method, how you want your money to be received and how fast you need it to arrive.
  • Online money transfer provider. When buying US dollars or Pakistan rupees money transfer specialists typically offer better rates and cheaper fees than a local bank.
  • Bank transfer. Bank transfers are an easy way to send money to Pakistan but they charge extra for the convenience and are often slower than other methods. US banks generally add a 3% to 6% markup onto exchange rates.
  • Cash pickup. If you need your money to arrive fast, cash pickup gives your recipient instant access to the money you've sent when they collect it from their agent location in Pakistan.
  • Mobile wallet. Essentially an electronic wallet service, mobile wallets allow users to store, send and receive eligible currencies using their phone, often with fees attached.
  • Home delivery. If your recipient may struggle to get to a cash pickup location, you may be able to opt for door-to-door cash delivery.

Compare the best money transfer companies to send money to Pakistan

Use our table to compare the best money transfer companies to send money to Pakistan. You can compare deposit and receiving options, fees and transfer speeds, then click the "Go to site" button when you've found the best one to get your money to Pakistan.
1 - 7 of 7
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Western Union
Within minutes
From $0
Enjoy $0 fee on your first online transfer. Western Union makes money from currency exchange. Not valid on credit cards or sends to Cuba.
Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries and territories around the world.
Airwallex
Airwallex
Within minutes
$0
After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion.
Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
First online transfer is free.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
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Cheapest way to send money to Pakistan

Bank transfers are typically the cheapest way to get your money to Pakistan. Western Union and MoneyGram have some of the lowest bank transfer fees of the brands we've compared.

When you're hunting down the cheapest ways to send money to Pakistan, it's more important to look at the overall cost of your transfer. This has a couple of elements:

  • Transfer fees. While still cheaper than your American bank, some money transfer services charge either a fixed or percentage-based fee for making your transfer.
  • Exchange rates. Another way money transfer providers make money is to add a margin to the mid-market USD/PKR exchange rate.

Some providers may charge the mid-market rate but add fees on top. Others may have very low fees but apply a markup on the exchange rate. This means it is important to compare exactly how many Pakistan rupees your recipient will end up with.

Fastest way to send money to Pakistan

Many online providers can offer transfers to Pakistan within minutes, although you're likely to pay a premium for the convenience.

Here are some of the fastest average transfer speeds to Pakistan:
  • Western Union — within minutes
  • Wise (TransferWise) — within minutes
  • MoneyGram — within minutes

Actual transfer times from the United States to Pakistan can depend on several different factors including transfer amount, payment method and currency.

Safest way to send money to Pakistan

The safest way to get your money to Pakistan is to use a provider registered with the United States's industry regulator, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. All of the companies we've compared in our table are overseen by a local regulator and comply with the relevant laws and regulations in both the United States and Pakistan.

A great way to dive deeper is by reading our extended reviews of each transfer service and researching first-hand customer feedback on Trustpilot and similar platforms.

Large money transfers to Pakistan

If you need to make a sizable money transfer to Pakistan, consider using a provider such as OFX to benefit from its expertise in handling larger transfer amounts.

Using a large transfer specialist can have the following advantages:
  • Tax guidance. Large transfers to Pakistan may have tax implications for you or your recipient. A transfer specialist can help get you up to speed on IRS's latest advice.
  • Foreign exchange (forex) tools. Advanced tools such as forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders can help you lock in the PKR exchange rate you want.
  • Account manager. Some money transfer providers assign a personal account manager who can help and advise you on your transfer needs.
  • Phone service. If you want to talk your transfer through with someone, providers such as Western Union and Airwallex can give you support over the phone.

How to send money to Pakistan from the US

To send money to Pakistan, you'll need the necessary documentation, your recipient's details and a way to pay.

  1. Compare your options.
    Use our table to find a money transfer provider that sends funds to Pakistan. One may be better for cash pickups while another may suit a bank transfer. Once you've found the best one for your requirements, click "Go to site".
  2. Create an account.
    You'll need to give your name, address, contact details, proof of ID and method of payment.
  3. Provide your recipient's details.
    Enter your recipient's name and contact information. If you're sending straight to their Pakistani bank account, you'll need the account number, SWIFT or IBAN plus their bank branch's address.
  4. Enter your transfer amount.
    Check you're happy with the fees, exchange rates and transfer speed, then enter the amount you wish to send. Double-check the total Pakistan rupees your recipient gets.
  5. Complete your transfer.
    Send your money transfer to Pakistan. Keep your transaction reference number safe so you can track your transfer. Your recipient may need it too.

Example: Muhammad sends money to Pakistan

Muhammad is working in the United States as a doctor and he stays in regular contact with his elderly parents back home in Pakistan. His parents need some funds to help pay off a mortgage, so Muhammad plans to send them $2,000 from the United States.

He decides to compare a bank and a money transfer specialist to see which one can save the most money on his transaction.

Bank Money transfer company
Exchange rate 1 USD = 273.66 PKR 1 USD = 277.28 PKR
Transfer fee $10 $2.50
Transfer method Bank account deposit Bank account deposit
Processing time 2 - 5 working days Next day
Amount received 544,585.61 PKR 553,874.62 PKR

The money transfer company enables Muhammad to send an extra ₨9,289.01, which is transferred straight to his parents' Habib Bank Limited account.

How to choose the best money transfer companies to send money to Pakistan

When choosing a money transfer provider to send money from the United States to Pakistan, it's important to consider the cost, how you want your recipient to receive the funds and the turnaround time. Here are other features to review:

  • Exchange rates. Banks and transfer services use the mid-market rate to trade with one another. It is the best rate you can get. However, not all money transfer providers offer you this mid-market rate so compare the PKR you're offered to the mid-market rate and look for the smallest difference.
  • Transfer fees. Are you being charged a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer amount? For example, a provider offering to transfer your money to Pakistan for a flat or low fee might work out better if you plan to send a large amount.
  • Transfer type. Does your recipient have a Pakistani bank account or is cash or cell phone top-up a better option? Each transfer type will have different fees. For example, instant cash pickups tend to be more expensive than bank transfers.
  • Transfer speed. If you need your transfer to arrive quickly, you can pay for an express delivery. Companies such as MoneyGram offer instant cash pickups but may charge more. If you're not in a rush, online money transfer services offer the best value and get your money to Pakistan faster and cheaper than banks.
  • Transfer limits. Find out how much you can send with each service. For example, MoneyGram has a transfer limit of $25,000 while Instarem allows unlimited transfers.
  • Discounts. Some providers may offer you a free transfer simply for signing up. Others may offer a discount if you transfer more than a specific amount of Pakistan rupees.

Is this a good time to send money to Pakistan?

Compared to a month ago, the US dollar is a little weaker against the Pakistan rupee. Currently $5,000 is equivalent to ₨1,393,386.50, whereas a month ago, $5,000 was equivalent to ₨1,396,250.00. That's a decrease of 0.21% over the past month.

But compared to a year ago, the US dollar is a little stronger against the Pakistan rupee. A year ago, $5,000 was equivalent to ₨1,381,630.00. That's an increase of 0.85% over 12 months.

What's more important, however, is where the strength of the US dollar against the Pakistan rupee goes from here – which is harder to call. But whichever way it goes, shopping around has the potential to get you more Pakistan rupees for your US dollars and can help you get the best out of any market conditions.

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Frequently asked questions

Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.

Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers Business
Within minutes
From $8.16
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 20 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
WorldRemit - 4free
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
PayPal
Within minutes
From $0
Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
First online transfer is free.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
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12 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    AbdullahApril 26, 2019

    Hey,
    My brother studies in USA and I send him money on weekly bases for his day to day expenses and house rent etc. What is the easiest way of sending him money.

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoApril 27, 2019

      Hi Abdullah,

      Thanks for getting in touch! It’s helpful to know that we don’t have a comparison page with a list of brands that allow you to send money from Pakistan to the US. The companies listed above are available to people in the US only. You might want to check the money service providers available in Pakistan.

      I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help at the moment. Feel free to email back if you have other questions.

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    SalmanMarch 24, 2019

    How to send money from the Philippine to Pakistan?

      AvatarFinder
      johnbasanesMarch 25, 2019Finder

      Hi Salaman,

      Thank you for reaching out to Finder.

      The page provides us with a comparison table that you could use on how to send money from the Philippine to Pakistan. Just change the “To” country to Philippines to get a list and estimate on the transfer you wish to complete. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.

      Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

    Default Gravatar
    sajidMarch 19, 2019

    I want to pay for a conference in Estonia from Pakistan. I have a credit card of Pakistan and usually pay for the conferences using my credit card but unfortunately this conference does not accept credit card payments.
    Is there nay method to pay for the conference through credit card?

      AvatarFinder
      johnbasanesMarch 20, 2019Finder

      Hi Sajid,

      Thank you for reaching out to Finder.

      What we need to know first is what modes of payments the event organizers accept for payments for the conference. That way, you may be able to arrange the payment for the conference. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

    Default Gravatar
    ClarkFebruary 19, 2019

    How do I send money to Pakistan securely?

      AvatarFinder
      JhezelynFebruary 20, 2019Finder

      Hello Clark,

      Thank you for your comment.

      You can send money to Pakistan by wire transfer, bank to a bank transfer, or using money transfer companies. You can protect yourself and avoid money transfer scams by:

      – Avoid sending money to someone you’ve never met in person.
      – If you feel you have to send money to someone you’ve never met, try to avoid sending large sums all at once.
      – Consider paying late. Scammers will often say you have to transfer by a certain date in order to take advantage of what they have offered you. If you don’t meet their deadline and they contact you again saying the deadline has been extended, you may be dealing with scammers.
      – Use a reputable and secure money transfer service. While most of the time your money transfer provider is not the problem, it’s always wise to choose a service that takes security seriously.

      You can check our guide on money transfer scams for more details.

      The list of the money transfer companies above is so far reliable. You may compare by rates, transfer speed, and fees. After comparing, you can start the transfer by clicking the Go to Site button.

      Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS to help consider whether the product is right for you.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

    Default Gravatar
    MuhammadOctober 9, 2018

    I will pick up money from bank.

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoOctober 10, 2018

      Hi Mohammad,

      Thanks for your inquiry and for visiting our page.

      If you are picking up money sent to you at the bank, please inform your sender on this. Also, inform your sender to speak to his/her financial institution and ask how to send money from a US bank account to your Pakistani bank account, the details needed, transfer fees and transfer times.

      Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.

      Regards,
      Nikki

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