How to send money to Pakistan from the UK

Sending money made simple

Sending money to family or paying bills in Pakistan should feel straightforward, safe and good value. With the right provider, a £1,000 transfer can arrive in minutes with minimal fees and a strong exchange rate. Fintech services now use local payment networks to cut costs, show fees upfront and provide instant tracking, which helps you avoid surprises and delays. You will see options for bank deposit, cash pickup and even mobile wallets, so your recipient can choose what suits them.

We will walk through what matters most: total cost, speed, payout method and safety. You will also find a clear comparison of leading UK services like Remitly, Taptap Send, Revolut, Wise, ACE, Profee and Western Union, including typical rates seen in August 2025. Rates change all the time, so treat the figures as examples, not guarantees. The aim is simple: give you the confidence to send money that arrives quickly, securely and at fair value.

Who should read this

If you are in the UK and regularly support family in Pakistan, pay tuition or manage household expenses across borders, this guide is for you. It is designed for first-time senders and regular users alike, with clear steps to cut fees, reduce delays and keep transfers safe under UK rules.

What you need to know

International transfers involve two main costs: the transfer fee and the exchange rate margin. Some providers advertise zero fees but add a margin to the GBP to PKR rate. Others charge a small fee but use a sharper rate. The best choice depends on the amount you send, how fast it needs to arrive and how your recipient prefers to receive it.

In the UK-to-Pakistan corridor, specialist apps generally beat high-street banks on cost and speed. Recent examples show that £1,000 sent with Remitly could yield about 381,400 PKR with no fee and cash pickup options, while Taptap Send offered around 379,000 PKR with zero fees. Revolut showed roughly 377,210 PKR for a £1.50 fee when depositing to a bank account. Wise is known for near-real-time transfers from a Wise account and provides transparent mid-market rates with a small fee. Western Union remains a strong option for quick cash pickup. Always check the live quote in-app before you commit.

How UK-to-Pakistan transfers work today

Modern providers route your money through local payment systems at both ends to avoid costly international SWIFT hops. That is why fees can be under 1% and delivery times can be measured in minutes rather than days. Funding options include UK bank transfer, debit card, credit card or a balance held in an app account. Card payments are usually instant but may cost a little more; bank transfers can be cheaper but slower.

If you need speed, Revolut card-funded transfers often arrive in seconds or under 30 minutes, while Revolut-to-Revolut is near-instant. Wise can deliver GBP to PKR quickly when funded from a Wise balance or debit card, with bank transfer funding typically slower. For recipients without bank accounts, Western Union and Remitly offer cash pickup in minutes at supported locations across Pakistan. Services like Profee streamline signup, and tracking via notifications helps you and your recipient see progress in real time.

Why choosing the right service saves you more

Picking the right app for your situation can change what lands in your recipient’s hands by thousands of rupees per £1,000. Dedicated services compete on low fees and strong rates, while traditional banks often add higher margins and longer timelines. For urgent payments, instant options may be worth a small fee. For larger, non-urgent transfers, a cheaper bank-funded route could be better value.

There is also peace of mind. UK providers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, with anti-fraud checks and safeguarding rules designed to keep your money secure. Transparent in-app quotes clarify fees before you send, and tracking codes such as MTCN let you follow cash pickups. Avoid unregulated crypto schemes that promise sky-high rates without accountability. Using authorised services gives you traceability and recourse if anything goes wrong.

Simple rule of thumb: compare the live rate, the fee and the delivery time together. Do not choose on fee alone.

Quick comparisons and pros vs cons

UK-to-Pakistan provider snapshot (example for £1,000, August 2025)

Rates are examples and change frequently. Always confirm in-app before sending.

Pros and cons at a glance

Next steps:

• Check two or three apps and compare the total PKR amount for your exact £ value.
• Choose the payout method your recipient prefers: bank deposit or cash pickup.
• Fund by card for speed or bank transfer for cost savings.

Watch-outs before you press send

Fraudsters target cross-border payments, so keep your guard up. Only use FCA-authorised providers and avoid anyone pushing unregulated crypto or unofficial channels. Double-check your recipient’s full name, bank account and branch details before you confirm. A single digit wrong can delay or misroute funds.

Be aware that card-funded transfers can be instant but may carry higher fees than bank transfers. If time allows, a bank-funded payment can reduce costs. Exchange rates move during the day, so lock in a quote you are happy with and send promptly. For cash pickup, remind your recipient to bring valid ID and to keep the tracking code private. Finally, use strong passwords and turn on two-factor authentication in your chosen app to protect your account.

Other ways to move your money

1. High-street bank international transfer via online banking
2. Money order through a post office or agent network
3. International bank draft for larger one-off payments
4. Mobile wallet top-up where supported by the recipient’s provider
5. Employer or university payment portals for tuition and fees
6. Scheduled transfers in-app to average exchange rates over time

Frequently asked questions

How fast can money reach Pakistan?

Card-funded transfers with apps like Revolut and Wise can arrive in seconds or under 30 minutes. Bank-funded routes may take hours to a couple of days. Traditional SWIFT can take 2-5 working days.

Which option is cheapest right now?

It varies by day and amount. Dedicated services such as ACE, Wise, Remitly and Taptap Send typically beat banks. Always compare the total PKR you will send and any fee before confirming.

Is cash pickup safe?

Yes, when you use authorised providers. Services like Western Union and Remitly provide tracking numbers for collection. Your recipient must bring valid ID, and you should share the code securely.

Are there limits on how much I can send?

Yes. Limits depend on the provider, your verification level and UK regulations. Complete identity checks to unlock higher limits and avoid delays on larger transfers.

How do I avoid hidden fees?

Check the live exchange rate and fee together. Look for transparent pricing in the app, including the exact PKR your recipient will receive. Be cautious with weekend rates and card funding costs.

How Switcha keeps you on the best rate

Switcha helps you compare trusted UK providers side by side so you can see the exact PKR your recipient would receive, the fee and the estimated delivery time in one place. We surface live quotes from leading apps and networks, highlight zero-fee promotions and flag where a small fee might still deliver a better net amount because of a stronger exchange rate. You can filter by speed, payout method and funding type to match your needs on the day. Our guidance is impartial, designed to save you time and money, and grounded in UK regulation so you can send with confidence.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and is not financial advice. Rates and fees change frequently. Always check live quotes in the provider’s app and use FCA-authorised services. If you are unsure, seek independent advice.