When I first landed in North America, I thought my biggest challenge would be adjusting to a new culture or finding a decent job. But pretty soon, I realized that there’s a quiet pressure most overseas Pakistanis feel — the responsibility to send money back home.
It starts with a call from your younger brother needing college fees… then your parents’ medicine bills… then a cousin’s wedding gift. And as your paycheck arrives, the mental math begins — how do I send money fast, safely, and with the least loss in fees or rates?
I’ve been in that situation many times, comparing apps, waiting for better exchange rates, and worrying if the money will even arrive on time. That’s why today I want to break it down: Remitly vs. Wise vs. Western Union — based on my own experience.
Which one gives the best rate? Which one charges less in hidden fees? And most importantly, which one can you trust when Ammi really needs the money this week?
Let’s get into it.
Why Trust This Guide?
I’ve been sending money to Pakistan for years (hello, family weddings and emergency funds). I’ve tested all three services, crunched the numbers, and even rage-quit a few apps. Let’s break it down.
1. Fees: Who Charges Less?
- Remitly:
- Good for: First-time users. First transfer is fee-free (yes, really).
- After that: Fees start at **1.99∗∗for small amounts (1,000) if you’re okay with slower transfers.
- Watch out: Faster transfers cost up to $4.99.
- Wise:
- Good for: Transparent pricing. Fees are 0.5%–1.5% of the amount.
- Example: Send 500? 5.
- But: Fees add up for large amounts (sending 5,000? 50+).
- Western Union:
- Good for: Cash pickups in Pakistan. Westrin Union has a very large presence from cities to villages.
- Fees start at 2.99∗∗ for online ransfers,but 10+ for faster options.
- Pro tip: Use promo codes (they’re everywhere!).
Winner: Remitly for small amounts, Wise for mid-sized transfers.
2. Exchange Rates: Who Gives More PKR?
- Remitly: Offers “economy rate” (slightly lower) for free transfers or “express rate” (better) for a fee.
- Wise: Uses the real mid-market rate (what you see on Google). No sneaky markups.
- Western Union: Rates are lower than Wise but better than banks.
Example (as of 2023 and 2024):
- $100 = ~28,000 PKR (mid-market rate).
- Wise: 27,800 PKR after fees.
- Remitly: 27,600 PKR (economy) or 27,750 PKR (express).
- Western Union: 27,400 PKR.
Winner: Wise for honesty, Remitly if you need speed.
3. Speed: How Fast Does the Money Arrive?
- Remitly: “Express” option gets cash to Pakistan in minutes (yes, minutes!). Economy takes 3–5 days.
- Wise: 1–2 days (bank transfers) or seconds if sending to a Wise PKR account.
- Western Union: Cash pickup in minutes (if paid online). Bank transfers take 1–2 days.
Winner: Tie between Remitly and Western Union for instant cash pickups.
4. Ease of Use: Which App Doesn’t Make You Rage?
- Remitly: Super simple app. Even your naani could use it.
- Wise: Clean interface, but requires a bit more setup (like verifying your ID).
- Western Union: App feels like it’s stuck in 2010. Stick to their website.
Winner: Remitly for hassle-free vibes.
Quick Comparison Table
| Service | Best For | Fee (for $500) | Exchange Rate | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remitly | First-time users | 0–4.99 | Good | Minutes–3 days |
| Wise | Honest rates | ~$5 | Best | 1–2 days |
| Western Union | Cash pickups | 2.99–15 | Okay | Minutes–2 days |
Personal Recommendation
- Small amount + urgent? Remitly’s Express ($4.99 fee, cash in minutes).
- Large amount + no rush? Wise (better rates, even with fees).
- Sending to a village? Western Union (cash pickup at 500+ locations in Pakistan).
Final Tip
Always check the total cost (fee + exchange rate loss). A “free” transfer with a bad rate can cost you more than a paid one!
