The 7 Best Ways to Send Money to Kenya Online (2025 Guide)

Sending money to Kenya is faster and easier than ever in 2025, but choosing the right provider can save you money and time. I’ve researched and tested the most reliable services—here’s my updated guide, with fees, exchange rates, and user reviews for each.

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is my top pick for sending money to Kenyan bank accounts and M-PESA. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate, so you get more shillings for your money, and fees are among the lowest in the industry. Wise is transparent: you see all fees and the exact amount your recipient will get before you send.

Transfers to Kenyan bank accounts are usually completed within 1–2 business days, and M-PESA transfers are often instant. Wise is especially good for larger amounts or anyone who wants to avoid hidden fees.

Official site: https://wise.com

Fees: ~0.6–1.2% of the amount + small fixed fee (e.g., $1)
Exchange Rate: Real mid-market rate, no markup
Speed: 1–2 business days to bank accounts; instant to M-PESA
User Reviews:
★★★★★ (Trustpilot 4.5/5, 200,000+ reviews)
Users love transparency and low costs; some wish for more cash pickup options.

2. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a favorite for sending money directly to M-PESA, Kenyan banks, or for cash pickup. It’s easy to use, works in over 130 countries, and delivers most transfers instantly to M-PESA or for cash pickup.

You’ll see the fees and exchange rate before you send, so there are no surprises. WorldRemit is especially handy for quick, secure transfers from abroad.

Official site: https://www.worldremit.com

Fees: $2.99–$4.99 per transfer (varies by country/payment method)
Exchange Rate: 1–2% margin above mid-market rate
Speed: Mobile money and cash pickup are usually instant; bank transfers in 1–2 days
User Reviews:
★★★★☆ (Trustpilot 4.1/5, 80,000+ reviews)
Users praise speed and reliability, but some report occasional delays.

3. Remitly

Remitly lets you send to M-PESA, bank accounts, or for cash pickup in Kenya. You can choose “Express” for instant delivery (at a higher fee) or “Economy” for a lower cost if you’re not in a rush. The app and website are user-friendly, and you can track your transfer status easily.

Remitly is popular with Kenyans in the diaspora because of its wide reach and fast delivery. The service is regulated and secure, with clear upfront pricing.

Official site: https://www.remitly.com

Fees: $1.99–$4.99 (Express), $0.99–$2.99 (Economy)
Exchange Rate: 1–2.5% margin above mid-market rate
Speed: Express is instant; Economy takes 1–3 days
User Reviews:
★★★★☆ (Trustpilot 4.1/5, 40,000+ reviews)
Fast delivery, but some users report ID verification issues.

4. Sendwave

Sendwave is a mobile app for instant, fee-free transfers to M-PESA. It’s simple: download the app, link your debit card, and send money directly to a Kenyan phone number.

Sendwave doesn’t charge a transfer fee, but makes money on the exchange rate. It’s best for small, fast transfers and is popular with families sending money from the US, UK, and Europe.

Official site: https://www.sendwave.com

Fees: No fee (they make money on the exchange rate)
Exchange Rate: 3–5% margin above mid-market rate
Speed: Instant to M-PESA
User Reviews:
★★★★☆ (Trustpilot 4.6/5, 10,000+ reviews)
Users love the simplicity and speed, but rates are less transparent.

5. Western Union

Western Union has a huge network of agent locations in Kenya for cash pickup, and you can also send to bank accounts or M-PESA. Transfers can be initiated online, via app, or in person.

Western Union is great for recipients who prefer to pick up cash or don’t have a bank account. While fees and exchange rates can be higher than digital-first competitors, its reach and reliability make it a solid choice for many.

Official site: https://www.westernunion.com

Fees: $5–$10 (varies by country, amount, and delivery method)
Exchange Rate: 3–6% margin above mid-market rate
Speed: Cash pickup is instant; bank/mobile money 1–2 days
User Reviews:
★★★☆☆ (Trustpilot 3.9/5, 30,000+ reviews)
Widely available, but higher fees and rates.

6. MoneyGram

MoneyGram offers cash pickup, bank deposit, and mobile wallet transfers in Kenya. Like Western Union, it’s widely trusted for international remittances.

MoneyGram is a good choice for those who need flexibility in how funds are received. The service is reliable, but fees and exchange rates can vary, so it’s worth comparing with other options before sending.

Official site: https://www.moneygram.com

Fees: $5–$10 (varies)
Exchange Rate: 3–5% margin above mid-market rate
Speed: Cash pickup is instant; bank/mobile 1–2 days
User Reviews:
★★★☆☆ (Trustpilot 3.7/5, 20,000+ reviews)
Reliable, but fees and rates can be high.

Related post: Send money to Nigeria through 10 different ways

• PayPal in Uganda: How to receive money and be paid via Paypal
• How to link your PayPal account to M-PESA
• The 7 Best Ways to Send Money to Uganda

7. Chipper Cash & Eversend (Fintech Apps)

Chipper Cash and Eversend are African fintech apps that let you send money instantly to Kenya, either to M-PESA or bank accounts. They’re especially useful for peer-to-peer transfers and often have lower fees than traditional providers.

Both apps require you to register and verify your identity, but once set up, transfers are quick and convenient. They’re best for tech-savvy users and those sending money within Africa or from supported countries abroad.

Chipper Cash: https://chippercash.com
Eversend: https://eversend.co

Fees: Usually free or very low
Exchange Rate: 1–3% margin above mid-market rate
Speed: Instant to M-PESA
User Reviews:
★★★★☆ (Chipper 4.4/5, Eversend 4.2/5 on app stores)
Fast and convenient, but may require KYC and have limits.

Methods That No Longer Work (2025)

PayPal to M-PESA: Direct integration is no longer supported; workarounds are needed (see our PayPal withdrawal guide).
E-Pay Kenya, Payoneer, Bitcoin/crypto for direct cash-out: Not widely supported or reliable for most users.

Tips for Choosing the Best Service

• Compare total cost (fees + exchange rate margin) before sending.
• For speed, use M-PESA or cash pickup.
• For best rates, Wise is often cheapest for bank transfers.
• Always check user reviews and support options.

Conclusion

In 2025, sending money to Kenya is fast and flexible. I recommend Wise or WorldRemit for bank and M-PESA transfers, Remitly for versatility, and Sendwave or Chipper Cash for small, instant transfers. Always compare fees and rates before you send—and share your experience in the comments!