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Send money to Kenya
USD
KES|Updated recentlyMid-market 129.3722Cheapest todayof 15 providers
InstaReM
Rate 129.1781 · Fee free
You send
$1,000
Recipient gets
KSh129,178
KSh840 more than the most expensive provider · 0.15% markup vs mid-market
Affiliate link · No extra cost to you
Quick answer: The cheapest way to send money to Kenya in May 2026 is InstaReM, which delivers 129,178.15 KES on a 1,000 USD transfer with a fee of zero and an exchange rate of 129.1781. According to SendMoneyCompare's comparison of 15 providers updated every 6 hours, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive provider on this corridor is 841 KES.
Last reviewed: by Awais Imran, Reviews Editor
↓
Rates are low right now
0th percentile
Based on 60 days of data (2026-03-13 to 2026-05-20)
Today's best
KSh12,814.66
InstaReM
60-day avg
1 USD = 129.05 KES
Best rate
131.84
2026-04-08 · Remitly
Worst rate
128.15
2026-05-20 · InstaReM
What is the cheapest way to send USD to KES?
Sending $1,000 from to Kenya. Sorted by best value — most money received.
Source: SendMoneyCompare · Data updated every 6 hours from live provider APIs
#ProviderRateFeeRecipient gets
Rate 129.1781·Fee Free·0.15% markup
Best rate 23 of 60 days
↓ 0.5% over 60dAvg: 128.54 KES (-0.3% vs avg)Range: 127.97–129.23
1
InstaReMBest value
1-3 business days0.15% markup
Best rate 23 of 60 days
↓ 0.5% over 60dAvg: 128.54 KES (-0.3% vs avg)Range: 127.97–129.23
129.1781
Free
KSh129,178.15
Rate 128.9841·Fee $1.99·0.30% markup
Rate up 0.3%
↑ 0.3% over 54dAvg: 128.58 KES (+0.3% vs avg)Range: 128.52–129.04
2
2 days0.30% markup
Rate up 0.3%
↑ 0.3% over 54dAvg: 128.58 KES (+0.3% vs avg)Range: 128.52–129.04
128.9841
$1.99
KSh128,727.41
Rate 127.8844·Fee $0.49·1.15% markup
↓ 0.2% over 54dAvg: 128.01 KES (-0.2% vs avg)Range: 127.61–128.31
3
127.8844
$0.49
KSh127,821.76
Rate 127.8844·Fee $0.99·1.15% markup
↓ 0.6% over 54dAvg: 128.48 KES (-0.5% vs avg)Range: 127.61–128.57
4
127.8844
$0.99
KSh127,757.82
Rate 127.5351·Fee Free·1.42% markup
↑ 0.1% over 60dAvg: 128.18 KES (-0.5% vs avg)Range: 127.02–131.84
5
Minutes to 3-5 days1.42% markup
↑ 0.1% over 60dAvg: 128.18 KES (-0.5% vs avg)Range: 127.02–131.84
127.5351
Free
KSh127,535.12
Rate 127.7809·Fee $1.99·1.23% markup
↓ 1.3% over 54dAvg: 129.13 KES (-1.1% vs avg)Range: 127.30–129.39
6
127.7809
$1.99
KSh127,526.64
Rate 127.7162·Fee $1.99·1.28% markup
↑ 0.2% over 54dAvg: 127.42 KES (+0.2% vs avg)Range: 127.22–127.68
7
127.7162
$1.99
KSh127,462.09
Rate 129.2946·Fee $14.18·0.06% markup
→ 0.0% over 60dAvg: 129.37 KES (-0.1% vs avg)Range: 128.87–130.13
8
129.2946
$14.18
KSh127,461.19
Rate 127.3540·Fee Free·1.56% markup
Most stable rate
↓ 0.1% over 54dAvg: 127.39 KES (-0.1% vs avg)Range: 127.26–127.40
9
Instant1.56% markup
Most stable rate
↓ 0.1% over 54dAvg: 127.39 KES (-0.1% vs avg)Range: 127.26–127.40
127.3540
Free
KSh127,354.00
Rate 127.0047·Fee Free·1.83% markup
↓ 2.3% over 54dAvg: 128.56 KES (-1.2% vs avg)Range: 127.00–130.00
10
Under 3 minutes (95% of transfers)1.83% markup
↓ 2.3% over 54dAvg: 128.56 KES (-1.2% vs avg)Range: 127.00–130.00
127.0047
Free
KSh127,004.70
Rate 126.9271·Fee $14.00·1.89% markup
↑ 0.1% over 54dAvg: 127.38 KES (+0.1% vs avg)Range: 126.93–127.57
11
Minutes to 2 days1.89% markup
↑ 0.1% over 54dAvg: 127.38 KES (+0.1% vs avg)Range: 126.93–127.57
126.9271
$14.00
KSh125,150.09
Rate 128.5184·Fee $30.18·0.66% markup
→ 0.0% over 2dAvg: 126.81 KESRange: 126.81–126.81
12
128.5184
$30.18
KSh124,639.67
Rate 124.4302·Fee Free·3.82% markup
↑ 0.1% over 60dAvg: 124.40 KESRange: 124.05–126.16
13
124.4302
Free
KSh124,430.19
Rate 126.0991·Fee $20.00·2.53% markup
Rate 128.3372·Fee Free·0.80% markup
Potential savings: Choosing the best provider over the most expensive saves your recipient KSh840.92 on a $1,000 transfer.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our rankings, which are based on real transfer data. Editorial policy
Kenya is East Africa's largest economy and a global leader in mobile money innovation. With over 30 million active M-Pesa accounts, Kenya receives over $4 billion annually in remittances — and the vast majority arrives via M-Pesa mobile wallet, directly to recipients' phones within minutes. The USD-to-KES corridor is well-served by specialist providers, with rates significantly better than traditional banks.
- M-Pesa (Safaricom) is the world's most advanced mobile money system, with over 30 million active users. Several international providers deliver directly to M-Pesa wallets within minutes.
- Airtel Money is Kenya's second mobile money platform with a significant user base, particularly in western and coastal regions.
- KCB (Kenya Commercial Bank), Equity Bank, Co-operative Bank, and Stanbic Kenya are major receiving banks for SWIFT transfers. Most have ATM and agent banking points across all 47 counties.
- The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) regulates all inbound remittances. There is no cap on personal incoming transfers. Kenya has no income tax on remittances received.
- Pesalink is Kenya's interbank real-time transfer system. Once international funds land at any Kenyan bank, they can be moved to M-Pesa or another bank via Pesalink instantly.
Which provider offers the best USD to KES rate?
InstaReM
4.0Exchange rate
129.1781
Fee
Free
Recipient gets
KSh129,178.15
Speed
1-3 business days
Which provider is best for each transfer type?
Different providers excel at different things. Here's who's best for each use case on the to Kenya route.
Cheapest transfer
InstaReM
Delivers the most KES for your money
Fastest transfer
Sendwave
Delivers in Instant
Cash pickup
WorldRemit
Widest cash pickup network
Bank transfer
InstaReM
Best rate for bank deposit to Kenya
How to send money to Kenya
Sending money to Kenya is straightforward with the right provider. Here's how it works in 3 simple steps.
Step 1
Enter your transfer details
Choose how much USD you want to send, compare providers above, and pick the one offering the best KES amount for your transfer to Kenya.
Step 2
Add your recipient
Enter your recipient's details in Kenya — you'll need their bank account number. Most providers verify details instantly.
Step 3
Send & track your transfer
Pay using bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. Track your money in real-time until it arrives — m-pesa typically takes minutes.
What you need to send money to Kenya
Make sure you have these details from your recipient before starting your transfer.
Full name
Recipient's name as registered with their bank or M-Pesa account
Bank account number
OptionalKenyan bank account number (varies by bank)
M-Pesa number
OptionalSafaricom mobile number registered for M-Pesa (format: +254...)
Example: +254712345678
Bank name
OptionalName of the receiving bank if using bank deposit
Note: Kenya is a mobile money-first country. Most recipients prefer M-Pesa over bank transfers. For M-Pesa, you only need the recipient's Safaricom mobile number.
Transfer examples: USD to KES
See how much your recipient would get for common transfer amounts.
Send $500
ProviderFeeReceives
InstaReM
129.18 · 1-3 business days
Paysend
128.98 · 2 days
Wise
129.29 · Instant
Sendwave
127.83 · Instant
WorldRemit
127.83 · Instant
Remitly
127.54 · Minutes to 3-5 days
ProviderFeeRateReceivesSpeed
InstaReMFree129.18KSh64,5891-3 business days
Paysend$1.99128.98KSh64,2352 days
Wise$3.69129.29KSh64,170Instant
Sendwave$0.49127.83KSh63,854Instant
WorldRemit$0.99127.83KSh63,790Instant
RemitlyFree127.54KSh63,768Minutes to 3-5 days
Send $1,000
ProviderFeeReceives
InstaReM
129.18 · 1-3 business days
Paysend
128.98 · 2 days
Sendwave
127.88 · Instant
WorldRemit
127.88 · Instant
Remitly
127.54 · Minutes to 3-5 days
MoneyGram
127.78 · 0-1 days
ProviderFeeRateReceivesSpeed
InstaReMFree129.18KSh129,1781-3 business days
Paysend$1.99128.98KSh128,7272 days
Sendwave$0.49127.88KSh127,822Instant
WorldRemit$0.99127.88KSh127,758Instant
RemitlyFree127.54KSh127,535Minutes to 3-5 days
MoneyGram$1.99127.78KSh127,5270-1 days
Send $5,000
ProviderFeeReceives
InstaReM
129.18 · 1-3 business days
Paysend
128.98 · 2 days
Wise
129.29 · Instant to 2 days
Sendwave
127.83 · Instant
WorldRemit
127.83 · Instant
XE
128.52 · 1-4 business days
ProviderFeeRateReceivesSpeed
InstaReMFree129.18KSh645,8911-3 business days
Paysend$1.99128.98KSh644,6642 days
Wise$52.13129.29KSh639,733Instant to 2 days
Sendwave$0.49127.83KSh639,101Instant
WorldRemit$0.99127.83KSh639,037Instant
XE$30.18128.52KSh638,7131-4 business days
How much does it cost to send money from to Kenya?
Transfer fees to Kenya vary by provider and how you pay. Specialist services charge KSh0–10 per transfer, while banks charge $25–50 plus a 2–5% exchange rate markup. The exchange rate markup is usually the bigger cost — always compare the total KES your recipient receives.
Understanding the total cost
The true cost of a money transfer has two components:
Transfer fee
The upfront charge — typically $0–$10 with specialist providers.
Exchange rate markup
The hidden cost — the difference between the provider's rate and the mid-market rate (129.3722).
Ways to send money to Kenya
Choose how you want to pay for your transfer. Each payment method has different costs and speeds.
M-Pesa dominates financial transactions in Kenya — it's used for everything from receiving remittances to paying bills and shopping. It's faster, cheaper, and more accessible than bank transfers for most Kenyans.
Bank Transfer
Low costSpeed: 1–3 business days
Usually the cheapest option — lowest fees and no card processing charges
Debit Card
Medium costSpeed: Minutes to hours
Fast and convenient — small card processing fee applies
Credit Card
Higher costSpeed: Minutes to hours
Fastest option but highest fees — card issuer may charge cash advance fee
Apple Pay
Medium costSpeed: Minutes to hours
Convenient mobile payment — linked card fees apply
Cash
Medium costSpeed: Varies
Pay cash at an agent location — available at select providers
Google Pay
Medium costSpeed: Minutes to hours
Convenient mobile payment — linked card fees apply
How can my recipient receive money in Kenya?
Your recipient in Kenya can receive money through these delivery methods. The best option depends on their location and preferences.
M-Pesa
Minutes
Kenya's dominant mobile money platform with 30M+ active users. By far the most popular way to receive money in Kenya.
WiseRemitlyWorldRemitWestern Union
Bank Deposit
1–2 business days
Transfer to Kenyan bank accounts including Equity Bank, KCB, and Co-operative Bank.
WiseRemitlyWorldRemitWestern Union
Cash Pickup
Minutes
Collect cash from agent locations and bank branches across Kenya.
Western UnionMoneyGram
Airtime Top-up
Minutes
Send airtime directly to a Kenyan mobile number.
WorldRemit
What are the transfer limits and regulations for Kenya?
Important rules and requirements to know before sending money to Kenya.
Regulatory body
Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)
Inbound transfer limits
No restriction on receiving remittances
Documentation you may need
- Sender's government-issued ID
- Recipient's Kenyan National ID for cash pickups
Important things to know
- M-Pesa has transaction limits: KES 150,000 per transaction and KES 300,000 daily for standard accounts.
- Kenya does not charge tax on incoming remittances.
- M-Pesa is interoperable with Kenyan bank accounts — recipients can easily move money between M-Pesa and their bank.
How long does it take to send money to Kenya?
Most transfers to Kenya arrive within 1–2 business days with specialist providers. Mobile wallet and cash pickup options are often available within minutes. Bank deposits typically take 1–3 business days.
FastExpress delivery
- SendwaveInstant
- WorldRemitInstant
- RemitlyMinutes to 3-5 days
- WiseInstant
- BOSS MoneyInstant
Standard delivery
- InstaReM1-3 business days
- Paysend2 days
- MoneyGram0-1 days
- Western Union0-4 days
- XE1-4 business days
Popular banks in Kenya
These are the most commonly used banks for receiving international transfers in Kenya.
BankSWIFT/BICNotes
Equity Bank
EABORINKXXX
KCB Bank (Kenya Commercial Bank)
KCBLKENAXX
Co-operative Bank
KCOOKENA
Absa Bank Kenya
BABORINKXXX
Standard Chartered Kenya
SCBLKENAXX
USD to KES Exchange Rate History
Daily best exchange rates from top providers over the last 60 days. Rates shown are for sending $100.
| Date | Xoom (PayPal) | Remitly | InstaReM | Wise | __mid Market__ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trend | |||||
| May 20 | 124.4301 | 127.5300 | 128.1466 | 129.3000✓ | 128.1466 |
| May 19 | 124.4772 | 127.4200 | 128.6431 | 129.6500✓ | 128.6431 |
| May 18 | 124.3027 | 127.0740 | 128.3949 | 128.8650✓ | 128.3949 |
| May 17 | 124.3027 | 127.3600 | 128.3949 | 129.4000✓ | 128.3949 |
| May 16 | 124.3027 | 127.3500 | 128.3949 | 129.4000✓ | 128.3949 |
| May 15 | 126.1606 | 127.3000 | 127.9977 | 129.1500✓ | 127.9977 |
| May 14 | 126.1606 | 127.1669 | 128.2460 | 129.1500✓ | 128.2460 |
| May 13 | 124.1134 | 127.2400 | 128.0473 | 129.1000 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 12 | 124.1086 | 127.2300 | 128.1466 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 11 | 124.1216 | 127.5064 | 128.4250 | 129.1550 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 10 | 124.1216 | 127.2200 | 128.1466 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 9 | 124.1216 | 127.2100 | 128.1466 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 8 | 124.0466 | 127.2000 | 128.1466 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 7 | 124.0985 | 127.2100 | 127.9977 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 6 | 124.0754 | 127.2200 | 128.1963 | 129.2000 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 5 | 124.1076 | 131.8400✓ | 128.8824 | 129.1500 | 129.3853 |
| May 4 | 124.1653 | 127.1495 | 128.1158 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 3 | 124.1653 | 127.1600 | 128.1466 | 129.1850 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 2 | 124.1653 | 127.1500 | 128.1466 | 129.1850 | 129.3853✓ |
| May 1 | 124.1172 | 127.1400 | 128.1466 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 30 | 124.0452 | 127.1500 | 128.8824 | 129.0000 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 29 | 124.0932 | 127.2100 | 128.8824 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 28 | 124.1759 | 127.3600 | 128.8824 | 129.2750 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 27 | 124.2633 | 127.5601 | 128.8824 | 129.3200 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 26 | 124.2633 | 127.4100 | 128.8824 | 129.4000✓ | 129.3853 |
| Apr 25 | 124.2633 | 127.3900 | 128.8824 | 129.4000✓ | 129.3853 |
| Apr 24 | 124.2494 | 127.3000 | 128.8824 | 129.2000 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 23 | 124.1172 | 127.1700 | 128.8824 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 22 | 124.0572 | 127.1300 | 128.8824 | 129.1000 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 21 | 124.1317 | 127.1000 | 128.0723 | 129.1500 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 20 | 124.2182 | 127.0157 | 128.0029 | 129.0800 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 19 | 124.1028 | 127.1200 | 127.9732 | 129.0500 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 18 | 124.1028 | 127.1200 | 127.9732 | 129.0500 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 17 | 124.1989 | 127.1400 | 128.1963 | 129.2750 | 129.3853✓ |
| Apr 16 | 124.1893 | 131.8400✓ | 128.1963 | 129.2000 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 15 | 124.2907 | 131.8400✓ | 128.2956 | 129.3000 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 14 | 124.3460 | 131.8400✓ | 128.4942 | 129.5000 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 13 | 124.2499 | 131.8400✓ | 128.1208 | 129.1650 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 12 | 124.1442 | 131.8400✓ | 128.1466 | 129.1500 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 11 | 124.1442 | 131.8400✓ | 128.1466 | 129.1500 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 10 | 124.2475 | 131.8400✓ | 128.1963 | 129.2500 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 9 | 124.3700 | 131.8400✓ | 128.3452 | 129.4000 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 8 | 125.0020 | 131.8400✓ | 129.0403 | 130.0500 | 129.3853 |
| Apr 7 | 124.6728 | 128.1110 | 129.1893 | 130.0550✓ | 129.3853 |
| Apr 6 | 124.6103 | 127.9190 | 129.0900 | 129.8600✓ | 129.3853 |
| Apr 5 | 124.6103 | 127.9140 | 129.0900 | 129.8550✓ | 129.3853 |
| Apr 4 | 124.6103 | 127.9140 | 129.0900 | 129.8550✓ | 129.3853 |
| Apr 3 | 125.0092 | 127.9140 | 129.0900 | 129.8550✓ | 129.3853 |
| Apr 2 | 125.0116 | 128.1800 | 129.0900 | 130.1250✓ | 129.3853 |
| Apr 1 | 124.8986 | 128.1900 | 129.0403 | 130.1000✓ | 129.3853 |
| Mar 31 | 124.8794 | 128.1600 | 128.8914 | 129.9500✓ | 129.3853 |
| Mar 30 | 124.9179 | 128.0600 | 128.8914 | 129.9000✓ | 129.3853 |
| Mar 29 | 124.9179 | 128.2886 | 129.2264 | 129.9290✓ | 129.3853 |
| Mar 28 | 124.8145 | 128.0000 | 128.9907 | 130.0000✓ | 129.3853 |
| Mar 18 | 124.4878 | 127.6100 | 128.9322 | 129.4000✓ | 129.4000✓ |
| Mar 17 | 124.3027 | 127.4500 | 128.6832 | 129.3000✓ | 129.3000✓ |
| Mar 16 | 124.3027 | 127.4400 | 128.6832 | 129.3000✓ | 129.3000✓ |
| Mar 15 | 124.2979 | 127.3700 | 128.7330 | 129.3500✓ | 129.3500✓ |
| Mar 14 | 124.2979 | 127.3600 | 128.7330 | 129.3500✓ | 129.3500✓ |
| Mar 13 | 124.2979 | 127.3400 | 128.7330 | 129.3500✓ | 129.3500✓ |
Common questions about sending money from to Kenya
What is the cheapest way to send money to Kenya?
Wise, WorldRemit, and Remitly are consistently the cheapest for USD-to-KES transfers. WorldRemit is particularly competitive for M-Pesa delivery. Wise offers the closest-to-mid-market rate for bank deposit. On a $500 transfer, differences between providers can be KES 2,000–5,000. Always compare total KES received.
How do I send money directly to M-Pesa in Kenya?
WorldRemit, Remitly, Western Union, and Ria all support direct M-Pesa delivery. You need the recipient's M-Pesa registered phone number (07XX or 01XX format). Delivery is typically within minutes. The recipient receives an SMS and the KES are available immediately for cash withdrawal at any M-Pesa agent, Safaricom shop, or ATM.
What bank details do I need for a transfer to a Kenyan bank?
You need the recipient's account number and the bank's SWIFT code. Key SWIFT codes: KCB (KCBLKENX), Equity Bank (EQBLKENX), Co-operative Bank (COOPKENX), Stanbic Kenya (SBICKENX). Kenya does not use IBAN. Account numbers range from 10–16 digits depending on the bank. Always confirm with your recipient.
How long does a money transfer to Kenya take?
M-Pesa deliveries from WorldRemit, Remitly, and Western Union typically arrive within minutes — sometimes within 10 seconds. Bank deposits arrive within 1–2 business days via SWIFT, or same day if the provider uses direct banking rails. Cash pickup at Western Union agents is available within minutes.
Is M-Pesa safer than a bank transfer for receiving money in Kenya?
Both are safe and regulated by the CBK. M-Pesa is convenient because recipients can access funds immediately without visiting a bank — any M-Pesa agent (corner shops, pharmacies, supermarkets) can process withdrawals. Bank accounts offer higher transaction limits and interest on savings. For regular remittances under KES 150,000 ($1,200), M-Pesa is usually the most practical option.
Are remittances taxed in Kenya?
No. Personal remittances received in Kenya are not subject to Kenyan income tax. The KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) does not classify family support transfers as assessable income. Kenya actively encourages diaspora remittances and has no withholding tax on inbound transfers.
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