Find the best way to send money to Kenya

Learn how to send money to Kenya from Australia in our step-by-step guide.

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Looking for a way to send money to family, friends or a business in Kenya (or even to your own bank account overseas)? According to MoneySmart, you should avoid Australian banks and go with a money transfer specialist to get better KES exchange rates and lower fees on international transfers.

Based on the providers we've compared, Revolut is among the cheapest, with competitive exchange rates and fees starting from $0. Need a really fast transfer? Xe Money Transfers can get money to your recipient in Kenya within minutes.

Best ways to send money to Kenya from Australia

The best way to send money to Kenya 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 Australian dollars or Kenyan shillings 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 Kenya but they charge extra for the convenience and are often slower than other methods. AU 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 Kenya.
  • 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 Kenya

1 - 16 of 16
Product AUFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
24 hours
$0
TorFX sends money overseas in 40+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000. Same-day transfers between AUD and NZD (under $100,000).
Within minutes
$0
Sign up and get a AUD$15 top-up. For new customers only. T&Cs apply.
Send money with great rates and low fees in 25+ currencies. Plan fees apply.
Within minutes
$0
Earn 10% cashback on your first $1,000 USD equivalent in eligible international card spend with Airwallex.
Streamline global payments across 150+ countries with fast settlements and competitive rates in over 60 currencies.
24 hours
$0
New customers registering in 31 December 2024 can receive lower pricing on exchange rates. T&Cs apply.
Xe has fast transfers, low fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Send money to 200 countries in 100 currencies.
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers, low fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Send money to 200 countries in 100 currencies.
Within minutes
$0
Earn 1 Qantas Point on every $1AUD equivalent converted in foreign currency. T&Cs apply.
Set up accounts in 11 different currencies and get rewarded for global business payments by earning Qantas Points.
24 hours
$0
TorFX sends money overseas in 40+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000. Same-day transfers between AUD and NZD (under $100,000).
Within minutes
$0
Revolut allows your business to move money around the world quickly and cheaply with 25+ currencies and no maximum limit transfers. Plan fees apply.
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
Wise (TransferWise)
Best Rated Brand
Wise logo
Within minutes
From 0.43%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
24 hours
$0
TorFX guarantees to match any competitor's exchange rate. Conditions apply.
TorFX sends money overseas in 30+ currencies, with competitive rates for transfer amounts over $2,000.
Send Payments
Send Payments logo
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
Within minutes
From $0 to $5
Send money instantly to friends and family in over 45 countries using just your mobile number.
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
Remitly
Best Rated Brand
Remitly logo
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Within minutes
From $1.99
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
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Cheapest way to send money to Kenya

As reported by the ACCC, bank transfers are typically the cheapest way to get your money to Kenya. Revolut and Xe Money Transfers have some of the lowest bank transfer fees of the brands we've compared.

Remember, it's more important to look at the overall cost of your transfer to Kenya and this has a couple of elements:
  • Transfer fees. While still cheaper than your Australian bank, 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 AUD/KES exchange rate.

Certain providers may give the mid-market rate but add fees on top and others will have low fees but apply a markup on the exchange rate. This means it is important to compare exactly how many Kenyan shillings your recipient will end up with.

Fastest way to send money to Kenya

Actual transfer times from Australia to Kenya can depend on several factors including transfer amount, payment method and currency.

Here are some of the fastest average transfer speeds to Kenya:
  • Revolut — within minutes
  • Xe Money Transfers — within minutes
  • Wise (TransferWise) — within minutes

Safest way to send money to Kenya

The safest way to get your money to Kenya is using a provider registered with Australia's industry regulator, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). 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 Australia and Kenya.

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

Large money transfers to Kenya

If you need to make a sizable money transfer to Kenya, consider using a provider such as TorFX or Xe Large Transfers to secure a better KES exchange rate and benefit from its expertise handling larger transactions.

Using a large transfer specialist can have the following advantages:
  • Tax guidance. Large transfers to Kenya may have tax implications for you or your recipient. A transfer specialist can help get you up to speed on the Australian Taxation Office's latest advice.
  • Foreign exchange tools. Advanced tools such as forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders can help you lock in the KES exchange rate you want.
  • Account manager. Some money transfer providers assign a personal account manager who can offer advice and help facilitate transfers.
  • Phone service. If you want to talk your transfer through with someone, providers such as TorFX and Airwallex can provide support over the phone.

How to send money to Kenya from Australia

To send money to Kenya, 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 Kenya. 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 Kenyan 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 Kenyan shillings your recipient gets.
  5. Complete your transfer.
    Send your money transfer to Kenya. Keep your transaction reference number safe so you can track your transfer. Your recipient may need it too.

How to choose a money transfer company for Kenya

When selecting a provider to transfer money to Kenya, here are the main factors to consider:

  • Exchange rates. Banks and transfer services use the mid-market rate to trade with one another. However, not every money transfer provider offers the mid-market rate so compare the KES you're offered to the mid-market rate to calculate the margin.
  • Transfer fees. Are you being charged a flat fee or a percentage of the transfer amount? A provider offering to transfer your money to Kenya for a flat or low fee might work out better if you're sending a large amount.
  • Transfer type. Does your recipient have a Kenyan bank account or is cash pickup 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.
  • Transfer limits. Find out how much you can send with each service. For example, Rocket Remit has a transfer limit of $1,000 while MoneyGram allows transfers up to Varies.
  • Discounts. Providers may offer you a free transfer simply for signing up. Others may give a discount for transferring more than a specific amount of Kenyan shillings.

Frequently asked questions

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18 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JoyceJune 28, 2016

    Am in oman and i want to send money to kenya. Which is the cheapest service to use. Can i also send money direct to my savings account in kenya? Thank you

      AvatarFinder
      ClarizzaJune 28, 2016Finder

      Hi Joyce,

      Thank you for your question.

      We are an Australian comparison site. As such, we provide general advice only. The information on this page relates to transferring money from Australia to Kenya, however some of the international money transfer companies operate internationally so you may be able to transfer money to Kenya from Oman. It’s best to check with the company directly. Regarding cash transfers direct to your account, that will depend on the company you choose as there are different transfer options offered per company and sometimes, per country.

      Hope this helps.

      Clarizza

    Default Gravatar
    jojoJune 20, 2016

    Hw does one send money from India to Kenya? Are there any kind of restrictions? How long does it take?

      AvatarFinder
      ClarizzaJune 20, 2016Finder

      Hi Jojo,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      We are an Australian comparison website, as such, we provide general advice on this topic based on sending money from Australia. With regards to sending money from India to Kenya, this page shows a number of international money transfer companies. It may be worthwhile taking a look at which of these companies also operate out of India and allow you to send money to Kenya.

      Generally, these services are available internationally and the method of payment will depend on what the company offers that service.

      Hope this helps.

      Clarizza

    Default Gravatar
    TamarJune 3, 2016

    someone from georgia want to send for me money and am in kenya how can I can I get the money through my phone?

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyJune 6, 2016Finder

      Hi Tamar,

      Thanks for your question.

      To receive funds in Kenya through mobile money transfer, you need to be using M-Pesa and Airtel.

      For more details, you may want to read our WorldRemit review page.

      Regards,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    JackMay 10, 2016

    hi? my friend in America says he sent me money to my account, in a kenyan bank. the money has not yet reflected, is it possible that someone can sent you money directly to your account, by, having your account number as the only details of the receiver?

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyMay 11, 2016Finder

      Hi Jack,

      Thanks for your question.

      If it is a bank-to-bank transfer, your sender would need the SWIFT number of your bank as well as the BSB and account number.

    Default Gravatar
    EmmaMarch 11, 2016

    I wanted to ask how does one deposit money to a personal bank account in Kenya that is Kenya commercial bank how can I go about it am in the US any help

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyMarch 14, 2016Finder

      Hi Emma,

      Thanks for your question.

      You’ll need to use one of the larger, global brands to assist with your money transfer: WorldRemit, Western Union or Moneygram. In some cases you may need to pick up the cash and deposit it in person.

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