Convert British pounds to Pakistani rupees easily: Western Union vs. Remitly

Sending money from the UK to Pakistan is common for expat families, with monthly remittances reaching millions. Western Union and Remitly are top choices for fast international money transfer, offering one of the best currency conversion rates UK, a good comparison of exchange rates, and easy remittance apps. This guide helps compare Remitly and Western Union GBP to PKR rates and other currency conversion UK options.

Western Union (GBP to PKR transfer)

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When you choose Western Union to send British pounds to Pakistani rupees, you benefit from its global network with 13,000+ agent locations in Pakistan for cash pickup and partnerships with major banks (HBL, UBL, MCB) for direct deposits. To send money from the UK, sign up on Western Union’s site or app, enter recipient details, and see the Western Union GBP to PKR rate and fees upfront. Fees depend on the amount, payment method, and delivery option. Western Union adds a conversion margin, so its rate is slightly poorer than mid-market.

Western Union is known for fast money transfers — cash pickups can be ready in minutes if you pay by card; bank deposits take 1–2 days. Track transfers online with an MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number). The recipient just shows ID and the MTCN to collect. Many users check Western Union GBP to PKR rates to get the best deal. If you need to know how to convert rupees to pounds, Western Union can help with that, too. Its support is ready to answer any question about your GBP to PKR transfer and show how to convert rupees to pounds if needed.

However, for those seeking beneficial GBP to PKR rates, Profee may offer a more transparent alternative — especially for digital users prioritising real value.

Gift for our readers: a promo code READPROMO for a 0% fee transfer. Use it until September 30th, 2025.

Remitly (GBP to PKR transfer)

Remitly is a fully digital remittance app known for low fees and special offers. New users get a promo rate: right now, 1 GBP = 391.98 PKR with no fee on your first transfer. You can send money to Pakistani bank accounts or mobile wallets like JazzCash and EasyPaisa, thanks to partnerships with major banks (Allied Bank, UBL, Meezan).

Using Remitly is simple: download the app or visit the website, choose the UK and Pakistan, enter details, and pick delivery and payment methods. You always see the exact GBP to PKR exchange rate 2025 and any fees upfront.

Remitly has two speeds: Economy (3–5 days, cheaper) and Express (minutes, if paid by debit card). Express transfers can match Western Union for fast international money transfer and reach mobile wallets instantly. If late, Remitly refunds the fee. The app is well-rated and lets you track your transfer, making it one of the most popular remittance apps from the UK to Pakistan.

Note: there are no physical branches, so you can’t pay cash in person. Also, the special rate applies only to the first £500; larger or later transfers use standard rates with a small margin.

Exchange rates and fees comparison

A key factor is the comparison of exchange rates. Western Union GBP to PKR rates can be slightly lower or higher depending on timing. Always check Google for the current GBP to PKR exchange rate 2025. Many expats use Wise for the best currency conversion rates UK, but there are more convenient alternatives.

Both providers may charge a fee. Western Union’s fee varies (£0–5) by method. Remitly may offer no fee to a bank, or around £1.99 for instant transfers. Small transfers feel fixed fees more, large ones feel margins more.

To get the best deal, compare exchange rates. Who offers the best currency conversion UK recipients get? Remitly’s rate may be higher, Western Union can be faster. Always compare “You send X GBP – They receive Y PKR”. Use official calculators for accuracy.

Speed and delivery time

Both services offer fast money transfer options. With Remitly, the Express option can transfer within minutes if you pay by card. Western Union can also deliver to Pakistani mobile wallets or for cash pickup almost instantly when you pay by card. For bank deposits, Remitly Express also goes very quickly (often within hours), and Western Union bank transfers typically take 1–2 days. Economy transfers (cheaper) take longer: Remitly Economy can be 3–5 business days, while Western Union standard bank transfers may take up to 2 days.

In practice, if you need money ASAP, both have options. Western Union’s wide cash pickup network means a recipient could get cash almost instantly in major cities. Remitly can send to mobile wallets (like EasyPaisa) instantly as well. Both track transfers in real time: Western Union provides a tracking number (MTCN) and updates, and Remitly shows status updates in the app. Plus, it’s easy to understand how to convert rupees to pounds when you use these services.

Payout options and coverage

• Cash pickup: Western Union has 13,000+ local agent branches in Pakistan (karachi, lahore, etc.). Remitly relies on partner banks to disburse cash or mobile wallet.
• Bank deposit: Both allow deposit to Pakistani bank accounts. Western Union covers all major banks. Remitly partners with dozens of banks (Allied, UBL, MCB, Bank Alfalah, etc.).
• Mobile wallets: Western Union offers mobile wallet transfers only via specific carriers. Remitly supports transfer to Pakistani mobile wallets (e.g. JazzCash/EasyPaisa) in some cases.

Whichever method you choose, both let recipients pick what suits them. If you need a cash-to-bank or cash pickup option, Western Union is traditionally the leader. For direct bank deposits or mobile wallets, Remitly is equally capable. Many people also compare currency conversion UK rates when deciding which provider gives the best value for their money.

Apps, security and reviews

Both Western Union and Remitly invest in security and usability. Each is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, and uses encryption and KYC checks.

They both have high app ratings: Western Union’s app is rated about 4.8 on iOS and 4.6 on Android, and Remitly is similarly well-reviewed. Reviews note that Western Union’s interface can feel busy, while Remitly’s is modern and user-friendly. Trustpilot scores are solid for both, reflecting generally positive service reviews.

Each also offers trackable transfers. The Western Union app/website lets you enter the MTCN to see status, and Remitly shows status in its app or website as well. Western Union users often praise its wide reach (“recipient options”), while Remitly users highlight the clear fees and quick service. Many users check Remitly vs Western Union reviews before choosing.

Beneficial transfer and alternatives

If a cost-effective transfer is your main goal, consider that both Western Union and Remitly add a margin to the mid-market rate. An alternative like Wise might offer better rates (using real mid-market) and is worth checking when you compare GBP to PKR transfer costs. However, Wise does not pay out to cash – only to bank accounts.

Another reliable alternative is Profee, the fast-growing fintech platform that enables secure, fully compliant money transfers to over 90 countries. With over 800,000 customers and 10,000 new users joining weekly, Profee has earned its place among the top options. If you’re looking for how to convert rupees to pounds at the real mid-market rate, Profee is one of the most popular solutions for GBP to PKR transfers.

Final verdict: Western Union vs Remitly

So, which is best? It depends on your priorities.

• For speed and convenience: Both can be extremely fast. If your Pakistani recipient needs cash right away, Western Union’s cash pickup is unbeatable. If convenience (no branch visits) and tracking matter, Remitly excels with its app and straightforward remittance apps experience.
• For cost: Remitly’s promotions and low fees often make it more cost-efficient, especially for first-time users. Western Union may charge slightly more in fees or offer a worse exchange rate, but not always — it’s worth checking both providers’ rates for your specific transfer. Many people also search for how to convert rupees to pounds to compare rates before deciding which service to use.
• For reliability: Both are regulated services and extremely established. Western Union handles money for over 200 countries, and Remitly is a fast-growing company with strong security.

Ultimately, many senders end up using both: maybe Remitly for routine bank transfers, and Western Union when they need instant cash. As one user might say in the “Remitly vs Western Union” debate: both are solid, but read the fine print on fees and guaranteed delivery times. The ideal platform for you can vary by situation.

But if you’re after transparent pricing, high-speed delivery, and little to no fees — without compromising on compliance or security — Profee is a strong contender that’s worth checking before making a final decision.

FAQ

Which is faster, Western Union or Remitly?

Both can be very quick. Western Union is known for instant cash pickup, while Remitly’s Express option also delivers money within minutes when paid by card. Standard bank transfers may take 1–3 days, depending on the method.

What is the best money transfer rate from the UK to Pakistan?

Rates fluctuate. Remitly’s first-time rate is often better; Western Union is competitive for cash pickups. Profee frequently offers better long-term rates with no hidden margins and zero fees — making it a go-to choice for regular transfers. Always check the current GBP to PKR exchange rate 2025 benchmark before sending.

What are the disadvantages of Remitly?

Remitly doesn’t have physical branches — you can’t pay in cash — and Economy transfers take longer. The best rates are usually for new customers only.

How much does Western Union charge for international transfers?

It varies. Fees depend on the amount, payment method, and payout type. Small bank transfers can be very low-fee, but instant card-to-cash transfers cost more.