We've tested and ranked the top money transfer apps for sending to Kenya based on exchange rates, fees, speed, and user experience. Here are our findings.
Our Top 10 Rankings
| Rank | App | Best For | Rating |
| 1 | Wise vs Western Union | Best overall value | ā 4.9/5 |
| 2 | Remitly | Speed + reliability | ā 4.8/5 |
| 3 | Sendwave | Zero-fee transfers | ā 4.7/5 |
| 4 | WorldRemit | Multiple options | ā 4.6/5 |
| 5 | Chipper Cash | Africa transfers | ā 4.5/5 |
| 6 | M-Pesa GlobalPay | M-Pesa integration | ā 4.4/5 |
| 7 | Wave | West + East Africa | ā 4.4/5 |
| 8 | Xoom | PayPal users | ā 4.3/5 |
| 9 | Western Union | Cash pickup | ā 4.0/5 |
| 10 | MoneyGram | Traditional option | ā 3.9/5 |
#1 Wise - Best Overall
Why #1: Wise consistently offers the best exchange rates for Kenya transfers.
Key Features
- ā Real mid-market exchange rate
- ā Low transparent fees (0.55%)
- ā Direct to M-Pesa
- ā Multi-currency account
- ā Wise debit card
Pros
- Best exchange rate available
- Transparent pricing
- Excellent app design
- Rate alerts feature
Cons
- No instant transfers
- No cash pickup option
- Phone support limited
Best For
Regular senders, large transfers, best value seekers
Rating: ā 4.9/5
#2 Remitly - Best for Speed
Why #2: Fastest delivery with Express option, excellent customer support.
Key Features
- ā Express delivery in minutes
- ā 24/7 customer support
- ā M-Pesa + bank + cash pickup
- ā First transfer promotions
- ā Economy option for savings
Pros
- Genuinely instant transfers
- Great new user offers
- Reliable delivery
- Excellent app ratings
Cons
- Exchange rate markup
- Express costs more
- Fees can add up
Best For
Urgent transfers, first-time senders, those needing support
Rating: ā 4.8/5
#3 Sendwave - Best Zero-Fee App
Why #3: No transfer fees ever, instant delivery.
Key Features
- ā Zero transfer fees
- ā Instant to M-Pesa
- ā Simple app interface
- ā Quick repeat sends
- ā Africa-focused
Pros
- Truly free to send
- Always instant
- Very easy to use
- Great for regular senders
Cons
- $999/day limit
- App only (no website)
- Rate has built-in margin
- Limited countries
Best For
Regular small transfers, simplicity lovers, mobile-first users
Rating: ā 4.7/5
#4 WorldRemit - Most Flexible
Why #4: Most receive options including airtime top-up.
Key Features
- ā M-Pesa, bank, cash, airtime
- ā 130+ countries
- ā Good promotional rates
- ā Reliable service
- ā Web and app
Pros
- Many receive options
- Wide coverage
- Frequent promotions
- Established provider
Cons
- Rates not the best
- Fees vary widely
- Can be confusing
Best For
Those needing flexibility, airtime top-ups, global senders
Rating: ā 4.6/5
#5 Chipper Cash - Best African App
Why #5: Built for Africa, great for regional transfers.
Key Features
- ā Africa-to-Africa transfers
- ā Zero fees (between Chipper users)
- ā crypto exchanges in Kenya trading
- ā Bill payments
- ā Virtual cards
Pros
- Great for intra-Africa
- No fees within network
- Multiple features
- Growing fast
Cons
- International transfers limited
- Rate markup on cross-border
- Newer company
Best For
Africa-based users, regional transfers, crypto curious
Rating: ā 4.5/5
#6 M-Pesa GlobalPay
Why #6: Direct Safaricom integration for M-Pesa.
Key Features
- ā Official Safaricom service
- ā Direct M-Pesa integration
- ā Multiple currencies
- ā Instant delivery
- ā Trusted brand
Pros
- Official M-Pesa channel
- Instant delivery
- Safaricom backing
Cons
- Rates not cheapest
- Limited source countries
- Less feature-rich
Best For
M-Pesa loyalty, Safaricom users, brand trust
Rating: ā 4.4/5
#7 Wave - Growing Contender
Why #7: Rapidly expanding in Africa with good rates.
Key Features
- ā Mobile money focus
- ā Good exchange rates
- ā Growing network
- ā Low fees
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Simple interface
- Africa-focused growth
Cons
- Limited availability
- Newer service
- Still building features
Rating: ā 4.4/5
#8 Xoom (PayPal)
Why #8: Great for existing PayPal users.
Key Features
- ā PayPal integration
- ā Multiple receive options
- ā Reload phones
- ā Bill payments
Pros
- PayPal balance usable
- Established brand
- Various services
Cons
- Rates not competitive
- Fees can be high
- Owned by big company
Best For
PayPal users, those with PayPal balance
Rating: ā 4.3/5
#9 Western Union
Why #9: Legacy leader with unmatched network.
Key Features
- ā 500,000+ locations
- ā Cash pickup worldwide
- ā Long track record
- ā Rewards program
Pros
- Massive network
- Cash pickup available
- Trusted name
Cons
- High fees
- Poor exchange rates
- Outdated experience
Best For
Cash pickup needs, rural areas, brand trust
Rating: ā 4.0/5
#10 MoneyGram
Why #10: Alternative to Western Union for cash.
Key Features
- ā Large agent network
- ā Cash pickup
- ā App available
- ā Rewards program
Pros
- Many locations
- Cash option
- Improving digital
Cons
- High total costs
- Rate markup significant
- Declining relevance
Best For
Cash pickup when WU unavailable
Rating: ā 3.9/5
Comparison Table
| App | Fee ($500) | Rate | Speed | M-Pesa |
| Wise | $2.75 | Best | 1-24h | ā |
| Remitly | $3.99 | Good | Mins | ā |
| Sendwave | $0 | OK | Instant | ā |
| WorldRemit | $3.99 | OK | Mins | ā |
| Chipper Cash | $0 | OK | Instant | ā |
| M-Pesa GlobalPay | ~$5 | OK | Instant | ā |
| Wave | ~$3 | Good | Mins | ā |
| Xoom | $4.99 | Fair | Mins | ā |
| Western Union | $12 | Poor | Mins | ā |
| MoneyGram | $10 | Poor | Mins | ā |
How We Ranked
Our ranking considers:
- Exchange rate quality (40%)
- Fees (25%)
- Speed (15%)
- App experience (10%)
- Features (10%)
Our Recommendation
For most people: Start with Wise
Best rates, transparent pricing, reliable service.
For speed: Remitly
When it must arrive now.
For simplicity: Sendwave
Zero fees, always instant.
Rankings updated: January 2025