Canada to Kenya Money Transfer: Cheapest Ways to Send CAD 2025
Canada is home to a growing Kenyan diaspora community. Whether you're supporting family back home or paying for property, this guide compares your options for sending Canadian dollars to Kenya.
Quick Comparison: Canada to Kenya
| Provider | Fee (CAD 500) | Rate | Speed | M-Pesa |
| Wise | CAD 5.50 | Mid-market | 1-24h | ā |
| Remitly | CAD 0-3.99 | 1.5% markup | Minutes | ā |
| WorldRemit | CAD 0-4.99 | 2% markup | Minutes | ā |
| XE Money Transfer | CAD 0 | 1% markup | 1-4 days | ā |
| Western Union | CAD 10+ | 4% markup | Minutes | ā |
What Your Recipient Gets
Sending CAD 1,000 to Kenya:
| Provider | Fee | Rate (KES/CAD) | Recipient Gets |
| Wise | CAD 10 | 94.50 | KES 93,555 |
| Remitly | CAD 3.99 | 93.10 | KES 92,756 |
| WorldRemit | CAD 4.99 | 92.60 | KES 92,137 |
| Western Union | CAD 15 | 90.70 | KES 89,390 |
Best Providers from Canada
1. Wise - Best Overall Value
Why Wise:
- True mid-market exchange rate
- FINTRAC registered
- Send via Interac e-Transfer
- Multi-currency account available
Payment Methods:
- Interac e-Transfer (fastest)
- Bank debit (EFT)
- Wire transfer (large amounts)
Speed: 1-24 hours to M-Pesa
Fee: ~1.1% of transfer
2. Remitly - Fast & Reliable
Why Remitly:
- Express transfers in minutes
- First transfer discounts
- Excellent mobile app
- 24/7 customer support
Speed Options:
- Express: Minutes (higher fee)
- Economy: 3-5 days (lower fee)
3. WorldRemit - Multiple Options
Why WorldRemit:
- M-Pesa, bank, cash pickup, airtime
- Send from any Canadian province
- Good promotional rates
- Established provider
4. XE Money Transfer
Why XE:
- No transfer fees
- Competitive rates
- Good for large amounts
- Trusted currency brand
Note: Slower than alternatives (1-4 days)
Payment Options in Canada
Interac e-Transfer
- Fastest Canadian payment method
- Available with most providers
- CAD 3,000 daily limit (varies by bank)
Bank Debit (EFT)
- Lower fees
- 1-3 days processing
- Higher limits
Credit Card
- Instant processing
- Higher fees (3%+)
- Cash advance charges may apply
Wire Transfer
- For amounts over CAD 10,000
- Fees: CAD 15-50
- Best exchange rates
Canadian Regulations
FINTRAC Registration
All legal money transfer services must be registered with FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada).
Verify providers at: fintrac-canafe.gc.ca
Required ID
- Canadian driver's license, or
- Canadian passport, or
- Provincial ID card
Large Transfer Reporting
- CAD 10,000+: Provider must report
- No impact on you (legal requirement)
Sending from Different Provinces
All major providers work across Canada:
- Ontario ā
- British Columbia ā
- Alberta ā
- Quebec ā
- All other provinces ā
Quebec Note: Some providers have French language support.
Cost Comparison by Amount
Small Transfer (CAD 200)
| Provider | Total Cost | Best For |
| Remitly | CAD 3.99 | Speed |
| Wise | CAD 4.20 | Rate |
Medium Transfer (CAD 1,000)
| Provider | Total Cost | Best For |
| Wise | ~CAD 15 | Best value |
| Remitly | ~CAD 20 | Speed |
Large Transfer (CAD 5,000)
| Provider | Total Cost | Best For |
| Wise | ~CAD 55 | Best rate |
| XE | ~CAD 50 | No fees |
Tips for Canadian Senders
- Use Interac e-Transfer - Fastest payment method
- Avoid credit cards - Cash advance fees add up
- Check CAD/KES rate - Fluctuates with oil prices
- Set rate alerts - Get notified of good rates
- Consider timing - Rates can vary 2-3% in a week
FAQs
Is Wise available in Canada?
Yes, Wise is fully available in Canada and registered with FINTRAC.
What's the fastest way to send money to Kenya from Canada?
Remitly Express delivers to M-Pesa in minutes.
Can I send money to M-Pesa from Canada?
Yes, all major providers (Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit) support M-Pesa.
Are there taxes on sending money to Kenya?
No, remittances are not taxed in Canada. Large transfers may be reported but not taxed.
Conclusion
Wise offers the best value for most Canada to Kenya transfers with its mid-market rate. For urgent transfers, Remitly Express is fastest. For large amounts with no fees, consider XE Money Transfer.
Last updated: January 2025