One of the first realities that hits you after you start earning in the UK is how complicated and expensive sending money home can feel. Nobody really warns you about this part. You assume you’ll just earn pounds, send money back home, and that’s it. But then you try it for the first time, and suddenly you’re dealing with transfer fees, confusing exchange rates, and delays that make no sense.
I remember my first attempt clearly. I thought I was doing the right thing by using my bank because it felt “official” and safe. But between the poor exchange rate and the charges, I realised a big chunk of my money had disappeared before it even reached home. It honestly felt like I was working hard only for the system to quietly take its cut.
The good news is this: once you understand how money transfers actually work and which platforms are built for migrants, sending money home becomes cheaper, faster, and far less stressful.
Why Sending Money Through Banks Usually Costs More
Most people start by using their UK bank because it feels like the obvious choice. But banks are usually the worst option for international transfers. They often give very poor exchange rates, add hidden fees, and take days to process transfers.
Even when a bank transfer looks cheap on the surface, the real cost is hidden in the exchange rate. That difference might seem small, but over time, it adds up to a lot of lost money. If you’re sending money home regularly, relying on banks can quietly drain your finances.
That’s why many migrants eventually learn this lesson the hard way: bank-to-bank transfers should be your last option, not your first.
Wise: The Best Place to Start
If I had to recommend just one platform to a new migrant, it would be Wise. What makes Wise different is transparency. It shows you the real exchange rate, the same one you’ll see if you Google it, and tells you the exact fee before you send anything.
There are no surprises, no hidden charges, and transfers are often very fast. Sometimes the money arrives within minutes. If you send money home often, Wise can save you more money than you might realise at first.
Remitly: When Speed Matters Most
There are times when speed matters more than anything else, especially during emergencies back home. This is where Remitly shines. It gives you two clear options: a cheaper, slower transfer, or a faster one that costs a bit more.
Many migrants like Remitly because it’s reliable and very easy for family members to understand, especially if they prefer cash pick-up instead of bank transfers. When stress levels are high, simplicity matters.
LemFi: A Favourite for African Countries
If you’re sending money to countries like Nigeria, Ghana, or Kenya, LemFi is one of the easiest platforms to use. The exchange rates are usually very competitive for African corridors, and transfers are often instant.
One feature people love is the ability to hold pounds in the app and convert only when the rate looks good. For families who prefer mobile money or local bank transfers, LemFi makes the process smooth and predictable.
WorldRemit: A Reliable Backup Option
WorldRemit is another solid choice, especially if your family lives in a country where some apps don’t operate. It supports bank transfers, mobile money, and cash pick-up across many countries.
While it can be slightly more expensive than Wise, it’s very flexible. Many migrants keep it as a backup for times when their main app is slow or unavailable.
The Biggest Tip That Saves the Most Money
Here’s the simplest advice that makes the biggest difference: always compare rates before sending. Exchange rates change constantly, and checking two or three apps for just a minute can save you thousands of naira, cedis, or shillings over time.
Sending money home doesn’t have to feel like a financial punishment. Once you understand the system and use the right tools, you can support your loved ones without sacrificing more than you should.
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