Do you frequently send money from the UK to Nigeria?

With so many money transfer apps available, finding one that offers competitive exchange rates, low fees, fast delivery, and a secure transfer experience can be difficult.

When sending money abroad, two apps that consistently stand out are Pesa and Remitly. Both make it easy to send money internationally through their mobile apps and are used by millions of people sending money to family, friends, and businesses around the world.

While Pesa is designed to help customers get the best value from their transfers with zero transfer fees and competitive exchange rates, Remitly is a globally recognised remittance provider known for its extensive international coverage and multiple delivery options, including bank deposits and cash pickup in many countries.

In this guide, we'll compare Pesa vs Remitly across the factors that matter most when you are sending money abroad.

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Pesa vs Remitly at a Glance

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What Is Pesa?

Pesa is a digital money transfer platform focused on helping people in the UK send money to Nigeria and other African countries quickly, securely, and without paying transfer fees.

Designed with African diaspora communities in mind, Pesa simplifies the remittance process by combining competitive exchange rates with an easy-to-use mobile experience.

Key features include:

• Zero transfer fees
• Competitive exchange rates
• Multi currency support
• Fast transfers to supported destinations
• Secure account verification
• Mobile-first experience
• Simple repeat transfers

Whether you're sending money for family support, school fees, rent, or emergencies, Pesa aims to make international money transfers fast and more affordable.

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What Is Remitly?

Remitly is one of the largest digital remittance companies in the world, serving millions of customers across hundreds of transfer corridors.

The platform supports transfers from countries including the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, and several European markets.

One of Remitly's distinguishing features is its range of delivery options, which may include:

• Bank deposits
• Cash pickup
• Mobile wallets
• Home delivery (available in selected countries)

Remitly also gives customers a choice between Economy and Express transfers, allowing users to balance speed and cost based on their priorities.

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Comparing Transfer Fees

Transfer fees are one of the first things people compare when choosing a money transfer service.

However, fees alone don't tell the full story.

A provider may advertise low or zero fees while applying a wider exchange-rate margin. Another provider may charge a fee but offer a more competitive exchange rate.

The most important figure is the total amount your recipient receives.

Pesa

Pesa offers zero transfer fees, helping customers avoid an additional charge when sending money on supported routes.

Remitly

Remitly's transfer fees vary depending on several factors, including:

• Destination country
• Transfer amount
• Payment method
• Delivery option (Economy or Express)
• Promotional offers for new customers

Fees may differ from one transfer to another, so it's always worth reviewing the total cost before sending.

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Exchange Rates

The exchange rate often has a greater impact on your transfer than the transfer fee itself.

For example, imagine sending £500.

One provider charges no fee but offers a slightly weaker exchange rate.

Another provider charges a small fee but provides a stronger exchange rate.

In some cases, the second provider may still deliver more naira to your recipient.

That's why experienced senders compare:

• Transfer fee
• Exchange rate
• Final payout

instead of focusing on just one number.

Pesa

Pesa combines zero transfer fees with competitive live exchange rates designed to maximise the value of your transfer.

Remitly

Remitly also provides competitive exchange rates, although rates vary depending on the destination and market conditions. Promotional rates for first-time customers may differ from standard rates.

The best approach is to compare the live quote from both providers before making your transfer.

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Transfer Speed

Speed can be especially important when you're sending money for emergencies, medical bills, or urgent family expenses.

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Pesa

For many supported corridors, transfers are completed within minutes after verification, although delivery times depend on banking partners and compliance checks.

Remitly

Remitly gives users two primary delivery options:

Economy

• Usually lower cost
• Longer delivery time

Express

• Faster delivery
• Often incurs a higher fee depending on the payment method and destination

This flexibility can be useful if you're willing to trade speed for lower costs—or vice versa.

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Receiving Options

One area where Remitly has a broader offering is the variety of delivery methods available across its global network.

Depending on the destination country, recipients may be able to receive funds through:

Pesa

• Bank account deposits
• Other supported payout methods depending on the transfer corridor

Remitly

• Bank deposits
• Cash pickup
• Mobile wallets
• Home delivery (selected markets)

The available options depend on the country you're sending to, so it's worth checking your destination before initiating a transfer.

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Countries Supported

Both providers support transfers to several African countries.

Common destinations include:

• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Uganda
• Cameroon

Remitly also serves many countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, making it a broader global remittance platform.

Pesa, on the other hand, is focused on delivering a streamlined experience for UK-to-Africa transfers.

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Security

When sending money internationally, choosing a secure and regulated provider is essential.

Both Pesa and Remitly use industry-standard security measures, including:

• Identity verification (KYC)
• Encrypted transactions
• Fraud monitoring
• Secure authentication

These safeguards help protect both senders and recipients while supporting compliance with financial regulations.

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Mobile App Experience

Both companies offer dedicated mobile apps that make it easy to manage international transfers.

Pesa

The app focuses on simplicity, allowing users to:

• Register quickly
• Save recipients
• View live exchange rates
• Send money in a few steps

Remitly

Remitly's app includes additional features such as:

• Transfer tracking
• Delivery notifications
• Multiple payout options
• Saved recipients
• Transaction history

Both apps are designed to make repeat transfers faster and more convenient.

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Customer Support

Reliable customer support can make a significant difference if you encounter delays, verification issues, or payment questions.

Pesa

Offers support through online and in-app channels to help users throughout the transfer process.

Remitly

Provides customer support through multiple channels, including online resources and direct support options, with availability varying by region.

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Pros and Cons

Pesa

Pros

• Zero transfer fees
• Competitive exchange rates
• Fast transfers
• Simple mobile experience
• Designed specifically for UK-to-Africa remittances

Cons

• Fewer global corridors than large international providers
• More focused geographic coverage

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Remitly

Pros

• Well-established global brand
• Wide international coverage
• Multiple payout options
• Economy and Express delivery choices
• Strong brand recognition

Cons

• Transfer fees vary by corridor and delivery option
• Exchange rates and promotional offers change frequently
• The cheapest option isn't always the one that delivers the most money

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Which Should You Choose?

If your priorities are saving on transfer costs, getting competitive exchange rates, and enjoying a simple transfer experience, Pesa is a strong choice.

With Pesa you get:

• Zero transfer fees.
• Multi-currency account for international transfers.
• Competitive exchange rates to help maximize the amount your recipient receives.
• A simple user-friendly mobile app that makes repeat transfers quick and easy.
• You value fast and secure transfers on supported corridors.
• A remittance app built around the needs of immigrants sending money back home.

Before making your next transfer, compare the live exchange rate and the amount your recipient will receive. If you're looking for a combination of zero transfer fees, competitive exchange rates, and a seamless transfer experience, Pesa is your remittance app of choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1: Does Pesa charge transfer fees?

No. Pesa offers zero transfer fees on supported transfer corridors, helping you send more of your money to your recipient.

2: Which countries can I send money to with Pesa?

Pesa supports money transfers to several 33+ destinations. 

3: Can I send money directly to a bank account using Pesa?

Yes. Pesa allows you to send money directly to supported bank accounts, making it easy for recipients to access their funds.

4: Does Pesa support multiple currencies?

Yes. Pesa supports multiple currencies across its supported transfer corridors, allowing you to send money internationally through a single app.

5: How long does a Pesa transfer take?

Many Pesa transfers are completed within minutes for supported corridors and verified customers. However, delivery times may vary depending on the destination, payment method, banking partners, and any required verification checks.

6: Is Pesa safe to use?

Yes. Pesa uses identity verification, encrypted transactions, and security measures designed to help protect customer information and transfers. As with any financial service, always download the official Pesa app and keep your account credentials secure.

7: Do I need to verify my identity before sending money?

Yes. To comply with financial regulations and help keep transfers secure, Pesa requires identity verification before certain transactions can be completed.

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