Send Money from the USA to Pakistan
Compare current USD → PKR rates from 17+ providers. No hidden fees.
Why People Send Money USA → Pakistan
An estimated 500,000+ Pakistani-Americans live in the United States, with large communities in New York, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Remittances to Pakistan support family living costs, property investments, and education expenses. The USA is one of Pakistan's top sources of inbound remittances, contributing billions of dollars annually to Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves.
Pro Tip: ACH bank transfer gives the best rate
Funding your transfer via ACH bank transfer (rather than debit or credit card) gives you the best rate and lowest fees with most US providers. Debit card adds 1–2% in card processing costs; credit card may be treated as a cash advance by your bank and incur additional fees.
How to send money from USA to Pakistan
- Compare USD→PKR rates: Use the comparison table above to see the exact PKR amount your recipient receives from each provider. Rate margins between providers vary by 1–3%, which on $500 is $5–$15.
- Register with your provider: Sign up with a US driver's license, passport, or state ID. Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit all have fast US onboarding. Identity verification typically takes under 5 minutes.
- Enter Pakistani bank details: You need the recipient's 24-character Pakistani IBAN starting with "PK" and their bank name. Major Pakistani banks: HBL, MCB, UBL, Bank Alfalah, Meezan Bank, Allied Bank. Alternatively, WorldRemit and Western Union support EasyPaisa and JazzCash mobile wallet delivery.
- Choose ACH bank transfer for best value: ACH from your US bank is free and typically processes within 1–2 business days. Debit card funding is faster (same day processing) but adds approximately 1–2% to your total cost.
- Confirm and track: Most providers deliver USD→PKR within 1–2 business days. You will receive email and SMS updates. First-time transfers may take an additional business day for compliance review.
What to know
Pakistan uses IBANs
Pakistani bank accounts use IBANs — 24 characters starting with "PK". Your recipient can find their IBAN in their bank's mobile app, on a bank statement, or by visiting their branch. Major banks: HBL (Habib Bank), MCB, UBL, Bank Alfalah, Meezan Bank (Islamic), Allied Bank. Having the correct IBAN avoids rejected or delayed transfers.
EasyPaisa and JazzCash mobile delivery
Pakistan has two major mobile wallet networks: EasyPaisa (Telenor) and JazzCash (Jazz/Warid). Several US providers — including WorldRemit and Western Union — support delivery directly to these wallets. This is useful if your recipient does not have a bank account or needs the money quickly. Key limit: EasyPaisa wallets hold a maximum of PKR 300,000.
PKR exchange rate volatility
The Pakistani Rupee has experienced significant volatility in recent years. A large swing in the USD/PKR rate can affect your recipient more than the transfer fee. For large or time-sensitive transfers, compare rates across providers daily using the table above.
For USA→Pakistan, Wise offers the best exchange rate (mid-market with a transparent fee) for bank transfers above $300. Remitly and WorldRemit are competitive and support EasyPaisa and JazzCash mobile wallet delivery. Western Union has the widest cash pickup network in Pakistan including rural areas. MoneyGram is another cash pickup option. ACE Money Transfer (if available from your US state) specialises in Pakistan and offers competitive USD→PKR rates. Always compare the live PKR amount in the table above — the cheapest provider changes daily.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to send money from the USA to Pakistan?
The cheapest provider changes daily. Wise typically offers the best USD→PKR rate at mid-market with a transparent fee. Remitly and WorldRemit are also competitive. Avoid US bank international wire transfers — they typically charge $25–$45 in fees plus a 3–5% exchange markup, costing $40–$70 more than specialist providers on a $500 transfer.
How long does a transfer from the USA to Pakistan take?
Most providers deliver USD to Pakistani bank accounts within 1–2 business days when funded by ACH bank transfer. EasyPaisa and JazzCash mobile wallet deliveries are typically faster — often within hours. Western Union cash pickup is available within minutes at agent locations across Pakistan.
What bank details do I need to send money to Pakistan from the USA?
For bank deposit: a 24-character Pakistani IBAN starting with "PK" (e.g. PK36SCBL0000001123456702) and the bank name. For EasyPaisa or JazzCash: the recipient's registered mobile number. For cash pickup: the recipient's full name exactly as on their government ID. Major banks: HBL, MCB, UBL, Bank Alfalah, Meezan Bank.
Can I send money to EasyPaisa or JazzCash from the USA?
Yes. WorldRemit and Western Union both support EasyPaisa delivery from the US. Western Union also supports JazzCash. Select "mobile wallet" as the delivery method and enter your recipient's registered mobile number. EasyPaisa wallet limits: PKR 300,000 maximum balance.
Is there a limit on sending money from the USA to Pakistan?
Most providers allow $5,000–$25,000 per transaction for verified accounts. Pakistan does not tax incoming personal remittances. Under US law, providers must report cash transactions above $10,000 (Currency Transaction Report) — standard online transfers via bank or card are not affected. For amounts above $10,000, providers may request documentation about the source and purpose of funds.