Compare the real cost of sending US Dollar to Kenyan Shilling. Ranked by net amount received on $1,000.00 after every flat fee, transfer fee and FX margin. Mid-market rate as of 2026-08-07: 1 USD = 129.42 KES.
| Provider | Rate (after margin) | Flat fee | FX margin | Total deductions | Recipient gets ↑ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevolutBest | 129.42 | — | 0% | KSh0 | KSh129,420 |
| InstaReM | 129.1 | — | 0.25% | KSh646 | KSh128,773 |
| XE Money Transfer | 128.77 | — | 0.50% | KSh647 | KSh128,772 |
| Paysend | 128.77 | $2.00 | 0.50% | KSh905 | KSh128,515 |
| TransferGo | 128.38 | $1.00 | 0.80% | KSh1,164 | KSh128,256 |
| OFX | 128.13 | — | 1.00% | KSh1,294 | KSh128,125 |
| Remitly | 127.48 | $2.99 | 1.50% | KSh2,322 | KSh127,097 |
| Wise (TransferWise) | 126.95 | $1.00 | 0% | KSh2,472 | KSh126,948 |
| Ria Money Transfer | 126.83 | $2.99 | 2.00% | KSh2,968 | KSh126,452 |
| WorldRemit | 126.83 | $3.99 | 2.00% | KSh3,094 | KSh126,325 |
| Western Union | 126.83 | $5.00 | 2.00% | KSh3,223 | KSh126,197 |
| Skrill | 127.48 | — | 1.50% | KSh3,790 | KSh125,630 |
| MoneyGram | 126.18 | $5.00 | 2.50% | KSh3,866 | KSh125,553 |
| PayPal / Xoom | 125.54 | $4.99 | 3.00% | KSh4,509 | KSh124,910 |
Sending $1,000.00. Effective rate = mid-market minus the provider's FX margin. Indicative only — verify before sending. Open the live comparator →
Transfers from the United States to Kenya are most commonly sent for family support and mobile money. On a $1,000.00 transfer, the choice of provider can make a difference of KSh4,509 — money that disappears into fees and FX margin when you pick the wrong service.
The advertised exchange rate is rarely what you get. Most banks and transfer services quote a rate that includes a hidden FX margin of 0.5–4% above the mid-market USD/KES rate. That margin is often the largest single cost on a transfer, which is why FX Skipper deducts it before ranking and shows you what actually arrives in Kenya.
Right now, Revolut gives the best net result on $1,000.00: your recipient receives about KSh129,420 (0.00% total cost). Always check the live comparator before sending — rates move daily.
Total cost ranges from about KSh0 with the cheapest provider to KSh4,509 with the most expensive — a difference of roughly KSh4,509 on a single transfer.
The mid-market rate is approximately 1 USD = 129.42 KES as of 2026-08-07. Providers add an FX margin on top — the table shows each provider's effective rate after that margin is deducted.
Transfer times vary by provider and delivery method. Online services like Wise, Paysend and Revolut can deliver in minutes for bank transfers in many corridors. Cash pickup via Western Union or MoneyGram is also available in most corridors in minutes. Bank deposit typically takes 1–3 business days.
Yes, when you use a licensed and regulated provider. All providers listed are established international services regulated in multiple jurisdictions. Always confirm the provider holds a valid licence in the United States and that the receiving method suits your recipient in Kenya.
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