ACE Money Transfer - Blog

NBP International Money Transfer: How to Transfer Money to Pakistan from Abroad

NBP International Money Transfer: How to Transfer Money to Pakistan from Abroad

15 Oct 2026


Sending money to Pakistan is an important part of supporting family and loved ones from abroad. Whether you are exploring the National Bank of Pakistan’s (NBP) remittance services or considering digital transfer options such as ACE Money Transfer, understanding how the process works can help you make an informed choice. This guide covers transfer methods, fees, exchange rates and receiving options to help you understand the available services.

NBP international money transfer at a glance

Customers abroad can transfer money to Pakistan either through traditional NBP bank channels (such as Foreign Telegraphic Transfers) or through digital remittance partners like ACE Money Transfer. Here are the key facts:

Traditional international bank wires can take several business days, depending on the sending bank, correspondent banks, and transfer route. NBP's home-remittance channels can process eligible transfers on the same day, subject to the transaction and applicable processing requirements, while ACE says card-funded Pakistan transfers are usually completed within minutes, and online bank-transfer funding generally takes 1–2 banking days (Rates and fees may vary. Visit acemoneytransfer.com for current rates).

NBP exchange rates change regularly (Exchange rates fluctuate, and the rate you receive may differ from any rates quoted. Always check the live rate at acemoneytransfer.com before sending). Check NBP's latest published rate sheet for the current GBP/PKR and EUR/PKR rates before making a transfer.

Total cost depends on NBP's exchange rate, explicit fees, and any intermediary bank charges deducted en route.

ACE Money Transfer allows customers to send money online to eligible National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) accounts or use cash pickup at supported locations in Pakistan and, on many corridors, zero fees above certain thresholds (Rates and fees may vary. Visit acemoneytransfer.com for current rates.

About National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)

National Bank of Pakistan was founded in 1949 in Karachi and is a major state-owned commercial bank. It serves retail individuals, SMEs, large corporates, and public-sector entities across Pakistan and through overseas branches and representative offices.

Key services relevant to international money transfer include:

Foreign Telegraphic Transfers (FTT) for sending and receiving funds from abroad

Inward home remittances, including cash-over-counter payments and direct account credits

Trade finance, treasury, and foreign currency operations

The account provides ATM access for withdrawals, subject to the applicable card terms, withdrawal limits, and ATM availability

NBP provides home remittance services through international money transfer channels and maintains correspondent banking relationships that enable cross-border payments in USD, GBP, EUR, and other currencies. NBP works with overseas branches and correspondent partners to facilitate transfers from countries across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

NBP provides home remittance services through correspondent partners in multiple countries. NBP was listed among the initial participating banks in the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) home-remittance payment system, according to the State Bank of Pakistan’s circular dated 22 August 2009.

 

A person stands outside a busy branch of a national bank in a vibrant Pakistani city, surrounded by bustling streets and pedestrians. This scene captures the essence of urban life where individuals may be looking to send money or manage their bank accounts for various transactions.

How NBP international money transfers work

The National Bank of Pakistan facilitates international money transfers primarily through Home Remittance and Foreign Telegraphic Transfers. Two main routes exist: bank-to-bank transfers via SWIFT, and digital remittance services like ACE Money Transfer that deliver funds into NBP accounts or via cash pickup.

Bank-to-bank (SWIFT) transfer steps:

Sender instructs their foreign bank with the recipient's full name, NBP account number (or IBAN), branch name and address, and the SWIFT/BIC code (e.g., NBPAPKKA02R for NBP's Rawalpindi branch).

The sending bank routes funds via SWIFT through one or more correspondent banks.

Funds arrive at NBP and are credited to the beneficiary's account or made available for cash pickup.

NBP's remittance services are designed for personal or family transfers using systems like SWIFT. NBP supports direct account credits and cash pickups as transfer options. Cash remittances can be collected in Pakistani Rupees at NBP branches, subject to transaction processing and verification requirements. NBP states that its home remittance network includes more than 1,500 branches across Pakistan. For collection requirements and current service details, refer to NBP’s official Home Remittance page. Recipients can collect cash without needing an NBP account, allowing more people to access funds. Funds can also be routed directly into beneficiary accounts at NBP or connected banks across Pakistan.

Transfer times depend on the remittance method, sending country and transaction requirements. NBP states that account-transfer remittances are credited on the same day, subject to applicable processing and verification requirements. For other transfer methods, check the expected delivery time with the provider before sending. Transactions submitted after a bank's same-day cut-off, or near weekends and any holiday in Pakistan or the sending country, begin processing the next business day.

NBP provides e-remittance tracking and SMS alerts for beneficiaries, so the person receiving the transfer knows when funds are ready. NBP runs an international Home Remittance service allowing direct payments to recipients in Pakistan, and NBP's home remittance service supports receiving through over 1,500 branches.

NBP exchange rates, fees, and costs for international money transfers

Two cost components matter when you send money to NBP: explicit transfer fees and the exchange rate margin.

Cost type

What it means

Transfer feeA flat fee or percentage-based charge by the sending bank, NBP, or a remittance provider
Exchange rate marginThe gap between the mid-market rate and the rate you actually receive
Correspondent bank deductionsCharges taken by intermediary banks from the transfer amount on SWIFT wires

Exchange rates at National Bank of Pakistan vary depending on transfer amount. NBP's applicable exchange rate and fees can vary by transaction type, currency, amount, and transfer method. Check the current rate and applicable charges before sending. Some banks offer fee-free transfers to linked international accounts.

NBP offers zero-tariff home remittance services for eligible inward transactions. Beneficiaries can generally collect home remittances free of charge at NBP branches, whether receiving funds through cash collection or direct account credit, subject to the applicable service terms and conditions.

Before choosing a service, compare NBP’s applicable fees and exchange rate with those offered by digital remittance providers. Review the total cost and the amount the recipient is expected to receive, including any additional charges that may apply.

Send Money with ACE 

Sending money to NBP via ACE Money Transfer

ACE Money Transfer allows customers to send money online to Pakistan, including to eligible National Bank of Pakistan accounts and for cash pickup at supported locations. ACE Money Transfer Limited is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Reference No. 506692. In November 2024, ACE announced that it had received recognition as the fourth-largest global fintech by remittance volumes to Pakistan at the 4th Pakistan Remittance Summit in Rome.

A smartphone shows a money transfer confirmation screen featuring a green checkmark, indicating that the funds have been successfully sent to the recipient's bank account. This image represents the ease of sending money online, highlighting the security and efficiency of international money transfers.

Step-by-step ACE Money Transfer process:

Register or log in to your account using your email, Google, or Apple ID on the website or app.

Choose Pakistan as the destination country and select a payout option: bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup.

Enter accurate recipient details, including the NBP bank account number or cash pickup information (name matching ID, phone number).

Select a payment method: debit card, credit card, or online bank transfer.

Add a payment reason and confirm the transfer details before clicking "Pay Now."

Track your transaction in real-time using the reference tracking number provided.

Available payout methods:

Bank deposit: Transfer to eligible Pakistani bank accounts, subject to the available services and destination requirements.

Cash pickup: Cash collection at supported partner locations across Pakistan, subject to the applicable collection requirements.

Mobile wallet: Transfers to supported mobile wallets, depending on availability in the sending country and transaction.

Rates and fees may vary. Visit ACE Money Transfer for current rates, fees and available services.

Transfer times depend on the payment method, sending country and transaction requirements. ACE displays the applicable exchange rate and transfer fees before you confirm, allowing you to review the expected amount in Pakistani rupees (PKR). Additional charges may apply depending on the transfer method and banks involved. Rates and fees may vary. Visit ACE Money Transfer for current rates, fees and available services.

Tips for NBP international money transfers

A few practical steps help you receive better rates, faster delivery, and safer transactions.

Compare total landed amount. Check the PKR your recipient will actually receive after all fees and the exchange rate margin, not just the quoted fee. A provider with a slightly higher charge can still deliver more money if the rate is closer to mid-market.

Double-check all details. Confirm the NBP account number, branch, beneficiary name spelling, and SWIFT code before sending. Errors cause delays, rejected payments, and amendment charges.

Plan around holidays and weekends. Bank processing times may vary around public holidays and non-business days in the sending and receiving countries. If timing is important, check the provider’s estimated delivery time and available transfer options before sending. Rates and fees may vary. Visit ACE Money Transfer for current rates, fees and available services.

Confirm limits for large transfers. If you are sending tuition fees, property payments, or business transactions, verify daily limits with both your bank and ACE Money Transfer. Keep documentation (invoices, admission letters) ready for security checks and compliance review.

Stay safe.Choose a provider whose authorisation or registration you can verify with the relevant financial regulator. Download the app from official stores only. Avoid sending funds over unsecured public Wi-Fi. Enable two-factor authentication. Keep the transaction reference number until the recipient in Pakistan can visit the branch or confirm the funds landed in their account.

Before your next remittance, review your bank’s applicable fees and exchange rate alongside the details available from ACE Money Transfer to understand the costs and expected amount your recipient may receive. Rates and fees may vary. Download the ACE app or visit the website to start your first transfer to NBP.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, tax, business, or financial advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all facts, figures, and data are accurate and valid as of the date of publication, no warranty or guarantee is given as to the ongoing completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information.

The content is based on information available at the time of publication. Regulations, government policies, market conditions, and service offerings may change over time and vary across jurisdictions and providers. As a result, some information may no longer be current or applicable. Readers should independently verify all information and consult qualified professional advisors before making any financial, legal, or business decisions. 


Business & Finance

PREVNEXT
JS Bank International Money Transfer: Send Money to Pakistan with ACE Money Transfer
BOP International Money Transfer: Fees, Exchange Rates & Transfer Options
  • Categories
  • Country