Instarem vs Wise : What is your better option in Canada?
Is Instarem or Wise your better choice in Canada? Read on to find out more
Sending money from Canada to the UK with Remitly is designed to be quick and accessible, with multiple delivery options and attractive incentives for new customers. While these introductory offers can be a cost-effective way for sending a one-off transfer, the picture often changes for repeat sends.
Once promotions expire, exchange rate markups can play a bigger role in what your recipient receives on the other end. We'll also introduce Wise, your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to 140+ countries - all at the fair mid-market exchange rate.
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Remitly lets Canadians send money to the United Kingdom using a selection of digital transfer options and established local delivery partners. Transfers can be arranged online or through the Remitly app, where recipients can receive funds directly into a UK bank account, collect cash in person, or receive money to a supported debit card, depending on the chosen option.
When sending money from Canada to the UK, Remitly offers¹:
New customers usually receive the most competitive pricing. A first transfer may include 0 CAD fees¹ on bank deposits and a promotional exchange rate, typically capped at a maximum send amount. After that, returning customers continue using the same delivery options, but transfers are priced using Remitly's standard exchange rates and fees. The next section looks more closely at how those costs work.
With Remitly, the exchange rate and any transfer fees are shown before you confirm a transfer, so the total cost is clear upfront. Pricing isn't fixed, though. Rates and fees can vary between transfers depending on factors like how you fund the transfer, how the money is delivered, and whether promotional pricing applies.
New customers vs returning customers
New customers may be eligible for introductory pricing on their first transfer, such as promotional exchange rates, reduced transfer fees, or both, usually up to a capped send amount.² Any funds sent beyond that limit use Remitly's standard pricing.
After the first transfer, returning customers continue to access the same delivery options, but transfers are priced using Remitly's regular exchange rates and fees. These rates include a markup compared to the mid-market rate and can vary by destination, transfer amount, and delivery method. In all cases, the exchange rate applied to your transfer is clearly shown before you confirm.
Fees to expect
Transfer fees depend on both the delivery method and how you pay. Some bank deposit transfers show no transfer fee, while options like cash pickup typically include a fixed charge. Remitly does not charge fees to recipients, and all costs are displayed in the transfer summary before you send. If you pay by credit card, your card issuer may apply additional fees outside of Remitly.
Example: sending 1,000 CAD from Canada to the UK¹
Remitly is a fully digital money transfer service, so everything is handled online or through the app. There's no need to visit a branch, and your recipient in the UK does not need a Remitly account to receive funds.
To send money from Canada to the United Kingdom with Remitly:
Remitly offers several ways to follow your transfer and check when it's expected to arrive.
Using the Remitly app
Sign in to your account and open the Home tab to see your most recent transfers. Selecting a transfer shows its current status, estimated delivery time, and reference number. You can also access your full transfer history from your profile.
Using Remitly.com
Log in on the Remitly website and choose Transfer history from the menu. You'll be able to check the transfers that are still processing as well as those that have already been delivered.
Email, text, and in-app updates
Remitly sends notifications whenever your transfer status changes. These messages include your reference number, which is needed if your recipient is collecting cash in the UK.
Transfer statuses may update as the payment moves through the process. If Remitly needs more information, you'll be contacted directly to help complete the transfer.
Rather than relying on time-limited promotions, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for every CAD to GBP transfer and shows its fees clearly before you send. Transfers are completed online and sent directly to a UK bank account using local GBP account details, making Wise a practical go-to for repeat transfers or higher-value sends where consistent pricing matters.
| Features | Remitly | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| IBAN offered? | No. Funds are delivered through UK banks, local partners, or cash pickup | Wise provides UK local account details, and a European IBAN, for making and receiving payments |
| Exchange rates | Promotional rates may apply for new users, then standard rates apply with a markup | Mid-market exchange rate with no markup |
| Transfer duration | Varies depending on delivery method and provider | Often within minutes or the same day. Some transfers may take 1–2 business days |
| Transfer limits | Up to 140,000 CAD per transfer³ subject to verification | Up to 1.5 million CAD by online bill payment or wire transfer⁴ |
Remitly can be useful for occasional sends, cash pickups, or when a first-time promotion lowers the upfront cost. Pricing and delivery times vary, and exchange rates include a margin once promotional offers end.
Wise is built for people sending money to the UK on a regular basis or transferring larger amounts. Using the mid-market exchange rate, direct GBP bank transfers, and upfront fees makes costs easier to understand and compare from one transfer to the next.
Before sending your first transfer, you'll need to create a Remitly account. This is a one-time setup that allows Remitly to confirm your details and process transfers securely.
Once your account is ready, you can send money to the UK through the app or website without repeating these steps.
Sending money from Canada to the United Kingdom with Remitly can be a good option for occasional transfers, cash pickups, or when a new customer promotion lowers the upfront cost. The service offers flexible delivery options and a straightforward digital experience, but pricing can change over time as promotional rates expire and standard exchange rate markups apply.
For Canadians who send money to the UK regularly or want clearer pricing from one transfer to the next, Wise provides an alternative built around the mid-market exchange rate and upfront fees. Comparing both services before you send helps ensure you choose the option that best fits how often you transfer and how much transparency you need.
Sources:
Sources verified on 30 March 2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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