Quick answer. Sending 500 GBP from the UK typically costs all-in: 0.8–2.5% on mainstream corridors (Kenya, India, Armenia, Europe), 1.5–4% on harder corridors (Nigeria, Bangladesh), 3–6% on cash-pickup or low-volume corridors. World Bank reports global average still near 6%, so well-chosen services save real money.

How True Cost Is Calculated

True cost = fee + FX margin. Zero-fee services with a 3% off-mid-market rate cost 3%. 2 GBP fee with mid-market FX on 500 GBP costs 0.4%. Compare arrival amounts, always.

UK → Kenya (M-Pesa)

GeraCash: 0.8–1.5% all-in.
Wise: 0.7–1.2%.
WorldRemit: 1.5–3%.
Banks: 4–7%; avoid for this corridor.

UK → India (UPI or Bank)

GeraCash: 0.7–1.3%.
Wise: 0.5–1.0%.
Remitly: 1–2.5%.
Banks: 4–8%.

UK → Nigeria (NGN Bank)

GeraCash: 1.5–3%.
Wise: 1.5–3%.
Sendwave: competitive on specific amounts.

UK → Armenia

GeraCash: 1–2%, direct Idram.
Unistream, Koronapay: similar or higher.
Bank: 3–6% plus correspondent delays.

UK → Georgia

GeraCash: 1–2%.
Wise: 0.8–1.5%.
Bank: 3–7%.

US → Bangladesh (bKash or Nagad)

GeraCash: 1.5–3%.
Remitly, Wise: competitive; check day-of.
Cash pickup: 3–6%.

Why Corridor Cost Varies

Local banking infrastructure (UPI, M-Pesa lower cost dramatically).
Volume on corridor.
Regulatory and compliance cost.
Competition among providers.

Hidden Cost Adders

Credit-card funding: 1–3% surcharge.
Cash pickup agent fees.
Recipient bank fees on some corridors.
Currency conversion at recipient end if held in a different currency.

Recommendation Logic

Set up one or two trusted services; verify recipients; test with small transfers; commit to whichever wins on your corridor. Consistency beats micro-optimisation.

Next Step

Open a GeraCash account, add your usual recipient, quote against your current service. Switch if the saving is material.