Choosing the right money transfer provider makes a huge difference in cost, speed, and convenience.
Here's a complete, unbiased comparison to help you make the best decision for sending money to Sierra Leone.
1. Speed Comparison
When your family needs money urgently, delivery speed is critical.
| Provider | Delivery Time | Rating |
|---|---|---|
SendHome | 1–3 minutes Direct to mobile money | ⚡ FASTEST |
| Western Union | 1–24 hours Depends on pickup location | MEDIUM |
| Banks | 2–5 business days Excludes weekends | SLOWEST |
🏆 Winner: SendHome is 100x faster than banks and significantly faster than Western Union
2. Fee Comparison
Lower fees mean more money for your family.
SendHome
Fees from
2.9%
Western Union
Variable fees
Medium–High
Banks
Fees range
£20–£40
💰 On a £100 transfer, SendHome saves you £5-20 compared to other providers
3. Convenience Comparison
📱 SendHome
MOST CONVENIENTNo queues
Send anytime, anywhere
No forms to fill
Simple app interface
Send from home
No travel required
Mobile money payout
Direct to Orange Money, Afrimoney
Instant notifications
SMS confirmation to sender & recipient
24/7 availability
Works weekends and holidays
✨ Perfect for busy people who want instant, hassle-free transfers
Western Union
MIXED✓ Pros:
- • Online and in-store options
- • Cash pickup available
- • Wide network
✗ Cons:
- • Often requires shop visit
- • Forms and paperwork
- • Recipient must travel to pickup location
- • Limited hours
🏦 Banks
LEAST CONVENIENTMajor inconveniences:
- Complicated process with multiple forms
- Slow delivery (2-5 business days)
- Expensive fees and poor rates
- Recipient needs bank account
- Limited by banking hours
4. Exchange Rates & Transparency
✅ SendHome
Offers higher market-aligned rates with complete transparency
- • Live rates updated in real-time
- • Shows exact amount recipient receives before you pay
- • No hidden margins or markups
- • Competitive GBP to SLE conversion
⚠️ Banks and Western Union
Often add hidden margins to exchange rates
- • 3-5% markup over real market rate
- • Rates not clearly displayed upfront
- • The difference goes to them as profit
- • Can cost you £10-15 extra per £100 sent
💡 Remember: A low fee with a terrible exchange rate is still expensive. Always check the total amount your recipient receives!
5. Final Verdict: Best Choice for UK → Sierra Leone
SendHome is the Clear Winner
For speed, price, transparency, and convenience
🎯 Best For:
- • Regular remittances
- • Emergency transfers
- • Busy professionals
- • Cost-conscious senders
- • Recipients with mobile money
✨ Key Advantages:
- • Fastest delivery (1-3 min)
- • Lowest fees (from 2.9%)
- • Best exchange rates
- • 100% convenient
- • Completely transparent
Over 80% of Sierra Leoneans use mobile money — SendHome delivers directly to their phones in minutes
When to consider alternatives: If your recipient specifically needs cash pickup and doesn't have mobile money (rare in 2025), Western Union might be an option. Banks are rarely the best choice for remittances.
Try SendHome Today
Deliver money to Sierra Leone in minutes — faster, cheaper, and more convenient than the competition.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Provider Comparison
Is SendHome better than Western Union for Sierra Leone?
Yes, SendHome is faster (1-3 minutes vs 1-24 hours), cheaper (from 2.9% vs medium-high fees), and more convenient (send from home with direct mobile money payout). SendHome also offers better exchange rates with full transparency.
Why are banks so expensive for sending money to Sierra Leone?
Banks charge high flat fees (£20-40), offer poor exchange rates with 3-5% markups, take 2-5 business days for delivery, and have complex processes. They're designed for large business transfers, not personal remittances.
What's the fastest way to send money to Sierra Leone?
SendHome is the fastest option with 1-3 minute delivery directly to mobile money wallets. This is significantly faster than Western Union (1-24 hours) and banks (2-5 business days).
Which provider has the best exchange rates for GBP to SLE?
SendHome offers the best exchange rates with market-aligned pricing and no hidden margins. Banks and traditional money transfer services often add 3-5% markup to exchange rates as hidden profit.