Careem pay has become one of the most widely used international money used money transfer apps in the UAE. With its best features like instant transfer, competitive exchange rates, and easy-to-use mobile interface, users are now switching to Careem Pay for seamless, secure and cost-effective transfers to abroad.
After using it for over a year, here’s my in-depth, honest, and personal review of the Careem Pay app in 2025 (UAE). I’ll cover its pros, cons, and why it remains the top choice for international remittance in the UAE.
What is Careem Pay App?
Careem Pay is the digital wallet that’s already built into your Careem app, which you probably use for booking rides or ordering food. Well, now it does way more! If you’re in the UAE, Careem Pay in partnership with Lulu Exchange makes it super easy to send money to 30+ countries including India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
Key Features of Careem Pay Money Transfer
- Google Exchange Rates for Careem+ ( AED 19/month) Members
- No Exchange Fees on Transfers Over AED 1,000
- Almost Instant International Transfers
- Direct Debit from Your Bank Card
- Get AED 40 Referral Bonus (link below)
- Powered by Lulu Exchange
- Fully Integrated with the Careem App
- Fast, Safe & Secure Transactions
- Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Charges
In my review of Careem Pay, i found these are the best key features I’ve found after using it for remitting money aboard for 1 year.
Must Check: Get 50 AED Cashback from Aspora Money Transfer
How to Send Money – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps:
- Download and open the Careem app and tap on “Careem Pay”
- Select “Send Abroad”
- Choose the country you want to send to
- Enter the amount you want to transfer ( minimum 10 AED)
- Enter recipient details (name, bank info, etc.)
- Verify your account and enter your address details
- Enter your Debit card details and complete the transfer
Note that you must complete Identify verification using your emirates id to finish the transfer. It only takes 2 minutes and will verified instantly. If you are sending for the first time, it might take up to 2-4 hours, and all other transactions will be processed almost instantly.
Exchange Rates and Transfer Fees – Are They Competitive?
This is where most people get stuck. Careem Pay doesn’t charge obvious fees, but like many platforms, it earns from exchange rate margins.
Reviewing Careem Pay, i found it offers two types of exchange rates depending on whether or not you’re subscribed to Careem+. Regular users get a slightly lower rate, while Careem+ members enjoy rates that closely match the Google exchange rate.
For non-members, when I compared it with Aspora and TapTap Send, Careem Pay’s exchange rate was a bit lower than the others. It’s acceptable, but not the most competitive out there.
Also, in my first-hand experience I noticed that Careem Pay charges a flat AED 5 fee if you’re sending less than AED 1,000. In contrast, many of its competitors are still offering free transfers even for smaller amounts.
Transfer Speed: How Fast Does the Money Arrive?
For me, sending money to India took under 5 minutes and sometimes instantly. That’s very fast. Transfers to other countries like Pakistan or the Philippines may take a few hours depending on the partner bank or wallet.
When I deep dive in to the Careem Pay app, it clearly shows the estimated time before you confirm the transfer, which helps avoid surprises.
Careem Pay Referral Code & Bonus (2025)
Careem Pay now offers a referral program! Download Careem app from the below link and sign up. Then complete a minimum transfer of AED 1000, then you will receive AED 40 credited to your wallet instantly. You can use this on your next transfer.
Careem Pay’s official download link for receiving 40 aed bonus: https://url.careem.com/MaNBIcnyloHR
Note: Another UAE money transfer app Aspora also offers a 50 AED bonus, when you send money to India. Use the promo code B3NZM0 or download from here. The best feature is that, it is giving google rates to all users without any transfer fees. I have already written a detailed review on Aspora and promo code recently, I recommend to check it out for extra bonus credits to your wallet.
Source: careem.com
Careem Pay vs Other Money Transfer Apps in UAE
| Feature | Careem Pay | Aspora | TapTap Send |
| Transfer Fee | 5 AED (<1k) | 0 AED | 0 AED |
| Rate vs Google | -1% (non member) | 0% | -0.5% |
| Speed | Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Bonus | AED 40 | AED 50 (B3NZM0) | AED 15 (VIVEK648) |
While it’s improving fast, Careem Pay is still catching up, but apps like Aspora and TapTap Send still lead if you’re looking for the best rates and bonuses.
Careem Pay Reviews and Ratings by Users
When referring Google Play Store and App Store, Careem Pay holds an average rating of around 4.3 stars. Most users praise the app experience, its ease of use and fast transfer speed. Some reviews mention limited countries and slightly lower exchange rates as drawbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Careem Pay safe for sending money abroad?
Yes, Careem Pay is safe. It’s regulated in the UAE and powered by Lulu exchange. It uses OTP or biometric login for every transaction.
Does Careem Pay remit immediately?
In many cases, yes. Money transfers to countries like India can be completed in under 10 minutes. For other countries, it might take a few hours depending on the partner bank.
How much is Careem Pay transfer fee in UAE?
Careem Pay charges AED 5 if you’re sending less than AED 1,000. For transfers of AED 1,000 or more, it’s free.
Final Verdict: Should You Use It for Sending Money?
If you are someone who is already using Careem app for taxis or food delivering, this will be great extension for you. Because you don’t need to install another apps just to send money abroad. Simply continue using the Careem Pay.
That said, in my opinion if your top priority is getting the best exchange rates or want more referral bonuses, alternatives like Aspora or TapTap Send might suits for you.
If you already have Careem+ subscription you get the best rates and no need to look for another remittance app for international transfers. The app is super convenient and reliable for all kind of transfers.
Disclaimer: The Careem Pay review is based on real usage in July 2025. Features and rates may change. Always double-check inside the app before transferring.
