Aspora and Instarem are two of the more relevant specialists for sending money to India. Aspora is built for Indians living abroad and is developing services around that relationship. Instarem is the consumer transfer brand of Nium and sends from the UK to India as part of a wider Asian and international network.
For a normal bank deposit, there is no permanent winner. Both services show the exchange rate and recipient amount before payment, and both can run temporary offers. Compare the ordinary repeat price before choosing the app you will use every month.
128.36Aspora and Instarem compared
| Question | Aspora | Instarem |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Indians living abroad | International transfers with strong Asian coverage |
| UK to India | Supported | Supported |
| Price display | Rate, fee and INR amount in the transfer flow | Rate, fee and INR amount in the transfer flow |
| Rewards | Campaigns and referral rewards can apply | InstaPoints and introductory offers can apply |
| Wider use | NRI-focused services are being developed | Transfers from the UK to 60+ countries |
Which one is cheaper
Aspora's UK terms (opens in a new tab) say its transaction rate includes a small margin retained by Aspora. Instarem says its fees and exchange rates vary with the amount, currency, payment method and destination. Different labels can therefore produce a similar final result.
Enter the same GBP amount in both services within a few minutes. Choose bank funding in both, ignore points you cannot immediately redeem and record the INR amount delivered. Repeat the test without any new-customer rate.
Instarem's UK to India page (opens in a new tab) currently advertises special first-transfer pricing. That offer can make Instarem the right choice for an eligible first payment, but it does not establish the better repeat price. Aspora's rewards should be treated in the same way.
Where Aspora is stronger
Aspora is the more focused NRI product. India is not one destination among dozens; it is the centre of the service. That can make its recipient setup, support material and planned banking features more useful to someone managing regular financial commitments in India.
The focused proposition is also easier to assess. If you only send to India, the important questions are the rupees delivered, transfer limit, arrival time and quality of help when an Indian bank rejects or delays a payment.
Where Instarem is stronger
Instarem serves more destinations. Its UK service advertises transfers to over 60 countries, making it more useful for someone who sends to India and elsewhere. InstaPoints can reduce a future transfer, although their value should be counted only when the points can be used on a payment you would make anyway.
Instarem says most transfers are instant or same day, subject to the destination, funding method and bank timing. Aspora can also be fast, but neither estimate should be treated as a guarantee for a deadline-sensitive payment.
A practical two-quote test
Run one quote at your usual monthly amount and another at the largest amount you expect to send. A fixed fee matters more on the smaller transfer, while a modest rate difference matters more on the larger one. Also check whether either amount crosses a verification or transfer limit.
For property, education or another large payment, verify the account early and prepare bank statements or proof of income. Send a small test to a new recipient before the main payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aspora cheaper than Instarem
It can be, but live prices change. Compare the final INR amount for the same GBP payment and bank-funding method. Test an ordinary repeat transfer as well as any introductory offer.
Does Instarem use the mid-market rate
Instarem displays its own applicable transfer rate and any fee before payment. Compare that rate with the live reference above and focus on the final amount received.
Which is better for regular transfers to India
Aspora's India focus may make it a better long-term fit. Instarem can still win on price and has a wider international service. Save two comparable quotes each time until one provider is consistently better for your amount.
Do both services require verification
Yes. Both can request identity and source-of-money documents, particularly for a large or unusual transfer.
Sources: Aspora UK (opens in a new tab), Aspora UK terms (opens in a new tab), Instarem UK to India (opens in a new tab), Instarem UK (opens in a new tab). Checked 27 August 2026.