TopRate vs LemFi: sending money from New Zealand
Looking for a LemFi alternative in New Zealand? Here is how TopRate compares on fees, speed, the New Zealand payment rails you actually use — and the one thing no introductory offer gives you: a rate benefit you earn that grows.
How they compare
| Feature | TopRate | LemFi |
|---|---|---|
| FSPR-registered (New Zealand) | Yes | Check provider |
| NZ payment rails (bank transfer, debit card) | Yes | Varies |
| First-transfer fee | From $0 | Low/zero fee + FX margin (varies) |
| Rate benefit that grows over time (earned, not a one-time promo) | Yes — earned special rate | Not advertised |
| Live rate shown before you sign up | Yes — on this site | In app |
| Delivery speed | Minutes – 2 business days | Varies by corridor |
| Destinations from New Zealand | 30+ countries | Varies |
Comparison is indicative only and based on publicly available information; provider fees, rates and features change frequently. Always compare the live quote in each provider’s app before you send. TopRate Transfer is a registered financial service provider (money remittance) on New Zealand's Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR), supervised for AML/CFT by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
The key difference: a rate you earn, not a promo that ends
Most money-transfer apps put their best foot forward on your first transfer. The question that matters is what happens on your tenth.
Transfer #1 — both welcome you
TopRate gives you zero fees on your first transfer, and many providers offer introductory benefits too. Day one is the easy part.
Transfer #2+ — where paths diverge
Introductory offers end. TopRate's special rate is a rewards benefit you EARN through activity — so your benefit can grow the longer you stay, instead of disappearing.
Your rate, your progress
Rewards from sending, referrals and promotions build your special rate over time. A special rate is a benefit you earn — not a rate you set. T&Cs apply.
A special rate is a rewards benefit you earn — not a rate you set. Exchange rates are live, variable and not guaranteed. T&Cs apply.
Compare by destination
See the full provider comparison — TopRate vs Wise, Remitly and LemFi — for the corridor you actually send on.
Frequently asked questions
Is TopRate a good LemFi alternative in New Zealand?
Yes. TopRate is an FSPR-registered money transfer service, supervised by New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), built for sending money from New Zealand. You fund transfers with local NZ rails (bank transfer, debit card), fees are shown upfront with zero fees on your first transfer, and instead of a one-time introductory offer your special rate is a rewards benefit you earn — it grows as you send. Always compare the live quote in both apps before you send.
What is the main difference between TopRate and LemFi?
The biggest structural difference is how each rewards you over time. Many providers offer their best pricing as an introductory benefit on early transfers. TopRate's special rate works the other way around: it is a rewards benefit you earn through activity, so your benefit can grow the longer you stay — it is not a one-time promotion. A special rate is a rewards benefit you earn, not a rate you set; exchange rates are live, variable and not guaranteed, and T&Cs apply.
Which countries can I send to with TopRate from New Zealand?
TopRate supports 30+ receiving countries from New Zealand, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India and the Philippines, with bank deposit, mobile money and wallet payout options depending on the corridor.
How do I pay for a transfer with TopRate in New Zealand?
You can fund transfers with bank transfer and debit card — local NZ payment rails with no card surcharges or slow international wires.
Try the rate you can earn
Download the TopRate app, check your live rate, and start building your special rate from transfer one.