LemFi, the international payments platform serving over 2 million immigrants, has launched Send Now, Pay Later (SNPL) — an AI-driven remittance service that allows UK-based users to send money home instantly and pay later using a flexible credit line.
The new feature combines credit and remittance services, addressing one of the biggest challenges for immigrants — sending money home despite cash flow timing issues. Each year, immigrants in the UK remit nearly £10 billion, but many face delays when unexpected expenses arise or rely on high-cost credit providers.
Bridging Credit and Remittance
Powered by LemFi’s Ensemble AI model, SNPL evaluates a wide range of data — from credit bureaus and open banking records to users’ remittance histories — to determine credit eligibility and repayment terms.
“The concept of Buy Now, Pay Later has transformed retail,” said Ridwan Olalere, Co-founder and CEO of LemFi. “With Send Now, Pay Later, we’re bringing that same flexibility to remittances, ensuring that financial support for loved ones is never delayed by timing or cash flow issues.”
Through LemFi Credit, users can access credit lines between £300 and £1,000, even without a traditional UK credit history. The AI engine also recognizes international credit footprints and alternative financial data, allowing new immigrants to qualify for credit and gradually build their UK credit profile.
How It Works
Once approved, users can use their available credit to send funds to any of LemFi’s 30+ supported countries. Transfers are processed immediately, while repayment is deferred based on the user’s credit terms — offering both speed and flexibility.
By integrating AI-driven credit assessment, LemFi predicts affordability more accurately and minimizes bias in credit decisions, helping to close the “credit invisibility” gap that affects millions of immigrants.
Tackling Financial Exclusion
In the UK, about five million people are considered “credit invisible,” with immigrants disproportionately excluded from mainstream banking. According to research, nine in ten immigrants say credit access has become more difficult, while 13% remain entirely unbanked.
LemFi’s SNPL aims to bridge that divide by providing affordable access to credit-backed remittances — a lifeline for many families that depend on timely cross-border support.
Expansion Plans
After its UK debut, LemFi plans to roll out the SNPL feature in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company already supports transactions to over 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Earlier this year, LemFi raised $53 million in Series B funding, bringing total funding to $86 million from investors including Highland Europe, LeftLane Capital, Endeavor Capital, and Y Combinator.
For more information, visit www.lemfi.com.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
