Discover the fastest and cheapest ways to send money to the UK. Compare providers like Wise, OFX, and Revolut, learn about sort codes and FPS, and save on fees today.
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Sending money to the United Kingdom is straightforward thanks to modern payment rails and well-established transfer services. Whether you’re supporting friends or family, paying suppliers, or investing in London property, this guide covers your best options, expected costs, and how UK banking works.
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• Currency: British Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Banking Rails: Faster Payments Service (FPS) for domestic deposits; SWIFT for international wires
• Popular Providers: Wise, OFX, Revolut, WorldRemit
• Fees: Typically 0.3%–2.5% of transfer amount
• Speed: Instant to 2 business days, depending on provider and rails used
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| Provider | Speed | Typical Fee | Exchange Rate Margin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Within minutes–1 day | Low fixed + % | Very low (~0.4%) | Local GBP payout via FPS |
| OFX | 1–2 days | No transfer fee | ~0.6%–1.0% | Ideal for large sums |
| Revolut | Instant–1 day | Varies by plan | Mid-market rates for premium users | App-based; instant for small amounts |
| WorldRemit | Minutes–1 day | Low for economy; higher for express | ~1.0%–2.0% | Good for small, fast transfers |
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📋 What You’ll Need to Send Money
• Recipient’s full name (as held on their UK account)
• Sort code (6 digits: AA-BB-CC)
• Account number (8 digits)
• Transfer purpose (some providers require this for AML/KYC)
• Your ID for verification (passport, driver’s license)
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• Most transfers from providers like Wise and Revolut arrive within seconds to a few hours via FPS.
• FPS is available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Providers such as OFX or your traditional bank may use SWIFT to send GBP, which can take 1–2 business days.
• SWIFT wires may incur intermediary bank fees (£5–£20), so check with your provider.
• UK banks rarely charge to receive FPS credits.
• Incoming SWIFT wires can attract a fee—verify with the recipient’s bank.
• UK banks focus on account number and sort code; the name is less strictly validated than in some countries.
• Still, ensure details are correct to avoid delays.
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Sending money to the UK is fast and cost-effective with modern transfer services. Thanks to the Faster Payments Service, recipients can see GBP credits almost instantly when using providers like Wise and Revolut. For high-value or business transfers, OFX’s competitive margins and no-fee model make it a top choice.