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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Understanding the Table:
The comparison table above helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of available providers, simply enter your transaction type, details and click ‘GET RATES’.
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.