International Money Transfers
Best Currency Transfer Companies in the UK
Compare money transfer specialists to find the cheapest way to send money abroad. Save on exchange rates and fees with our guide to international transfers.
Why Use a Transfer Specialist?
Dedicated transfer services offer significant advantages over traditional banks
Better Exchange Rates
Save 2-4% compared to banks by using specialist transfer providers who offer rates closer to the mid-market rate. Learn about the true mid-market rate in our comprehensive guide.
Fast Transfers
Many transfers arrive within 1-2 business days, with some currency pairs offering same-day delivery.
Secure & Regulated
All providers are authorised by the FCA, with your funds protected and segregated from company money.
Easy Online Access
Manage transfers via web or mobile apps, with real-time tracking and instant rate quotes.
Rate Alerts
Set up notifications to alert you when your target exchange rate is reached.
Wide Coverage
Send money to 180+ countries in 50+ currencies with competitive rates on popular and exotic pairs.
Banks vs Transfer Specialists
See how different providers compare on cost and speed
| Provider Type | Rate Margin | Fees | Speed | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Street Bank | 3-4% | £20-40 | 3-5 days | Poor |
| Currency Broker | 0.3-1% | £0 | 1-2 days | Excellent |
| PayPal | 3-4% | 2.9% + fixed | Instant | Fair |
| Western Union | 2-5% | Varies | Same day | Fair |
Rates and fees are indicative and vary by provider and transfer amount
Top Transfer Services
Best-rated providers for personal international transfers
How to Send Money Abroad
Sending money internationally has never been easier, but choosing the right provider can save you significant amounts. Here's what you need to know about making overseas transfers from the UK.
Understanding Exchange Rates
The exchange rate is the single biggest factor in the cost of your transfer. The "mid-market rate" (what you see on Google or XE) is the fairest rate, sitting exactly between buy and sell prices. Banks typically add a 3-4% margin on top of this rate, while the best transfer specialists add just 0.3-1%.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Beyond the exchange rate, watch out for:
- Transfer fees — fixed charges per transaction (many specialists charge £0)
- Receiving fees — some banks charge to receive international payments
- Correspondent bank fees — intermediary charges on SWIFT transfers
- Currency conversion by recipient bank — if you send in GBP rather than local currency
Choosing the Right Provider
The best provider depends on your needs. For small, regular transfers, Wise offers transparent pricing and an excellent app. For larger one-off transfers (like property purchases), a broker like TorFX or OFX provides personal service and competitive rates. For speed, Atlantic Money and Wise often deliver within hours.
Step-by-Step Transfer Guide
- Compare providers using our comparison table
- Register with your chosen provider and verify your identity
- Get a quote for your transfer amount
- Enter recipient details (name, bank account, address)
- Fund your transfer via bank transfer or debit card
- Track your transfer until it arrives
International Transfer Questions
Start Saving on Your Transfers
Compare the UK's best money transfer services and find the cheapest way to send money abroad. Our independent comparison helps you make the right choice.