How to Send Money to a UK Bank Account

Yes, you can transfer money to a UK bank account from most places

You can send money to a UK bank account from the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other countries. The transfer will arrive in pounds sterling and land in the recipient's account within one to five business days, depending on which method you use and which banks are involved. The main routes are international wire transfer, a money transfer service like Wise or OFX, or a payment app if both you and the recipient use the same platform.

The choice matters because costs and speed vary significantly. A wire through your bank might cost £15 to £40 and take three to five days. A specialist money transfer service often costs less and moves faster. A payment app can be when ready but only works if both parties have accounts with that service.

Key Takeaways

International wire transfers through your bank work but are slower and more expensive than specialist services, typically costing £15 to £40 and taking three to five business days.
Money transfer services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than banks, with transfers arriving in one to three business days.
You will need the recipient's full name, UK bank account number, sort code, and IBAN to complete any transfer.
Payment apps like PayPal and Revolut can transfer money when ready if both you and the recipient have accounts, but fees and exchange rates vary by app.

What information you need from the recipient

Before you start any transfer, you need four pieces of information from the person receiving the money. Their full name must match their bank account exactly. Their sort code is a six-digit number that identifies their specific UK bank branch. Their account number is eight digits. Together, the sort code and account number form the IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which looks like GB82 WEST 1234 5698 7654 32.

Ask the recipient to check their debit card, bank statements, or online banking portal for these details. Most UK banks display the sort code and account number together on statements. If the recipient is unsure, they can call their bank or log into their online account to find it. Do not proceed without all four pieces of information — a transfer with incorrect details will bounce back or land in the wrong account.

International wire transfer through your bank

This is the most straightforward method if you already have a bank account, but it is usually the most expensive and slowest option. You go into your bank branch or log into online banking, select "send money abroad" or "international transfer", and enter the recipient's details. Your bank will ask for the sort code and account number, or the IBAN. You specify the amount in your home currency, and your bank converts it to pounds at their exchange rate.

The transfer typically takes three to five business days. Your bank will charge a flat fee (usually £15 to £40) plus a currency conversion markup — they buy pounds at one rate and charge you a higher one, pocketing the difference. This markup is often 2 to 3 percent of the amount you send, though it varies by bank. You will see the total cost before you confirm, so you know exactly what leaves your account.

Money transfer services: faster and cheaper than banks

Specialist money transfer companies like Wise, OFX, Remitly, and MoneyGram exist specifically to move money between countries. They typically charge a flat fee (£1 to £10 depending on the service and amount) plus a real exchange rate with a small markup, rather than the larger markup banks explore. The total cost is usually 1 to 2 percent of the amount you send.

To use one, you create an account online, verify your identity, and enter the recipient's UK bank details. You fund the transfer from your bank account, and the service sends the money to the UK account. Most transfers arrive within one to three business days. Some services like Wise offer faster options — same-day or next-day delivery — for an additional fee. These services are regulated in most countries, so your money is protected while in transit.

The main trade-off is that you are dealing with a third party rather than your own bank. This is not a problem with established services, but it means you have one more account to set up and verify. If something goes wrong, you contact the money transfer service, not your bank.

Payment apps and digital wallets

If you and the recipient both use the same payment app — PayPal, Revolut, Wise, or Stripe — you can often send money when ready with no transfer delay. You log in, find the recipient by their email or username, and send the amount. The money appears in their account within minutes.

The catch is that both parties must have accounts with the same service, and fees vary. PayPal charges a percentage fee plus a fixed amount for international transfers. Revolut charges a small percentage if you use their standard exchange rate, or nothing if you pay for a premium subscription. Wise's app works the same as their website — low fees and real exchange rates. These apps work well for regular transfers between people who already use them, but they are not a solution if the recipient does not have an account.

How long the transfer takes and what happens next

Timing depends on the method. A wire through your bank takes three to five business days because the money passes through multiple intermediary banks. A money transfer service usually takes one to three business days. A payment app transfer is when ready if both parties have accounts. None of these timelines include weekends or public holidays — a transfer sent on Friday evening will not move until Monday.

Once the money reaches the UK bank account, it is there. The recipient can see it in their balance and spend it when ready. There is no holding period or additional verification on the receiving end. If the transfer does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact the service or bank you used and provide the transaction reference number — every transfer gets one when you send it.

What can go wrong and how to fix it

The most common problem is incorrect recipient details. If the sort code or account number is wrong, the transfer will either bounce back to you or land in someone else's account. This is why you must ask the recipient to confirm their details in writing. If money lands in the wrong account, contact your bank or the money transfer service when ready with the transaction reference. They can attempt to recover it, but this takes time and is not always successful.

Another issue is that some banks flag international transfers as suspicious and hold them for review. This is rare with established money transfer services but can happen with bank wires. If this happens, the receiving bank will contact the recipient to confirm the transfer is legitimate. It usually clears within 24 hours.

Currency conversion problems are less common but worth checking. Always confirm the exchange rate before you send. Your bank or service will show you the rate they are using and the amount the recipient will receive in pounds. If the rate seems off, compare it to the mid-market rate (the real rate banks use between themselves) on XE.com or OANDA. Specialist money transfer services typically offer rates much closer to mid-market than banks do.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to send money to the UK?

Bank wires cost £15 to £40 plus a currency markup of 2 to 3 percent. Money transfer services cost £1 to £10 plus a markup of 1 to 2 percent. Payment apps vary — PayPal charges a percentage, Revolut charges a small percentage unless you have a premium account, and Wise charges a low percentage. On a £500 transfer, expect to pay £10 to £25 total with a specialist service, or £25 to £50 with a bank.

Can I send money to a UK account if I do not have a UK bank account?

Yes. You can use a money transfer service or payment app from your home country. You do not need a UK account yourself — only the recipient does. You fund the transfer from your own bank account in your home country, and the service handles the conversion and delivery to the UK.

What is the difference between a sort code and an IBAN?

A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies a specific UK bank branch. An account number is eight digits. Together they form the IBAN, which is the international standard format. You can use either the sort code and account number separately, or the full IBAN — most transfer services accept both formats.

What if the recipient's name does not match their account exactly?

The name must match the account holder's name on file at their bank. If you send money to a slightly different name — for example, "John Smith" instead of "John Michael Smith" — the transfer may be rejected or delayed. Always ask the recipient for their name exactly as it appears on their bank account.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

It depends on how far the transfer has progressed. If you cancel within a few minutes of sending, most services can stop it. Once it has left your bank or service and entered the UK banking system, it cannot be cancelled — it will either arrive or bounce back. Always double-check the recipient's details before you confirm the transfer.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.