The fastest way depends on where the money is going

If you're moving money to another UK bank account in your name, a Barclays transfer takes one to two working days and costs nothing. If you're sending it to someone else's account, the speed and cost depend on the method: a Faster Payment arrives the same day but has a £20,000 limit per transaction, while a CHAPS transfer (same day, no limit) costs £25 to £35. International transfers take three to five working days and typically cost £15 to £40 depending on the destination country.

The method you choose matters because each one has different limits, costs, and speed. Barclays doesn't charge for domestic transfers between your own accounts, but moving money abroad or using certain payment methods will incur fees that vary by transfer type.

Key Takeaways

  • Transfers between your own UK accounts at Barclays take one to two working days and are free.
  • Faster Payments to someone else's account arrive same-day but are limited to £20,000 per transaction and may have a small fee.
  • CHAPS transfers (same-day, no limit) cost £25 to £35 and are useful for large amounts or time-sensitive payments.
  • International transfers take three to five working days and cost £15 to £40 depending on the country and amount.
  • You can set up standing orders for regular transfers, which Barclays processes free of charge.

Transferring to another account in your own name

Log into Barclays Online Banking or the Barclays app, go to Payments, and select "Send money". Choose "Pay to another account" and enter the sort code and account number of your other UK bank account. Barclays will verify the account holder's name matches what you enter — this is called Confirmation of Payee (CoP) — and will warn you if there's a mismatch.

Enter the amount and the date you want the transfer to leave your savings account. If you choose today, the money will arrive at the receiving bank within one to two working days. There is no fee for this type of transfer. Once you confirm, Barclays sends the instruction when ready, though the receiving bank processes it on their own schedule.

Sending money to someone else's account (Faster Payments)

Faster Payments is the standard method for sending money to another person's UK account. In Barclays Online Banking, select "Send money" and then "Pay to another account". Enter the recipient's sort code and account number, and Barclays will run Confirmation of Payee to check the name matches.

The maximum you can send in a single Faster Payment is £20,000. If you need to send more, you'll have to split it into multiple transactions or use CHAPS instead. Faster Payments typically arrive the same working day if you send before 3 p.m., though some banks process them overnight. Barclays may charge a small fee (typically £1 to £3) for Faster Payments, though many accounts include them free — check your account terms or call Barclays on 0345 734 5345 to confirm.

Large transfers or same-day certainty (CHAPS)

CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) is a same-day payment method with no upper limit. It's useful when you need to send more than £20,000 in one go, or when you need may provide same-day arrival. CHAPS transfers sent before 2 p.m. arrive the same day; those sent after arrive the next working day.

CHAPS costs £25 to £35 depending on your Barclays account type. To send a CHAPS transfer, contact Barclays directly — you cannot initiate CHAPS through Online Banking. Call 0345 734 5345 and provide the recipient's sort code, account number, and the amount. Barclays will confirm the fee, take the payment instruction, and process it when ready.

Sending money abroad

International transfers from Barclays use the SWIFT system and take three to five working days. Log into Online Banking, select "Send money", then "International payment". You'll need the recipient's full name, address, bank account number (IBAN for Europe), and their bank's SWIFT code.

Barclays charges £15 to £40 depending on the destination country and the amount. Some countries have fixed fees; others charge a percentage. The receiving bank may also deduct their own fees from the amount that arrives, so the recipient might receive less than you send. Ask Barclays for the exact fee before you confirm the transfer — they will show you the breakdown including any receiving bank charges if they're known.

Setting up regular transfers (standing orders)

If you transfer the same amount to the same account regularly, set up a standing order instead of repeating manual transfers each time. In Barclays Online Banking, go to Payments and select "Set up a standing order". Enter the recipient's details, the amount, and how often you want it to go out (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.).

Standing orders are free and Barclays processes them automatically on the date you specify. You can pause, change, or cancel a standing order at any time through Online Banking. This is useful for regular savings transfers, bill payments, or money you send to family on a fixed schedule.

What happens if something goes wrong

If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, contact Barclays when ready — the sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery. Barclays can try to recall the payment, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. If the money has been withdrawn, recovery becomes much harder and may require police involvement.

If a transfer doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, check with the receiving bank first — delays sometimes happen on their end. If the receiving bank confirms they haven't received it, contact Barclays with the transaction reference number (shown in your Online Banking history) and they will investigate. Barclays typically responds to payment queries within five working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from my Barclays savings account to a different bank?

Yes. Use Faster Payments for amounts up to £20,000 (same-day arrival) or CHAPS for larger amounts or may provide same-day processing. Both methods work to any UK bank account. Transfers to your own accounts at other banks are free; transfers to someone else's account may have a small fee depending on your account type.

What's the difference between Faster Payments and CHAPS?

Faster Payments has a £20,000 limit per transaction and usually costs £1 to £3 (or is free on some accounts). CHAPS has no limit, costs £25 to £35, and guarantees same-day arrival if sent before 2 p.m. Use Faster Payments for routine transfers under £20,000; use CHAPS for large amounts or when you need absolute certainty of same-day delivery.

How long does an international transfer take?

Three to five working days is typical. The exact timeline depends on the destination country and whether their banks are open on the day your transfer arrives. Barclays charges £15 to £40 for international transfers, and the receiving bank may deduct additional fees, so the recipient might receive less than you send.

What if I send money to the wrong account?

Contact Barclays when ready with the transaction reference number. They can attempt to recall the payment, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. The sooner you report it, the better. If the money has been withdrawn, recovery becomes much harder and may require police involvement.

Can I set up automatic transfers from my savings account?

Yes, through a standing order. In Barclays Online Banking, select "Set up a standing order", enter the recipient's details and the amount, and choose how often you want it to go out. Standing orders are free and process automatically on the date you specify. You can change or cancel them at any time.