Yes, you can transfer money to a UK bank account from the US
You can send money to a UK bank account using an international wire transfer, a money transfer service, or a peer-to-peer app. The method you choose depends on how much you're sending, how fast you need it to arrive, and how much you're willing to pay in fees. A wire transfer through your US bank is the most direct route but often costs $15 to $50. Money transfer services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly are usually cheaper for smaller amounts and give you a real exchange rate rather than a marked-up one.
The UK account holder will need to provide you with their sort code (a six-digit number that identifies their bank and branch) and account number (usually eight digits). Some services also ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which combines the sort code and account number into a single 22-character code. You'll also need the account holder's name exactly as it appears on their bank statement.
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers through your US bank are direct but typically cost $15 to $50 and take one to three business days.
- Money transfer services like Wise charge lower fees (often 1 to 2 percent) and offer mid-market exchange rates, though they may take one to two business days.
- You need the recipient's sort code, account number, and name spelled exactly as it appears on their UK bank account.
- Peer-to-peer apps like PayPal and Revolut work for smaller amounts but charge higher fees or less favorable exchange rates than dedicated transfer services.
- The receiving bank will not charge the UK account holder a fee to receive the money.
Wire transfer through your US bank
A wire transfer is the most traditional method and the one your bank can process directly. You log into your online banking, select "send money internationally," and enter the recipient's sort code, account number, and name. Your bank will ask you to confirm the amount and will deduct the wire fee from your account—typically $25 to $50 depending on the bank. Some banks charge less for transfers under a certain amount.
The money usually arrives in one to three business days. Your bank will give you a reference number (sometimes called a SWIFT reference or transaction ID) that you can use to track the transfer. The UK bank will receive the funds and deposit them into the account within that window. If you make a mistake with the sort code or account number, the transfer may be rejected and returned to you, which can take another few days.
Wire transfers work well if you're sending a large amount (over $1,000) because the flat fee becomes a smaller percentage of what you're sending. They're less efficient for small transfers because the fee eats into the total.
Money transfer services (Wise, OFX, Remitly)
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the most popular choice for US-to-UK transfers because it uses the real mid-market exchange rate and charges a transparent fee of around 1 to 2 percent of the amount you send. If you're sending $1,000, you might pay $10 to $20 in fees. The money typically arrives in one to two business days. You create an account online, enter the recipient's details, and fund the transfer from your US bank account via ACH (which is free) or debit card (which costs a small fee).
OFX and Remitly work similarly—you set up an account, enter the UK recipient's information, and choose how to fund the transfer. OFX tends to be slightly cheaper for larger amounts, while Remitly offers faster delivery (sometimes same-day) for a higher fee. All three services lock in the exchange rate when you initiate the transfer, so you know exactly how much the recipient will receive in pounds.
These services are faster and cheaper than banks for most transfers under $5,000. They're also more transparent about fees and exchange rates, so you won't be surprised by a marked-up rate when the money arrives.
Peer-to-peer apps (PayPal, Revolut, Square Cash)
PayPal lets you send money internationally if both you and the recipient have PayPal accounts. You enter the recipient's email address or phone number, the amount, and confirm. PayPal charges a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent plus a fixed amount) and applies its own exchange rate, which is typically higher than the mid-market rate. The money arrives in one to three business days. PayPal works well for small amounts to people you know, but it's more expensive than Wise or OFX for larger transfers.
Revolut is a digital banking app that lets you hold and send money in multiple currencies. If you both have Revolut accounts, transfers between you are free and instant. If the recipient doesn't have Revolut, you can send money to their UK bank account, but Revolut charges a fee and the transfer takes one to two business days. Square Cash (now called Cash App in the US) does not currently support international transfers to the UK, so it's not an option for this purpose.
Peer-to-peer apps are convenient if you're already using them, but they're usually more expensive than dedicated money transfer services when the recipient doesn't have the same app.
What information you need from the recipient
Before you initiate any transfer, ask the UK account holder for the following details:
- Full name — exactly as it appears on their bank account (middle names matter)
- Sort code — six digits that identify the bank and branch (for example, 20-00-00)
- Account number — usually eight digits
- IBAN (optional but helpful) — a 22-character code that combines the sort code and account number; most UK banks provide this on statements or online banking
If the name on the transfer doesn't match the name on the account exactly, the receiving bank may reject it or hold it for verification. Some banks are stricter about this than others. If you're unsure, ask the recipient to confirm their name as it appears on their bank statement.
Timing and when the money arrives
The speed of your transfer depends on the method you choose. Wire transfers through banks take one to three business days. Money transfer services like Wise typically take one to two business days. Some services offer same-day or next-day delivery for an extra fee, but this is rare for international transfers.
Business days do not include weekends or UK bank holidays. If you send money on a Friday evening, it may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. The receiving bank in the UK does not charge the recipient a fee to receive the money—the cost is entirely on the sender's side.
If a transfer doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the service or bank you used and provide your reference number. They can trace the transfer and tell you where it is. Most transfers that go missing are stuck in the receiving bank's system and can be released with a phone call.
Exchange rates and hidden fees
When you send money internationally, it has to be converted from US dollars to British pounds. Your bank or transfer service will apply an exchange rate, but it's usually not the mid-market rate you see on financial websites. Banks typically mark up the rate by 1 to 3 percent, which means you lose money on the conversion.
Money transfer services like Wise use the real mid-market rate and charge a transparent fee instead, so you know exactly what you're paying. PayPal and peer-to-peer apps apply their own exchange rates, which are often worse than what you'd get from a bank.
Before you send, ask the service what exchange rate they're using and what the total fee is. Some services show you the amount the recipient will receive in pounds before you confirm—use this to compare options.
What to do if the transfer goes wrong
If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, contact the service or bank immediately. Wire transfers and money transfer services can sometimes recall the funds if the receiving bank hasn't released them yet, but this is not may provide. If the money has already been deposited, you'll need to contact the recipient and ask them to send it back.
If the transfer is rejected because of a wrong sort code or account number, it will be returned to your account within a few business days. You can then correct the information and send it again.
If the money disappears and you can't find it, your bank or transfer service has a dispute process. Provide your reference number and a detailed account of what happened. Most services will investigate within 10 to 15 business days, though international disputes can take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to send money to a UK bank account?
Wire transfers through US banks cost $15 to $50. Money transfer services like Wise charge 1 to 2 percent of the amount sent. PayPal and peer-to-peer apps charge 2 to 3 percent plus a fixed fee. The total cost depends on the amount you're sending and the method you choose.
Can I send money to a UK account if I don't know the IBAN?
Yes. The sort code and account number are sufficient for most transfers. The IBAN is just a longer format that combines both pieces of information. If you have the sort code and account number, you can complete the transfer without the IBAN.
What happens if I send money to the wrong sort code?
The transfer will likely be rejected by the receiving bank and returned to your account within a few business days. You'll then need to correct the sort code and send the money again. If the sort code belongs to a real account, the money may be deposited there, and you'll need to contact that bank to retrieve it.
Do I need to report international transfers to the IRS?
If you're sending money as a gift or personal transfer, you generally do not need to report it to the IRS. If you're sending money for business purposes or receiving income from the UK, you may have tax reporting obligations. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
Is it cheaper to use a money transfer service or my bank?
Money transfer services are almost always cheaper than banks for amounts under $5,000. For larger amounts, compare the total cost (fee plus exchange rate markup) between your bank and services like Wise. Wise typically offers the best rate because it uses the mid-market exchange rate.