Yes, you can transfer money to a UK bank account, but the method, cost, and speed depend on where you're sending from and how much you're moving
If you're sending from a US bank account, you have four main routes: an international wire transfer through your US bank, a money transfer service like Wise or OFX, a peer-to-peer app if both parties have accounts on the same platform, or a check mailed to the UK (slowest and least reliable). Each has different fees, exchange rates, and delivery times. A wire typically arrives in one to three business days but costs $15 to $50. A money transfer service often has lower fees and better exchange rates but may take one to two business days. The choice depends on how much you're sending, how fast you need it there, and whether you want to minimize what the recipient actually receives.
Key Takeaways
- International wire transfers from a US bank reach a UK account in one to three business days but charge $15 to $50 per transfer.
- Money transfer services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than banks, though they may take slightly longer.
- You will need the recipient's UK bank details: full name, account number, sort code, and IBAN (International Bank Account Number).
- Exchange rates and fees vary by provider and transfer size, so comparing quotes before you send saves money on larger amounts.
- Peer-to-peer apps like PayPal and Revolut work only if both parties have accounts; they are fastest for small amounts between people who already use the platform.
What information you need from the UK recipient
Before you initiate any transfer, ask the recipient for their full banking details. You will need their full name exactly as it appears on their UK bank account, their account number (usually 8 digits), their sort code (a 6-digit code that identifies their bank and branch), and their IBAN (International Bank Account Number, which starts with GB and is 22 characters long). Most UK banks print this information on statements or make it available through online banking.
If any detail is wrong—a misspelled name, a transposed digit in the account number, or an incorrect sort code—the transfer may be rejected or sent to the wrong account. Some banks now use Confirmation of Payee (CoP), a UK system that checks whether the account name matches the sort code and account number before the money moves. If there is a mismatch, the transfer will be blocked or flagged for review.
International wire transfers through your US bank
A wire transfer is the most straightforward method if you already have a US bank account. You go to your bank in person, by phone, or online and provide the recipient's UK bank details plus the amount you want to send. Your bank then sends the money through the SWIFT network (the international banking system) to the recipient's UK bank. The transfer typically arrives within one to three business days, though some banks promise faster delivery for an extra fee.
Costs range from $15 to $50 per transfer, depending on your bank. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount sent. You may also pay an exchange rate markup—your bank converts dollars to pounds at a rate slightly worse than the mid-market rate, and keeps the difference. For a $1,000 transfer, that markup can easily cost $10 to $30. Ask your bank for the exact fee and exchange rate before you send, so you know what the recipient will actually receive.
Money transfer services: often cheaper for larger amounts
Services like Wise, OFX, Remitly, and MoneyGram offer an alternative to banks. They typically charge lower fees (often $1 to $10 for transfers under $1,000) and use mid-market or near-mid-market exchange rates, which means less money lost to currency conversion. Wise, for example, is known for transparent pricing and real exchange rates; you see exactly what the recipient gets before you confirm the transfer.
The trade-off is speed. Most money transfer services take one to two business days, slightly longer than a wire. Some offer expedited options for an extra fee. You will need to create an account, verify your identity (usually with a photo ID and proof of address), and link a US bank account or debit card. Once your account is set up, you can send money online or through a mobile app. For regular transfers or larger amounts, these services often save enough on fees and exchange rates to be worth the extra step.
Peer-to-peer apps for transfers between individuals
If both you and the recipient have accounts on the same platform, apps like PayPal, Revolut, or Wise can move money directly between you. These are fastest for small amounts—often arriving within minutes to a few hours—and fees are typically lower than banks or money transfer services. PayPal, for instance, charges a percentage of the amount plus a fixed fee for international transfers; Revolut charges a small percentage depending on your account type.
The catch is that both parties must already have an account on the platform and have completed identity verification. If the recipient does not use the app, you will need to use one of the other methods. These apps work best for regular transfers between people who already use them, or for splitting costs on shared expenses.
Timing and what to expect after you send
Once you initiate a transfer, the money leaves your US account immediately, but it does not arrive in the UK account on the same timeline. A wire transfer typically clears within one to three business days. Money transfer services usually take one to two business days. Weekends and UK bank holidays can add a day or more. If you send on a Friday afternoon, do not expect the money to arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday.
The recipient will see the money in their account once their UK bank has received and processed it. Some banks post it the same day; others may hold it for a day while they verify the transfer. If the transfer is rejected—usually because of a name mismatch or incorrect account details—the money returns to your US account, which can take another three to five business days. That is why confirming the recipient's details before you send is worth the extra minute.
Comparing costs: wire, transfer service, or app
| Method | Typical Fee | Exchange Rate | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank wire | $15–$50 | Bank markup (worse than mid-market) | 1–3 business days | One-time transfers; simplicity |
| Money transfer service (Wise, OFX) | $1–$10 (or percentage) | Mid-market or near mid-market | 1–2 business days | Larger amounts; regular transfers |
| Peer-to-peer app (PayPal, Revolut) | Percentage + fixed fee (varies) | Mid-market or near mid-market | Minutes to hours | Small amounts; both parties on platform |
| Check by mail | Cost of postage | N/A (recipient deposits in USD) | 2–4 weeks | Last resort only |
For a $500 transfer, a bank wire might cost $25 to $40 in fees plus a $10 to $15 exchange rate markup, totaling $35 to $55 in costs. A money transfer service might charge $3 to $8 with a better exchange rate, totaling $5 to $15. For a $5,000 transfer, the difference is even larger: a bank wire could cost $50 to $100 in fees plus $50 to $100 in exchange markup, while a money transfer service might cost $15 to $30 total. Always get a quote from at least two providers before you send.
What happens if the transfer goes wrong
If you provide incorrect details—a wrong sort code, a misspelled name, or a transposed account number—the transfer may be rejected by the recipient's UK bank. When that happens, the money returns to your US account, which typically takes three to five business days. You then have to correct the information and send again, which means two sets of fees and a longer wait overall.
If the money reaches the wrong account by accident, recovery is harder. UK banks can sometimes trace the payment and ask the recipient to return it, but this process is slow and not may provide. That is why Confirmation of Payee (CoP) exists—it catches mismatches before the money moves. If you receive a warning that the name does not match the account details, stop and ask the recipient to confirm their information is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to send $1,000 to the UK?
A bank wire costs $25 to $50 in fees plus $10 to $20 in exchange markup, totaling $35 to $70. A money transfer service costs $5 to $15 total. The exact amount depends on your bank or service provider, so request a quote before you send.
Can I send money to a UK account if I don't have a US bank account?
Yes. Money transfer services and peer-to-peer apps often accept debit cards, prepaid cards, or other payment methods. You will still need to verify your identity, but you do not need a traditional bank account. Check the specific service's requirements.
How long does it take for money to arrive in a UK account?
Bank wires typically arrive in one to three business days. Money transfer services take one to two business days. Peer-to-peer apps can deliver within minutes to hours. Weekends and UK bank holidays add delays. Always assume at least one business day.
What is the difference between a sort code and an IBAN?
A sort code is a 6-digit number that identifies a specific UK bank and branch. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a 22-character code that includes the sort code, account number, and country identifier. You need both for an international transfer; they work together to route the money correctly.
Can I send money to a UK account from a credit card?
Most banks and money transfer services do not accept credit card payments for international transfers because of fraud risk and higher processing costs. Debit cards and bank account transfers are standard. Check with your provider, as some peer-to-peer apps may accept credit cards for smaller amounts.