The fastest way out of Barclays depends on where the money is going

If you are sending money to another UK bank account, use Barclays' Faster Payments service through online banking or the mobile app — the money arrives the same day, usually within hours. If you are sending money abroad or to a non-UK account, you will need an international transfer, which takes 1 to 5 business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank. For moving money to another Barclays account you own, use internal transfer, which is instant and free.

The method you choose depends on three things: where the money is going, how fast you need it there, and whether you want to set up a one-time transfer or a recurring payment. Barclays charges no fee for transfers between your own accounts or for Faster Payments to other UK banks, but international transfers carry a fee that varies by amount and destination.

Key Takeaways

  • Faster Payments to another UK bank account is free and arrives the same day; you need the recipient's sort code and account number.
  • Internal transfers between your own Barclays accounts are instant and free through online banking or the app.
  • International transfers take 1 to 5 business days and carry a fee; Barclays will show you the exact cost before you confirm.
  • You can set up a standing order for recurring transfers, or make a one-time payment whenever you need to.
  • If you do not have online banking access, you can visit a branch or call Barclays to request a transfer by phone.

Transferring to another UK bank account via Faster Payments

Log into Barclays online banking or open the mobile app, then select Payments or Send Money. Choose New Payee if this is the first time you are sending money to this account, or select an existing payee if you have sent to them before. Enter the recipient's full name, sort code (a six-digit number), and account number (eight digits). Barclays will run a check called Confirmation of Payee to verify the name matches the account holder — if it does not match exactly, the system will warn you before you proceed.

Enter the amount you want to send and review the details. Barclays shows you the exact amount that will leave your account and confirms there is no fee for Faster Payments. Confirm the payment, and it will be sent immediately. The money usually arrives within a few hours on the same business day; if you send it after 3 p.m. on a weekday or at any time on a weekend, it may not arrive until the next business day.

Moving money between your own Barclays accounts

If you have multiple Barclays accounts — for example, a current account and a savings account — you can move money between them instantly at no cost. In online banking or the app, select Payments, then choose Transfer Between My Accounts or Internal Transfer. Select the account you are transferring from (your savings account) and the account you are transferring to, enter the amount, and confirm.

The money moves immediately and appears in both accounts right away. You do not need sort codes or account numbers for internal transfers — Barclays already knows both accounts belong to you. This is the fastest and cheapest way to move money if you are consolidating savings or moving funds to cover a bill from a different account.

International transfers and the cost involved

To send money outside the UK, select Payments and choose International Payment or Send Money Abroad. You will need the recipient's name, address, bank account number (or IBAN for European accounts), and their bank's SWIFT code — a four-letter code that identifies banks internationally. Barclays will ask you to specify the amount in pounds sterling and will show you the exchange rate and the fee before you confirm.

The fee for international transfers varies depending on the destination country and the amount being sent; Barclays typically charges between £15 and £50 for most transfers, though some destinations cost more. The money will leave your account immediately, but it may take 1 to 5 business days to reach the recipient, depending on their bank's processing speed and the country involved. Some countries have faster corridors than others — for example, transfers to other European banks often arrive within 1 to 2 business days, while transfers to some other regions may take longer.

Setting up a standing order for regular transfers

If you need to send the same amount to the same person or account regularly — for example, a monthly transfer to a savings pot or a regular payment to someone — use a standing order. In online banking, select Payments, then Standing Orders, and choose Create New Standing Order. Enter the payee details (or select an existing payee), the amount, and the frequency (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or a custom schedule).

Set the start date and, if you want the standing order to stop at a certain point, set an end date. Barclays will process the payment automatically on the date you specify, and it will continue until you cancel it or the end date arrives. Standing orders are free for transfers to other UK accounts and work the same way as a one-time Faster Payment — the money arrives the same day. You can edit or cancel a standing order at any time through online banking.

Transferring money without online banking access

If you do not have online banking set up or prefer not to use it, you can request a transfer in person at a Barclays branch or by phone. Visit your local branch with your account details and the recipient's information (sort code, account number, and name for UK transfers; IBAN and SWIFT code for international transfers). A staff member will process the transfer for you and confirm the fee and timeline.

To request a transfer by phone, call Barclays customer service using the number on the back of your debit card. You will need to verify your identity by providing your account number, date of birth, and other security information. Phone transfers take the same amount of time as online transfers — Faster Payments arrive the same day, and international transfers take 1 to 5 business days. There is no additional charge for requesting a transfer by phone rather than online.

What to do if a transfer goes wrong or takes too long

If money leaves your account but does not arrive at the recipient's bank within the expected timeframe, contact Barclays immediately. For Faster Payments to UK accounts, the money should arrive within a few hours; if it has not arrived after one business day, call Barclays and provide the recipient's sort code and account number. Barclays can trace the payment and confirm whether it reached the recipient's bank or got stuck in the system.

If the money was sent to the wrong account by mistake, contact Barclays right away — the sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovering the funds. For international transfers, contact the recipient's bank as well, as they may be able to hold or return the payment if it has not been processed yet. If you entered the wrong details and the payment cannot be recovered, you may have to ask the recipient to return the money voluntarily, or you may lose it entirely — this is why Barclays' Confirmation of Payee check for UK transfers is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Use Faster Payments for transfers to other UK banks — the money arrives the same day and there is no fee. You need the recipient's sort code and account number. For transfers outside the UK, use an international transfer, which takes 1 to 5 business days and carries a fee.

How long does a Faster Payment take?

Faster Payments usually arrive within a few hours on the same business day. If you send the payment after 3 p.m. on a weekday or at any time on a weekend or bank holiday, it may not arrive until the next business day. The receiving bank may take additional time to process it once it arrives.

What is the fee for transferring money from Barclays?

Transfers to other UK banks via Faster Payments are free. Internal transfers between your own Barclays accounts are free. International transfers carry a fee that varies by destination and amount, typically between £15 and £50; Barclays shows you the exact fee before you confirm the payment.

Do I need a sort code to transfer money within Barclays?

No. For internal transfers between your own Barclays accounts, you do not need sort codes or account numbers — Barclays already knows both accounts belong to you. Just select the accounts and the amount, and the money transfers instantly.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account?

Contact Barclays immediately with the recipient's sort code and account number. For UK transfers, Barclays may be able to recall the payment if it has not been processed. For international transfers, contact the recipient's bank as well. If the money cannot be recovered, you may have to ask the recipient to return it voluntarily.