Bank account
Usually the broadest and lowest-cost route for routine payments.
- Good for regular transfers
- Recipient needs bank details
- May take seconds to several days
Compare exchange rates and send more.
See the live market rate, estimate the real cost of an international transfer and compare ways to send money from the UK.
The market rate is live. Provider results below are transparent estimates using the market rate and indicative costs—not executable quotes. Always check the final rate, fee and amount received on the provider’s website before sending.
Who gives the recipient more?
Ranked by the estimated amount received, so a “£0 fee” cannot hide a weaker exchange rate.
ProviderEstimated rateIndicative feeRecipient getsTypical speedAction
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How this comparison works: LondonGBP applies clearly disclosed indicative fee and exchange-margin assumptions to the live reference rate. Availability, pricing and speed vary by amount, currency route, funding method, customer plan and recipient method. Links open provider websites for a final personalised quote. Some links may become affiliate links; if so, this will not change what you pay.
Choose how the money arrives
The cheapest method is not always the right one. Compare access, speed and convenience.
Debit or credit card
Convenient funding for smaller, urgent transfers, but often more expensive.
- Fast to fund
- Card charges may apply
- Credit cards can treat it as cash
Cash collection
The recipient collects cash at an approved local agent.
- No bank account required
- Useful for emergencies
- ID and collection limits apply
Mobile wallet
Money is delivered to a supported phone-based wallet.
- Can arrive quickly
- Country coverage varies
- Wallet limits may apply
SWIFT bank payment
A traditional bank route for international payments.
- Wide global reach
- Intermediary fees possible
- Recipient may receive less
FX specialist or broker
Often suitable for property, business or other high-value transfers.
- Support for large transfers
- Forward contracts may be available
- Ask for the total received
Popular sterling routes
Choose a route to update the live comparison instantly.
For everyday transfers
Compare the final recipient amount after both the fee and exchange-rate margin. Bank-funded transfers are often cheaper than card-funded transfers.
For property or large payments
Request quotes from more than one authorised provider, check transfer limits and confirm whether the rate can be fixed. Never send a large payment using bank details received only by email.
For urgent transfers
Filter by speed, then confirm the provider’s delivery estimate. “Instant” can refer to processing time and may still depend on checks or the recipient’s bank.
Stop and check before sending
Verify the recipient independently, check the provider on the FCA Register where relevant, and be suspicious of pressure to transfer immediately or move money to a “safe account”.
Exchange-rate questions
What is the difference between the market rate and the provider rate?
The market or reference rate is a benchmark. A provider may apply an exchange-rate margin and a separate fee, so the recipient amount is the fairest practical comparison.
Does “fee-free” mean the transfer is free?
Not necessarily. A provider can charge no visible transfer fee but include its cost in the exchange rate. Compare the recipient’s final amount.
Which provider is best?
There is no permanent winner. The answer changes with the currency route, amount, payment method, delivery method, speed and any customer plan. Use the live comparison, then obtain a final quote.
Are card transfers more expensive?
They can be. The transfer provider, card issuer or both may charge more, and a credit-card transaction may be treated as a cash advance. Check before confirming.