How to Send Money From the US to the UK

Sending money from the United States to the United Kingdom is a common financial activity for many individuals and businesses. This need arises from various circumstances, such as supporting family members, paying for education, managing rental properties, or facilitating business transactions across the Atlantic. This guide outlines the steps involved in making these international transfers efficiently and securely.

Selecting a Transfer Method

Several avenues exist for transferring money from the US to the UK, each with distinct operational models, fee structures, and accessibility. Traditional bank wire transfers involve moving funds directly between bank accounts, typically initiated through a bank branch or online banking portal. Banks often charge a flat fee for outgoing international wires, which can range from $25 to $50, and may also apply a markup to the exchange rate, making the overall cost higher.

Online money transfer services, such as Wise, Remitly, and PayPal, offer an alternative to traditional banks. These platforms generally operate via websites or mobile applications, providing a digital-first experience. They often feature lower fees and more competitive exchange rates, frequently using the mid-market rate and displaying fees upfront. While some online services might have no international transfer fees for certain transactions, they may apply a small transfer fee depending on the method chosen.

The fees for online services can be percentage-based or flat, and they typically get cheaper the more money is sent. For instance, some services charge a small fee for bank transfers but no transfer fees for direct account-to-account transfers within their own system. These platforms are accessible 24/7 through their digital interfaces, offering convenience for users. Online money transfer services also provide real-time tracking and price estimators, and transfers are often completed within one working day, though larger amounts may take longer.

Money orders are less common for international transfers of this nature due to security reasons and regulations, as physically sending cash is generally not possible from the US to the UK. Remittance services, including some online platforms, have become a popular and secure way to transfer money overseas, offering convenience and reliability for a small service fee. These services allow for various payment methods, including bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and sometimes even cash pickup, though direct bank deposits are more common for US to UK transfers.

Gathering Necessary Information

Before initiating a money transfer from the US to the UK, both the sender and the recipient must gather specific details. The sender will need to provide their full name, current address, and a valid form of identification for verification purposes, especially for new customers, which helps comply with anti-money laundering regulations. Depending on the chosen transfer method, the sender’s bank account details, including the account number and routing number, or debit/credit card information will be required to fund the transfer.

For the recipient in the UK, accurate and complete banking information is essential. This includes the recipient’s full legal name and address, exactly as it appears on their bank account. You will also need the recipient’s bank name, their bank account number, and the UK sort code, which is a six-digit number identifying the specific bank branch.

Additionally, the SWIFT/BIC (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication/Bank Identifier Code) code for the recipient’s bank is typically required for international transfers. This unique code identifies the bank globally, ensuring the money is routed to the correct institution. Some services may also request the recipient’s phone number or email address for notifications and security purposes. Providing a brief description or reason for the transfer can also prevent delays and maintain transparency.

Executing the Transfer

Once a transfer method has been selected and all necessary information gathered, the process of executing the transfer can begin. For online money transfer services, the first step often involves creating an account if you are a new user, which typically includes an identity verification process. After logging in, you will usually select the destination country (UK) and the amount of US dollars you wish to send, or the amount of British Pounds you want the recipient to receive. The service will then display the applicable exchange rate and any fees, allowing you to see the total cost and the exact amount the recipient will receive.

Next, you will provide the recipient’s details, including their full name, bank name, account number, sort code, and the SWIFT/BIC code. You then choose your payment method to fund the transfer, such as a direct bank transfer from your US bank account, a debit card, or sometimes a credit card. After reviewing all the details, including the final amount, fees, and exchange rate, you will confirm the transaction to initiate the transfer.

For bank wire transfers, the process typically involves either visiting your bank branch or using their online banking portal if available for international transfers. You will need to complete an international wire transfer form, providing all the recipient’s banking details, including their name, address, bank name, account number, sort code, and the SWIFT/BIC code. You will also specify the amount to be sent and authorize the transfer from your account. Banks may require additional verification for larger sums or new international recipients.

Confirming Fund Delivery

After successfully executing the money transfer, both the sender and the recipient can track and confirm the delivery of funds. Most online money transfer services provide a tracking number or a transaction ID that allows senders to monitor the status of their transfer through the service’s website or mobile app. Senders often receive email or in-app notifications at various stages, such as when the transfer is initiated, processed, and successfully delivered.

Recipients in the UK are typically notified of incoming funds through their bank. This could be via a direct deposit notification from their bank, an update to their online banking statement, or a traditional bank statement showing the credit. The time it takes for funds to arrive can vary depending on the chosen method and the banks involved. Online money transfer services often offer faster delivery times, with many transfers completed within one working day, though some may take up to 2-4 days.

Bank wire transfers generally take 1-5 business days to clear, though larger amounts could sometimes extend this timeline due to additional checks. It is advisable for the recipient to check their bank account balance or transaction history to confirm the successful receipt of the funds. If there are any delays or discrepancies, the sender can use their tracking number to inquire with the service provider, while the recipient can contact their bank.