Best UK Banks for sending money abroad [2026 Guide]
Sending an international transfer with your bank shouldn't be too much of a headache – but it can be quite expensive, and because third party fees may creep in, your recipient might get less than you were intending in the end.
This guide walks through the pros and cons, features and fees of sending money overseas with 5 popular UK banks, as well as online specialist services like Wise or OFX, to help you compare and choose.
Looking for the best UK bank for an international transfer? Quick summary
Let's start with an overview of the fees that apply to international transfers from 5 UK banks, and what they do well. To give a bit of context we've also highlighted the service from Wise - a specialist provider which also offers international payments for UK customers:
Provider | 💡 Great for | 💰 Transfer fees |
|---|---|---|
Mid-market exchange rates, with fast or instant payment times | From 0.33% | |
Barclays | Free ways to make standard SEPA payments in euros | No fee for SEPA payments Digital transfers elsewhere cost 4 GP - 12 GBP Exchange rate costs of up to 2.75% apply |
RBS | Free digital payments in any currency | No fee for standard payments made online, urgent payments made online cost 15 GBP |
Starling Bank | Fast, low cost payments to 34 countries | 0.4% currency conversion charge, plus 5.5 GBP for a SWIFT transfer, or from 0.3 GBP for international transfers through local partners |
NatWest | Range of payment options which can include mobile, online, branch and phone | No fee for standard payments made online, urgent payments made online cost 15 GBP |
HSBC | Free payments anywhere if you're a Premier customer, Private Banking customer, or using a Global Money Account | No fee for eligible account holders, and no fee for EUR payments in the EEA. 5 GBP for EUR payments outside of the EEA and all other currency payments. |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026 *Outbound transfer fees may not take into account the exchange rates charged by the banks which can include additional costs and charges.
💡 Things to consider when choosing an international transfer provider
Here are some factors to consider when you're deciding:
Factor | Description |
|---|---|
💰 Costs | the transfer fee can vary widely, so you'll need to check the options carefully |
⌛ Speed | transfers - particularly outside of the EEA - can take several days to arrive - check the delivery times when you send your payment |
💱 Exchange rates | look for a service which uses the mid-market rate (which you'll find on Google) |
📲 Convenience | online or in app payments are normally fastest and easiest |
🎯 Limits | some banks and services are better suited for small, frequent transfers, while others might be best for larger transactions |
📞 Customer support | look for providers that offer 24/7 support via multiple channels such as phone, email, and live chat |
Types of fees for international transfer with banks
UK banks will charge you in several different ways for an international transfer:
💡 Fees to know about: | |
|---|---|
🏦 Bank sending fee: | This fee can vary depending on the type of account you have, how you're making the transfer and the currency you send. |
💱 Exchange rate markup fee: | This is a percentage fee added to the mid-market rate by the bank, often around 3%. |
↔️ Correspondent bank fee: | Third party charges which can be called agent fees, intermediary fees, SWIFT fees or correspondent bank fees. |
⬇️ Receiving bank fee: | Finally, the beneficiary's bank will probably charge a fee for them to receive the money into their account. |
All of these fees do add up and can mean the beneficiary ends up receiving quite a bit less than you sent them.
💡 When we're comparing fees below, we've only included the bank sending fees, as most UK banks don't share the exchange rates they use and the correspondent and receiving bank fees vary so much.
International transfer fees for UK banks
The exact price you pay may vary based on how you set up your transfer - in branch payments are often more expensive than online transfers for example.
Here's an overview of the typical costs for sending an international transfer with 5 large UK banks and providers.
Provider or bank | Transfer fee |
|---|---|
Barclays | No fee for SEPA payments Digital transfers elsewhere cost 4 GBP - 12 GBP Exchange rate costs of up to 2.75% apply |
RBS | No fee for standard payments made online, urgent payments made online cost 15 GBP |
Starling Bank | 0.4% currency conversion charge, plus 5.5 GBP for a SWIFT transfer, or from 0.3 GBP for international transfers through local partners |
NatWest | No fee for standard payments made online, urgent payments made online cost 15 GBP |
HSBC | No fee for eligible account holders, and no fee for EUR payments in the EEA. 5 GBP for EUR payments outside of the EEA and all other currency payments. |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026
How to avoid international transfer fees with Banks
With charges added into the exchange rates and hard to spot intermediary bank fees, international transfer transfers with traditional banks can be costly.
💡 Here are some tips on how you could keep your costs down:
Transfer method: Sending money through your bank's online or mobile banking service is almost always cheaper than visiting a branch
Transfer frequency: If you need to send someone a lot of money, using one larger payment can be cheaper than sending several small transfers, thanks to the fixed transfer fees that apply
Provider selection: If you can, use a specialist international payment provider. You'll be able to make your payment online or in an app for convenience, and may find lower costs and a better exchange rate compared to your bank
Shop around: Compare some different transfer services to make sure you get the best value for your particular payment
Best UK banks for international money transfers: Detailed overview
The best bank for your international transfer might depend on different factors such as currency or country you are sending to, or the amount of money you're sending.
Here is an overview of some providers and UK banks for international transfers:
🌍 Coverage | 💰 Fees & Exchange rates | ⏳ Speed | 🎯 Limits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Send to 140+ countries | From 0.33% | 60%+ of transfers are instant, 80%+ arrive within an hour* | Variable limits, usually around 1 million GBP | |
Send in 50+ currencies | No fee, exchange rates include a markup | 1 - 2 days | Usually unlimited | |
Barclays | Broad selection of countries and currencies | No fee for SEPA Other digital transfers: 4 GBP - 12 GBP Exchange rate markup up to 2.75% | Payments to Europe usually arrive next day, to the US the same day or following working day | 50,000 GBP/day digitally, more in a branch |
RBS | Send more or less globally - check bank website for full list | No fee for standard payments made online Urgent payments made online cost 15 GBP | SEPA payments can arrive same day. For other currencies: next day for urgent payments, 2 - 4 for standard payments | 20,000 GBP/day digitally, more in a branch |
Starling Bank | 34 countries and 17 currencies | 5.5 GBP for SWIFT From 0.3 GBP through local partners Rate includes a 0.4% currency conversion charge | Variable delivery times depending on destination and payment type, up to 3 working days | 500,000 GBP/day for EUR, variable limits for other currencies |
NatWest | Send more or less globally - check bank website for full list | No fee for standard payments made online, urgent payments made online cost 15 GBP | SEPA payments can arrive same day. For other currencies: 1- 2 days for urgent payments, 2 - 4 for standard payments | 20,000 GBP/day digitally, more in a branch |
HSBC | 150+ destinations | No fee for EUR payments in the EEA 5 GBP for EUR payments outside of the EEA and all other currency payments. | Next day for EEA payments, 4 days or longer for other payments | 50,000 GBP digitally, 10,000 GBP by phone |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026
Alternatives to International Transfers with Banks
Sending your international payment with a bank is secure and familiar. But it may also be expensive and slow. Specialist services are safe to use and may offer a lower overall cost. Here are a few to consider:
Provider | 💡 Great for |
|---|---|
Send to 140+ countries, with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees. Payments can arrive instantly | |
Make payments in 50+ currencies online, in app and by phone. There's no transfer fee and the rates offered can beat the banks | |
Send money online or over the phone, and get award winning customer service if you want to talk through your options | |
Online and in app payments to a range of countries around the world, with a good range of pay out methods | |
Send digitally on popular remittance routes, with new customer offers and promotions frequently available |
Wise international money transfer
Wise offers international transfers at the mid-market rate with no hidden fees. Customers can send money to 140+ countries and 70%+ transfers arrive instantly. Payments use the mid-market exchange rate with fees from 0.33%.
OFX international money transfer
OFX allows customers to transfer money internationally without any transfer fees, providing only a small markup on the exchange rate that is often cheaper than banks. They have a wide global coverage with transfers available in over 50 currencies to 170+ countries.
TorFX international money transfer
TorFX is another alternative provider that offers fee-free transfers with no maximum limit. With more than 40 global currencies available, transfers are processed on the same day or within 2 working days if you're sending money to an exotic destination. Customers also get the added benefit of a dedicated account manager for more personalized service.
WorldRemit international money transfers
With WorldRemit, customers can send money to over 130 destinations worldwide using various payout options like cash pickups, bank transfers, mobile money, and airtime top-ups. The cost and speed of a transfer varies depending on the receiving country and receiving and payment method.
Remitly international money transfers
Remitly supports international transfers in over 100 currencies to 170 countries. Transfer fees will vary depending on the destination, but a service fee is added to the transfer amount, and the exchange rate may include a markup.
Transfers can be deposited into your recipient's bank account or as a cash pickup or home delivery. Other options also include a mobile money account or a debit card deposit depending on your recipient's location.
Best bank for international transfers 🇬🇧
We've looked at 5 of the most popular banks in the UK, to see how they measure up on international transfer transfers.
We'll look at the fees, rates, limits, pros and cons of each of the following:
Barclays
RBS
Starling Bank
NatWest
HSBC UK
Barclays international transfers
Barclays customers can send international payments online, by phone and in a branch to a road selection of countries and currencies.
It's free to send a SEPA payment (exchange rate fees of 2.75% may apply), and other digital transfers in non-EUR currencies cost 4 GBP - 12 GBP plus the exchange rate markup.
Payments on many major currency routes can arrive on the same day or the next business day if you hit the payment cut off time.
Barclays is great for: | Barclays may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ Free SEPA transfers ✅ Send online, in app by phone and in branch ✅ Fast payments on major routes | ❌ Prefer to avoid rate markups ❌ Want to send over 50,000 GBP - digital payments aren't offered for high value transfers |
Barclays transfer fees, rates and limits
Barclays international transfer fees, rates & limits | |
|---|---|
💰 Barclays outgoing money transfer fees | No fee for SEPA Other digital transfers: 4 GBP - 12 GBP |
💱 Barclays exchange rates | Rates include a variable markup of up to 2.75% |
🎯 Barclays wire transfer limits | 50,000 GBP/day digitally, more in a branch |
🔐 Is Barclays safe to use? | Yes. Transfers are secure and safe to use |
⬇️Barclays incoming payment fees | No fee for SEPA payments, or transfers under 100 GBP 6 GBP fee for all other payments |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026
RBS international transfers
RBS offers a couple of different ways to send international payments - standard transfers which can take 2 - 4 working days, or urgent transfers which can arrive on the day being sent. SEPA payments usually arrive on the same day they're arranged.
Urgent transfers are more expensive - in fact it's free to send a standard payment online.
If you're sending money in euros as a SEPA payment your money is likely to arrive sooner, and you can arrange online or in a branch for no transfer fee.
RBS is great for: | RBS may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ No fee for standard online transfers ✅ Urgent payment options if you need to get your money moving faster ✅ Strong biometric security in place | ❌ Your want to send with the mid-market rate ❌ You're in a hurry - urgent payments are more expensive |
RBS transfer fees, rates and limits
RBS international transfer fees, rates & limits | |
|---|---|
💰RBS outgoing money transfer fees | No fee for standard payments made online Urgent payments made online cost 15 GBP |
💱 RBS exchange rates | Rates are likely to include a variable markup |
🎯 RBS wire transfer limits | 20,000 GBP/day digitally, more in a branch |
🔐 Is RBS safe to use? | Yes. Transfers are secure and safe to use |
⬇️RBS incoming payment fees | RBS may apply a fee for receiving an international payment to your account - this depends on the currency being sent and the value of the transfer. |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026
Starling Bank international transfers
With Starling you can send money to 34 countries in 17 currencies. Some payments can be routed through Starling's local partners, which means much lower overall fees.
If your payment route isn't supported by this - or if you're in a hurry - Starling Bank can also offer SWIFT payments.
Starling has a transparent pricing system, including splitting out its exchange rate markup or FX margin so you can easily see it before you make your payment.
Starling Bank is great for: | Starling Bank may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ Low fees for payments made via Starling's partners (where available) ✅ Transparent exchange rate pricing ✅ Fast delivery times | ❌ You're sending to an unsupported country ❌ You need a SWIFT payment - fees here are higher |
Starling Bank transfer fees, rates and limits
Starling Bank international transfer fees, rates & limits | |
|---|---|
💰Starling Bank outgoing money transfer fees |
|
💱 Starling Bank exchange rates | Rates include a 0.4% markup |
🎯 Starling Bank wire transfer limits | To check the limit on your Starling Bank international payment you're advised to contact the Starling team through an in-app chat. |
🔐 Is Starling Bank safe to use? | Yes. Transfers are secure and safe to use |
⬇️Starling Bank incoming payment fees | Overall costs may depend on the currency and live exchange rate |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026
NatWest international transfers
You can send a NatWest payment by standard delivery for no fee online, or if you're in a hurry you can pay a charge which varies based on the currency for an urgent payment.
Standard payments usually take 2 - 4 working days while urgent payments may be there in 1 - 2 working days. SEPA payments can be faster.
NatWest is great for: | NatWest may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ Choice of ways to arrange your payment ✅ No fee for standard online payments ✅ Familiar and reliable service | ❌ You need an urgent payment - these have higher fees ❌ You want to send with the mid-market rate |
NatWest transfer fees, rates and limits
NatWest international transfer fees, rates & limits | |
|---|---|
💰 NatWest outgoing money transfer fees | No fee for standard payments made online, urgent payments made online cost 15 GBP |
💱 NatWest exchange rates | Rates are likely to include a variable markup |
🎯 NatWest wire transfer limits | 20,000 GBP/day digitally, more in a branch |
🔐 Is NatWest safe to use? | Yes. Transfers are secure and safe to use |
⬇️NatWest incoming payment fees | No fee for incoming EUR payments, 7 GBP for other currencies |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026
HSBC international transfers
HSBC offers a range of ways to send fee free SEAP payments, in branch, by phone, online and in their app.
If you're sending Euros outside the EEA or any other currency in or outside the UK there's a fee to pay.
Aside from the transfer fee the HSBC exchange rate is likely to include a variable markup added to the mid-market exchange rate.
HSBC is great for: | HSBC may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
✅ Free to send many payments ✅ Global Money Accounts offer additional features ✅ Send up to 50,000 GBP digitally | ❌ You want to avoid exchange ratemarkups ❌ You're not already an HSBC customer |
HSBC transfer fees, rates and limits
HSBC international transfer fees, rates & limits | |
|---|---|
💰 HSBC outgoing money transfer fees | No fee for EUR payments in the EEA 5 GBP for EUR payments outside of the EEA and all other currency payments. |
💱 HSBC exchange rates | Rates are likely to include a variable markup |
🎯 HSBC wire transfer limits | For regular HSBC international transfers you'll be able to send up to 50,000 GBP online or 10,000 GBP by phone. |
🔐 Is HSBC safe to use? | Yes. Transfers are secure and safe to use |
⬇️HSBC incoming payment fees | Fees depend on the currency and which specific account you hold |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026
How long does an international transfer take with UK providers? ⏳
If you're sending money overseas you don't want to wait around unnecessarily.
The delivery time for any payment will depend on a variety of factors including the destination and the bank or provider you're using. However, specialist providers like Wise can often be pretty speedy, with delivery in seconds in many cases.
Here's a summary of the delivery times for the providers we've been looking at:
Provider or bank | Delivery time |
|---|---|
70%+ of transfers are instant, 80%+ arrive within an hour* | |
Barclays | Variable delivery times depending on destination. Payments to Europe usually arrive next day, to the US the same day or following working day |
RBS | SEPA payments can arrive same day. For other currencies: next day for urgent payments, 2 - 4 for standard payments |
Starling Bank | Variable delivery times depending on destination and payment type, up to 3 working days |
NatWest | SEPA payments can arrive same day. For other currencies: 1- 2 days for urgent payments, 2 - 4 for standard payments |
HSBC | Next day for EEA payments, 4 days or longer for other payments |
*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2026 *The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions
Conclusion
Using banks for international transfer transfers can be convenient and secure but is also often expensive thanks to complicated fees and marked up exchange rates.
Specialist services like Wise and OFX are a good option for a faster payment which can be cheaper too. Compare a few options to see which works best for you.