International Money Transfer Limits: Complete Guide 2025

Sending money overseas is something many of us need to do frequently. Whether it's to pay a bill abroad, as a gift to an international friend, or as a remittance home, there are plenty of reasons you may find yourself making an overseas money transfer.

But is there a limit to how much you can send overseas? How does it work if you need to send a high value payment, or if you need to frequently make overseas transfers?

This guide shows you everything you need to know about the maximum amounts for international money transfer imposed by the most used banks in the UK, how you can increase those limits, and some providers that offer more convenient and cheaper ways to send large amounts of money abroad, like OFX and Wise.

Quick summary: International money transfer limits

• Transfer limits vary by provider: Different services have different limits – Wise allows up to 1 million GBP, while TorFX and OFX have no transfer limit at all.

• Bank vs. provider limits: Banks often have stricter limits on international transfers compared to specialised providers like Wise or OFX.

• Tax-free transfers: There's no set limit on how much you can receive tax-free in the UK, but gifts from UK residents may be subject to Inheritance Tax rules. You can gift up to £3,000 per year tax-free under the annual exemption.

• Reporting requirements:  There's no official legal reporting threshold, but UK banks and providers carry out checks on large or unusual transfers to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, and may request documentation.

• Best for high-amount transfers: OFX has no set maximum limit making it  a good choice for large transfers as well as Wise which lets you transfer up to 1 million GBP when you pay from your Wise account balance.

Here is most frequently asked questions about wire transfer limits:

Which providers have the highest limits to transfer money abroad?

Let's get right into the important stuff, with an overview of the international money transfer limits for some of the biggest US banks, and a few specialist providers. We'll look at your options for sending high value payments overseas – including some smart ways to cut your costs and get a better exchange rate – in just a moment.

As you can see, UK banks may have fairly low limits on the amount of money you can send online or in the bank's mobile app. For higher value transfers you may be asked to visit a branch. While that can give you peace of mind when sending a high value transfer, it also usually means far higher fees and a more complicated transfer process.

Let's see how that compares with the specialist services we picked out:

• Wise: Wise has a limit of up to 1 million GBP per transfer. If you want to send more, you can do so but the transfer would have to take place from your Wise account. With Wise you'll also get the mid-market exchange rate, and can even qualify for volume discounts on fees when you send a large payment, or send frequent transfers

• OFX: OFX does not apply its own limits to transfers around the world. However, it notes that there may be limits, particularly when the currencies involved are not freely traded, which are out of OFX control

• TorFX: TorFX doesn't have a maximum transfer limit. It also offers a service for those who need to make regular international payments between £500 and £10,000.

How much money can you transfer internationally?

There isn't a specific law that states how much money you can send or receive internationally. The amount you send will depend on your provider and the destination and financial institutions, and money transfer providers often impose their own daily transaction limits, which can vary significantly.

Some providers may have a limit of £10,000 per day, while others may have no set limit at all. However, it's important to note that while there are no limits in the UK on the amount of money you can spend overseas online, banks are obligated to monitor and report any transactions that appear suspicious, regardless of the amount, and transactions are monitored by HMRC and the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).

The different types of international transfers and sending limits

So what makes the difference to the amount of money you can send – either with your bank or a specialist provider? In some cases, the destination and the way you're setting up your transfer matter. Other factors can include the type of account you hold – personal or business, standard or premier, for example. Finally, the type of payment you're making can also mean differing limits. Here's a look at some of the typical limits you'll run into when making an international money transfer from the UK.

International wire transfer (SWIFT) limits – online

When you send a high value payment overseas, the bank or provider which processes the transfer is obliged to check that the payment is legal and fulfills financial legislation requirements both in the UK and in the destination country. That may mean checking the source of funds or getting more details about the reason for the transfer.

Banks may not be as well set up to handle high value transfers – with the added paperwork and process requirements – online. As such, the limits for sending an international wire online with a bank can seem pretty low. Instead, to send a high value transfer you may be asked to visit a branch – which is more hassle, and can come with higher fees.

Online specialist services tend to be better placed to verify payments and go through compliance checks digitally, allowing them to offer higher value transfers online. That can mean higher limits, and a more streamlined service when sending higher value transfers.

Here's a rundown of the online limits from the banks and providers we looked at earlier:

• Lloyds transfer limits: Up to £100,000 a day via online banking

• Natwest transfer limits: Up to £10,000 a day through online banking

• Barclays transfer limits: £50,000 from personal current accounts and £100,000 from premier and business accounts

• Wise transfer limits: Up to 1 million GBP per transfer

• OFX transfer limits: No upper limit applies

• TorFX transfer limits: No maximum transfer limit

In branch SWIFT transfer limits

If you're sending your SWIFT or wire transfer in a branch you might find there's a far higher limit compared to making your transfer online. The exact options open to you will depend on the specific bank and the account type you hold. However, one downside to this is that heading to a bank is more time consuming than setting up a payment online – and often can mean higher transfer fees, too. That's simply because it takes more time for the in-branch service team to handle your request – which means more costs which they often pass on to the customer through higher fees.

Specialist services like Wise and OFX have no branches, but do offer high value – or even unlimited – payments online and in-app, with all legal processes and verification checks carried out digitally.

Best ways to transfer large sums of money abroad

If you're sending a high value international transfer you may be wondering how to make sure your payment goes through smoothly. Here are a few things to do in advance to make sure your payment is hassle free:

• Check your own bank's payment limits, which can vary depending on how you set up your transfer

• Ask your bank, or the provider you're using, if any verification checks are required to process your payment – you may need proof of the source of funds, for example

• Make sure your provider account is fully verified, by providing all required ID documents before you start to make your transfer

• Double check you have all the details needed for your recipient, including their full name, bank account number, and any country specific information

Before you set up your international payment with your everyday bank, have a look to see if a specialist service can help with an easier online experience and lower overall costs. Here are a few to check out:

• Wise: High limits of up to 1 million GBP, plus volume discounts on fees, for high value and frequent transfers. Learn more: How to send a large amount transfer with Wise.

• OFX: No OFX limits on transfers – you'll also be able to talk through your payment on the phone with a broker 24/7

• TorFX: Fee-free transfers with no maximum limit. Online transfer service available for regular payments between £500 and £10,000; for larger sums, and customers can arrange transfers through a dedicated account manager.

• Currencyfair: No stated maximum limit.

• Xe money transfer: Send up to 375,000 GBP or the currency equivalent via bank or wire transfer, bank debit or debit and credit card

• WorldRemit: Send up to 50,000 GBP per 24 hours via debit, credit, prepaid card or Apply Pay or up to 100,000 GBP per transaction and 24 hours via bank account transfer

International money transfer limits from the UK to the US

Money transfer limits can vary greatly when sending money from the UK to the US and depend all on the bank or money transfer service you choose. Banks tend to impose stricter limits on online transfers compared to specialist providers who usually offer higher, or even unlimited, transfer limits.

Below is a comparison of transfer limits for GBP to USD transactions among major UK banks and several leading online providers.

How to increase the limit of your international transfers

Need to send a higher value transfer? Usually you'll find you have a few options.

• Some banks allow you to increase your transfer limit for online payments by visiting a branch

• You can often send more with a bank by arranging your transfer in a branch, although this may mean a higher fee compared to their online service

• If you have a specific need to make a high value payment – buying a house for example – your bank may be able to support you on a case by case basis – ask directly to see if they can help

• Some online providers like Wise offer multi-currency accounts in the UK, which allow you to send international payments easily – and often with higher limits compared to other transfer types

  

Providers like Wise and OFX usually offer transparent pricing and rate conversion when sending money overseas. Also, in many cases, transfer limits are displayed more clearly than with many banks.

Maximum money transfer limits without taxes applied

When sending or receiving any money internationally, it's important to understand the tax implications to avoid penalties and other significant consequences. HMRC doesn't place limits on the amount of money you can send or receive internationally, but they do monitor large transactions to foreign bank accounts abroad alongside the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) to prevent illegal activities.

You can also give away up to £3,000 worth of gifts, such as money, property and household and personal goods, each tax year without the amount being added to the value of your estate under the Inheritance Tax annual gift allowance. You can gift up to this amount to one person or split it among multiple people.

International wire transfer regulations

International wire transfer regulations are put in place to ensure that transactions are lawful, preventing fraud, money laundering, and the funding of illegal activities. To verify if a money transfer provider is regulated, look for authorisation by the relevant country's regulatory body, which you can usually find on their website.

Regulations may require documentation, such as proof of identity, the source of your funds, and the purpose of the transfer, and high-value transfers usually demand more rigorous checks. These rules vary by country but generally include verification of payment purpose, sender-receiver relationship, and the source of funds.

Regulations to send international transfers from the UK

When you send money abroad from the UK, your bank or transfer provider may carry out checks to comply with anti-money laundering laws. This could include verifying your identity, asking for the source of funds, or requesting documents for high-value or unusual transfers.

Financial institutions also monitor for suspicious behaviour, such as breaking large transfers into smaller ones to avoid detection. These checks help prevent fraud and illegal activity.

UK residents don't need to file a specific foreign asset report, but you must declare overseas income or gains to HMRC, usually through a Self Assessment tax return. For full details, always check with your provider or HMRC directly.

Rules for receiving money from overseas

Cash gifts from overseas – no matter the amount – are not taxed in the UK and don't need to be reported to HMRC, as long as they don't generate any income. However, if the money earns interest once deposited or is invested and produces income, that income must be declared and may be subject to UK tax.

If the money you receive is part of an inheritance from someone who lived abroad, you won't usually pay UK Inheritance Tax unless the deceased was domiciled in the UK or held UK assets. However, if you inherit assets that go on to generate income or capital gains, those earnings must be declared to HMRC.

Income from overseas sources, such as foreign rental income or overseas employment earnings, must also be reported. UK residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income, although you may be able to claim Foreign Tax Credit Relief if you've already paid tax on the same income abroad.

Additionally, you'll want to make sure that your funds are transferred through regulated financial institutions to avoid any legal issues and keep your money safe. Proper documentation, including proof of the transfer's purpose and source, may also be required.

Do I have to pay tax on money transferred from overseas to the UK?

If you're receiving money from overseas into a UK bank account, you generally won't pay tax on the transfer itself. Personal gifts, savings, or capital moved from a foreign bank account to a UK account are not taxed, as long as the money doesn't generate income once it's here. If the funds earn interest or are invested, the income may be taxable and must be declared to HMRC.

Tax rules also depend on your residency status. UK residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income, including foreign earnings, while non-residents aren't taxed on overseas income—even if it's later transferred to a UK bank. HMRC may request documents to confirm the source of large or unusual payments, especially if they suspect income or gains are involved.

How much can you wire transfer without reporting to HMRC?

When wiring money, HMRC doesn't impose specific limits on the amounts you can transfer, but large transactions to foreign bank accounts are monitored together with financial institutions, like the FCA.

However, if you're physically bringing money into the UK from abroad, and are carrying it between England, Scotland and Wales, you will have to declare it if you are carrying £10,000 or more.

Conclusion: Is there a limit on international money transfers?

There's not a legal limit to the amount of money you can send internationally. However, banks and providers do set their own limits which vary based on where you're sending money to and how you want to set up your international transfer.

Generally, online payment limits with banks can be on the lower side – 10,000 GBP per transfer for Natwest, and 50,000 GBP for Barclays personal accounts for example. However, you can usually send more by visiting a branch – and paying a higher fee.

Specialist online services can often offer higher value online transfers, which come with transparent fees and fairly low overall costs compared to banks. Wise, for example, has payment limits of 1 million GBP, and OFX has no limits at all, aside from those which are imposed by law in the UK or the destination country.

Check out the options for a few specialist services before you make your international transfer, to see if you can get a lower fee and an easier end to end payment process.

International money transfer limits FAQs

Which bank has the highest limits to transfer money abroad?

Most banks have lower limits when sending payments online, but can offer higher value transfers in a branch. The downside is that this may mean higher fees. As an alternative check out Wise for payments up to 1 million GBP per transfer, up to 375,000 GBP or the currency equivalent with Xe, or OFX for no limits at all.

What is the limit for international wire transfers?

There's no legal limit for international wire transfers, but banks and specialist services do impose their own limits – and some currencies also have legal limits set by local laws in the destination country. Check with your bank or preferred provider to see the limits applied to your specific transfer.

What is the maximum transfer limit per day?

Maximum transfer limits vary widely between banks and providers, and may include daily, monthly or 6 monthly limits. Check in your online banking service, or in the provider's app, to see the limits which apply to your specific account.

How can I increase my bank transfer limit?

You'll usually be able to view your bank transfer limit in your online banking service, and raise it by calling or visiting the bank in person.