Transferring large sums of money internationally in 2024

Compare low-cost and safe providers to send large sums of money abroad

Sending large transfers can mean paying large transfer fees. It's always a smart idea to research a few different providers when you send money abroad, but it’s especially worth it when you send high amounts. Whether you're buying property abroad, investing overseas, or transferring an international inheritance, our guide will help you find reliable, safe, and low cost options.

I am sending
from
to
Provider
Trustpilot
Speed
Total cost
Amount received when sending £300,000
Go to provider
2-3days
£ 1,510.04GBPshow more
€359,543.25EUR
1-3days
£ 1,632.72GBPshow more
€359,397.00EUR
2-3days
£ 1,813.37GBPshow more
€359,181.90EUR
1-3days
£ 2,210.42GBPshow more
€358,710.00EUR
2days
£ 3,646.25GBPshow more
€357,013.80EUR

What to look for when transferring large sums of money internationally

We’ll cover each of these points in detail throughout this guide - but let’s start with an overview of the key things to consider when sending a high value money transfer:

  • Price – including both transfer fees and the exchange rate used

  • Safety – how money transfer providers protect my money

  • Paperwork needed - documents required to process my payment safely and legally

  • Dedicated support - how responsive a provider is if I have questions or concerns

How much does it cost to send a large money transfer overseas?

Use our comparison data to see which service will be the cheapest option to send your high value money transfer. All you need to do is enter the amount you want to send, the currency you’re sending from, and the currency you’re sending to. Our calculator will instantly show you the cheapest provider for your specific needs based on our extensive research, plus the transfer fees you’ll pay, and the available exchange rate.

What is the Pound Sterling / Euro mid-market rate?

You’ll be able to find the Pound Sterling to Euro exchange rate using our price comparison, with a simple Google search, or with a reputable currency conversion app. Right now, the mid market rate for exchanging 1 Pound Sterling to Euro = 1.20451

The mid-market exchange rate is the rate used by banks and money transfer services trading on global markets. Some providers add a markup - a percentage fee - onto the rate used to convert your money from Pound Sterling to Euro. That pushes up the price, and is often the most expensive single fee you’ll pay when sending money.

To give an example of how this works, let's look at how a few different providers operate for large amount transfers. We’ll cover these services in more detail later - but here we’ve modelled a payment of 200,000 GBP to EUR as a quick comparison. You can see the exchange rate used, the transfer fee and how much the recipient gets in the end:

ProviderGBP - EUR exchange rateTransfer fee for 200,000 GBP - EURRecipient getsGo to provider
Wise1 GBP = 1.16940 EUR757.43 GBP232,994.26 EURGo to Wise
OFX1 GBP = 1.15966 EUR0 GBP231,931.90 EURGo to OFX
Barclays1 GBP = 1.15706 EUR0 GBP231,412.48 EURGo to Barclays

*Fees and exchange rate correct at time of writing - 16th February 2024

This comparison illustrates why it’s important to look at both the fees and the exchange rates used for sending money overseas. On the face of it, Wise looks the most expensive, as you’ll need to pay a transfer fee. However, even taking this fee into account, your recipient would get more in the end with Wise. That’s all down to the exchange rate being used.

As you can see, all 3 providers use different exchange rates.

Wise uses the mid-market rate while OFX and Barclays add a margin to the rate used to convert your funds. OFX and Barclays don’t have any transfer fee to pay - but the cost has been added in the form of an exchange rate markup instead. As an exchange rate markup is a percentage fee, it can quickly add up when sending a high value payment. Use our tools to compare providers on both exchange rates and fees, to avoid surprise costs and make sure you get the best deal out there for your specific situation.

Large transfer fee breakdown

As we saw in our example, the exchange rate being used is important when sending a high value payment overseas. However, an exchange rate markup is not the only fee you’re likely to pay. Depending on the provider you select, you may end up paying any of the following charges:

  • Transfer fees - many providers charge a transfer fee which is usually transparently displayed when you arrange your payment. Transfer fees may be a percentage of the transfer value or a flat fee, and may vary depending on factors like how you pay

  • Recipient fees - your recipient’s own bank might charge a fee when the transfer you send is deposited. This money goes to the recipient’s bank, and the transfer provider can’t know in advance what the cost will be - have your recipient check with their bank directly if you’re unsure of the charges that apply

  • SWIFT fee - when transfers are processed through the SWIFT network, it’s common for 1 to 3 intermediary banks to partner up to move the payment through the system. This is reliable and safe, but swift transfers can also be expensive and slow, as each intermediary bank can charge a fee which is deducted from the transfer amount as it’s processed

  • Exchange rate markup - the exchange rate used to convert your payment to the currency needed for deposit may include a percentage fee, commonly called a markup or margin. This fee is rolled up in the rate being offered, so to calculate the costs you’ll need to compare the provider’s exchange rate against the mid-market rate for your currency pair

The costs involved in a high value transfer can vary a lot depending on the value of the payment, the provider you pick, how you pay, and the currencies involved. Shopping around is essential to make sure you get the best available deal - in our comparison, we found that Wise was the cheapest provider for transferring 200,000 GBP to EUR.

Safest way to transfer large amount of money

The safest way to send a large amount of money is to use a reputable and regulated money transfer company or bank.

Money transfer companies often operate online or through apps, and are convenient and easy to use. If you have questions or concerns you can usually talk to a member of the support team by phone or in-app chat. Digital money transfer companies have been built with safety in mind, and have lots of security measures in place to keep customers and their money safe, including both manual and automatic anti-fraud measures, secure account access and encryption. Money transfer companies which specialise in high value transfers often allow uncapped payments, and may have lower fees for sending large amounts of money. Double check the provider you pick is licensed and regulated - all the information you need is likely to be displayed in a footer of the provider’s website for convenience.

Major UK banks offer service in branches, by phone, online and through apps. It’s pretty common to find banks have maximum transfer limits for online and in-app payment, so depending on the bank you choose you might have to arrange your large value transfer in a branch or by phone. The fees for sending money overseas with a bank are often cheaper when you arrange the transfer online or through the bank’s mobile app - but being able to talk your payment through with a member of the bank’s staff can be reassuring. Banks are fully regulated, and use safe and reliable methods to process high value transfers.

How to send large amount transfers

Here's a rundown of the steps usually involved in sending a high value transfer overseas. The exact process you'll follow may vary a little depending on the specific bank or provider you choose to use.

1. Before you start your transfer

Before you start your transfer you'll need to check if any payment limits apply which may affect you. Double check with your bank or money transfer service if there are limits to the total amount you can send, or if there's a limit to the amount you can send online.

You'll also need to gather the documents needed by your bank or money transfer service. Usually you'll be asked to prove where the money has come from, to comply with international laws. Check what paperwork is needed for your specific situation, and ask your bank or money transfer service what their verification process looks like - usually you can just upload an image of the required documents online on in-app.

2. Check the fees and exchange rates

Do some research to find out which provider will be the cheapest and most convenient for your large value transfer. Use our handy tools to review the options, the exchange rates available, and the fees. Remember to check all the potential costs, and look for a service which offers the mid-market exchange rate or as close as possible to it.

3. Set up your transfer

Pick the provider or bank which offers the best deal for your specific transfer, and set up your transfer. Usually you'll be able to complete this process online or in the provider's app simply by entering the amount and currency you're sending, and the recipient's bank details. If you're required to upload any documents for verification you'll be prompted to do so at this stage. Once you've checked everything over you can choose how you want to pay, and confirm the transfer.

With digital money transfer services you can often choose to pay with a bank transfer, a card or even a mobile wallet like Apple Pay. Depending on your own bank's policies, you may have to physically visit a branch to initiate the transfer - but in many cases, the whole process can be done online without needing to leave home.

4. Double check all the information

Double check all details before you confirm a transfer.

5. Get support if you need it

If you have any questions or concerns, you'll be able to reach out to the bank or money transfer service you select. Some money transfer services - like Wise - offer dedicated support for high amount transfers so you can get all the information you need easily.

6. Track your transfer

Once your payment has been initiated, you can track it online or with the provider's app. Many services also offer you the option to receive push notifications, text messages or emails when the payment is on its way, as well as sending the recipient an email to let them know when the money has arrived.

Download a full guide on how to send a large amount of money

What’s the difference between BACS and CHAPS in the UK?

BACS and CHAPS are different payment processing options in the UK. A BACS payment might take a couple of business days to be processed, while a CHAPS payment is processed much faster. If you’re sending a high value payment from the UK you’ll want to use CHAPS, which means your money is processed in an hour or two and can therefore arrive on the same day it’s sent.

Documents needed when sending a large sum

Money transfer services and banks usually need to ask customers to provide some documents when sending high value transfers. This is to comply with global financial regulations and anti-money laundering laws. Generally you’ll need to prove your identity and also the source of the money you’re sending, to show it’s come from legal sources. You’ll usually find that whenever you’re asked to prove the source of the money you’re sending you’ll need to provide bank statements showing the money arriving in your account and then being transferred on to the payment provider. Other documents are likely to be needed, which can vary depending on the situation.

Here’s a look at the documents you may need, based on the source of the money you’re sending:

Source of incomeDocuments needed
Sending money from a property sale
  • sales contract or settlement statement, showing the property details

Sending money from an inheritance
  • grant of probate or will showing the name of the person leaving you money and your relationship with them

Sending money from your salary
  • payslips and employment contracts showing your income

Sending money from investments
  • certificates or statements showing the investment type, value and sale date

Sending money from a loan
  • certificates or statements showing the loan type, lenders name and amount

What qualifies as a large amount transfer in the UK?

There aren’t any legal transfer limits in the UK. This means that in theory, you can send as much money as you want overseas. However, the transfer provider you use may set a limit on how much you can send per day, month or year. For example, banks tend to have international transfer limits of around £25,000 to £50,000 - if you’re sending a larger amount you may be able to do so by visiting a branch in person, or you might have to send the money in more than one transfer.

How long does a large amount transfer take?

Depending on the type of bank transfer, it could take anywhere from a few seconds to several days for the money to move. Paying for your transfer with CHAPS or with a card is likely to be the fastest option - but the bank or provider you pick will be able to let you know the transfer time based on your specific payment.

Wise:

Safeguarded with leading banksSafeguarded with leading banksAuditedAuditedSecure transactionsSecure transactionsDedicated support and anti-fraud teamDedicated support and anti-fraud team

Wise offers online and in-app money transfer services to Spain and 80+ other destinations around the world. You'll get the mid-market exchange rate to convert your Pound Sterling, with fast transfer times. In fact, 50% of Wise transfers are instant*, and 90% get there in under 24 hours.

Pros and cons
 
 
  • Mid-market exchange rates and low fees from 0.41%
  • Send money abroad quickly - transfers can even be instant
  • Send in 50 currencies to 70 countries
  • No cash payment options
  • No branch network

How much does it cost to send money to Spain with Wise?

  • Transfer fees: Send money from 0.41%
  • Exchange rates: Mid-market exchange rate
  • Additional fees: Transfer fees vary based on destination and how you choose to pay
* The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.

TorFX:

Safeguarded with leading banksSafeguarded with leading banksAuditedAuditedSecure transactionsSecure transactions

TorFX can help you make a safe bank transfer overseas in 25 currencies. Services are available online, in app, and by phone. TorFX offers instant transfers, regular payments and currency risk management products.

Pros and cons
 
 
  • Send in 25 currencies
  • Pay by card or bank transfer
  • Talk your transfer through by phone if you’d like to
  • Exchange rates include a markup
  • No cash pay in or pay out options

How much does it cost to send money to Spain with TorFX?

  • Transfer fees: No transfer fee
  • Exchange rates: Exchange rates include a markup
  • Additional fees: Third party fees may apply

CurrencyFair:

CurrencyFair can be a cheap international money transfer service with quick delivery times on many currency routes. There’s a low, flat fee per transfer, and you could also find you get a better exchange rate compared to your regular bank.

Pros and cons
 
 
  • Send in 15 currencies
  • Low transfer fees
  • Many currencies can be delivered on the same day, or within 1 working day
  • Exchange rates include a markup
  • Pay in Pound Sterling by bank transfer only, no card option

How much does it cost to send money to Spain with CurrencyFair?

  • Transfer fees: 1632.72 GBP
  • Exchange rates: Exchange rates include a markup
  • Additional fees: Third party fees may apply depending on how you set up your transfer

XE:

Safeguarded with leading banksSafeguarded with leading banksAuditedAuditedSecure transactionsSecure transactionsDedicated support and anti-fraud teamDedicated support and anti-fraud team

You can send money online and in-app with XE from United Kingdom, to over 104 countries. Transfer times vary based on how you choose to pay and the country you’re sending to, and XE exchange rates can include a lower markup compared to a regular bank.

Pros and cons
 
 
  • Send to a broad range of countries from United Kingdom
  • Pay for transfers with a bank transfer or card
  • XE is a trusted way to send money safely overseas
  • Exchange rates include a small markup
  • Fees and delivery times vary based on destination and payment type

How much does it cost to send money to Spain with XE?

  • Transfer fees: Fees vary based on how you choose to pay, and the currencies involved
  • Exchange rates: Exchange rates include a small markup
  • Additional fees: Fees vary based on how you choose to pay, and the currencies involved

OFX:

Safeguarded with leading banksSafeguarded with leading banksAuditedAudited24/7 phone support available24/7 phone support availableSecure transactionsSecure transactions

OFX is a currency specialist which offers quick international transfers and currency risk management solutions for individuals and businesses. You can send payments with OFX online and in-app, or access a 24/7 phone service if you’d rather talk your transfer through.

Pros and cons
 
 
  • Arrange your payment online, in app or by phone
  • Access other currency services including currency risk management solutions
  • Broad range of supported countries and currencies
  • Exchange rates include a markup
  • Minimum transfer amount 1000 USD

How much does it cost to send money to Spain with OFX?

  • Transfer fees: No transfer fee from United Kingdom
  • Exchange rates: Exchange rates include a markup
  • Additional fees: Third party fees may apply

Currencies Direct:

Safeguarded with leading banksSafeguarded with leading banksAuditedAuditedSecure transactionsSecure transactions

Currencies Direct can be a good way to send money internationally online, and also offers a phone support service for people who prefer to talk through their options in advance. Currencies Direct has a few extra services, too, including rate alerts that can help you check the rate before you transfer money.

Pros and cons
 
 
  • No transfer fee for most services
  • Set rate alerts so you can send when the time is right
  • Talk your payment through by phone if you need to
  • Exchange rates include a markup
  • No cash payout options

How much does it cost to send money to Spain with Currencies Direct?

  • Transfer fees: No transfer fee for most services
  • Exchange rates: Exchange rates include a markup
  • Additional fees: Third party fees may apply

Money transfer limits

Before you send a high value transfer you’ll need to check the limits that apply to make sure your payment will be possible. Limits may apply to the amount you can send in a single transfer, per day, per month or in a 180 day period. Some providers have different limits depending on how you pay, or depending on whether you’re arranging your transfer online or by phone for example. Here’s a roundup of the usual limits for some major UK banks and providers.

CompanyTransfer limit
WiseVaries by currency, usually around 1 million GBP or the equivalent
OFXUnlimited
TorFXUnlimited
RemitlySend up to 25,000 GBP per transfer, or up to 150,000 GBP in a 180 day period with a fully verified tier 3 account
HSBCStandard account holders can send up to 10,000 GBP by phone, or 50,000 GBP online
BarclaysSend up to 25,000 GBP internationally per transaction online
LloydsSend up to 100,000 GBP internationally per transaction online

Banks and money transfer services can support large value transfers to most countries around the world. Often people use high value transfers to send money to loved ones, invest or buy property overseas. Some of the most popular currency routes include:

  • The US

  • Australia

  • Thailand

  • Spain

  • India

Dedicated customer support for large money transfers

When you send a high value payment overseas it’s crucial that you trust the provider you use, and know how to get help should you ever need it. Some providers, like Wise or OFX, have a dedicated team that deals with high value transfers and offer personalised support and guidance. You can call OFX 24 hours a day to talk through your payments, and you’ll be able to get support from Wise by phone, email or using the in-app chat function.

Conclusion - Large money transfers

Sending a high value transfer can be nerve wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. Using our tools can help you pick the right provider for your specific needs, looking at the fees and exchange rates available, as well as other crucial factors such as safety and customer feedback. Use this guide to make the process of sending a large amount transfer seamless, and get your money moving in no time.

FAQ - Large amount transfers

How to send large sums of money overseas?

You can send large sums of money overseas with your bank or with a specialist digital provider. Specialist services can often provide lower overall costs compared to banks, as well as better exchange rates.

Is there a limit on bank transfers in the UK?

Banks may impose their own limits on transfers, which can often be around 25,000 GBP to 50,000 GBP per payment. It’s sometimes possible to send more in a branch, although that may come with higher fees.

Is my information secure when sending money?

Banks and money transfer services must follow data protection laws and keep all of your personal and financial information safe. You’ll be able to view your preferred provider’s data protection policy online if you have concerns about how your data is held and handled.

What are the costs to send a large amount of money?

The costs for a large value transfer can vary a lot depending on the bank or provider you pick. You’ll need to review both the transfer fee and the exchange rate available to see the full cost - it’s common to find that transfer fees are low or even waived entirely, but an extra cost is added into the exchange rate instead. Choose a provider which uses the mid-market rate or as close to it as possible to keep the costs down.

Why was my large amount money transfer declined?

High value transfers may be delayed or declined if they go over the bank’s transfer limits, or if there’s a problem with checking your documents for verification. Double check the bank’s rules and ask for advice if you’re struggling with your payment.