How to Send Money Online to United States from United Kingdom
1. Visit our real-time exchange rate page
Go to our GBP to USD page, where we constantly update rates from multiple providers. You’ll see the mid-market rate and each provider’s exchange rate in real time.
2. Review and evaluate providers
Examine each provider’s fees, speed, and extra features (like faster delivery or better support). Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always best—sometimes paying a bit more can get your USD to its destination sooner or more securely.
3. Select a provider and finalise your transfer
Choose the provider that matches your needs, then click through to their secure site. If you’re sending money to someone else, you’ll typically need details like an IBAN or account number. Complete the transaction there, and your GBP will be converted to USD.
Transfer money to United States from the United Kingdom
How to Send Money from the UK to Spain in 4 Simple Steps
1/ Compare Rates on Currency Expert
Before sending a single pound, lock in the most competitive exchange rate using our real-time comparison tool. Currency Expert analyses rates from top FCA-regulated providers—including Wise, XE, and Revolut—giving you total transparency on fees, speed, and recipient amount. Don’t assume all providers offer similar value: a small difference in margin can cost you £200 or more on a £10,000 transfer.
2/ Register With the Provider Offering the Best Deal
Once you’ve identified the right provider, click through from our platform to complete their onboarding process. Due to anti-money laundering regulations, you’ll need to verify your identity. Most require a copy of your passport or driver’s licence and proof of address This is a one-time setup. Once registered, future transfers are typically instant.
3/ Fund Your Transfer in GBP
Use a secure domestic bank transfer or debit card to fund the transaction. The provider will send you full payment instructions, along with a confirmation of the rate you’ve secured. This locks in the exchange rate—so you’re protected even if markets shift after you commit.
4/ US Dollar are Converted and Sent to United States
Once your Pounds are received, the provider converts them to US Dollar at the rate agreed and transfers them to the recipient’s account. This could be your own account or someone else’s—just ensure you have accurate IBAN and bank details.
Delivery typically takes 1–2 business days, though some transfers arrive within hours depending on method and provider.
How Long Does it Take to Transfer Money to United States?
Transfer speed varies depending on the provider you choose, the delivery method, and the destination country. Most bank transfers to United States arrive within 1–3 working days, though some providers can complete the transfer on the same day.
If you’re using a debit or credit card, or sending to a mobile wallet, the transfer may arrive within minutes, depending on local processing times in United States.
Always check estimated delivery times when comparing providers. Currency Expert displays up-to-date information to help you make an informed choice.
Delivery Options to Consider When Sending Money to United States
Bank deposit
A dependable and secure choice for both individuals and businesses. Funds are delivered directly to your recipient’s bank account in United States, offering a clear audit trail and reliable processing—especially suitable for recurring payments or larger sums.
Cash pickup
An accessible option for recipients without a bank account. Funds can be collected in-person from local payout partners, often within minutes. Useful for urgent transfers or when banking infrastructure is limited.
Mobile wallet
An increasingly popular option in emerging markets. Funds are delivered instantly to a mobile wallet tied to the recipient’s phone number, enabling quick access to funds and flexible usage, particularly for smaller amounts or digital-native recipients.
How we Keep Your Money Transfer Safe
Sending money from the UK to United States should always be secure. That’s why Currency Expert only compares providers who meet the highest safety standards in the UK and abroad.
✔ FCA-regulated providers only — full UK financial compliance
✔ Bank-level encryption and secure data protocols
✔ Real-time fraud monitoring on every transfer
✔ Name confirmation before you approve the payment
Why Compare UK to United States Transfers with Currency Expert?
Because getting it wrong could cost you hundreds.
✔ Compare the best providers, side by side.
We show you real-time exchange rates, fees, and delivery speeds from the UK’s top FCA-regulated money transfer services—all in one place.
✔ See exactly what your recipient will get.
No estimates. No hidden markups. We calculate the full amount your recipient receives after fees and conversions, so there are no surprises.
✔ Avoid the quiet tax of bad exchange rates.
Banks and outdated remittance firms often offer poor rates that quietly erode your transfer. We help you keep more of your money in your recipient’s hands.
✔ Updated constantly, trusted by thousands.
Currency Expert uses live market data and updates provider offers in real time—so you’re never looking at yesterday’s rate or outdated costs.
✔ Simple, independent, and built for people who care about getting value.
Whether you’re sending £100 or £10,000, the smartest decision is an informed one. Start your search with clarity—not guesswork.
Compare the Best Ways to Send Money From the UK to United States
- Business customers get free currency transfers between accounts under the same legal entity.
- Easy tracking of payment statuses with an option to share tracking details with beneficiaries.
- Ability to pay and receive payments in 40 major global currencies
- Flexible fee arrangements (BEN, SHA, OUR) allow businesses to decide who bears the transaction costs.
- Daily Personal payment limits of up to £10,000 accommodate most needs
- Option to make payments via mobile app, Digital Banking, branch, or by completing and faxing forms
- Same-day payments have strict deadlines (e.g., 2:00 pm)
- Personal Payments above £10,000 require forms or branch visits
- Restrictions for new payee (e.g., £750 per day limit) if biometrics aren’t registered.
- Lack of integration with accounting service or API’s
- International transfers only offered by bank transfer.
Royal Bank of Scotland offers secure, fast, and reliable fund transfers worldwide, supporting major global currencies.
For businesses, RBS provides robust tools for making foreign currency payments, including an integrated tracker to monitor transaction status, flexible fee-sharing arrangements, and urgent payment processing through its New Bankline platform.
Personal customers can make payments of up to £10,000 daily from the comfort of their homes, with biometric authentication providing an added layer of security. Premier banking customers enjoy additional options, such as phone-based international payments.
- Operates in over 200 countries and territories
- Multiple options for receivers, including cash pickup, bank transfers, and mobile wallets
- Transfers can be funded through bank accounts, debit/credit cards, or cash at agent locations
- Cash pickups can be completed in minutes in many cases
- Mobile app with features like rate checking, real-time tracking, and mobile top-ups.
- Users can send up to £4,000 for cash pickups and £50,000 via bank transfer after identity verification.
- Western Union’s transfer fees can be higher than those of competitors
- Exchange rates offered by Western Union often include a markup, which might be less favourable
- Non-verified users are limited to sending up to £800 within five days
- Cash pickups depend on the business hours of the local receiving agent location
Western Union is a global leader in moving money and payments across borders, connecting people and businesses in over 200 countries and territories. Founded in 1851, it has grown from its roots in telegraphy to become a trusted name in financial services worldwide. Based in Denver, Colorado, Western Union continues to innovate, offering solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.
- Supports 30+ currencies for personal customers and 70+ currencies for Business customers.
- Offers comeptitive interbank rates offered during market hours.
- Personal customers can make peer transfers typically delivered in 20 seconds.
- Business tools like limit orders and FX forwards to lock rates up to 2 years.
- Advanced security measures including two-factor authentication, biometric login, and real-time fraud detection.
- Business customers get monthly allowances for fee-free exchanges, scaling with plans, whilst Personal customers can access discounted fees based on their plan
- Free bank transfers inside the SEPA region for Personal customers
- 0.6% fee applies to exchanges above Business plan limits.
- Weekend mark-up of 1% on currency exchanges outside market hours for most plans.
- Limited support for certain currencies and countries due to sanctions.
- Fee discounts and free transfer allowances depend on paid plans, with free-tier users having the lowest allowances and highest rates.
Revolut is a financial technology company offering flexible currency exchange, money transfer, and payment solutions, catering to both personal and business users.
Revolut Personal is used by over 50 million users and allows transfers in 70+ currencies to 160+ countries through various payment methods, including instant peer-to-peer payments.
Revolut Business is ideal for international companies who want to exchange money in 30+ currencies at interbank rates. Key features include tools like forward contracts and automatic orders, as well as fee-free monthly allowances for currency exchanges based on different subscription plans.
Both account types prioritise security, transparency, and user-friendly features, making Revolut a versatile choice for personal and professional financial needs.
- Offers real-time exchange rates sourced from Reuters, ensuring fairness.
- Supports payments to over 160 countries.
- Allows transfers starting at £1, ideal for small amounts.
- Most transactions are completed on the same day.
- Zero fees and favourable FX rates on the first transfer (£100–£2,999) for Personal users.
- Partnerships with tier-1 banks and adherence to international standards.
- No additional fees for cross-currency transfers via the business account.
- No hidden charges, and fees are displayed upfront.
- Pay up to 1,000 employees or multiple suppliers in local currencies simultaneously.
- Cheaper than traditional banks for international transfers.
- Quick transfer to Visa debit cards for urgent needs.
- User-friendly app available on iOS and Android for seamless money transfers
- Earn and redeem InstaPoints for discounts on future transfers.
- Cash pickup is only available in the Philippines
- InstaPoints can only be redeemed for transfers above £500.
- Nominal fees are charged for same-currency transactions.
- Fees for cross-currency transfers depend on the partner bank.
Instarem is a fintech company founded in 2014, focused on making international money transfers simple and efficient for both individuals and businesses. Operating in over 60 countries, it offers a user-friendly platform with competitive exchange rates and low fees. As part of Nium Pte. Ltd., Instarem is regulated globally, ensuring secure and reliable financial services for its customers.
- Transfers to over 220 countries in 100+ currencies.
- Cash pickup options at 500,000+ locations.
- Card payments are processed almost instantly, and most bank transfers are same-day.
- Transparent pricing, with fees and exchange rates displayed upfront.
- Intuitive Xe app for managing transfers on the go.
- Real-time transfer tracking and alerts.
- Supports international payroll and supplier payments for business customers.
- FX risk management tools such as forward contracts, market orders, and option contracts.
- Integration with ERP systems like Dynamics 365 and Sage Intacct.
- No minimum transfer amount.
- Handles high-value transactions (up to £350,000 per transfer online).
- Some transfers may incur additional fees, especially for card payments.
- Bank and wire transfers can take up to 4 business days.
- Account setup and verification might take time based on documentation.
- No cash-to-cash transfers as it requires a bank, card, or digital wallet for funding transfers.
- Advanced tools like option contracts may be unnecessary for simpler needs.
- Integration into ERP systems may involve additional setup costs and effort.
- Entirely digital, which may not suit businesses preferring personal consultation.
- Sending money to 40 currencies and 200 countries.
- Transparent fees and no hidden charges
- Uses real mid-market rates, ensuring fairness and avoiding markups.
- Offers same-day or even instant transfers on many routes, with updates and tracking available.
- Multiple payment methods (e.g., debit/credit cards, bank transfers, mobile wallets)
- Send up to £1 million per transaction depending on payment method.
- Guaranteed Rates locks in exchange rates for a set time to protect against currency fluctuations
- Features like 2-factor authentication and funds stored with established financial institutions for added safety.
- Manage transfers, check exchange rates, and repeat transactions easily from one platform.
- Seamlessly connects with accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and Shopify for easier financial management.
- Streamline recurring payments and manage expenses all from one account
- Receive email notifications when exchange rates are favourable
- Transfers involving less commonly used currencies or bank transfers can take up to 3 working days.
- Dynamic fees may apply for certain currencies or during volatile market conditions.
- Wise does not accept cash or cheque payments, limiting accessibility for some users.
- Rates are only guaranteed for a limited time, requiring prompt payments
- Certain specialised transaction types, like For Further Credit (FFC) payments, are not supported.
Wise, formerly TransferWise, makes international money transfers simple and affordable for individuals and businesses. Operating in over 160 countries with support for 40+ currencies, it offers competitive exchange rates and low, transparent fees. Most transfers arrive within one day, and some even instantly, through a secure and user-friendly platform. Regulated by the FCA in the UK, Wise ensures safe and reliable transactions.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Transferring Money to United States
There’s no fixed limit — it depends on the provider. Some services allow transfers up to £250,000, while others set daily or monthly caps. Use our comparison tool to find the right provider for your transfer size.
You’ll typically need your recipient’s full name, their bank account or mobile wallet details, and in some cases the bank’s SWIFT/BIC code. Some providers may also ask for a reason for the transfer or proof of ID.
Bank transfers usually take 1–3 working days. Transfers funded by debit card or sent to mobile wallets can arrive within minutes. We show estimated delivery times for each provider on our comparison results.
Yes. We only list FCA-regulated providers who use encryption, fraud monitoring, and secure processing to protect your transfer and personal data.
Some providers charge a flat fee, while others include costs in the exchange rate. Our comparison tool shows the full cost of sending £1,000 from the UK to United States, including all fees and rate margins.
Yes. Most services provide a tracking link or confirmation code. You’ll be able to monitor the status of your payment through the provider’s website or mobile app.
Yes. Nearly all providers accept UK debit cards and bank transfers. Many also support Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit cards depending on the transfer amount and destination.
It depends on your priorities. For speed, card or wallet transfers may be best. For larger transfers, look for bank deposit options with competitive exchange rates. Use our comparison tool to find the right provider for your needs.
Exchange rates fluctuate constantly. You can view the live GBP to USD rate at the top of this page or in the comparison block.
Yes. Many services support transfers in both directions. Check out our Send Money from United States to the UK page to compare reverse routes.