Cheapest Way to Send Money to India from the UK

 
Trust Score
4.9
  • Fully Authorised and Regulated in the UK
  • Lower Staff Costs Rolled Over to the Client
  • Quick Onboarding Process and Highly Professional
More information +
Key Currency
  • Time to Open Account Up to 2 minutes
  • Sending Options Debit card
    Bank transfer
  • Receiving Options Bank account
  • Required Documents Photo ID
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 3,323 Reviews | Excellent
Trust Score
4.9
  • Tailored strategic solutions
  • Fee free international transfers
  • Forward rate fixing for up to 12 months
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FC Global Payments
  • Time to Open Account Up to 2 minutes
  • Sending Options Debit card
    Bank transfer
  • Receiving Options Bank account
  • Required Documents Photo ID
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 109 Reviews | Excellent
Trust Score
4.9
  • Available 7 Days a Week
  • WhatsApp communication available
  • Winner of South West Business Awards, Employer of the Year
More information +
Regency FX
  • Time to Open Account Up to 2 minutes
  • Sending Options Debit card
    Bank transfer
  • Receiving Options Bank account
  • Required Documents Photo ID
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 405 Reviews | Excellent
Trust Score
4.8
  • No transfer fees and dedicated account manager
  • Multi-award winning service
  • Global presence with 25+ branches worldwide
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Currencies Direct
  • Time to Open Account Up to 2 minutes
  • Sending Options Debit card
    Bank transfer
  • Receiving Options Bank account
  • Required Documents Photo ID
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 18,246 Reviews | Excellent
Trust Score
4.8
  • Excellent exchange rates with no fees
  • Transfer 24/7 over the phone, online or through the app
  • Dedicated account manager & rated excellent on Trustpilot
More information +
TorFX
  • Time to Open Account Up to 2 minutes
  • Sending Options Debit card
    Bank transfer
  • Receiving Options Bank account
  • Required Documents Photo ID
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 8,945 Reviews | Excellent
Trust Score
4.6
  • Fully FCA Authorised and Regulated
  • Send Money with your Personal Account manager or online
  • International Payments, Multi Currency Accounts, and more
More information +
Equals Money
  • Time to Open Account Up to 2 minutes
  • Sending Options Debit card
    Bank transfer
  • Receiving Options Bank account
  • Required Documents Photo ID
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 485 Reviews | Excellent
Trust Score
4.3
  • £0 wire and transfer fees
  • No transfer Limits
  • 50+ Currencies
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OFX
  • Time to Open Account Up to 2 minutes
  • Sending Options Debit card
    Bank transfer
  • Receiving Options Bank account
  • Required Documents Photo ID
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 11,107 Reviews | Excellent
Trust Score
3.7
  • Preferential rates for Free Price Compare customers
  • Profession, award-winning service
  • Tailored solutions
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Halo Financial
  • Time to Open Account Up to 2 minutes
  • Sending Options Debit card
    Bank transfer
  • Receiving Options Bank account
  • Required Documents Photo ID
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 7 Reviews | Average

Sending money to India doesn’t have to be expensive. By comparing FCA-regulated international money transfer providers, you can avoid poor exchange rates, reduce unnecessary fees, and ensure more of your money reaches India safely and efficiently.

You can compare today’s cheapest ways to send money to India by reviewing low-fee options, real GBP to INR exchange rates, and trusted providers used by UK customers.

Why This Is the Cheapest Way to Send Money to India

Many people still rely on high-street banks to send money overseas, but banks often apply exchange-rate markups on top of transfer fees. Even when a transfer appears “fee-free”, the cost is usually built into a less favourable GBP to INR rate.

Specialist international money transfer providers are often cheaper because they:

  • Offer exchange rates closer to the real market rate
  • Charge lower and more transparent fees
  • Use local Indian banking routes to reduce intermediary costs

By comparing providers side by side, you can find a cheaper alternative to bank transfers and avoid paying more than necessary.

Cheapest Ways to Send Money to India

There are several ways to send money from the UK to India, and the cheapest option depends on how you pay and how the money is received:

  • Online money transfer services with direct deposits to Indian bank accounts
  • Debit card transfers for smaller or urgent amounts
  • Bank transfers via specialist foreign exchange providers
  • Cash pickup services in India, where available

Comparing these options makes it easier to check low-fee GBP to INR transfer options rather than defaulting to a single payment method.

Compare GBP to INR transfer providers

How Much Does It Cost to Send £1,000 to India?

The cost of sending money to India is affected by fees, exchange rates, and delivery speed. The table below illustrates how different provider types can impact how much your recipient receives.

Provider Fees Exchange Rate (GBP → INR) Recipient Gets Delivery Time
High-street bank £10–£25 Lower than market rate Fewer INR 2–5 working days
Online transfer service £0–£5 Near market rate More INR Same day to 2 days
Specialist FX provider Low or £0 Competitive rate More INR Same day to 1 day

Rates and fees vary by provider, transfer size, and payment method. Before confirming a transfer, it’s worth seeing how much your recipient could receive using a live comparison.

How Much Does It Cost to Send £1,000 to India

When sending British pounds to India, providers convert your money into Indian rupees before depositing it into the recipient’s bank account. The amount of money received can vary depending on exchange rate markup, additional fees, and whether the transfer is sent to major Indian banks such as State Bank of India or another local bank account.

Find a cheaper alternative to bank transfers

What Makes One Transfer to India Cheaper Than Another?

Not all transfers are priced the same, even when sending the same amount.

Exchange rate margins

Some providers apply a margin to the GBP to INR exchange rate, which can reduce the amount received more than an upfront fee.

Fees and pricing structure

Low fees do not always mean better value if the exchange rate is less competitive.

Payment method

Bank transfers are often cheaper than debit card payments, which may include card processing costs.

Local Indian payout routes

Providers using domestic Indian banking systems can reduce costs and speed up delivery.

Transfer size

Larger transfers often benefit from better exchange rates, making specialist providers more cost-effective.

Seeing these factors side by side helps you compare today’s cheapest ways to send money to India.

Payment details and transfer information

International money transfer services may request payment details and additional information such as the recipient’s name, bank account details, and the purpose of the transfer. Some providers also offer mobile app access, which can make it easier to track transfer speed, confirm bank deposits, and manage repeat transfers.

Check low-fee GBP to INR transfer options

Is the Cheapest Way to Send Money to India Safe?

Choosing a cheaper option does not mean compromising on security. Money transfer providers operating in the UK must meet Financial Conduct Authority requirements.

Is the Cheapest Way to Send Money to India Safe

Most FCA-regulated providers offer:

  • Secure encryption to protect personal and payment information
  • Identity and anti-money laundering checks
  • Safeguarding of customer funds
  • Direct deposits into Indian bank accounts via established banking networks

Comparing regulated providers allows you to focus on cost without sacrificing safety.

FCA-regulated providers are required to protect customer personal details, follow anti-money laundering rules, and ensure international transfers are processed securely, regardless of transfer amount or delivery method.

When the Cheapest Option Might Not Be the Best

Cost is important, but it should be balanced with speed and purpose.

A slightly higher-cost option may be more suitable if:

  • You need same-day or urgent delivery
  • You are sending a large amount
  • The transfer relates to business, property, or investment payments
  • Additional compliance or documentation is required

Comparing providers helps you choose the right balance between price, speed, and service level.

See how much your recipient could receive

FAQs – Cheapest Way to Send Money to India

Yes, provided you use an FCA-regulated provider. Regulation and safeguarding rules help protect your money.

Not necessarily. Many low-cost providers offer same-day or next-day transfers depending on the payment method and recipient bank.

Banks are rarely the cheapest option due to higher fees and exchange-rate margins.

In many cases, yes. A less competitive exchange rate can cost more than a visible transfer fee.

Debit card transfers can be convenient, but they may cost more than bank transfers due to processing fees.

To get started, you can compare today’s cheapest ways to send money to India and see which option offers the best value for your transfer.

Transfer times vary by provider and payment method. Many online money transfer services can deliver funds to India on the same day or within 24 hours, while bank transfers may take longer depending on processing times.

Yes, most international money transfer services support direct bank deposits to Indian bank accounts. You will usually need the recipient’s name and bank account details to complete the transfer.

Limits depend on the provider, payment method, and regulatory checks. Higher transfer amounts may require additional verification or documentation, especially for international transfers.

Yes, exchange rates can fluctuate throughout the day based on market conditions. This is why comparing live GBP to INR rates before sending money can make a difference to the final amount received.

Many money transfer providers offer mobile apps that allow you to send money, track transfer progress, and manage payment options from your phone.

You are typically asked for basic payment details, the recipient’s name, and bank account details. Some providers may also request additional information for compliance purposes.

Some international money transfer providers may offer introductory pricing for a first transfer, such as reduced fees or promotional exchange rates. These offers are usually limited, may apply only to certain transfer amounts or payment methods, and can change at any time.
It’s still important to compare the total cost of the transfer, including the exchange rate, to see whether a first-time offer provides genuine value.

Comparison platforms allow you to review international money transfer services side by side, including fees, exchange rates, transfer speed, and delivery options. Using a comparison approach helps you see the total cost of sending money to India, rather than relying on a single provider or bank.

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Page last updated on: 29/01/2026

Page reviewed by: Andrea Troy

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