Send Money by Debit Card Internationally

 
Key Currency
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4.9
  • Fully Authorised and Regulated in the UK
  • Lower Staff Costs Rolled Over to the Client
  • Quick Onboarding Process and Highly Professional
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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
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FC Global Payments
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
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Regency FX
Trust Score
4.9
  • Available 7 Days a Week
  • WhatsApp communication available
  • Winner of South West Business Awards, Employer of the Year
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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
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Currencies Direct
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
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TorFX
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
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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
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Equals Money
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
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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
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OFX
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
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Halo Financial
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
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Sending money abroad using a debit card can be a convenient way to make an international transfer, especially for smaller or urgent payments. Many people in the United Kingdom use debit cards to send money overseas because they are widely accepted and allow transfers to be completed quickly.

However, sending money by debit card internationally is not always the cheapest option. Fees, currency conversion, and transaction costs can all affect how much your recipient receives. By comparing FCA-regulated money transfer providers, you can understand the true cost of debit card transfers and decide whether this payment method offers the best value for your situation.

What does it mean to send money by debit card internationally?

Sending money by debit card internationally means using your UK debit card as the method of payment for an international money transfer. Instead of paying from a current account by bank transfer or direct debit, funds are taken from your debit card and sent through a money transfer service.

The recipient may receive the money through:

  • A bank deposit to their local bank account
  • Cash pickup, where available
  • A mobile wallet or digital payout service in certain countries

Debit card transfers are often chosen because they are easy to set up and can be processed quickly.

Why do people use debit cards for international money transfers?

Debit cards are a familiar payment method and are commonly used for international transfers due to their speed and convenience.

People often choose debit card transfers because:

  • Payments can be processed faster than some bank transfers
  • There is no need to share full bank account details upfront
  • They are suitable for one-off or urgent payments
  • Most money transfer services accept UK debit cards

For smaller transfer amounts, debit cards can be a practical option.

Compare money transfer providers that accept debit card payments

Is sending money by debit card the cheapest option?

Sending money by debit card is not always the cheapest option. While debit cards offer convenience, they can involve higher costs compared to bank transfers or direct debit payments.

Debit card transfers may include:

  • Card processing fees
  • Higher currency conversion costs
  • Less competitive exchange rates for some destinations

Comparing providers allows you to see whether debit card transfers offer low fees or whether another payment method provides better value. Taking time to compare money transfer rates is especially important, as exchange rate markups can reduce the amount delivered in the recipient’s local currency.

Is sending money by debit card the cheapest option

How much does it cost to send money by debit card internationally?

The cost of sending money internationally by debit card depends on several factors, including the provider, destination country, transfer amount, and delivery speed.

Provider type Typical Fees Exchange Rate Delivery Speed
High-street bank Higher fees Lower than market rate 2–5 business days
Online transfer service £0–£5 plus card fees Near market rate Minutes to 2 days
Specialist FX provider Low or £0 Competitive rate Same day to 1 day

Costs are usually shown in pounds sterling (GBP), but the money is delivered in foreign currency. Currency conversion and transaction costs can vary by provider, so it is important to check how much will be received after conversion into the recipient’s local currency.

See how fees and exchange rates affect debit card transfers

What affects the cost of debit card international transfers?

Several factors influence how much a debit card transfer costs and how much your recipient receives.

Exchange rate margins

Some providers apply a margin to the exchange rate, which can reduce the amount received even if fees appear low.

Card processing fees

Debit card payments may include processing costs that are not charged for bank transfers.

Transfer amount

Smaller transfers may be better suited to debit cards, while larger amounts often benefit from lower-cost payment methods.

Delivery speed

Faster transfers can sometimes cost more, especially when using a debit card.

Understanding these factors helps you choose the most suitable payment option.

What information is needed to send money by debit card internationally?

To send money by debit card internationally, money transfer services usually ask for certain payment details to process the transfer securely.

You are typically asked for:

  • Your debit card payment details
  • The transfer amount
  • The recipient’s name
  • Their bank account number or chosen delivery method

When completing a transfer form, you may also be asked for the sender’s full name and personal details such as your email address or mobile number. Some providers request the recipient’s account number to ensure funds are delivered correctly.

Many services send a confirmation email or SMS once the transfer has been processed.

Check low-fee international debit card transfer options

Is it safe to send money internationally using a debit card?

Sending money internationally using a debit card can be safe when you use an FCA-regulated provider. Regulation helps ensure providers meet strict security and safeguarding standards.

Is it safe to send money internationally using a debit card

Most FCA-regulated money transfer services offer:

  • Secure encryption to protect payment details and personal information
  • Identity and anti-money laundering checks
  • Safeguarding of customer funds
  • Secure delivery to bank accounts, cash pickup locations, or mobile wallets

Some international transfers use secure banking identifiers such as SWIFT or BIC codes, and in certain regions an IBAN may be required depending on the destination country and delivery method.

When might a debit card not be the best payment method?

Although debit cards are convenient, they are not always the most cost-effective option.

A different payment method may be more suitable if:

  • You are sending a large amount of money
  • You want to minimise transaction costs
  • You are making regular transfers
  • You prefer to avoid card processing fees

In these cases, comparing bank transfers or direct debit options may provide better value.

Compare money transfer rates before sending by debit card

How do debit card transfers compare to other payment methods?

Debit card vs bank transfer

Debit card transfers are often faster, while bank transfers may have lower fees for larger amounts.

Debit card vs direct debit

Direct debit payments can be cheaper for regular transfers but are not always suitable for urgent payments.

Debit card vs credit card

Credit card transfers may involve higher fees and are not supported by all providers.

Comparing payment methods helps you choose the option that fits your needs.

FAQs about sending money by debit card internationally

Yes, provided you use an FCA-regulated money transfer service that follows security and safeguarding rules.

Often, yes. Debit card transfers can be processed more quickly, sometimes within minutes, depending on the provider.

In many cases, debit card transfers involve higher transaction costs than bank transfers.

Most UK-issued debit cards are accepted, but availability depends on the provider and destination.

Transfer limits vary by provider, destination, and regulatory checks.

Some costs may be built into the exchange rate rather than shown as a separate fee.

Many providers allow you to track transfers online or through a mobile app.

Debit card payments are often authorised instantly, but delivery times depend on the provider, destination country, and delivery method.

Some UK banks allow customers to use a debit card for certain international payments, but this is not always the same as a dedicated international money transfer service. Bank-led debit card payments may involve higher fees, less competitive exchange rates, or limited delivery options compared to specialist money transfer providers. Comparing FCA-regulated providers helps you see whether a bank or an alternative service offers better value for debit card international transfers.

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Page last updated on: 30/01/2026

Page reviewed by: Andrea Troy

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