Cheapest Way to Send Money to the USA from the UK

 
Key Currency
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
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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
Trustpilot logo 3,323 Reviews | Excellent
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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
Trustpilot logo 109 Reviews | Excellent
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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
Trustpilot logo 405 Reviews | Excellent
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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
Trustpilot logo 18,246 Reviews | Excellent
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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
Trustpilot logo 8,945 Reviews | Excellent
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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
Trustpilot logo 485 Reviews | Excellent
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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
Trustpilot logo 11,107 Reviews | Excellent
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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
    Proof of address
Trustpilot logo 7 Reviews | Average
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Sending money from the United Kingdom to the United States is common for family support, education costs, business payments, and personal expenses. While many people rely on their bank for international payments, this is not always the cheapest or most transparent option.

By comparing FCA-regulated international money transfer providers, you can reduce costs, avoid poor exchange rates, and ensure more of the amount you send reaches the USA safely. Comparing options helps you understand how fees, delivery methods, and exchange rates affect the final amount received in United States dollars.

Why is comparing providers the cheapest way to send money to the USA?

High-street banks often charge more for international transfers than people expect. Even when fees appear low, banks may apply exchange rate markups or foreign transaction fees that reduce the value of your transfer.

Specialist money transfer providers are often cheaper because they:

  • Offer exchange rates closer to the market rate
  • Charge lower or more transparent fees upfront
  • Use direct US banking routes to reduce intermediary costs

Comparing providers side by side allows you to see the true total cost of a transfer and find a cheaper alternative to traditional bank transfers.

Why is comparing money transfer providers the cheapest way to send money to the USA?

Comparing money transfer providers helps you see differences in exchange rates, fees, and delivery times before you send. Banks and specialist services price transfers differently, so checking multiple FCA-regulated options can help you avoid hidden costs and ensure more of your money reaches the USA.

What are the cheapest ways to send money to the USA?

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

Common transfer methods include:

  • Online money transfer services with deposits to US local bank accounts
  • Debit card transfers for smaller or urgent payments
  • Bank transfers via specialist foreign exchange providers
  • Cash pickup services in the United States, where available

Some providers also support credit card payments. These can be convenient for urgent transfers but may involve higher fees compared to bank or debit card options.

Compare today’s cheapest ways to send money to the USA

How much does it cost to send £1,000 to the USA?

The cost of sending money to the USA depends on transfer fees, exchange rates, and delivery speed. Even small differences can affect how much your recipient receives.

Provider Fees Exchange Rate (GBP → USD) Recipient Gets Delivery Time
High-street bank £10–£30 Lower than market rate Fewer USD 2–5 working days
Online transfer service £0–£5 Near market rate More USD Same day to 2 days
Specialist FX provider Low or £0 Competitive rate More USD Same day to 1 day

Rates and fees vary by provider, payment method, and transfer amount. Checking a live comparison helps you see the total cost of a transfer before confirming it.

The total cost of a transfer is based on fees upfront, the exchange rate applied to the United States dollar, and whether any foreign transaction fees are included by the payment provider.

When sending British pounds to the USA, providers convert your money into US dollars before depositing it into the recipient’s bank account. Exchange rate markups and additional fees can significantly affect the final amount received.

How much does it cost to send £1,000 to the USA

Find a cheaper alternative to bank transfers

What makes one transfer to the USA cheaper than another?

Not all transfers cost the same, even when sending the same amount of money.

Exchange rate margins

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

Fees and pricing structure

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

Payment method

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

Local US payout routes

Providers that use direct US banking systems and local bank accounts can reduce costs and speed up delivery.

Transfer size

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

Some international payments processed through online banking may take longer depending on the provider and destination, which can affect overall international transfer duration.

Seeing these factors together helps you compare money transfer rates with confidence.

What information is needed to send money to the USA?

International money transfer services require certain details to process a transfer securely.

You are typically asked for:

  • The recipient’s full name
  • Their US bank account details
  • The transfer amount
  • Your payment details

Depending on the provider, you may also need the recipient’s name, bank account number, and sometimes a bank code or sort code. Some services request a recipient’s email address so confirmations or email transfers can be completed securely.

Additional checks such as identity verification may be required for larger transfers or first-time users. Many providers offer mobile apps or online dashboards to track progress and manage transfers.

Check low-fee GBP to USD transfer options

Is the cheapest way to send money to the USA safe?

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

Is the cheapest way to send money to the USA safe

FCA-regulated providers typically use https encryption to protect personal data and offer access to customer support, including real human help if a transfer is delayed or needs checking. These factors can influence customer satisfaction as much as price.

Most regulated providers also offer:

  • Identity and anti-money laundering checks
  • Safeguarding of customer funds
  • Secure delivery through established banking networks

When might the cheapest option not be the best choice?

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.

See how much your recipient could receive

FAQs – Cheapest Way to Send Money to the USA

Yes, as long as you use an FCA-regulated provider that follows UK safeguarding rules.

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

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

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.

Transfer times vary by provider and delivery method. Many online services deliver funds within one to two days.

Yes, most international money transfer services support direct deposits to US bank accounts.

Limits depend on the provider, payment method, and regulatory checks. Larger transfers may require additional verification.

Yes, GBP to USD exchange rates can fluctuate throughout the day, which is why comparing live rates can make a difference.

Many providers offer mobile apps that allow you to send money, track transfers, and manage payment options.

Some providers may offer introductory promotions for first-time users, such as reduced fees or special exchange rates. These offers can change and may apply only to certain transfer amounts or payment methods.

Different money transfer apps use different pricing models, including fees, exchange rate markups, and transfer limits. What works out cheaper can depend on the amount sent, the payment method, and when the transfer is made. Comparing FCA-regulated money transfer providers side by side helps you see live GBP to USD rates, fees, and delivery options so you can choose the best value for your transfer.

Comparison platforms allow you to review FCA-regulated providers side by side, including fees, exchange rates, transfer speed, and delivery options.

No, you do not need an American bank account to send money to the USA. Most international money transfer services allow you to send funds from a UK bank account, debit card, or credit card, with the money delivered directly to a US bank account or other supported delivery methods. You will usually only need the recipient’s bank details rather than having a US account yourself.

Exchange rates for USD transfers vary between providers and can change throughout the day. Some providers offer rates closer to the market rate, while others include a markup within the exchange rate instead of charging a visible fee. Comparing FCA-regulated money transfer providers allows you to see live GBP to USD exchange rates alongside fees, helping you identify better overall value rather than focusing on exchange rates alone.

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Page last updated on: 28/01/2026

Page reviewed by: Andrea Troy

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