HSBC International Money Transfer Alternatives

 
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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HSBC offers international money transfer services for customers who want to send money abroad using their bank account. For many HSBC UK customers, this can feel like a convenient option, especially when transfers can be managed through online banking or a mobile banking app.

However, international bank transfers can vary widely in cost, speed, and transparency. Fees, foreign currency exchange rates, and delivery times can all affect how much money reaches the receiving country. As a result, many people choose to explore HSBC international money transfer alternatives to better understand their options before sending money abroad.

How do HSBC international money transfers work?

HSBC international money transfers are typically made by bank transfer from a UK HSBC account to a recipient overseas. Depending on the destination country and type of currency, transfers may be processed using international banking networks such as SWIFT.

HSBC UK customers can usually send international payments using online banking, a banking app, or the HSBC UK mobile banking app. Transfers are typically made from a current account or, where eligible, a global money account or HSBC global money account.

When sending money internationally with HSBC, costs may include:

  • A transfer fee charged by the bank
  • An exchange rate margin applied to the foreign currency conversion
  • Possible charges from intermediary or receiving banks

Transfer times can vary depending on the receiving country, delivery method, and local banking systems.

Why do people look for alternatives to HSBC international transfers?

Many people look for alternatives to HSBC international money transfers for practical reasons rather than dissatisfaction.

Common reasons include:

  • Wanting to compare exchange rates before sending money
  • Looking for lower or more transparent money transfer fees
  • Needing faster delivery for certain destinations
  • Sending smaller or more frequent international payments

Specialist international money transfer providers often focus solely on global transfers, which can result in different pricing structures and delivery options compared to traditional banks.

Compare money transfer providers as an alternative to HSBC

Are HSBC international transfers always the cheapest option?

HSBC international money transfers are not always the cheapest option available. Like many banks, HSBC may include some costs within the exchange rate rather than showing all charges upfront.

This means:

  • A low visible fee may still result in a higher total cost
  • The currency equivalent received can vary depending on market hours
  • Transfers processed on the next working day may differ from same-day rates

Costs can include visible money transfer fees as well as extra cost added through the foreign currency exchange rate. Comparing providers allows you to compare money transfer rates and better understand the total amount sent and received.

Are HSBC international transfers always the cheapest option

How do HSBC alternatives differ from bank transfers?

Alternatives to HSBC international money transfers are usually specialist providers rather than traditional banks.

Key differences may include:

  • Exchange rates closer to the market rate
  • Lower or clearer fee information
  • Faster delivery times for certain receiving countries
  • Additional payout options such as local bank deposits or mobile wallet payments

Not every alternative is suitable for every transfer, which is why comparison is important.

How much could an alternative to HSBC cost?

The cost of sending money internationally depends on the provider, destination, currency, and transfer method.

Provider type Fees Exchange Rate Delivery Speed
High-street bank (such as HSBC UK) £10–£30 Lower than market rate 2–5 business days
Online transfer service £0–£10 Near market rate Same day to 2 days
Specialist FX provider Low or £0 Competitive rate Same day to 1 day

Fees and exchange rates vary by provider and receiving country. Comparing options side by side helps you see which alternative offers better value for your specific transfer.

See how HSBC compares with alternative transfer options

What information is needed to use an alternative to HSBC?

Most international money transfer alternatives require similar information to a bank transfer, but the process is often simpler.

What information is needed to use an alternative to HSBC

You are typically asked for:

  • The sender’s personal details
  • The transfer amount and currency
  • The recipient’s full name
  • The recipient’s bank account number

Whether using HSBC UK or an alternative provider, transfers may also require an international bank account number or bank code, depending on the destination. HSBC may additionally require a sort code and secure key confirmation when sending money through online banking or mobile banking.

Some providers also offer mobile banking dashboards that allow you to track transfers and manage future payments more easily.

Check low-fee international transfer options instead of using a bank

Is it safe to use an alternative to HSBC for international transfers?

Yes, provided you use an FCA-regulated money transfer provider. Regulation ensures that providers meet strict standards for security, safeguarding, and compliance.

Most regulated providers offer:

  • Secure encryption to protect personal and payment information
  • Safeguarding of customer funds
  • Identity verification and anti-money laundering checks
  • Secure delivery through established banking networks

Using a regulated provider allows you to explore HSBC alternatives with confidence and peace of mind.

When might HSBC still be the right choice?

HSBC international money transfers may still be suitable if:

  • You prefer managing everything within your existing HSBC banking app
  • You are sending a large amount and value familiarity
  • You already use a global money account or currency account
  • You are comfortable with the fees and exchange rate offered

Some HSBC customers prefer to keep international payments within their existing money account, particularly when using features such as global view or the HSBC global money account.

Compare money transfer rates before choosing HSBC or an alternative

FAQs about HSBC international money transfer alternatives

Yes, as long as the provider is FCA-regulated and follows UK safeguarding requirements.

They can be, depending on the destination, fees, and exchange rates. Comparing providers helps show the true total cost.

Some specialist providers offer same-day or next-day transfers for certain countries.

Yes, many international money transfer services allow you to send money without using a traditional bank transfer.

Some alternatives use international banking networks, while others rely on local payout systems to reduce costs and delivery times.

FCA-regulated providers must safeguard customer funds and follow strict security standards.

HSBC applies transfer limits based on account type, destination, currency, and regulatory checks. Other providers may offer different limits, with some allowing higher maximum transfers and others focusing on smaller payments. Comparing providers helps you see which option suits your transfer amount.

There is no single UK bank that is objectively better than HSBC for international transfers. Costs, exchange rates, and delivery times vary. Many people compare banks alongside specialist providers to find the best value for their needs.

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Page last updated on: 29/01/2026

Page reviewed by: Andrea Troy

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