Send Money to Poland

Sending money to Poland from the United Kingdom can vary in cost depending on the transfer method, fees, exchange rate, and how quickly the money needs to arrive. This guide explains how international payments to Poland work, what affects the total cost, and how to compare options before sending British pounds to a Polish bank account.

How to send money to Poland from the UK

UK residents can send money to Poland using several common methods, including online money transfer services, international bank transfers, and card-funded payments. The most suitable option depends on the amount being sent, urgency, and whether the recipient has a local bank account.

Most transfers to Poland are sent directly to the recipient’s bank account in Polish złoty (PLN).

Want to compare money transfer rates before sending money to Poland?

What information is needed to send money to Poland?

To complete a transfer, you will usually need the recipient’s bank account details. These typically include:

Full name of the account holder
Bank account number (IBAN)
Bank identifier (such as a BIC or SWIFT code)
Amount to be sent and currency

Some providers may also ask for the sender’s email address, date of birth, or a payment reference, particularly for first-time transfers.

How long does it take to send money to Poland?

Transfer times vary depending on the payment method and delivery options selected.

Transfer method	Typical delivery time
Bank transfer	1–3 business days
Debit card funded transfer	Same day or next working day

Transfers sent close to weekends or UK and Polish bank holidays may take longer to process.

Fees when sending money to Poland

The cost of your transfer to Poland usually includes:

A transfer or service fee
Currency conversion costs
Possible intermediary or bank deposit fees

Some providers charge fees upfront, while others recover costs through the exchange rate. This means the cheapest option is not always the one with the lowest visible fee.

Exchange rates: GBP to PLN

When sending money to Poland, the exchange rate used to convert British pounds (GBP) into Polish złoty (PLN) has a significant impact on the final amount received.

Even small differences in the exchange rate can increase extra fees on larger transfers. This is why it is important to compare money transfer rates rather than relying on headline pricing.

Comparing fees and exchange rates can help reduce the cost of sending money to Poland.

Bank transfer vs debit card transfers to Poland

Different payment methods suit different needs.

Bank transfers to Poland

Sending money by international bank transfer from a UK current account is often cheaper for larger amounts. Bank transfers usually involve lower processing fees but may take slightly longer to arrive.

This method is commonly used for:

Family support payments
Property-related transfers
Larger one-off international payments

Debit card transfers to Poland

Debit card transfers can be faster and more convenient for smaller amounts. However, they may include additional fees such as card processing charges or foreign transaction fees.

This option may suit:

Urgent payments
Smaller transfers
One-off personal payments

You can read more about these methods on:

Send Money by Bank Transfer Internationally
Send Money by Debit Card Internationally

Cheapest way to send money to Poland

The cheapest way to send money to Poland depends on:

The amount being sent
The exchange rate offered
The transfer fee structure
The payment method used

For small transfers, low upfront fees often matter most. For larger transfers, competitive exchange rates usually have a greater impact on overall cost.

Small vs large transfers to Poland

Transfer size	Main cost factor
£50–£500	Transfer fees
£500–£5,000	Fees and exchange rates
£5,000+	Exchange rates

This means the best way to send £100 may not be the cheapest way to send £10,000.

Are international bank transfers to Poland safe?

International money transfer services operating in the United Kingdom must meet regulatory standards set by the FCA. These rules focus on:

Safeguarding customer funds
Secure handling of personal and payment details
Transparency around fees and pricing

Using a regulated provider helps protect senders from scammers and provides peace of mind.

The cheapest way to send money to Poland can vary by amount and transfer method.

Sending money to a Polish bank account

Most international payments to Poland are sent directly to local bank accounts using the IBAN system. Poland is part of the European banking framework, which helps payments move efficiently between banks.

Providing accurate account details reduces the risk of delays, failed payments, or additional fees.

Common reasons people send money to Poland

UK senders commonly transfer money to Poland for:

Family support
Living expenses
Property purchases or maintenance
Education costs
Business or freelance payments

The reason for the transfer can affect checks required for large amounts.

Comparing providers before sending money to Poland

Prices and transfer speeds can change daily due to exchange rate movements and provider pricing updates. Comparing options close to the date of transfer helps avoid paying more than necessary.

This is why many users choose to compare money transfer rates before sending funds abroad.

Security, delivery options, and avoiding extra fees

When sending international payments from the United Kingdom to Poland, security and delivery options are just as important as cost. Regulated providers follow FCA requirements and use security features designed to protect senders from fraud.

Most transfers are made using online banking or a mobile app, with funds delivered directly to the recipient’s bank account. Transfers are often completed by the next working day, although bank holidays can cause delays.

Carefully checking account details helps avoid additional fees or extra fees caused by failed or delayed payments, particularly for first-time senders.

Security, delivery options, and avoiding extra fees

Which app is most recommended for sending money to Poland securely?

There is no single mobile app that is universally recommended for sending money to Poland securely. Security depends on regulation, encryption standards, and safeguarding rules rather than brand name. Comparing regulated international money transfer apps helps assess safety, pricing transparency, and reliability.

Do I need to pay tax or report transfers when sending money to Poland?

In most cases, sending money to Poland does not require paying tax or reporting the transfer. However, large transfers or payments linked to income, property, or business activity may have reporting or tax implications depending on individual circumstances.

Can I use PayPal to send money to Poland, and are there any limitations?

Yes, PayPal can be used to send money to Poland, but there are limitations. These may include higher fees, exchange rate markups, and restrictions on how funds are received. For larger transfers, direct bank transfers are often more cost-effective.

Are there any legal restrictions or requirements for sending money to Poland?

There are generally no legal restrictions on sending money to Poland from the United Kingdom for personal use. However, banks and payment providers may require identity checks, source of funds verification, and additional payment details for large transfers.

Before you send money to Poland, it can help to compare international transfer options.

FAQs about sending money to Poland

The cheapest option depends on the transfer amount, exchange rate, and fees. Small transfers usually benefit from low fees, while larger transfers benefit more from competitive exchange rates.

Most international transfers to Poland take between one and three business days. Card-funded transfers may arrive faster depending on the delivery option chosen.

Yes, most transfers to Poland are sent to a local bank account using an IBAN.

Some costs may be included in the exchange rate or deducted by intermediary banks. Always check the final amount the recipient will receive before confirming the transfer.

Bank transfers are usually cheaper for larger amounts, while debit card transfers may be more convenient for smaller or urgent payments.