Send Money to the USA – Fast, Secure & Low-Cost Transfers

  • Fast, Secure, Global
  • Simple, Trusted, Accessible
  • Budget-friendly, Straightforward, Efficient
  • Seamless, Adaptable, Consistent
4000+ reviews
  • FCA-regulated international money transfer services
  • Competitive GBP → USD exchange rates
  • Low or zero transfer fees
  • Fast delivery to US bank accounts, mobile wallets or cash pickup locations

Sending money to the United States is quick, safe and affordable when you compare trusted UK money transfer providers. You can secure stronger exchange rates, avoid hidden fees and choose fast delivery options whether you're supporting family, paying tuition fees, covering medical bills or sending business payments.

Compare trusted providers and find the best GBP → USD rate today

What Are the Best Ways to Send Money to the USA?

Sending money from the UK to the United States is simple, fast and secure when you use a regulated international money transfer provider. Whether you’re supporting family, paying tuition fees, covering medical expenses, booking travel arrangements or sending business payments, there are several reliable low-cost options.

Popular ways to send money to the USA include:

  • Bank transfers to USD accounts using the recipient’s routing number and account number
  • Debit or credit card payments for fast transfers
  • Repeat transfers using saved payment details
  • Cash pickup, available in select locations through partner networks
  • Mobile wallets, depending on provider availability

Most services let you send GBP and convert it to USD while clearly displaying fees upfront so you know exactly what the recipient will receive.

GBP to USD Exchange Rate – Today’s Mid-Market Rate

As of 10 December 2025, the mid-market GBP → USD exchange rate is:

1 GBP ≈ $1.258 USD

Actual provider rates may vary depending on fees, markups, delivery method and payment type.

Always compare the total cost before sending money. Even small differences in the GBP→USD rate can significantly change how much your recipient receives.

Compare today’s rates to find the best deal

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send Money to the USA

Sending money to the USA is easy. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

  1. Choose a money transfer provider through Free Price Compare.
  2. Enter the amount you want to send in GBP.
  3. Add the recipient’s details — full name, routing number, account number, and bank name.
  4. Select your payment method (debit card, credit card or bank transfer).
  5. Enter your personal details (name, email address and mobile number).
  6. Provide ID if required for verification.
  7. Check the transfer fees, exchange rate and estimated arrival time.
  8. Confirm the transfer and receive a notification once the money is on its way.

Most providers offer real-time tracking and email alerts so you have full visibility from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send Money to the USA

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

Below is an example of what your recipient may receive based on current market averages:

Provider Fees GBP → USD Rate Recipient Gets ($) Delivery Time
Equals Group £0 1.2560 $1,256 1–2 business days
FC Global Payments £0 1.2580 $1,258 Same day–1 day
Halo Financial £0 1.2550 $1,255 1–2 business days
Key Currency £0 1.2545 $1,254.50 Same day–1 day
OFX £0 1.2570 $1,257 1–2 business days
Regency FX £0 1.2575 $1,257.50 1–3 business days
TorFX £0 1.2565 $1,256.50 1–2 business days
Currencies Direct £0 1.2558 $1,255.80 1–2 business days

Rates checked on 10 December 2025. Actual transfer outcomes vary based on provider fees, payment method and timing.

Compare providers to see who delivers the highest USD amount for your transfer

How Long Do Transfers to the USA Take?

Delivery times depend on how you fund the transfer and the service you use.

Transfer Method → Estimated Time

  • Bank transfer (ACH deposit) → 1–2 business days
  • Debit card → Same day, often within hours
  • Credit card → 1–2 business days
  • Cash pickup (where available) → Same day
  • Wire transfer to US banks → Typically within 24 hours

Most providers display the estimated arrival time before you confirm your payment.

Compare International Money Transfer Services

Comparing Features, Fees, and Reliability for Seamless Money Transfers

Avoid Hidden Fees When Sending Money to the USA

To avoid paying more than necessary, always check:

  • The exchange rate markup — even small differences matter
  • Whether the provider charges fees upfront
  • The payment method cost, as credit cards may add extra charges
  • Any additional FX fees built into the GBP→USD rate
  • The personalised estimate showing the exact USD amount the recipient will receive

Comparing multiple providers is the easiest way to avoid hidden charges and find the cheapest option for your transfer.

Is It Safe to Send Money to the USA

Is It Safe to Send Money to the USA?

Yes — transfers to the United States are secure when you use FCA-regulated or globally authorised providers.

Security features usually include:

  • HTTPS encryption to protect your banking and personal details
  • Two-factor authentication for login and payments
  • Fraud monitoring and identity checks
  • Encrypted mobile and web platforms on iOS, Android and desktop
  • Email confirmations and transfer tracking for peace of mind

Providers must follow strict UK and US financial regulations, keeping your data and money safe throughout the entire process.

Who Sends Money to the USA?

People in the UK transfer money to the USA for a wide range of purposes:

  • Supporting family living or studying in the US
  • Paying university tuition, medical bills or accommodation
  • Buying property or covering mortgage/rent in the USA
  • Paying suppliers, freelancers or contractors
  • Sending money to a USD account for savings or travel expenses
  • Making regular transfers for part-time US residents or dual-nation households

Because the USA uses routing numbers, account numbers and no IBAN, UK senders often rely on specialist money transfer services to avoid errors and keep costs low.

See who offers the best GBP → USD rate today

Compare Trusted UK Providers for Transfers to the USA

Provider Why Choose Them USA Payout Options
Equals Group Competitive rates, transparent fees ACH deposit, wire transfer
FC Global Payments Strong for business and large transfers USD delivery to major US banks
Halo Financial Personal support for large transactions ACH, wire, card payments
Key Currency No fees, great service USD account transfers, regular payments
OFX 24/7 platform, secure ACH deposit, multiple currencies
Regency FX Competitive FX, account managers ACH transfer, wire services
TorFX Excellent customer service Large transfers, repeat payments
Currencies Direct Highly rated, easy to use USD bank deposit

Correct as of 10 December 2025

FAQs – About Sending Money to the USA

You will need the recipient’s full name, their account details (routing number and account number), the bank name, and sometimes their address. These details help ensure the transfer reaches the correct local bank account in the USA.

The cheapest way is usually an online international transfer provider offering low fees, competitive exchange rates and transparent pricing. High street banks may charge more through higher foreign transaction fees and weaker GBP→USD rates.

Transfer speeds depend on the payment method. Debit card payments are often same-day, while bank transfers typically take 1–2 working days. International transfer duration may also be affected by US bank holidays.

The United States does not use IBAN. Instead, transfers use an ABA bank code (routing number) plus the customer’s account number. This applies to personal accounts and all account types, including checking and savings.

Yes. Most providers support transfers through online banking or their mobile app, making it easy to manage international transfers, check rates and track the final amount your recipient will receive.

Compare providers that show the final amount upfront, avoid exchange rate markups and disclose any foreign transaction fees. Using providers with competitive exchange rates and low fees helps reduce overall costs.

Limits vary by provider and account type. Many allow transfers up to £50,000, with higher limits for verified or business accounts. Additional checks may apply for large international transfers.

Yes. FCA-regulated providers use encryption, secure servers and authentication to protect your data. You can track your transfer through the website or mobile app, giving you full visibility and peace of mind.

Payments to the USA are delivered in United States dollars (USD). Some providers also offer transfers in foreign currencies, but USD is standard for all US bank deposits.

No — although most UK to US transfers go into a bank account, some providers also support cash pickup or prepaid card deposits. For a bank deposit, the recipient will need their account number and routing number. For non-bank transfers, they may need ID or a reference code depending on the delivery method.

USD exchange rates move due to market activity in the global forex market. Factors include US Federal Reserve announcements, inflation data, geopolitical events, and trading volume across major financial centres like London and New York. Live-priced transfers usually update several times per minute, which means the rate can change between starting and completing a transfer.

Yes. Many providers allow scheduled transfers or recurring payments funded by bank transfer or debit card. These are useful for paying rent, tuition or family support. Some services also offer rate alerts so you can choose a better moment to send money based on the live GBP→USD exchange rate.

Personal remittances (such as gifts or family support) usually do not create UK tax obligations. However, large transfers connected to business, property purchases or inheritance may require documentation for compliance checks. In the USA, the recipient may need to report large incoming amounts depending on their circumstances. If unsure, it’s best to verify with a qualified tax professional.

More on Money Transfer

Page last updated on: 22/12/2025

Page reviewed by: Andrea Troy

4000+ reviews