The Best Time to Send Money Abroad: Weekdays vs. Weekends

Timing can really change things when you are sending money to someone in another country. It does not matter if you send to your family or pay a company bill. The day you send money can change how much your person gets. It can also change what you have to pay.

This guide shows you how transfer fees, exchange rates, and processing times can change on weekdays and weekends. It helps you find out the best time to send money, so you get the most for what you send.

Do Exchange Rates Change Over the Weekend?

Yes, you can do it. But you can’t do it at the same time as live markets. In the UK, you can trade most global money exchange markets, or Forex, from Monday to Friday. These markets close on Friday night. They open again on Sunday evening.

On weekends, you can still see some exchange rates. But most of these use the closing rate from Friday, and the gap between buying and selling is bigger. This helps protect you from big price moves when the market opens again.

Weekday Rates

• The rates are based on live market conditions.
• They are more competitive and accurate.
• These can often be better for international payments or SEPA transfers.

Weekend Rates

• These usually have bigger markups.
• The price could stay the same or people can guess what it will be.
• There is a bigger chance that prices can change a lot when markets open again.

Are Transfer Fees Different on Weekends?

Money transfer companies may charge the same fees, no matter what day you send money. But, some of these companies change their exchange rates when it is the weekend. This can make the total cost higher if you send money on those days.

Does Processing Time Vary?

Yes, you can send money using digital platforms at any time, day or night. But the real processing times can depend on banking hours and the payment method you use. Faster Payments, BACS, and CHAPS all have their own cutoff times.

• Weekday transfers are usually quicker. This works most of the time from Monday to Thursday and you will get your money fast.
• Weekend transfers can be slow and may wait until the next business day. This often happens, especially if you send money to bank accounts that do not use instant services.

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Best Times to Send Money

Other Timing Factors to Consider

• Time zones: When you move money between different countries, it can take more time. This is because their banks may not always be open at the same time.
• Bank holidays: Days like Christmas and Boxing Day or other public holidays can slow things down by 1 to 2 working days.
• Security checks: A very big transfer can often trigger security checks. This can add to the amount of time your money needs to move.
• Payment system: Always use a payment system that is trusted and quick. This is the best option when you want your money to be handled well.
• Due diligence: Do your own checks each time. Make sure you have enough money in your online account before you finish the deal.

Tips to Save on Weekend Transfers

• Compare providers that show both the live price and the weekend price.
• Schedule ahead and use services where you can get weekday rates.
• Avoid urgent transfers if you do not have to do them.
• Check processing speed for each payment method before you send money.
• Use apps that tell you when there are rate fluctuations.
• Use online banking or telephone banking to help track your delivery.

Correct as of 06 June 2025

FAQs – About Weekday vs Weekend Transfers

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