Bank transfers have been around for more than a century, and although they’ve got faster, they still typically aren’t instantaneous. Several factors come into play when making an international bank transfer. Understanding why it takes time and what alternatives are available can help you avoid delays when you’re in a hurry.
At best, expect the following transfer times for domestic and international transfers.
When you send an international bank transfer through your bank, you should be provided with an expected delivery date – though this isn’t a guarantee of any sort. Bank transfer time varies based on many factors, some that are in your control and some that aren’t:
When you’re in a rush, or you just don’t feel like waiting, there are trustworthy ways to speed up how your money is transferred. By default, almost no bank transferred funds are available immediately, so use these alternatives to get your money faster.
Companies like OFX and CurrencyTransfer specialise in foreign currencies, making them some of the most cost-effective transfers. Most offer transfers directly to your recipient’s bank account, often in as little as a day.
Services like WorldRemit allow you to transfer cash for nearly instant pickup. While it’s a fast way to send money, you may pay more in fees than you would with a digital money transfer service.
Let’s say you need to send £1,500 to family in India. Here’s what you might face as far as fees and exchange rates as of 30 September 2020.
| Digital money transfer service | Cash transfer | Bank transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
Fee | £0 | £3.90 | £20 + additional correspondent bank fees |
Exchange rate | 1 GBP = 94.58 INR | 1 GBP = 93.37 INR | 1 GBP = 92.95 INR |
Transfer speed | 1 day | Minutes | 2-5 days |
Amount received | INR 141,877 | INR 140,066 | INR 137,568 |
Verdict |
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Using an international money transfer service can often deliver your money instantly, something that bank transfers can almost never achieve. On top of that, you’d end up sending 4,309 less rupees if you send through a bank transfer.
Using your bank to send an international bank transfer is hardly ever the cheapest or fastest option. Online money transfer providers almost always get your recipient more money and much more quickly.
31% of people who would use a money transfer service said exchange rate was the most important aspect in choosing a brand.
Response | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 34.87% | 29.14% |
| Fees/commission | 31.03% | 27.97% |
| Speed of transfer | 29.12% | 20.05% |
| Don't know | 17.62% | 28.21% |
| Security | 23.75% | 24.48% |
| Overall amount recipient gets | 17.62% | 11.42% |
| Customer service | 16.86% | 12.35% |
| Range of payment methods | 13.79% | 15.38% |
| Provider reputation | 11.11% | 13.05% |
| Range of pick-up methods | 11.49% | 12.35% |
As more businesses plan to go global, find out how WorldFirst’s multi-currency account could benefit your operations. Paid content.
Learn about how Small World alternatives can help you send more money for less.
Revolut has made a name for itself as a favourite for frequent travellers by offering great currency services. Stick within the “fair usage” limit for your plan and the pricing can be hard to beat.
Learn about taxes on large-money transfers to the UK from abroad, including penalties and exceptions.
Xe is a leading company of currency solutions that offers competitive exchange rates, no fees and fast money transfers.
Lloyds Bank provides a range of options for sending money overseas to friends and family. See exchange rates, fees and services here and compare your options.
Check out our review of TorFX’s fee-free money transfers.
Read our Wise review to see the exchange rates, fees and what to expect when you send a transfer.
If you’re thinking of sending a money transfer with Western Union, read our review of its transfer speed, exchange rates and fees first.
Send an international money transfer to someone without a bank account. Get it there instantly and they can pick it up in person, in cash. Get quotes now.