How to send money from the UK to Germany

Secure, convenient ways to send your pounds to Deutschland.

Updated Sep 16, 2019

Fact checked

A money transfer company will offer lower fees and more competitive exchange rates than most banks — but which provider is best for you depends on how much you’re sending and how fast you need it to arrive.

Compare services that send money to Germany from the UK

Table: sorted by a combination of service offering and the amount your recipient will receive

I want to send

Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
GBP 2,000	1 day	GBP 0.00	1.099	EUR 10,988	TorFX guarantee to beat any competitor's exchange rate for a transaction (conditions apply) (Conditions apply)	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 5,000	Same day	GBP 0.00	1.099	EUR 10,988	Universal Partners FX offers competitive exchange rates and same-day transfers for 100+ currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 5,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BWP, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, CRC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SRD, STD, SZL, THB, TND, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, XAF, XCD, XOF, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 3,000	1 day	GBP 0.00	1.099	EUR 10,988	Get no fees as a Finder customer when you transfer your money overseas with Global Reach.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 3,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, BBD, BGN, BHD, BSD, BWP, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, GHS, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, INR, ISK, JOD, JPY, KES, KWD, KYD, LKR, MAD, MUR, MXN, NGN, NOK, NZD, OMR, PHP, PKR, PLN, QAR, RON, RUB, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TND, TRY, TTD, UGX, USD, XCD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 1	Same day	GBP 0.00	1.099	EUR 10,988	Whatever amount you transfer, XE will not charge you a fee for using their service.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Email, Branch Available currencies AED, AMD, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BND, BRL, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, KZT, LKR, LSL, MAD, MKD, MUR, MWK, MXN, MYR, NAD, NOK, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SZL, THB, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UGX, USD, VUV, WST, XCD, XPF, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 2,000	1 day	GBP 0.00	1.099	EUR 10,988	Make transferring money abroad as simple and safe as possible with bank-beating exchange rates - online, via the app or over the phone.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 2,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HRK, HUF, ILS, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 1,000	Same day	GBP 0.00	1.099	EUR 10,988	Clear Capital specialises in sending 150+ currencies abroad for individuals and businesses, with a dedicated account manager to help you.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 1,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account, International Money Order Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Chat, Email, Branch Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BMD, BOB, BSD, BWP, BZD, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, CRC, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MGA, MRO, MUR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SRD, STD, SZL, THB, TND, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VUV, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review
GBP 2,500	Same day	GBP 0.00	1.099	EUR 10,988	Central FX’s dedicated private client team will guide you through the money transfer process from first call to final payment.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 2,500.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Bank Account to Bank Account Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments, Market orders, Forward contracts Customer service Phone, Chat, Email, Branch Available currencies AED, ANG, AUD, BBD, BGN, BHD, BRL, BSD, BWP, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, EGP, EUR, FJD, GBP, GHS, GMD, HKD, HRK, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KWD, KYD, LKR, MAD, MUR, MWK, MXN, NGN, NOK, NZD, OMR, PHP, PKR, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, SAR, SEK, SGD, SZL, THB, TND, TRY, UGX, USD, XCD, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review
GBP 5,000	1 day	GBP 0.00	1.099	EUR 10,988	Take advantage of fee lock-ins and live bookable rates, helping you save up to 85% in hidden bank fees.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 5,000.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AUD, BDT, CAD, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, ILS, INR, JMD, JPY, NZD, PHP, PLN, RUB, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 5	2 days	EUR 3.00	1.098	EUR 10,977	Special offer: Zero fees on your first 10 transfers. Get bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 5.00 Transfer methods Online Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, ILS, INR, NOK, NZD, PHP, PLN, SEK, SGD, THB, USD, ZAR Go to site Read the full review
GBP 50	Same day	GBP 2.99	1.092	EUR 10,919	Use promo code 3FREE to send your first 3 transfers with no fee. Conditions apply. An online money transfer service with cash pick-up, bank account to bank account and airtime transfers available.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 50.00 Transfer methods Online Transfer options N/A Customer service Chat, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RUB, RWF, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SOS, SRD, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
GBP 10	Within an hour	GBP 2.00	1.097	EUR 10,972	First two transfers free for new customers. Instant or 1 hour transfers to over 50 countries, send money directly to bank accounts or over 280,000 cash pickup points.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount GBP 10.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Agent, Cash Transfer Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email, Branch Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, LAK, LBP, LKR, MAD, MDL, MGA, MNT, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SZL, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XOF, XPF, ZAR, ZMW, ZWD, BYN Go to site Read the full review

Compare up to 4 providers

Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.

How do international money transfers work?

If you don’t already have an account with the company you choose for your transfer, you’ll need to open one either in person or online. The money you send can be in cash or from a bank account, a debit card or even a credit card. Simply put, once you’ve signed over your funds and designated a recipient, the bank or transfer agency whisks it through electronic money networks to its destination, where your recipient either picks it up in person or finds it deposited into their bank account.

Banks versus money transfer companies

Think the obvious way to send money abroad is through your bank? It may also be the slowest and priciest, with high fees and weak exchange rates — resulting in fewer euros for your recipient.

You can save time and money by using a money transfer company that specialises in zipping funds around the world. They stay in business by offering low fees, and most take a minimal cut of the exchange rate. You pay less upfront, and your recipient gets more euros.

Case study: Klaus Sends Money to Germany

Klaus has been settled in the UK for more than five years now but he still maintains strong ties with his family back in Munich. Every year around Christmas time he sends them a £1,000 money transfer to help fund their holiday shopping spree, but Klaus is growing tired of paying a £30 transfer fee imposed by his bank every time he makes a transfer. He decides to compare the services of two money transfer companies to see if he can find a better deal.

	Money transfer company 1	Money transfer company 2
Exchange rate	1 GBP = 1.078 EUR	1 GBP = 1.099 EUR
Transfer fee	£10	£5
Transfer method	Bank account deposit	Bank account deposit
Processing time	4 business days	3 business days
Amount received in EUR for £1,000	1,078 EUR	1,099 EUR

As you can see, a small difference in the exchange rate makes a noticeable difference in the amount that makes it to Klaus’ family, while fees and processing times also vary between companies.

How to compare transfer companies when transferring money to Germany

Exchange rates. The exchange rate that applies to your transaction can have a huge impact on the affordability of your transaction, so search for a company that regularly offers competitive rates.
Fees. Make sure you’re aware of any fees that will apply to your transfers, keeping in mind that companies with higher exchange rates may also have higher fees.
Transfer methods. Available transfer methods include online, over the phone, using a mobile app or visiting a branch.
Transfer options. Can you lock in an ideal exchange rate now and transfer the money later, known as a forward contract? Does the institution offer limit orders, which allows you to take advantage of changing market conditions by executing the money transfer when a certain exchange rate is met? Can you schedule recurring payments, or does the company only provide one-off spot orders?
Turnaround time. Processing times can vary from within 10 minutes to up to 5 business days, so check each company’s turnaround time if fast transfers are a priority for you.
Minimum transfer amount. Some companies will force you to transfer more than a minimum limit each time you send funds overseas, which can be frustrating if you only need to send small transfers.
Pickup methods. Can the funds be collected from a transfer agent, or will they be deposited into your recipient’s bank account?
Customer service. Will phone, email and/or live chat customer support be available when you need it?

Foreign exchange rates explained

The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it will yield more money when exchanging it in a country with a weak currency. The euro’s exchange rate is flexible, which means it can change from moment to moment. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.
Currency exchange rate for Germany

Ways to send money to Germany from the UK

Bank transfers. Bank-to-bank transfers are a safe and convenient way to send funds overseas.
Online money transfer providers. Companies like TransferWise and OFX offer affordable international money transfers.
Money transfer companies with cash pickup options. MoneyGram and Western Union are the two best-known providers of this service.
PayPal. PayPal offers secure and quick transfers between the United States and Germany.
Checks. Obtaining an international check from your bank is a reliable but slow transfer method.

Steps to send money to Germany

Choose from among the numerous transfer providers who send money to Germany.
Register with the provider of your choice on their website providing your name, address, contact information and date of birth. A valid photo ID will also be required.
Provide your recipient’s name, address and contact details. Depending on the transfer method you may also have to supply their bank account information.
Enter the amount you want to send, complete your transaction and save your tracking or receipt number to follow up on the progress of your transfer.

Making a cash transfer to Germany

If you ever need to send an emergency cash transfer to Germany — maybe your teenage son or daughter is backpacking through Europe and has run out of money — remember that urgent transfers often don’t come cheap. Fees rise and exchange rates often fall when you send a transfer ASAP, so take a little time to examine the full cost of your transfer before you send it.

Tips for picking up cash in Germany

Keep the following safety tips in mind if you ever pick up a cash transfer from an agent in Germany:

Make sure your wallet and bag are secure.
Never leave your bag or wallet unattended in a public place.
Don’t carry around large sums of cash – deposit the funds with a bank as soon as you can.
Ask a friend to accompany you and act as a deterrent to thieves.
Don’t publicise your cash in front of strangers.

Cash pickup locations in Germany

Worldremit
Deutsche Bank Filiale
Address: Alexanderstraße 5, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49 30 34070
GLS Bank / Filiale Berlin
Address: Schumannstraße 10, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: +49 234 5797100
Santander Bank, Filiale Berlin Mitte
Address: Leipziger Straße 96 / Charlottenstr. 66, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49 30 2537620

Moneygram
EUROCHANGE AG
Address: ALEXANDERPLATZ IM S-BHF Berlin, 10178
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: +49-302415097
365 KAFFEE + PRESSE – BERLIN – ALEXANDER
Address: ALEXANDERPLATZ Berlin, 10178
Hours: 4:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: +49-8008088019
EXCHANGE AG DEUTSCHLAND
Address: FRIEDRICHSTR. 150-153 Berlin, 10117
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49-493-020649296

Western Union
DEUTSCHE POSTBANK AG
Address: Rathausstr 5 Berlin, Be 10178
Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: +49-228-55005555
DEUTSCHE POSTBANK AG
Address: Behrenstr 29 Berlin, Berlin 10117
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Phone: +49-69-85098373
GECO HANSA CENTER
Address: Hansastrasse 236 Berlin, Berlin 13051
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: +49-30-97996514
Worldremit
Deutsche Bundesbank
Address: Willy-Brandt-Straße 73, 20459 Hamburg, Germany
Hours: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Phone: +49 40 37070
Danske Bank
Address: Georgspl. 1, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: +49 40 3281160
Sparda-Bank Hamburg eG
Address: ABC-Straße 38, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: +49 40 5500550
Moneygram
DENIZBANK AG – Ha.m.BURG
Address: GROSSE JOHANNISSTR. 19 Hamburg, 20457
Hours: 8:30a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: +49-80-04886600
REISEBUERO CLIP – Ha.m.BURG
Address: WILLY-BRANDT-STR. 30 Hamburg, 20457
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49-40-72005050
PLATINUM LEIHHAUS – Ha.m.BURG
Address: ERNST-MERCK-STR. 8 Hamburg, 20099
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49-95-20010000
Western Union
DEUTSCHE POSTBANK AG
Address: Alter Wall 38 Hamburg, Hh 20457
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Phone: +49-228-55005555
DEUTSCHE POSTBANK AG
Address: Moenckebergstr 7 Hamburg, Hh 20095
Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: +49-228-55005555
DEUTSCHE POSTBANK AG
Address: Am Sandtorkai 44 Hamburg, Hh 20457
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49-228-55005555
Worldremit
State Street Bank GmbH
Address: Brienner Str. 59, 80333 München, Germany
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49 89 55878100
Sparda-Bank Filiale Neuhausen
Address: Richelstraße 3, 80634 München, Germany
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49 89 55142400
Fidor Bank AG
Address: Sandstraße 33, 80335 München, Germany
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49 89 189085233

Moneygram
DENIZBANK AG – MUENCHEN
Address: BAYERSTR. 4 Muenchen, 80335
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: +49-80-04886600
MONEYGRa.m. RETAIL
Address: BAYERSTR. 8 Muenchen, 80335
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Phone: +49-53889893
EXCHANGE AG DEUTSCHLAND
Address: SCHILLERSTR. 3A Muenchen, 80336
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49-892350920

Western Union
DEUTSCHE POSTBANK AG
Address: Zweibrueckenstr 5 7 Muenchen, By 80469
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49-228-55005555
DEUTSCHE POSTBANK AG
Address: Alter Hof 6 7 Muenchen, By 80331
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Phone: +49-228-55005555
DEUTSCHE POSTBANK AG
Address: Sattlerstr 1 Muenchen, By 80331
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: +49-228-55005555

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Shirley Liu

Shirley Liu is Finder's global program manager. She was previously the publisher for banking and investments and has also written comparisons for energy, money transfers, Uber Eats and many other topics. Shirley has a Master of Commerce and a Bachelor of Media, Journalism and Communications from the University of New South Wales. She is passionate about helping people find the best deal for their needs.

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