Is Wise the cheapest way to send GBP abroad?
That cannot be established without comparable real quotes for a specific amount, country, payment type and payout.
PERSONAL COMPARISON
Compare international money transfers from the UK
A bank-to-bank payment, foreign-currency transfer and cash-pickup service serve different situations. Compare your options by actual recipient outcome, not a universal cheapest-provider label.
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What to check
Keep currency pair, send amount, payment type, destination and payout method identical when you assess quotes. A headline exchange rate alone leaves out plan allowances and charges.
Providers at a glance
| Provider | When relevant | Verify before sending |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Rate and fee visibility for supported FX transfers | Bank/card funding, payout route and amount received |
| UK bank | An existing bank account and conventional international payment | Outbound charge, FX markup, SWIFT/correspondent fees |
| Revolut | A multi-currency account with plan-dependent exchange terms | £1,000 Standard allowance, weekend cost and payout |
| Remitly | Destination-specific delivery options | Bank versus cash/wallet payout and total cost |
| Western Union | Potential cash-collection routes | Pickup availability, recipient identification and quote |
When relevant
Wise provides an upfront estimate showing rate, fee and received amount for supported routes.
UK Revolut Standard exchange terms can include plan-allowance and weekend charges, in addition to transfer-specific requirements.
Remitly can offer destination-dependent bank deposits, mobile money or cash pickup.
Western Union may offer cash pickup for some routes, but payout availability and fee depend on the recipient country.
Verify before sending
- Will the recipient receive a bank payment or cash?
- Do I need a GBP-to-GBP SWIFT payment or foreign-currency exchange?
- What do the plan and payment method actually cost?
- What amount reaches the destination bank?
Frequently asked questions
Does the Revolut exchange rate change on weekends?
Standard-plan fees can include a weekend surcharge and charges beyond a plan allowance. Check the exact applicable conditions.
Can a GBP transfer outside the UK involve SWIFT fees?
Yes. Same-currency GBP transfers to some non-UK bank accounts use SWIFT, with different processing costs.
Sources and methodology
This is an editorial comparison, not a continuously refreshed quotation of competitor prices. Check the final provider checkout.