Send Money to India From UK [UK to India Transfers]

In this article, we’re explaining your options to send money to India from the UK.

This article is part of our free series on banking in Europe, ranging from sending money from the UK to opening with Montenegro banks as a non-resident, click here to learn more.

Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.

Table of Contents

  1. Send Money to India From UK
  2. Factors to Consider Before You Send Money to India
  3. Best Way to Send Money to India From the United Kingdom
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Ready to Explore Your Options?

Send Money to India From UK

To send money to India from the UK, you can choose from the following three main options: international bank transfers, money order services, and international money transfer services. Importantly, each option has different fees and timeframes, so you should compare all three options before deciding which is best for you.

Factors to Consider Before You Send Money to India

Before sending money to India there are a handful of factors that you should consider. These factors will influence the specific options that are applicable to you and offer you the best solution for your needs.

  • What limits does each platform place on transfer amounts?
  • How long will it take for the transfer to arrive?
  • What is the exchange rate that will be applied?
  • What are the transfer fees that you will have to pay?
  • Are there any additional fees that you will need to pay?
  • Is the recipient able to receive the funds via each method?
  • How reliable is each service when sending money to India?
  • Do you already have an account that supports each option?

When considering these factors, the two that often influence people’s decisions the most include the exchange rate and the transfer fees charged by banks.

Exchange Rate

The exchange rate refers to the amount that will be applied to your transfer when converting through different currencies. While it is possible to get preferred exchange rates at certain account levels, you should always compare the available exchange rates through different platforms.

This is especially true when comparing the exchange rate between traditional options like banks and money order services with digital and technology-enabled options. In most cases, these digital options offer far better exchange rates to customers. However, as we’ll discuss below, they may not be suitable for larger transfers.

Money Bank Transfer Fees

When sending money to India through traditional brick-and-mortar banks, you can expect to pay high fees. This is due to the cross-border transaction that has to take place for your money to arrive. When you compare this to the transfers that are facilitated through digital platforms like Wise, you will find that banks charge considerably more.

Best Way to Send Money to India From the United Kingdom

The best way to send money to India from the United Kingdom will ultimately depend on how much money you are sending, how soon you need it to arrive, and how sensitive you are to paying fees. That said, even when considering these variables there is one option that tends to offer the best option, which is online money transfer services.

However, online money transfer services can place strict limits on the number of funds that can be transferred. So, if you are sending large amounts of money you may want to consider sending via a traditional route instead.

Online Money Transfer Service

There are a number of online money transfer services to choose from in the UK. However, they all charge different rates when it comes to sending money to India. With this in mind, in addition to comparing the different ways to send money to India, you should also compare the specific platforms and the related fees.

Does Your UK Bank Account Have Transfer Limits?

Of course, most UK bank accounts also have transfer limits, which can include daily, weekly, and monthly limits on the amount sent. However, with the necessary supporting documentation, any amount of money can be transferred by most UK banks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people looking to send money to India from the UK. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.

How Much Money Can I Send to India From the United Kingdom?

How much money you can send to India from the United Kingdom will depend on the specific platform you are using. That said, there are options available for all thresholds, including being able to send transfers via traditional bank transfers without limits. That said, if you are sending large transfers you will need supporting documentation to explain to the bank why the money is being sent.

Can You Transfer Money To India From Your UK Bank Account Online?

Yes, you can transfer money to India from your UK bank account online. However, in most cases, this requires you to use a third-party application that specializes in international money transfers. An example of such an app would be Wise, which can facilitate transfers to India from the United Kingdom.

How Long Does It Take to Send Money to India?

How long it takes to send money to India will depend on the specific transfer method that you are using. For example, if you are sending via an online service, your transfer may be completed within 24 to 48 hours. Alternatively, if you are sending via a traditional bank transfer, the transfer may not arrive for three to five business days.

What’s the Best Way to Transfer Money From the United Kingdom to India?

The best way to transfer money from the United Kingdom to India is ultimately a personal choice based on the specific factors referenced above. That said, if you are looking for fast and cost-effective solutions, online money transfer services are usually the best choice for most consumers.

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GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

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