6 Easy Steps to Transfer Money From UK to USA

Contrary to popular belief, it’s quite easy to transfer money from UK to USA. It can be done within minutes if you know the right method suitable for your needs.

Sending money across the border does not have to be complicated. Whether you’re supporting your family, paying school fees, or managing your business, there are several ways to transfer money securely and quickly across both countries.

In this guide, we’ll break down six easy steps on how to transfer money from UK to USA. From choosing the right provider to making sure the money reaches the desired recipient, we’ll guide you through every step.

If you’re ready to explore this international dimension, let’s dive right in!

How To Transfer Money From UK to USA

In this guide, we’ll be focusing on suitable money service providers because they are viewed as the most cost-effective and interactive compared to other major banks.

To transfer money from UK to USA, follow these steps accordingly:

1. Choose a Money Transfer Service Provider

To start with, select a money service provider that aligns with your goals and needs.

For example, if you want to transfer money to USA due to your business, you’d like to consider the exchange rate fee, transparency, transfer speed, customer support, and many more.

Here’s a breakdown of the popular money transfer providers that are suitable for transferring money to the USA. The table below will keep you informed on their key features, and also help you make the right decision on selecting the best option for you.

Service Provider	Best Known For	Pros	Cons
Wise (Formerly TransferWise)	Low international transfer fees & transparent pricing	• Competitive exchange rates. • Transparent fees • User-friendly interface • Fast transfer speed (Instant – 48 hours)	• Transfer limit ($1,000,000 per transfer) • No cash pickups • No physical branch
PayPal	Global Accessibility & Interactive Interface	• Extensive/Broad audience • Suitable for transfers worth less than $5,000 • Strong sender and recipient protection	• High international fees (5% of transaction amount + up to $4.99) • Markup on exchange fee • Not suitable for large transfers
Western Union	Physical cash pick-up options worldwide	• Cash pick-up options • Extensive network of physical locations • Extensive global network • Fast transfer speed	• High fees (up to $35–$50) • Markup on exchange rate • Complex fee structure • Inconsistent transfer speed (1-5 business days)
Revolut	Instant transfers & integrated financial tools	• Instant transfers between Revolut accounts • Low international costs (They have several budgeting tools on the app) • Cryptocurrency and stock additions • Speedy transfer	• Additional fee charge for transfers beyond the free-tier amount limit and transfers processed during weekends • No physical branch
OFX	High-volume transfers with no fees	• No transfer fees for large amounts • Competitive exchange rates • Dedicated customer support	• Long Transfer Speed (2-4 business days) • Not ideal for small transfers (at least AU$250 in all currencies) • No cash pickup options

Take your time to compare each option, choose the best that will make it easy for you to transfer money from UK to USA, and explore additional affordable ways to send money internationally.

2. Set Up Your Account

After you’ve chosen your preferred transfer provider, create an account on their site or mobile application (whichever is suitable). This process usually requires you to provide a few personal details, such as:

Your full name, address, date of birth, and email address
Identification documents: passport, driver’s license, work permit, proof of address, etc.
Foolproof password

Although it’s easy to create an account with just your name and email address, you’ll need to provide more details to verify or upgrade your account, especially when you have certain limits on it. For the best experience, make sure all the details are accurate and up-to-date. You can reach out to a customer care representative for more assistance.

3. Obtain Recipient’s Details

To transfer money from UK to USA, the recipient must provide you with specific details of his/her receiving account. These details may include the recipient’s full name, bank account number, routing number, SWIFT/BIC code, or more.

When transferring, include the recipient’s details in the required spaces. Make sure to check and recheck to minimize the risks of error, as this can cause delays or misplacement of funds. If you run a business, consider using QR payment gateways for a secure and quick payment process.

4. Initiate the Transfer

To initiate the transfer from UK to USA, log into the selected provider’s app or site. Follow these steps to complete the initiation:

Enter the recipient’s bank information.
Input the amount you wish to transfer.
Confirm the currency conversion (e.g., GBP to USD).
Review transfer fees and the exchange rate.

This step may vary depending on the particular service provider. Review all details carefully before proceeding to the next step.

5. Confirm and Pay

Once everything is in order, confirm the transfer and send it. Depending on the service provider that you choose, you can use either of the following options below to make your transfer.

5.1 Debit or Credit Cards

Using a debit or credit card is a quick and convenient way to transfer money from UK to USA. In usual cases, most service providers allow you to link your bank card to their platform.

Transfer Process: The amount is charged through your card, and the transfer is initiated immediately.

Key Considerations:

Credit cards may incur higher fees and interest charges depending on your card issuer.
Debit cards are usually more cost-effective and do not attract interest fees.

5.2 Direct Bank Account Transfers

A direct bank account transfer allows you to link your bank to the money service provider.

Transfer Process: In this case, the money service provider will directly pull funds from your bank to complete the transfer. This is often through ACH or SEPA.

Key Considerations:

This method has lower fee charges and favourable exchange rates compared to card payment options.
The processing time for this method may range from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the amount, network, holidays, and more.

6. Track the Transfer

After initiating the transfer, use the tracking tools provided by the service provider to monitor your transaction. Most platforms offer:

Real-time updates via app notifications or email.
Unique transaction IDs to monitor the status.

If your recipient hasn’t received the money within the expected timeframe, common issues might include incorrect bank details, non-business days, poor service, recipient’s bank issues, and more.

Go over your transaction invoice to ascertain if you put in the incorrect details or if there are any other issues. If you did, contact the customer care support immediately for further assistance.

Tips on How to Transfer Money From UK to USA

Compare the exchange rates for two to three providers to get the best deal for your transfer.
Choose a provider with low international charges to save money. This is particularly helpful when you make frequent transfers to the US.
As much as possible, avoid making transfers during weekends or holiday seasons, as this can delay the processing time.
Use apps for more convenience. They provide better user experiences.
Properly verify all transactions before completing them.
Plan ahead to avoid last-minute transfers. This can lead to transfer errors and unnecessary delays.

Final Thoughts on How to Transfer Money From UK to USA

If you want to transfer money from UK to USA, you can choose any of the providers mentioned above. They offer secure and intuitive transfer options for individuals looking to send money home, business owners searching for ways to manage funds, students in need of a payment option for school fees, and more.

Though other providers perform well for money transfers, DSGPay excels as a standout choice for businesses with cross-border needs. Designed for companies receiving payments from the US, our USD account simplifies financial management and ensures reliability for international operations.

Why Transfer Money From UK to USA via DSGPay

Transparent and cost-effective pricing: DSGPay offers clear and direct pricing with no hidden fees. With competitive exchange rates and minimal fees, you save significantly compared to traditional banks.
Open a USD account under your business name: Enhance trust and professionalism by opening an account in your business name. This makes it easier to manage transactions, receive payments, and maintain clear financial records for US operations.
Fast and effortless transfers: International transfers are often processed within the same day, ensuring seamless cross-border fund transfers and steady cash flow.
Multi-currency support: With access to over 30 currencies, DSGPay simplifies global transactions for businesses and individuals alike.
Advanced security: State-of-the-art encryption and fraud prevention measures ensure your financial and personal information is always protected.
User-friendly mobile and web platforms: Easily manage transactions, generate reports, and track payments in real time with DSGPay’s intuitive tools.
Dedicated customer support: A responsive support team is available to assist with any issues or queries, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.