If you have friends or family in the U.K., you may want to occasionally send them cash. Luckily, there are a few different ways to share the funds. The payment method you pick will depend on what you value most. Speed? Cost? Convenience? Since each option has its benefits, carefully weighing them is a must.

• International bank transfer: If you and your U.K. friend both have bank accounts, you might consider an international bank transfer. This method requires you to know the banking account number, routing number, and SWIFT/BIC code for the recipient’s account. It is a simple enough process, but it can take a few days for the money to become available in the U.K. For those who need cash in a flash, it may not be an ideal option.

• Money transfer agents: A money transfer agent helps you get cash to people almost anywhere in the world — including the U.K. — faster than an international bank transfer. Fees for this service may be much higher, though. You may also not get access to the best exchange rates, which reduces the total amount that arrives in the U.K.

• International money orders: You can easily purchase these paper checks at post offices, retailers, and banks. Once in your hand, you can mail them anywhere – even to the U.K.! The arrival date depends on the speed of international mail, which can be expensive or take a while to deliver the check. It’s also not guaranteed to arrive safely, a problem for people who need money quickly and securely.

• Ria: Looking for an online money transfer service with access to 165+ countries (including the U.K.)? Ria may be your best choice. With transfers taking place in as little as 15 minutes and low fees, Ria makes sending cash from your mobile device or desktop computer affordable and convenient. The great exchange rates ensure more of your money gets to your recipient.

Those who choose Ria find it offers flexibility, too – both for the sender and the receiver. Depending on your location, you can send cash in person at a convenient retail location or use your bank account, credit card, or debit card to fund a completely online transfer. Recipients can get their money securely into their bank account or pick up cash at a local store. 

It can take anywhere from a few minutes to five business days to send money to an overseas location — including the UK. However, how long it takes depends on several factors, such as:

1. Transaction type

2. Payment method

3. Where you’re sending money from

4. Whether Ria requires additional information for security purposes

5. When you initiate the transfer

Some currencies or transfer methods are only available during local business hours. If you set up a the UK remittance outside of typical business hours, on a holiday, or on the weekend, you could experience delays.

If you’re looking for the fastest way to send money to the UK, you may want to use a debit or credit card for your transaction. These methods may incur additional fees, so be aware of that. However, they also typically finalize the same day they’re completed — sometimes within minutes -meaning your recipient could have the money almost immediately.

And if time isn’t a concern, consider setting up a bank transfer instead. This option usually takes three to five business days and comes with fewer fees.

The cost of sending money to the UK depends on several key factors, such as:

1. The payment method you use

2. The payout method (that is, the way your intended recipient gets the money)

3. Transfer amount

4. Currency exchange rates

Bank remittances are usually the cheapest option, while credit and debit card transfers can come with additional fees. This is especially true with credit card payments, as some credit card companies will charge extra. Keep in mind, though, that international money transfers usually come with certain charges — regardless of how you go about it.

As an international remittance service, Ria strives to keep our rates and fees as low as possible on money transfers to the UK and other countries. We do that by working with financial institutions worldwide to get you the lowest possible fees and best exchange rates. At times, we also have promo codes to cut down on some of the more unavoidable fees.

The overall transfer amount includes all fees. If you want to see the cost of sending money to the UK, here are your options:

1. Before you complete the transfer (but after you’ve logged into your account): You can see what it costs to send money to the UK via the app or website. Simply log into your account and go to “Send” or “Send Money.” Then, select your destination country, how much you want to send, your payout currency, and your payment and delivery methods.

2. Before you initiate a transfer (without logging in): You can go to Ria’s website for an estimate of what it will cost.

Both options can help prevent you from being surprised by any fees or charges associated with sending money overseas.

We offer several ways to track your money transfer to the UK, but the easiest option is to use our Track a Transfer tool, which provides real-time updates of your transfer — no matter where you are.

Here’s how to use this free online feature:

1. After logging into your Ria account: Once logged in, choose “Track” (from the app) or “Track a transfer” (from the website). Then, input the transfer’s unique personal identification number (PIN) to see its status.

2. Without logging into your Ria account: If you don’t have a Ria account, you can still use the Track a Transfer feature. You’ll still need the unique PIN, however. This enables both the sender and recipient to see the transfer status at any point.

Two things are worth noting.

1. If you reside in Australia, you must also provide your birth date and recipient’s country (the UK) to track the transfer.

2. As the sender, you’ll also receive emailed updates regarding the transfer’s status and any major changes.

There are several ways to send money to the UK safely and efficiently. Which method is the best for you is a personal decision — it all comes down to how fast you need the the UK money transfer to arrive, how you want your friends and family to receive it, and how you want to pay.

Bank transfers: You can use your bank to transfer money to a bank in the UK through an international wire transfer. With this method, there’s no cash involved — you simply instruct your bank to send money to your recipient’s bank account. 

To complete a wire transfer through your bank, you usually must provide your recipient’s name, address, contact information, and banking information. This includes their international bank account number (IBAN) and their bank’s SWIFT/BIC code. 

There are several drawbacks to using a bank transfer to send money to the UK. For one, both you and your recipient need to have bank accounts at institutions that allow international transfers. 

For another, they’re typically expensive. Some banks charge as much as $50 for the convenience of an international wire transfer to the sender. And a few charge a fee to the recipient as well. In addition, your bank may limit the amount of money you can send through this method.

Money transfer agents: Traditional money transfer agents allow customers to send money abroad using cash. These agents usually have offices you can visit to fund the transfer with cash. Your recipient can then visit the transfer agent’s office closest to them and receive the money as cash. 

Of course, one of the main drawbacks of using this method for sending money is that your recipient must live near a transfer agent’s office. Another is the fact that these agents sometimes have complicated pricing structures, and fees and exchange rates can vary widely.

Money orders: Sending an international money order is similar to sending a check through the mail. You can buy a pre-paid money order certificate from your local post office or bank and then send it directly to your recipient via international mail. They can then redeem the certificate for cash.

There are several big disadvantages to this money-sending method, mainly that it’s expensive and slow. 

Online money transfer services: Online money transfer services such as Ria make it easy to send money to the UK and more than 165 other countries around the globe. Ria charges no sneaky hidden fees, so your the UK remittance will go further. 

Ria also offers great exchange rates and allows you to send money through our convenient mobile app or any of the 500,000-plus participating locations. Ria offers a quick alternative to other money-sending methods. Many transfers arrive within minutes. Send money with Ria now. 

Signing up for an account with Ria is easy. The exact steps you’ll take vary depending on your location and whether you want to use the app or website.

Create a Ria account via the app in the US or Canada:

1. Download the Ria app and tap the “Register” button.

2. Confirm your current country. 

3. Enter your email address and choose a password.

4. Agree to Ria’s Terms and Conditions.

5. Enter your full name, date of birth and phone number, then tap “Continue.”

6. Choose to subscribe to receive promotions, discounts, and other special offers or tap “Not now” to opt out.

7. Enter your mailing address and tap “Continue.”

8. Select and answer three security questions to protect your account.

Create a Ria account via the app everywhere else:

1. Download the Ria app and tap the “Register” button.

2. Confirm your current country.

3. Enter your phone number and verify it by entering the 6-digit code we send you.

4. Choose a password.

5. Agree to Ria’s terms and conditions.

6. Enter your full name, email address, and date of birth (we may also ask for your country of birth, nationality, occupation, and ID information).

7. Tap the “Continue” button.

8. Choose to subscribe to receive promotions, discounts, and other special offers or tap “Not now” to opt out.

9. Enter your mailing address and tap the “Continue” button.

Create an account via the website:

1. Visit riamoneytransfer.com.

2. Click “Register” in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

3. Choose your country of residence.

4. Click “Get started.”

5. Enter your phone number and the security code we send to your phone.

6. Choose a password. 

7. Enter your first and last name, date of birth, and email address.

8. Select whether you’d like to receive marketing messages from Ria.

9. Enter your address.

Just how much information you need is determined by the method you choose. At a minimum, you’ll need the name of the person you’re sending money to and basic contact information. An international money transfer may need additional details, such as the IBAN for the bank the money is going into.

Ria makes it easy to enter the required information, and you’ll be sending cash to the U.K. in no time. Just have the following:

• Name of the U.K. recipient as it appears on their government-issued I.D.

• Amount of cash you’ll be sending

• Name of the city and U.K. country where the recipient lives

• Additional payment details, like credit card number, debit card number, or bank account

• Additional payout details, like the bank account number or location for cash pickup

You should also indicate if you want to send Euros (EUR) or Great Britain Pounds (GBP). The receiver probably has a preference, so ask them if you’re not sure before sending.

If you’re in the USA or Canada, you can set up a UK money transfer from the Ria app or website. Start by signing into your existing account or create a new one if you don’t have one. If you haven’t verified your phone number or set up your online profile yet, you can do that now.

Since this is your first money transfer to the UK, you’ll need to add a new recipient to your account — that is, the person who will receive money in the UK. Adding a recipient is easy. Just provide basic information about them, such as their name, current location, and phone number. If you want to transfer money to their bank, input their bank account details as well.

Once you’ve added a recipient to your account, you can decide how much money to send them — either in your currency or theirs. At this point, you can also select the payout method. Remember, each payout method comes with its own advantages and fees.

With that done, simply choose your payment method for the the UK remittance. You can add a new payment method to your account on the website or the app.

Once you’ve completed that first transfer, the process becomes even easier as your recipient’s basic information is saved to your account. Ria doesn’t store your recipient’s bank account information, however, so you will need to input that again.

Some money transfers go through within minutes of setting them up. However, you might have to wait a few hours or days before your transfer is complete.

That’s where tracking your transfer comes into play. You can use the Track a Transfer feature for status updates on the UK remittance. You’ll just need the PIN, which you can find in your account, or the confirmation email you received after scheduling the transfer. Your recipient can also use this tool.

A standard money transfer to the UK doesn’t take very long to complete, though it depends on the payment and payout methods. If you’ve chosen a debit or credit card transfer, your recipient should receive money in the UK within minutes. A bank transfer, on the other hand, can take several business days to complete.

Certain factors may delay your transfer. For example, if you set up the transfer outside local business hours or on a holiday or weekend, it might take a little longer. In some cases, Ria will also request additional information from you for security purposes, which could cause additional delays.

Senders and recipients can use Ria’s Track a Transfer feature for real-time transfer updates. All you need is the transfer’s PIN and order number.

Senders can also use the Ria app to track the transaction — just tap the “Track” option. In addition, senders will be notified by email when their recipient has picked up or received the money — or if there’s another major status change.

Ria money transfers happen in two ways in the U.K. You’ll want to decide if you want your money as Euros (EUR) or Great Britain Pounds (GBP). Both are available through the Ria app, desktop site, and participating locations.

• Bank transfer: If you have a savings or checking account, you can deposit the money directly without ever having to leave your home or office. Give the sender your bank’s name, SWIFT code, and account number. You’ll also need to tell them if the account is a checking or savings account. Don’t have this info handy? Call your bank to get all the details.

• Cash pickup: You don’t have to have a bank account to get your cash. Ria partners with several locations in the U.K. to make it easy to pick up the money in person. Just bring along your government-issued I.D. and have the name on the transaction match that I.D. You’ll need it to prove you are the person the money is intended for. Also, make sure you get the transfer PIN from your sender.

Want to quickly send cash to a friend or family member? Your country of residence determines the options when setting up your Ria transfer to the U.K.

Currently, Ria website users can fund their transactions using:

• Checking or savings account in the U.S.

• Cash in the U.S.

• Debit or credit card in Australia, Canada, Spain, and the U.S.

Ria mobile app users have even more choices, including:

• Checking or savings account in the U.S.

• Cash in the U.S., Malaysia, or Singapore

• Debit or credit card in Australia, Canada, Europe, Malaysia, the U.K., and the U.S.

• Fintoc or Sencillito in Chile

• Klarna in Austria, Germany, and Spain

• Bancontact in Belgium

• Giropay in Germany

• iDEAL in the Netherlands

• PayID in Australia

• FPX in Malaysia

You can see the complete list of payment options for more details on what’s available from your location.

Unfortunately, you can't use Zelle to send money to the UK.

That's because Zelle currently works only with bank accounts based in the U.S. There's no way to make a money transfer to an international account. Both the recipient and the sender must have U.S.-based checking or savings accounts — as well as U.S. phone numbers.

Instead, consider using an online money transfer service like Ria. Ria is quick, safe, and convenient. We offer great exchange rates, low fees (with no hidden charges), and a variety of payment and pickup options — all from our website or mobile app.

Ria serves customers in more than 165 countries — meaning sending money to or receiving money in the UK is a breeze. You don't even need to have a bank account to use Ria — unlike with Zelle. Send money now with Ria. 

Currently, you can't use Venmo to send money to the UK. That's because only U.S. residents can use the app to send or receive money transfers.

Venmo may not work with international accounts. But Ria serves more than 165 countries around the globe — including the UK. Ria makes sending money internationally simple, quick, and secure. Your recipient in the UK could get the money transfer in as little as 15 minutes if you use Ria. Plus, there are no additional fees.  You are fully aware of all costs and the amount of the UK currency your recipient will get before you even complete the transfer.

Send money now with Ria.

Visit any Ria location, use our website, or log into our mobile app to send money directly to your recipient’s bank account in the UK. All you need is:

1. The recipient’s full legal name (as it appears on their bank account)

2. The name of the recipient’s bank 

3. The recipient’s bank account number or IBAN (international bank account number)

Ria will take care of the rest!

Hands down, sending money via electronic transfer is the safest way to send money to the UK.

In the old days, it was common for people to send remittances by mailing cash. Not only does this method take a long time (they call it “snail mail” for a good reason), but it’s also just not safe. The mailed money could get stolen or lost at any point during its long journey.

Instead, using an online money transfer service like Ria ensures that your money gets exactly where you intend it to go. 

In addition, Ria’s team of world-class security experts works around the clock to monitor your money transfers and keep a watchful eye out for unusual behavior. Ria’s software allows the team to spot any suspicious activity long before any harm can be done to your account.

Plus, Ria never stores your payment details on its servers. So, your credit or debit card or bank account information will never be compromised in Ria’s system.

Your safety is Ria’s number one priority when sending money to the UK.

Even if the U.K. is thousands of miles away, today’s money tools make it possible to send cash there securely. Available options include:

• International bank transfer: This option requires both of you to have a checking or savings account, as well as time to wait for the transfer to complete. Transfers can take up to a few days.

• International money order: While it’s easy to buy a money order, sending it through the mail can be slow and expensive. It’s also not guaranteed to arrive at all, as you are placing your trust in international mail service. 

• Third-party money transfer agent: This option specializes in international transfers and can be safe and convenient. It’s not always affordable, though, with higher fees than some options and no guarantee of a competitive exchange rate.

• Ria: What’s safe, secure, affordable, and convenient? Ria money transfers offer a blend of all benefits, giving users multiple ways to fund and receive money. With thousands of participating locations across the globe, getting cash in person isn’t a problem. Digital transfer options allow both sender and receiver to stay home if they want.

Ria’s money transfer options vary between the app and desktop service, but both are secure and transparent. You see the fees you’ll pay, as well as what your friend in the U.K. will receive. There are never any surprises.

1. Set up a free Ria account. This takes just seconds, and you can do it from your computer or phone. Provide your full name, birthday, and contact information to get started. You don’t need to pay anything to browse countries, fees, or exchange rates.

2. Click “Send” or “Send money” to begin.

3. Choose “U.K.” from the list of countries to send money to.

4. Type in the amount of money you want to send and instantly see the exchange rate. Fees are calculated immediately, so you’ll see exactly how much EUR or GBP your friend in the U.K. will receive.

5. Pick your payment method. If you live in the U.S., you’ll see options for bank transfer, cash, or debit and credit cards. Other countries will see the choices available to them, as well. If you prefer cash, visit a participating location to complete the transfer.

6. Choose how your friend in the U.K. will receive their money. Ask them what they prefer, then input it into the app or desktop site. They can opt for an in-person cash pickup at a participating retailer or a direct deposit into a bank account.

7. Click “continue.”

8. Type in the receiver’s full name as it appears on their government-issued I.D. You’ll also need to input the city and country for their U.K. location.

9. Enter your payment information.

Await confirmation of the transfer. Depending on the method you choose to fund the transfer (as well as how the payout method), your recipient could have their money in as little as 15 minutes!

Remember, if you don’t want to use a phone or computer to make a transfer, you can also go to a participating retailer to do it in person. This is an ideal option for areas where you don’t have good internet or are already in the area. While the Ria money transfer app is convenient and secure, Ria wants to give everyone a convenient and affordable way to send money to the U.K.!