5 Best Ways to Send Money To the US from the UK (2025 Comparison)

With so many financial services available today, sending money from the United Kingdom to the United States—whether you're supporting family or managing international business payments—doesn't have to be a hassle. However, with countless options, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

Having navigated this industry myself, I understand how confusing it can be to compare features, deal with slow transfers, and avoid hidden fees.

That’s why I’ve created this 2025 guide to help narrow down the five services for transferring money from the UK to the US. I'll break down their details to help you choose the best option—without the stress.

Let’s get you sorted!

• Recipient’s Name and Address: Ensure you have the recipient's full name that matches their ID and accurate address to avoid delays.
• Recipient’s Bank Details: Include the recipient’s bank name, address, and bank account number to ensure the funds reach the correct account.
• ABA Routing Number: The ABA (American Bankers Association) routing number is primarily used for domestic US transfers. However, if the service you're using utilises a local payment system, you may need this number to complete the transfer.
• SWIFT/BIC Code: If you’re using an international transfer, you need the recipient's SWIFT/BIC code. This code is a unique identifier that helps ensure the funds are sent to the correct bank internationally.
• Transfer Amount and Currency: Specify the amount you want to send and confirm the currencies (e.g., GBP to USD).
• Payment Method: Decide how you will fund the transfer (e.g., bank transfer or debit/credit card). Fees can vary depending on the payment method.
• Reason for Transfer: Some services may ask for the reason for the transfer, such as personal support, business expenses, or a gift.

Xe Money Transfer is a Canada-based online foreign exchange company, operating as part of Euronet, a global provider of electronic payment services headquartered in the US. 

The Xe Money Transfer app lets users send funds directly from the UK to the US for personal or business purposes, while also ensuring transfers reach recipients without intermediaries. For larger transfers, you can also lock in exchange rates, use market orders, and automate recurring payments, with UK-based phone support to assist with the services.

Step 1: Visit https://account.xe.com/signup  or download the Xe Money Transfer mobile app. If you’re opening a business account, note that registration is only available through the website.

Step 2:  Enter your email address.

Step 3: Create a secure password.

Step 4: Provide your details

• Personal Account: Submit your country of residence, home address, mobile number, and date of birth.
• Business Account: In addition to personal details, enter basic company information.

Step 5: Set your currency preferences and the estimated amount you plan to send annually.

Step 6: Depending on your transfer amount and purpose, you may be requested to provide these documents for verification:

• Identification: Passport, national ID, or driver’s license (photo version).
• Proof of Address: Recent (within three months) utility bill, bank statement, or tax document.

Xe Money Transfer does not accept provisional driving licenses or credit card statements as valid IDs or proof of address.
Step 7: Accept the terms and conditions and wait for account approval.

Western Union (WU) is a financial services company based in Colorado, USA, known for personal money transfers through its cash pickup network and partnership with the UK Post Office.

With Western Union, you can send cash to friends, family, and loved ones across all 50 states, with 59,000 agent locations throughout the United States. You can also transfer money online to major banks like JP Morgan, Bank of America, and more. Plus, you can track your transfer using their app or website.

Step 1: Go to https://www.westernunion.com/gb/en/web/user/register or download the Western Union mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2: Complete the form with your full name (exactly as it appears on your ID), address, phone number, country of birth, date of birth, nationality, and occupation.

Step 3: Submit a valid form of ID. In the UK, accepted identification includes a signed passport, full EU driving licence, UK provisional driving licence, non-UK EU national identity card, EU residency card, emergency travel documents, or a ship’s passport.

Step 4: Provide a valid email address. Western Union will use this to notify you about your application status and send you receipts for each transaction.

Step 5: Wait for a confirmation email letting you know your registration is complete.

Wise, previously TransferWise, is a financial technology company that provides multi-currency accounts, international money transfers, and extra financial services like payment cards. These services are available for both individuals (Wise) and businesses (Wise Business).

Using Wise, you can send money from the UK to the US (GBP to USD). The recipient receives the funds in USD directly from Wise’s local account in the US, making the transfer faster and more cost-effective.

Step 1: Visit https://wise.com/register or install the Wise mobile app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

Step 2: Select the option to sign up. You can register using your email address, or, for a quicker process, choose to sign in through Google, Apple, or Facebook.

Step 3: Input personal or business details depending on the type of account you’re opening:

• Individual Account: Input your name, residential address, and birth date.
• Business Account: Provide the company name, official registration number, operational and legal addresses, plus background info on all key individuals involved.

Step 4: Upload documents:

• For individuals: A government-issued ID (a driver’s license, national ID, or passport), a utility bill or similar for address proof, and a selfie with your ID.
• For businesses: Documentation confirming ownership and business control. Specifics will be outlined during the process.

Step 5: Wait for Wise to verify and approve your account.

Starling Bank is a fully licensed bank in the UK that offers a digital-first approach to banking, catering to both personal and business customers. Known for its modern and user-friendly services, Starling provides a range of features, including the ability to send money internationally. 

With Starling, you can make GBP to USD payments directly from your bank account.

Step 1: Go to https://www.starlingbank.com/apply/ or install the Starling mobile app, which is available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery. You will receive a verification code to verify your phone number. 

Step 2: Input your personal details and upload a government-issued photo ID—such as a driver’s license or passport. 

Step 3: Take a short video selfie to confirm your identity.

Step 4: If you’re applying for a business account, upload supporting documentation that proves your business is active. This could include signed agreements, registration papers, a business plan, or your company’s website URL.

Step 5: Your application will be reviewed under standard checks for Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, fraud prevention, and creditworthiness.

Step 6: Once your information has been verified and approved, you’ll receive a notification confirming that your account is ready to use.

Atlantic Money is a London-based fintech company that provides international money transfers for a flat fee. It mainly serves customers in the UK and Europe and currently supports transfers between ten major currencies, including GBP and USD.

With Atlantic Money, you can send money from the UK to the US—whether you're supporting family and friends or handling business payments like paying overseas suppliers or managing international finances.

Step 1: Go to https://app.atlantic.money/sign-up

Step 2: Select your country or the country where your business is registered, then choose a strong password.

Step 3: Provide name, date of birth, phone number, and residential address

Step 4: Upload a picture of your photo ID.

Step 5: Atlantic Money may request additional information or documents to meet financial institution requirements, such as enabling transfers above your account limits.

Step 6: Wait for approval 

When transferring money to the US, it's important to be aware of common mistakes that could affect the outcome of your transaction. Here are some key mistakes to watch out for:

Different transfer services have varying fees, and the exchange rates they offer can differ significantly.

A fee-free or low fee might not always be the best deal, as the currency exchange rate could be less favourable. Even a small difference in the exchange rate can lead to a significant variation in the amount your recipient receives in US dollars. To avoid this mistake, it’s crucial to compare the total cost of the transaction at the time of transfer. Utilise online tools and currency converters to get an accurate estimate of how much your recipient will ultimately receive.

While some services advertise instant or same-day transfers, it’s entirely possible that the actual process may take longer than promised. Delays can occur due to factors like bank processing times over weekends or holidays, or the provider holding funds to investigate their origin or confirm the purpose.

Additionally, the transfer method and the network (e.g., SWIFT or a third-party service) can all contribute to delays. To avoid surprises, always confirm the expected transfer time in advance, check the providers’ cut-off time, and account for potential delays, especially if the transfer is time-sensitive.

If you're transferring money on a bank holiday, your transaction will not be processed until the next business day. Before making your transfer, check the bank holiday schedules in both the UK and the US to ensure you aren’t caught off guard by delays.

Examples of holidays unique to the US include:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (20 January)
• Juneteenth (19 June)
• Independence Day (4 July)
• Thanksgiving (The fourth Thursday in November)
• Veterans Day (11 November)

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sending money abroad. The right provider depends on your priorities—whether it’s speed, cost, convenience, or regulatory peace of mind.

Before you make your next transfer to the US, take a moment to compare the total cost (fees + exchange rate), check delivery times, and ensure the provider is regulated by the FCA. For larger or recurring transfers, consider opening a business account with a provider that offers multi-currency support and better control over your finances.