Sending money to the US from the UK? Here's what to know

Whether you’re supporting family, paying for university, buying a property, or moving savings abroad, sending money from the UK to the US should be easy, but it often isn’t.

Banks in the UK tend to add hidden exchange rate margins, charge international fees, and process large payments slowly, especially when USD transfers trigger compliance checks on either side.

At Currencyflow, we help individuals and businesses transfer money to the US smoothly. You get transparent GBP to USD rates, no hidden fees, and one-on-one support, especially when timing and documentation matter.

Why people transfer money from the UK to the US

City

Moving savings or repatriating funds

Whether you’re relocating to the US or just moving personal savings abroad, we make it simple to convert and transfer your funds with clarity on both ends.

Buying property or paying a mortgage

If you're buying a property in the US, we can help at each step. Whether it’s a deposit, final payment, or something in between. You can even fix your exchange rate in advance to avoid any surprises.

Family

Supporting family

You may be sending regular support, gifts, or covering costs for relatives in the US. We make the process more cost-effective and easier to track than using traditional banks.

Education

Paying tuition and living costs

US universities are expensive, so it pays to get the exchange rate right. Whether it’s tuition or rent, we help clients time their payments and avoid unnecessary costs.

How to transfer money to the US from the UK

1

Get a personalised quote

Let us know how much you're sending and when. We’ll give you a tailored GBP to USD rate with no obligation to proceed.

2

Open your account

Setup is quick and free. Your account manager will guide you through onboarding by phone or email.

3

Fund your transfer

Transfer pounds to your safeguarded client account via UK bank transfer. We’ll confirm once your funds arrive.

4

We send your dollars to the US

We convert your GBP at the agreed rate and send the USD to your chosen US bank account, either straight away or at a scheduled time.

Get my GBP to USD quote

Currencyflow vs. Banks

Feature Currencyflow High Street Banks
Exchange Rate Low-margin, personalisedd Often 3–5% markup
Transfer Fees None Yes, plus possible SWIFT fees
Speed Same-day or next working day 2–5 working days
Support Phone, email, live chat, WhatsApp Call centres or in-branch
Rate Lock Yes Rarely offered
Account Setup Fast and guided by a specialist Paperwork-heavy, slower

Understanding the GBP to USD exchange rate

Why the rate matters

For a £50,000+ transfer, even a 1% difference in the rate can cost you hundreds. That’s why it’s important to avoid the hidden markups banks often build into their rates.

Bank vs real market rates

UK banks typically offer rates far below the mid-market rate. We provide real-market pricing with a small transparent margin, so more of your money arrives on the other side.

Rates move every day

GBP to USD rates shift with changes in interest rates, economic data, and political news on both sides of the Atlantic. If you're not in a rush, we can help you time the transfer or lock in a rate in advance.

What you'll need to send money from the UK to the US

To transfer GBP to USD, you’ll need:

  • Valid ID (passport or UK driving licence)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
  • Recipient’s full name and US bank details (account + routing number)
  • A short reason for the transfer (e.g. tuition, savings, gift)

For large transfers (typically £10,000+), you may also be asked for:

  • Source of funds documents (e.g. payslip, property sale, savings history)
  • Supporting paperwork for gifts or large payments (especially if going into a US business or account with compliance triggers)

We’ll let you know exactly what’s required in advance.

How long does a transfer from the UK to the US take?

Most transfers from the UK to the US arrive within 1–2 working days, depending on:

  • When we receive your GBP
  • If all recipient details are correct
  • Whether compliance checks are triggered
  • Bank processing times in the UK and US
  • Weekends and US banking holidays

We work with you to avoid delays, especially for high-value or time-sensitive transfers.

Legal and tax notes for UK to US transfers

  • There’s no UK tax on sending your own money abroad
  • Large incoming transfers to US accounts may trigger extra checks (especially if above $10,000)
  • Gifts above the US IRS annual threshold ($18,000) may require the recipient to report the payment via IRS Form 3520
  • For real estate or investment payments, documentation should match the purpose (e.g. sale agreement, invoice)
  • The UK and US have a double taxation treaty so income like pensions usually isn’t taxed twice
  • If you're sending a large amount, it’s smart to speak to a tax advisor (especially if the recipient is a US resident)

Why trust Currencyflow

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Your money is protected

Funds are held in safeguarded client accounts through our FCA-regulated e-money partners. This keeps your money separate from business operations and protected at all times.
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30+ years of currency expertise

Our leadership team has over 30 years of combined experience in currency transfers and international payments. We understand how to manage risk and keep your transfer running smoothly.
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Built-in fraud protection

We use secure processes including two-factor authentication and transaction monitoring to protect your account. Every transfer is verified for safety.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to send money from the UK to the US?

Typically 1–2 business days. Some smaller transfers can be quicker depending on your bank.

Are there limits on how much I can send?

No hard limit with Currencyflow. We frequently support transfers of £10,000 to £500,000+ with full compliance guidance.

Can I lock in an exchange rate now and transfer later?

Yes, we offer forward contracts so you can fix a GBP to USD rate up to 12 months in advance.

Will the recipient in the US pay tax on the money?

Not usually. But if you’re sending a gift above the IRS threshold, they may need to report it, but this rarely results in tax being due.

Get a quote now

It's free and easy