7 Easy Steps to Transfer Money from the UK to the USA (2025 Guide)
Are you looking to Transfer money UK to USA in 2025 without confusion or unexpected fees? Whether you’re a business owner, a freelancer, or simply sending funds to family, understanding the right steps can save you time and costs. If you want more insight into wire transfer processing times, check out our guide to how long wire transfers take. Below, you’ll learn the core details for making a smooth transaction from British Pounds (GBP) to US Dollars (USD), including research-based tips and helpful stats.
Why the UK-to-USA Transfer Matters in 2025
Sending money from the UK to the USA is one of the world’s busiest cross-border transactions. According to recent data, the global remittance market is projected to reach 913 billion U.S. dollars by 2025 (Statista, 2023). Many individuals and companies in the UK depend on quick routes to pay overseas employees, cover tuition fees, buy property, or support family in the States. This rise in volume means there are more cost-effective providers, faster methods, and flexible digital innovations. For busy finance teams, it’s also crucial to stay informed about banking regulations and currency trends so each transaction is efficient rather than frustrating.
Key Considerations Before You Begin
Before diving into the actual transfer process, there are a few elements to think about:
Regulatory framework: The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) sets rules for transparency, while U.S. regulators require accurate details like routing numbers.
Exchange rate awareness: Small rate differences can add up. Some providers add hidden markups, so comparing rates upfront can minimize surprises.
Speed vs. cost: Urgent transfers may arrive in one business day but could cost more. Slower methods might save on fees when time is not a factor.
Security: Make sure your provider offers encryption and identity verification for safer transactions.
Limitations: Many banks or transfer services enforce per-day or per-transaction caps. Larger amounts might demand extra documentation.
For additional context on different methods, see the difference between wire transfers and money transfers. This overview highlights how each route might align with your timeframe and budget.
Step 1: Decide on Your Transfer Method
The first step is deciding how you want to send money. Popular methods include:
Bank Transfer: Traditional banks like Barclays or Lloyds handle international wires via the SWIFT network. These are familiar but can involve higher fees or longer delivery times.
Online Transfer Services: Providers like Wise or OFX often charge lower fees than banks. They rely on local banking networks, so transactions typically land in fewer days.
Business-Focused Platforms: If you need bulk contractor payouts or multi-currency billing, consider services tailored for corporate transfers. For instance, Mural Pay’s Payments solution helps businesses handle high-volume cross-border transactions at more competitive rates.
Look at how each method balances speed and cost. A recent study from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024) found that the total cost for a £1,000 transfer from the UK to the US can range from 0.5% to 4% based on your chosen provider. Small differences can significantly affect what the recipient ultimately gets.
Step 2: Gather Essential Recipient Details
Once you identify your method, collect the needed banking information:
Full Name: Matches the account holder’s name in the U.S.
Account Number: Usually 10-12 digits for U.S. checking or savings.
Routing Number (ABA): Nine-digit code unique to each U.S. financial institution.
SWIFT Code: Sometimes required for international wires.
Address: The recipient’s physical or mailing address, depending on the provider’s requirements.
Incorrect details can lead to failed transactions or extra fees. If you’re sending to a U.S.-based business, confirm all codes are precise so there’s no delay.
Step 3: Compare Exchange Rates and Fees
This step is pivotal for optimizing cost. Two main factors matter:
Exchange Rate: This determines how many USD you get per GBP. Some platforms offer mid-market rates with minimal markup, while others add a percentage that isn’t always transparent.
Service Fees: This might be a flat cost or a percentage. Some providers appear “free” but take a higher margin on the exchange rate.
A good practice is to compare at least three providers right before initiating a transfer. As an alternative, check out various currency conversion options like Mural Pay’s Currency Conversion if you want consistent, real-time quotes. In 2024, 78% of users reportedly compared multiple providers before finalizing a global payment (J.D. Power Study, 2024), showing how common it’s become to benchmark your options.
Step 4: Register and Verify
Whether you’re transferring through a bank or an online service, you’ll typically need to open an account. The process often includes:
Identity check: Uploading a valid ID (passport or driver’s license).
Address proof: Utility bill or bank statement.
Additional documents: When sending large sums, you may need to disclose the source of funds or reason for the transfer.
In 2024, the average KYC (Know Your Customer) verification time for new accounts in the UK dropped to under two minutes, partly due to better AI-based systems (FCA Report, 2024). If you already have an account with your chosen provider, skip directly to scheduling a transfer.
Step 5: Initiate the Transfer and Lock In Rates
Once your account is set, you’ll enter:
Transfer Amount: How much GBP you want to convert to USD.
Purpose of Transfer: Typically required for compliance.
Delivery Speed: Same-day, next-day, or standard delivery.
Funding Method: Bank account, credit card, or debit card. Keep in mind, funding with cards might incur extra fees.
Some services let you lock in the exchange rate for a specific window. This can be helpful if you anticipate fluctuations but want to stick to a known rate. Given that GBP/USD volatility can be significant—fluctuations were between 1.226 and 1.247 in early 2025—locking in when the rate is favorable can preserve more money for the recipient.
Step 6: Track Progress
After confirmation, track the status through your provider’s app or website. You may see terms such as:
Pending: Still being reviewed or processed.
In Transit: The funds have left the sender’s bank.
Delivered: The funds arrived. Often the recipient sees them in their account a few hours later or the following business day.
Quick tracking is essential if you’re on a deadline—especially for paying overseas employees or covering critical bills. If speed is absolutely paramount, explore cheap ways to send money internationally that allow for shorter delivery windows.
Step 7: Confirm Receipt and Document
Once your recipient confirms the payment, store relevant documents in case of disputes or tax reviews. Many businesses archive records of cross-border remittances with:
Transfer Receipts: Digital or printed proof that you funded the transaction.
Exchange Rate Details: For accounting or budget forecasting.
Correspondence: Emails or text confirmations that the payment arrived safely.
If you’re sending money for business reasons, keep these documents for your accounting records. Some providers automatically generate an invoice-like statement upon completion to make record-keeping straightforward.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Hidden Intermediary Bank Fees
Some banks route your money through intermediary institutions, each deducting a small charge. This means you might send £1,000, but your recipient gets slightly less than expected. Query your provider about intermediate fees or choose direct services that rely on local deposit networks.
Sending During Bank Holidays
Financial institutions in the U.S. and UK observe different holidays. If you initiate a transfer before a bank holiday, it might not process until the next business day. Time zone differences can also affect when your transaction completes.
Large Transfer Limits
If you plan to send tens of thousands of pounds, your provider could request extra evidence of source of funds or block the transaction until you supply more verification. Planning ahead helps avoid frustration. If your business consistently sends sizable sums, you might explore specialized corporate accounts that permit higher limits.
How Mural Pay Fits Into the Picture
If you need frequent cross-border transactions, Mural Pay offers a business-focused approach with multi-currency accounts, Bill Pay, and stablecoin on/off-ramp options. By having USD virtual accounts for U.S. operations, you can avoid repeated exchange fees and benefit from near-instant settlement times. In short, the platform is designed to ease cross-border complexity for entrepreneurs, CFOs, or contractors who regularly deal with different currencies.
Wrapping Up
Transferring money from the UK to the USA in 2025 may look more tech-driven than in previous years, but the essentials—comparing rates, preparing details, verifying identities—remain. By focusing on speed, exchange rate clarity, and robust security, you’ll have more control over each transaction’s outcome.
If you’re looking for guidance on U.S.-based payment tools for your American recipients, see our rundown on the best payment gateways in the US. Or, if you want to streamline your next cross-border transaction for business, consider a platform like Mural Pay that offers distinct services for companies. The core steps above will set you on a reliable path whenever you’re sending funds to the States.
References
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2024). “International Transfers Fee Analysis.” Available at: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
FCA Report. (2024). “KYC Verification Trends and Processing Times.” Available at: https://www.fca.org.uk/
J.D. Power Study. (2024). “Cross-Border Payment Customer Satisfaction Trends.” Available at: https://www.jdpower.com/
Statista. (2023). “Global Remittance Market 2023-2025.” Available at: https://www.statista.com/
