With globalization and migration, sending money across borders has become a necessity for millions. Whether supporting family, funding education, or making business payments, international money transfers are now faster, easier, and often cheaper thanks to mobile apps. This article explores the best UK apps for sending money online, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and a detailed comparison.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise is renowned for its transparent, low-cost international transfers. It uses real-time mid-market exchange rates, ensuring no hidden markups.
Features:
- Real exchange rates with no hidden fees.
- Multi-currency accounts supporting 50+ currencies.
- Transfers typically take 1-3 business days.
- Borderless account with local bank details in multiple countries.
Pros:
- Best exchange rates with low fees.
- User-friendly app and fast transfers.
Cons:
- No cash pickup option.
- Limited to bank transfers (no card payments).
Revolut
Revolut started as a digital bank and now offers international money transfers alongside banking services.
Features:
- Real-time currency exchange for 30+ currencies.
- Instant Revolut-to-Revolut transfers.
- Multi-currency account with a Revolut card.
- Global reach to 100+ countries.
Pros:
- Low fees and instant transfers between Revolut users.
- Combines banking and money transfer services.
Cons:
- Fees increase for non-Revolut users or unsupported countries.
- Weekend transfers attract higher fees.
PayPal
PayPal is a globally recognized digital payment service that also supports international money transfers.
Features:
- Send money to 200+ countries.
- Instant PayPal-to-PayPal transfers.
- Multiple payment methods, including bank accounts and credit cards.
Pros:
- Instant transfers between PayPal users.
- Widely used and trusted.
Cons:
- High fees, especially for credit card payments.
- Poor exchange rates compared to competitors.
Western Union
Western Union is a well-known name in international money transfers, offering both cash pickup and bank transfers.
Features:
- Cash pickup at 500,000+ agent locations.
- Fast transfers, often completed in minutes.
- Supports 130+ currencies.
Pros:
- Cash pickup options for recipients.
- Wide global network.
Cons:
- High fees, especially for cash pickups.
- Below-market exchange rates.
MoneyGram
MoneyGram is another popular service offering cash pickup and online transfers.
Features:
- Cash pickup at agent locations.
- Fast transfers, often completed in minutes.
- Available in 200+ countries.
Pros:
- Convenient cash pickup options.
- Wide global reach.
Cons:
- High fees and exchange rate markups.
- Complex fee structure.
Remitly
Remitly specializes in fast, affordable transfers, particularly to Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Features:
- Express transfers completed in minutes.
- Cash pickup and home delivery options.
- Transparent fees.
Pros:
- Low fees and fast transfers.
- Flexible payment methods.
Cons:
- Limited reach compared to competitors.
- Higher fees for express transfers.
WorldRemit
WorldRemit offers a variety of transfer methods, including bank transfers, mobile wallets, and cash pickups.
Features:
- Multiple transfer methods.
- Fast transfers, often completed in minutes.
- Available in 130+ countries.
Pros:
- Wide range of transfer options.
- Affordable fees.
Cons:
- Exchange rate markups.
- No in-person service.
Azimo
Azimo is a digital-first service offering fast, affordable transfers to 200+ countries.
Features:
- Cash pickup at thousands of locations.
- Multi-currency support for 60+ currencies.
- Fast transfers, often completed in minutes.
Pros:
- Low fees and fast transfers.
- Multiple transfer methods.
Cons:
- Limited availability in some countries.
- Exchange rate markups.
Taptap Send
Taptap Send focuses on low-cost transfers to mobile wallets in Africa and Asia.
Features:
- Direct transfers to mobile wallets.
- Low fees and fast transfers.
Pros:
- Affordable transfers to mobile wallets.
- Quick transfer times.
Cons:
- Limited to select African and Asian countries.
- No bank transfer option.
LemFi (formerly Lemonade Finance)
LemFi is a newer app focused on fast, low-cost transfers to African countries.
Features:
- Instant transfers to mobile wallets.
- Low fees and multi-currency support.
Pros:
- Fast transfers and low fees.
- User-friendly app.
Cons:
- Limited to African countries.
- No bank transfer option.
Comparison Table
| App | Fees | Exchange Rate | Speed | Cash Pickup | Countries Supported | Best For |
| Wise | Low | Mid-market rate | 1-3 days | No | 50+ | Low-cost transfers |
| Revolut | Low (with limits) | Real exchange rate | Instant to 1 day | No | 100+ | Everyday transfers & banking |
| PayPal | High | Poor | Instant | No | 200+ | Instant small transfers |
| Western Union | High | Poor | Minutes | Yes | 200+ | Cash pickup |
| MoneyGram | High | Poor | Minutes | Yes | 200+ | Cash pickup |
| Remitly | Low | Markup | Minutes to 1 day | Yes | 100+ | Fast small transfers |
| WorldRemit | Low | Markup | Minutes | Yes | 130+ | Mobile money & cash |
| Azimo | Low | Markup | Minutes to 1 day | Yes | 200+ | Low-fee, fast transfers |
| Taptap Send | Low | Markup | Minutes | No | 20+ | Mobile wallet transfers |
| LemFi | Low | Markup | Minutes | No | 10+ | Transfers to Africa |
Conclusion
Choosing the right app to send money abroad depends on several factors—how much you’re sending, how fast you need it to arrive, and where you’re sending it. Wise remains the top choice for those who want transparent, low-cost transfers with great exchange rates. Revolut is ideal for users who want an all-in-one banking and transfer service. Western Union and MoneyGram stand out for cash pickups and fast transfers, especially in regions with limited banking infrastructure.
For mobile wallet payments in African and Asian countries, Taptap Send and LemFi are excellent choices, offering fast transfers at low costs. Azimo and Remitly are good alternatives if you need a mix of low fees and fast transfer times.
Ultimately, the best app depends on your unique requirements, but with this guide, you can now make an informed decision about which money transfer app best suits your needs for sending money from the UK to anywhere in the world. These are the UK Apps for Sending Money .
