How to Make a Money Transfer in the UK
Need to send money to someone in the UK? Whether you’re paying a friend, moving cash between your own accounts, or settling a bill, making a bank transfer is one of the fastest and easiest ways to send money. Here’s how it works, what details you need, and what to do if something goes wrong.
What You’ll Learn
- ✅ How to transfer money to another UK bank account
- ✅ What information is needed for a transfer
- ✅ How long transfers take
- ✅ How to pay in cash
- ✅ What to do if you sent money to the wrong account
- ✅ Safer alternatives for different payment needs
How to Transfer Money to Another UK Bank Account
Bank transfers are a standard way to send money across the UK. You can do them:
- Via mobile or online banking
- Over the phone
- At your local bank branch
Most transfers within the UK use the Faster Payments system, which typically means the money arrives almost instantly. Some banks have daily limits, usually between £10,000 and £50,000. If you’re planning a large transfer, check with your bank first.
For regular payments (like rent or subscriptions), you can set up a standing order.
Is a Bank Transfer the Right Method?
Bank transfers are ideal if you’re:
- Sending money to yourself
- Paying a friend or family member
- Covering a one-off invoice
However, for some situations, other payment methods may offer more protection or convenience:
| Payment Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Debit | Bills and subscriptions | Automatically taken on due date |
| Credit Card | Purchases or deposits | Section 75 & chargeback protection |
| Debit Card | Day-to-day purchases | Chargeback protection |
| CHAPS | High-value, same-day transfers | Secure but usually has a fee |
| International Transfer | Sending money abroad | Specialist services are usually cheaper and faster than banks |
What Details Do You Need to Transfer Money?
You’ll need:
- Recipient’s full name
- Sort code
- Account number
- Amount to send
- Optional: payment reference (e.g. invoice number)
Always double-check the account number and sort code. Mistakes can be costly and time-consuming to fix.
Pro tip: Send a £1 test payment first if you’re unsure.
How Long Does a Bank Transfer Take?
Most UK bank transfers using Faster Payments arrive within seconds. Some may take up to 2 hours, and in rare cases, up to 1 working day.
Make sure you have enough funds in your account—otherwise, your bank may block the transfer or charge overdraft fees.
How to Deposit Cash into a Bank Account
You can deposit cash in two main ways:
- At a Post Office (if your bank supports it)
- At a bank branch
You’ll usually need your debit card and PIN or a paying-in slip.
What If You Send Money to the Wrong Account?
Mistakes happen. If you’ve transferred money to the wrong person:
- Contact your bank immediately
- They’ll investigate within 2 working days
- They’ll ask the recipient’s bank to return the money
- You’ll get an update within 20 working days
If the money can’t be recovered, you can request the recipient’s contact details to take further action.
Still not satisfied? You can file a complaint or escalate to the Financial Ombudsman.
How to Avoid Transfer Scams
Scammers often pose as trusted businesses or friends. Most banks now use Confirmation of Payee, a system that checks if the name matches the account number. If it doesn’t, you’ll be warned.
Be cautious if:
- You’re being pressured to pay fast
- The deal seems “too good”
- You’re asked to pay via bank transfer instead of a card
Stay safe: Only transfer to people or companies you trust.
Final Tip: Choosing the Best Money Transfer Method in the UK
If you want speed and simplicity, Faster Payments is the go-to method for most UK bank transfers. But depending on your situation, another option—like using a specialist money transfer service, a credit card, or a direct debit—might be safer or more efficient.
Need to send money overseas? Check out our full guide to international money transfers for cheaper, faster options than your high-street bank.