The best international money transfer apps for 2026

Sending money abroad is easier than ever thanks to mobile apps, but fees and exchange rates can vary widely between providers.

UK customers today have a wealth of options for global payments, from specialist fintech providers like Revolut and Wise to traditional names like Western Union. Choosing the right platform can mean the difference between a near-instant arrival and waiting several days, or paying a small fee versus losing a chunk of your money because of a bad exchange rate.

At Revolut, our mission is to remove the friction associated with traditional banking. We believe in providing clarity on fees and offering a seamless, modern experience that moves as fast as you do.

This guide compares the best international money transfer apps and what to look for before choosing one.

This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 19 March 2026

You should visit their websites for confirmation of their most updated costs and charges.

What is an international money transfer app?

An international money transfer app is a mobile-first platform designed to send money from one country to another. Unlike traditional banks that often rely on the complex and slower SWIFT network for every transaction, many modern apps use local payment networks. This means they can often move money faster and at a much lower cost.

When you use an international money transfer app, you typically add money in your local currency (like British pounds) via bank transfer or card. The provider then converts this into the recipient's currency and pays it out in their country. The best app to send money abroad will usually offer a combination of competitive rates, high-speed delivery, and a customer-friendly experience.

How international money transfers work

Modern global payments rely on a digital network that bridges different banking systems. When a customer initiates a transfer, the app calculates the exchange rate and any applicable service fees.

Several steps take place behind the scenes. First, your identity is verified to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. Then, the app checks the liquidity of the currencies you're sending. If you're sending money to another customer with the same provider, the transfer is often internal and instant. If you're sending to someone who's with a different bank, the app uses its network of local accounts to pay out the money in the destination country, avoiding the need for the money to physically cross borders, which is what makes it cheaper and faster.

How your options compare

When you're comparing money transfer apps, you need to look at the factors that impact your wallet and your schedule. The table below summarises how the top providers in the UK market stack up.

Money transfer app comparison: a breakdown of providers

Choosing the cheapest international transfer app requires looking at the specific features and limits of each provider. Here's how the top players in the UK compare for 2026.

1. Revolut

We aim to be the optimal choice for customers who want a comprehensive financial tool that goes beyond simple transfers. Our international money transfer app combines competitive exchange rates with a seamless in-app experience, allowing you to send, spend, and manage money globally from one place.

With support for over 150 countries and 36+ currencies, we're designed for speed, transparency, and flexibility. In addition to fast transfers, customers benefit from features like budgeting tools, savings, investments, and travel benefits — making us a strong all-in-one alternative to traditional banks.

• Monthly fee: £0 for customers on our Standard plan. Paid plans are available for higher limits.
• Exchange rate: we use the competitive Revolut exchange rate. Standard customers can exchange up to £1,000 per month without additional fees during the week.
• Transfer speed: generally instant between Revolut customers. Transfers to accounts with other providers can arrive in seconds or up to 3–5 business days, depending on the destination.
• Global reach: send to over 150 countries and territories.

2. Wise

Wise is a specialist in international money transfers, known for its focus on transparency and fair pricing. It uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a clearly stated upfront fee, which makes it particularly appealing for those who value a fixed, upfront fee structure over a multi-feature app.

The platform is designed primarily for sending and receiving money internationally rather than offering a full banking experience. Its speed, reliability, and strong reputation for low-cost transfers make it a go-to option for frequent cross-border payments.

• Monthly fee: £0 for a personal account
• Exchange rate: uses the mid-market rate with an upfront variable fee
• Transfer speed: very fast for major routes, instant payments should arrive within 20 seconds
• Global reach: supports transfers to over 160 countries

3. Monzo

Monzo is a digital-first bank that integrates international transfers directly into its everyday banking app through a partnership with Wise. This makes it a convenient choice for customers who want to manage their finances and send money abroad without switching platforms.

While its international capabilities are more limited than specialist providers, Monzo stands out for its customer-friendly interface, budgeting tools, and real-time spending insights. It’s best suited for customers who prioritise simplicity and already use Monzo as their main account.

• Monthly fee: £0 for a personal account
• Exchange rate: uses the Mastercard exchange rate
• Transfer speed: transfers made through Faster Payments should arrive immediately in most cases, but international transfers may take up to 5 business days
• Global reach: supports 38 different currencies

4. Western Union

Western Union is one of the most established names in global money transfers, with a vast network that spans over 200 countries. It’s particularly well-suited for sending cash to recipients who may not have access to a bank account, thanks to its extensive physical agent locations.

Although its digital app has improved in recent years, Western Union is often chosen for its reach and cash pickup convenience, rather than low costs and ease-of-use. Fees and exchange rate mark-ups can vary, so it’s typically used when accessibility is a higher priority than price.

• Monthly fee: £0 for the app
• Exchange rate: usually includes a mark-up that varies by destination
• Transfer speed: international bank transfers can take up to 2 business days
• Global reach: over 200 countries

5. Starling Bank

Starling Bank is a UK-based digital bank that offers international transfers as part of its broader banking services. While not a dedicated transfer specialist, it provides a reliable option for customers who want occasional overseas payments alongside their everyday banking.

Its offering is straightforward and integrated into the main app, but international coverage and pricing may not be as competitive as fintech-first providers. Starling is best suited for customers who value simplicity and prefer to keep all financial activity within one bank.

• Monthly fee: £0 for a personal account
• Exchange rate: the Mastercard exchange rate is used
• Transfer speed: transfers within the UK are usually instant or arrive in a couple of minutes, while international transfers should arrive within 3 working days if you use priority delivery via SWIFT
• Global reach: supports sending to 34 countries

How to start sending money abroad with Revolut

Opening an account and sending your first transfer is a quick, entirely digital process. Here's how you can get started:

1. Download the Revolut app: find us on the Google Play or App Store.
2. Verify your mobile number: enter your number and a secure passcode. You'll receive a verification code via SMS.
3. Secure your account: set up a biometric login like FaceID or your fingerprint for added security.
4. Fill in your details: enter your name, address, and email to set up your profile.
5. Verify your identity: you'll be prompted to take a photo of a valid ID (such as a passport or driving licence) and a quick selfie. This usually takes just a few minutes to process.
6. Add money and send: once you're verified, add money to your account via bank transfer or debit card. Go to the Payments section and fill in your recipient's details. You'll be able to see a breakdown of any fees and how much money will reach the recipient before you confirm your transfer.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use an international money transfer app?

Yes, as long as the app is regulated. In the UK, any reputable international money transfer app must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures they follow strict rules for protecting customer money and maintaining security standards. At Revolut, we also use advanced AI to monitor for fraud and keep your money safe.

How long does an international transfer take?

The speed depends on the provider and the destination. Payments between customers on the same app (like Revolut-to-Revolut transfers) are usually instant. For external transfers, many now arrive in seconds or minutes, while some can take 3–5 business days if the destination country has slower banking infrastructure.

What's the cheapest international transfer app?

There's no single 'cheapest' app for every international transfer. To find the best deal, you should look at how much of your money the recipient will end up receiving. This includes the transfer fee and the exchange rate mark-up. We pride ourselves on offering competitive rates and low, transparent fees to ensure you get great value.

Sources

• Wise pricing and fee information: Wise official website
• Wise exchange rate: Wise article
• Wise global reach: Wise blog
• Wise transfer speed: Wise official website
• Monzo international transfer details: Monzo official website
• Monzo current account details: Monzo official website
• Monzo transfer speed: Monzo blog
• FCA regulation standards: Financial Conduct Authority
• Western Union service terms: Western Union UK
• Western Union home page: Western Union official website
• Western Union transfer speed: Western Union blog
• Starling Bank international fees: Starling Bank fees
• Starling Travel money card: Starling official website
• Starling guide to transfers: Starling

This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 19 March 2026.

You should visit their websites for confirmation of their most updated costs and charges.

Please note that actual charges and services offered may change and vary depending on individual circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend visiting each provider’s official website.

This article and the information provided herein are not intended to constitute legal, regulatory advice.