Find the best way to send money online

Making payments and moving money is part of daily life. Whether you're splitting a restaurant bill with a friend, paying a UK-based invoice, or sending money to family abroad, you want the money to arrive quickly, securely, and without losing a chunk of it to additional fees. If you're looking to find the best way to send money online, you need to weigh up 3 main factors: speed, cost, and convenience.

Choosing the right method can save you significant time and money, especially when dealing with foreign currency. With Revolut, sending money is as easy as sending a text, giving you competitive currency exchange rates and fees, all from one digital account.

Open your Revolut account today and start sending money online.

Exchange and remittance fees, fair usage limits, and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.

The information provided is accurate as of 12 December 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut isn't a financial adviser.

The 3 main ways to send money online

When deciding on a method, customers in the UK generally have 3 main choices available. Each option has a different cost and speed profile, particularly when transferring pounds to a different currency.

High-street banks

Sending money directly from your high-street bank account is the most common method, especially for domestic UK payments. Most UK banks use the Faster Payments Service (FPS) for transfers within the country, meaning money may arrive within 2 hours.

However, high-street banks may become less competitive when you need to send money internationally. They often charge flat fees for international payments and may use weaker exchange rates, adding a margin to the cost. The transfer time for international payments can also be longer, taking anywhere from 3–5 business days if they solely rely on SWIFT network. While they provide security, their systems can sometimes feel rigid or slow compared to modern digital alternatives.

At Revolut, we bypass the SWIFT system when possible, using our powerful local payment rails. Then, your international transfer with us may take less than 3–5 days to complete.

Specialist money transfer services

Some companies specialise in moving money globally. Their main advantage is their global reach and flexible payout options, which often include cash pickup at an agent location. This is useful if the recipient doesn't have a bank account.

While they're highly focused on transfers, their pricing structures can be complex. They may offer low or even zero fees upfront but include a mark-up in the exchange rate. For a customer looking for the cheapest option, it requires careful calculation to ensure the total cost, including the exchange rate margin, is competitive. They're primarily focused on the transfer itself, not on providing a comprehensive account to manage your daily spending and saving.

To better understand the exchange fees and rates and find the cheapest way to send money online, you can use our exchange rates comparison guide.

Digital accounts and apps

Digital accounts like ours combine the functionality of an account with the flexibility of a specialist money transfer service. We use technology to streamline the process, often resulting in quicker international transfers and competitive, clear rates.

We offer:

• real-time notifications and easy-to-understand fee calculations before you send
• instant transfers to other Revolut customers globally
• competitive exchange rates for payments to accounts in other currencies

We're an all-in-one place to spend, save, and send money effortlessly.

Exchange and remittance fees, fair usage limits, and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.

What's the best way to send money online?

The best method is the one that strikes the perfect balance for your needs: maximum speed, minimum cost, and total clarity.

Speed: how quickly can you send money online?

Speed is crucial for urgent payments. The time it takes for money to reach its destination depends on the method and the recipient's location:

• Instant (seconds): transfers between accounts on the same platform (e.g. Revolut-to-Revolut) are virtually instantaneous. Domestic UK transfers via Faster Payments usually fall into this category, too. Learn more about Revolut instant transfers.
• Fast (minutes to hours): some digital accounts offer fast card transfers, which can arrive in minutes in eligible countries.
• Standard (1–5 business days): traditional international transfers using payment networks like SWIFT can take several days due to necessary checks and processing times by multiple institutions.

If speed is your top priority, especially when sending money to someone else who uses our service, we're a great option for near-instant transfers.

Cost: what are the fees and exchange rates?

The total cost is the combination of 2 elements: the upfront transfer fee and the exchange rate margin. You need to look beyond a zero fee headline to ensure you're getting the best value.

• Transfer fees: some services charge a flat fee or a percentage of the amount sent. With Revolut, transfers within the UK and the SEPA zone are free if no currency conversion is involved. A small fee may apply for transfers in other locations, and is calculated in real-time before you send. You’ll always be shown applicable fees in-app before you hit Send.
• Exchange rates: you can send money in 150+ currencies with the competitive Revolut exchange rate.

Exchange and transfer fees, fair usage limits, and weekend fees apply, depending on your plan.

Ease of use and security

A reliable service means you can set up a transfer quickly and confidently. Digital apps like ours generally excel here:

• Simplicity: you can set up a Revolut account and initiate a transfer on a smartphone in minutes. Once the recipient is saved, repeat transfers take just a few taps.
• Security: we use advanced security measures, including encryption and two-factor authentication, to protect your money. We leverage multiple layers of security and have features like disposable virtual cards to protect you while shopping online. Learn more about how we protect your money.

Start sending money easily with Revolut

Ready to experience a simple, cost-effective and fast way to send money both at home and abroad? Opening an account with us takes minutes, and you can start sending money right away.

Here's how you sign up for Revolut and make your first payment:

1. Download the Revolut app: find the Revolut app on the App Store or Google Play Store and download it.
2. Sign up for Revolut: follow the simple steps in the app to create your account. You'll be asked to verify your identity, which is a quick, secure process.
3. Add money: once your account is set up, you can easily add money to your account using a bank transfer, debit card, or other linked payment methods.
4. Initiate a transfer: go to the Payments section in-app, select the + symbol in the top-right corner, and choose whether you want to send money to another Revolut customer or a bank account.
5. Enter details and send: enter the recipient’s details, the amount, and the currency. You'll see the final exchange rate and any fees clearly displayed. Tap Send and your money is on its way.