Receiving money from abroad in the UK: a step-by-step guide

Getting paid shouldn't be a chore. Whether you're receiving a gift from family overseas or a paycheque from an international employer, knowing how to receive money from abroad in the UK is the first step to take towards keeping more of your cash.

International transfers can be slow and expensive. But it doesn't have to be that way. This guide explores how receiving international payments can be as fast and straightforward as sending a text.

This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 11 March 2026.

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

How do I receive money from outside the UK?

To get money from outside the UK, you typically just need to share your account details with the sender. Here's your step-by-step guide to getting paid quickly:

• Find your details: open your banking app and locate the currency section to find your IBAN and BIC/SWIFT code.
• Share with a tap: copy your details and send them securely to the person paying you via text or email.
• Pick your currency: tell the sender which currency you want to receive to avoid high automatic conversion rates.
• Watch for the alert: most digital accounts notify you the second the money lands. Depending on the provider, transfers usually take between 1–5 business days.

What details do I need to give the sender?

You'll normally need to give the sender your International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and your Bank Identifier Code (BIC). Think of them as a digital address that tells the global banking system exactly where your money needs to go.

Note: you'll often hear the BIC referred to as a SWIFT code — they're the same thing.

Depending on where the money's coming from, modern financial apps can provide local account details that make the transfer simpler and better value than a regular international payment between traditional banks. Let's break it down.

Where can I find my IBAN and BIC?

You can find these details right in your app or on a recent bank statement. In the Revolut app, tap Accounts on the home screen → choose the currency account you want your money to be paid into→ tap Details.

This will display the details you need to receive money in that currency, for example, your UK IBAN (which starts with GB) and your BIC/SWIFT code. While it's safe to give these details out to get paid, you should only share them with people or businesses you trust.

Pro tip: if you're getting paid in a foreign currency like US dollars or euros, make sure you select the correct currency account in your app to see the right local details.

Things to check before sharing your bank details

Before you send your bank details, take a few seconds to verify the information. Small mistakes can cause big delays:

• Name match: ensure your name is spelled exactly as it appears on your official bank account
• Format: check that you've copied the IBAN correctly without adding extra spaces or dropping characters
• Currency alignment: confirm which currency the sender is using so you can provide the correct local details from your app
• Network choice: ask the sender to use the most efficient payment network to ensure the money arrives smoothly

How does Revolut compare to other providers?

When you receive money from abroad, you'll want to keep an eye on flat fees, exchange rate mark-ups, and how easy it is to manage different currencies. Check out how we stack up against 3 other popular UK providers.

Note: the sending bank might also take a cut. Always ask the sender to ensure they're covering the transfer fees on their end so you receive the full expected amount.

Exchange fees, remittance fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

How do exchange rates affect my money?

Exchange rates can drastically change your final payout. If a bank like Barclays or Lloyds Bank automatically converts a US dollar payment into British pounds, they'll often bake an extra profit margin into the rate — sometimes 2.75–3.55% worse than the mid-market rate.

With a multi-currency account, you've got total control. You can receive the money in its original currency (like USD) and hold it there. This lets you choose if and when you want to convert it into GBP, allowing you to wait for a favourable exchange rate.

Why Revolut is a smart way to get paid from abroad

At Revolut, we've removed the friction from international transfers so you can focus on what matters. Here's why you'll love managing your global payments with us:

• Local details for global reach: we provide local account details for multiple regions. When someone in the US or Europe sends you money using these details, it's processed like a local transfer — making it faster and cheaper.
• Real-time notifications: stop refreshing your balance. We'll ping your phone the second your money lands.
• Total currency control: hold 38 currencies simultaneously in one app and choose exactly when you want to convert them.
• Uncompromising security: our award-winning security systems work behind the scenes to keep your money safe without causing unnecessary delays.

T&Cs apply.

Open your account in just a few taps — all from your phone.

1. Download the app: get the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play, or enter your mobile number to receive a link to the app.
2. Verify your mobile number: you’ll receive a 6-digit code by text to verify.
3. Secure your account: set a secure, 4-digit passcode
4. Fill in your details: enter your name, date of birth, address, email, and country of residence. You’ll also set up your Revtag to send and receive payments easily.
5. Verify your identity: take a clear photo of your ID (passport or driving licence) and a quick selfie in-app to confirm it’s you

Once verified, your account is live and ready to use.

Sources

• Wise — fees for receiving and adding money
• Wise — mid-market rate
• Wise — currencies
• Barclays — receiving international payments
• Barclays — currency current accounts
• Lloyds Bank — international services rates and charges
• Lloyds Bank — receive money from outside the UK
• Lloyds Bank — international current accounts

This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 11 March 2026 and is aimed at customers in the UK.

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.