How to send money to the UK from India

Sending money from India to the UK can involve different steps depending on the provider you choose. Fees, transfer speed, and exchange rates can also vary.

In this guide, we explain the main ways to send money internationally and what to consider before making a transfer. Read on to learn more, discover our options for your next international transfer, and start sending money to the UK today.

Want to swap the route around? Check out our guide on how to send money from the UK to India.

What to consider before you send money to the UK

Whether you're supporting a child at a British university, helping family with living expenses, or buying a property in London, you need a method that's reliable and cost-effective. Moving money between India and the UK involves navigating different banking systems, currency exchange, and regulatory requirements.

Before you choose a provider, you should look at 3 main factors:

1. The exchange rate: this is the price of one currency against another. Many providers add a hidden mark-up to the rate you see on Google or Reuters.
2. Transfer fees: these are the upfront costs charged by the provider. Some charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage of the amount you send.
3. Delivery speed: depending on the payment network used, your money could arrive in minutes or take up to 5 business days.

Want to learn more about international transfers? Explore international money transfers with Revolut.

Ways to send money to the UK from India

There are several methods you can choose from to move your money across borders. Each has its own balance of pros and cons.

Traditional bank transfers

Most major banks in India allow you to send money abroad. These types of transfers are generally sent via the SWIFT network.

• Pros: very secure and familiar, and suitable for large transfers.
• Cons: often involve high fees and exchange rate mark-ups, and can be slow, taking up to 3–5 business days. Intermediary banks may deduct additional charges before the money reaches the UK.

Online money transfer services

Digital platforms and apps like Revolut have become a popular alternative to banks. These services often use local payment networks to move money faster.

• Pros: competitive exchange rates, clearer fee structures, and faster (sometimes instant) delivery times.
• Cons: may have lower maximum limits than traditional banks. Require digital literacy and access to a smartphone or computer.

Foreign currency demand drafts

You can purchase a physical demand draft in British pounds (GBP) from an Indian bank. You then post this draft to the recipient in the UK, who deposits it into their account.

• Pros: useful if the recipient doesn't have immediate access to digital banking tools.
• Cons: very slow due to physical mailing and clearing times. Risks of the draft being lost or stolen on its way.

How to choose the cheapest way to send money to the UK

Finding the most cost-effective path requires looking beyond the advertised 'zero fee' claims. Many providers hide the true cost in the exchange rate.

Understanding exchange rates

The mid-market rate is the halfway point between the buy and sell prices of 2 currencies. This is the rate banks use to trade with each other. When you transfer money from India to the UK, check how much the provider's rate deviates from the mid-market rate. Even a 1% difference can cost you thousands of rupees on a large tuition payment.

Transfer fees and intermediary charges

Always look for a breakdown of costs. If a provider uses the SWIFT network, your money may pass through correspondent banks. Each of these banks can take a cut, meaning your recipient ends up with less than what you sent.

At Revolut, we use local payment networks whenever possible. For transfers to the UK, this means your money often bypasses the SWIFT network, which helps it arrive faster and reduces the chance of extra costs along the way.

Rules for sending money from India

India has specific rules for how much money residents can move out of the country. It's important to understand these rules to make sure your transfer is compliant and to avoid unexpected delays.

The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) explained

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) manages the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). This scheme allows Indian residents to send a certain amount of money abroad every financial year (which runs April–March) without special permission.

Under current LRS rules, you can send up to $250,000 (roughly £197,000) per financial year. This limit applies to the total amount sent for the following:

• Gifts and donations
• Education expenses (tuition and living costs)
• Medical treatment abroad
• International travel
• Maintenance of close relatives

If you need to send more than this amount, you'll generally need to get prior approval from the RBI.

Tax Collected at Source (TCS) in India

When you send money from India to the UK, you may be subject to Tax Collected at Source (TCS). The rates for TCS can change based on the purpose of your transfer.

It's important to remember that TCS isn't an additional tax but a form of advance tax that you can often claim back or offset against your total tax liability when you file your income tax return in India.

What details do you need to send money to the UK?

To make sure your money reaches the correct destination, you need to provide accurate banking details for the recipient in the UK. Unlike the Indian system, which uses IFSC codes, the UK relies on different identifiers.

Here's what you'll typically need:

• Their full name: the name of the person or institution as it appears on their account
• Sort code: a 6-digit number (formatted as 11-22-33) that identifies the specific bank and branch
• Account number: an 8-digit number
• An International Bank Account Number (IBAN): this is often used for international transfers and combines the sort code and account number into one long string
• BIC/SWIFT code: a unique code that identifies the recipient's bank globally

How long does a transfer from India to the UK take?

Time is often a critical factor, especially if you're paying for tuition fees or an urgent bill. Let's break it down:

• SWIFT transfers: these usually take 3–5 business days. Each intermediary stop can add 24 hours to the journey.
• Local payment networks: can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 2 business days. At Revolut, we opt for these networks rather than SWIFT transfers for international payments whenever possible.

Safety and security for international transfers

When you send money across the world, you want to know it's protected. Both India and the UK have great regulatory frameworks.

In India, the RBI monitors all outward cross-border payments to help prevent financial crime. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversees payment service providers.

Sending a large amount with us may trigger a manual review of your transfer. This is a normal part of the process designed to keep everyone safe. You don't need to do anything for this, but be aware that we may reach out to you if we have any questions about the nature of your transfer.

How to receive money in your Revolut account in the UK

If you’re based in the UK and expecting money from India, receiving funds into your Revolut account is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Join Revolut: Download our app for iOS or Android, then sign up.
2. Review the details: from your Home screen → Accounts → select the currency you want to receive → tap Details to find your international account details.
3. Receive your money: you'll receive an instant notification when the money arrives. Then start spending, exchanging, or transferring from your new balance.

The information provided is accurate as of 9 March 2026.

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