Send money to India from the UK: compare rates, fees and speed
NRIs in the UK can send money to India via Wise, Remitly, UK high-street banks or specialist brokers. The GBP-INR rate varies significantly between providers — a 0.5% spread difference on £5,000 is around £25. Compare total INR received, not just the headline rate.
UK banks typically offer 2–4% worse than mid-market
For GBP-to-INR transfers from the UK, Wise and Remitly are usually cheaper than UK high-street banks which apply a 2–4% spread. Compare the total INR your India recipient receives after all costs. For amounts above £10,000, a specialist currency broker may offer better rates.
Key points
- Spread beats flat fee — For large transfers, the exchange-rate spread matters more than the flat fee — a 1% worse rate on £10,000 costs £100.
- Compare total INR — Enter the same GBP amount on Wise, Remitly and your UK bank and compare the INR the recipient will receive.
- Currency brokers for large amounts — For transfers above £10,000, specialist currency brokers (e.g. Moneycorp, TorFX) may offer better rates than retail apps.
How to compare GBP-INR providers
Step 1: Note the current GBP-INR mid-market rate (shown on NRI Desk or Google).
Step 2: Enter the same GBP amount on Wise, Remitly, your UK bank's international transfer tool and one specialist broker.
Step 3: Compare the INR received and the time to delivery. Choose based on the best effective rate for your amount and urgency.
UK bank wire vs online provider
Barclays, HSBC, NatWest: typically charge £4–£25 plus a 2–4% spread over mid-market.
Wise: mid-market rate with a transparent fee — usually the cheapest for amounts under £20,000.
Remitly: competitive flat fee plus small spread; express delivery is faster but costs more.
Specialist brokers (Moneycorp, TorFX): no flat fee, tighter spread for amounts over £10,000; useful for regular large transfers or regular payment schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a UK limit on sending money to India?
No fixed limit for personal transfers. Large amounts may require source-of-funds documentation from the provider. India has no cap on inward remittances.
Can I send GBP to an NRE account in India?
Yes. NRE accounts accept inward remittances in any freely convertible foreign currency. The bank converts GBP to INR at its own rate — compare this with sending INR via an online provider.
Does the GBP-INR rate change during the day?
Yes. GBP-INR moves with currency markets during UK and India trading hours. Set a rate alert on NRI Desk to be notified when GBP-INR hits your target.