Best Way to Send Money to India from the UK
Learn how to choose the best money transfer service based on rate, fees, and speed, then compare live rates instantly.
How to Choose the Best Money Transfer Service
The "best" way depends on what matters most to you. Here's how to decide:
1. Compare Exchange Rates
The exchange rate determines how many rupees your recipient gets for every pound you send. A small difference in rate can make a big impact on larger amounts.
Example: If you send £1,000 at a rate of ₹104, your recipient gets ₹104,000. At ₹103.50, they only get ₹103,500 - a difference of ₹500.
2. Check Total Fees
Look at the recipient amount, not just the transfer fee. Some providers advertise "low fees" but offer worse rates.
- ✓Focus on what your recipient actually receives
- ✓Watch for hidden charges in the exchange rate markup
- ✓Some providers offer free transfers but lower rates
3. Consider Transfer Speed
Speed matters for urgent transfers, but faster isn't always better value.
Usually costs more or offers lower rates
Often better rates and lower fees
4. Verify Safety & Regulation
All providers we compare are FCA-regulated (Financial Conduct Authority), ensuring your money is protected.
Always check: FCA authorization number, customer reviews, and whether funds are safeguarded in case of company failure.
The Bottom Line
The best way to send money to India is the service that gives your recipient the most rupees for your pounds, from a trusted provider, at the speed you need. Use our live comparison below to find your best option today.
Compare Live Rates Now
Enter your amount and see which provider gives you the most rupees
Your Comparison Results
Updated every 15 minutes • Last update: 16:31
~0.97% better than mid-market
Fee FREEPromoNew customer rate: first £1000 at ₹127.46, rest at ₹125.95
Recipient gets
₹1,27,460.00
Exchange rate 127.4600PromoNew customer rate: first £1000 at ₹127.46, rest at ₹125.95
~0.97% better than mid-market rate
Fee FREE £1.99
Instant
Bank Deposit
UPI
₹1,27,460.00
~0.97% better than mid-market
~0.11% better than mid-market
Fee FREEPromoExclusive rates & £0 fee on your first transferHELLORIA
Recipient gets
₹1,26,365.64
Exchange rate 126.3656PromoExclusive rates & £0 fee on your first transferHELLORIA
~0.11% better than mid-market rate
Fee FREE £2.00
2–3 days
Bank Deposit
₹1,26,365.64
~0.11% better than mid-market
~0.04% better than mid-market
Fee FREEPromoZero fee on your first transfer
Recipient gets
₹1,26,280.00
Exchange rate 126.2800PromoZero fee on your first transfer
~0.04% better than mid-market rate
Fee FREE £3.00
1–4 hrs
Bank Deposit
₹1,26,280.00
~0.04% better than mid-market
~0.14% worse than mid-market
Fee FREEPromoSpecial rate + zero fees on your first transfer up to £1,500. Use code WELCOME for £5 off on £500+WELCOME
Recipient gets
₹1,26,059.60
Exchange rate 126.0596PromoSpecial rate + zero fees on your first transfer up to £1,500. Use code WELCOME for £5 off on £500+WELCOME
~0.14% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
4–8 hrs
Bank Deposit
₹1,26,059.60
~0.14% worse than mid-market
~0.17% worse than mid-market
Fee FREEPromoPreferential rate + zero fees on first transfer
Recipient gets
₹1,26,011.75
Exchange rate 126.0118PromoPreferential rate + zero fees on first transfer
~0.17% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
Minutes
Bank Deposit
UPI
₹1,26,011.75
~0.17% worse than mid-market
~0.18% worse than mid-market
Fee FREERegular
Recipient gets
₹1,26,000.00
Exchange rate 126.0000Regular
~0.18% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
Instant
Bank Deposit
UPI
₹1,26,000.00
~0.18% worse than mid-market
~0.31% worse than mid-market
Fee FREERegular
Recipient gets
₹1,25,839.70
Exchange rate 125.8397Regular
~0.31% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
Minutes
Bank Deposit
₹1,25,839.70
~0.31% worse than mid-market
~0.25% worse than mid-market
Fee £1.50Regular
Recipient gets
₹1,25,732.80
Exchange rate 125.9217Regular
~0.25% worse than mid-market rate
Fee £1.50
Same day
Bank Deposit
₹1,25,732.80
~0.25% worse than mid-market
~0.41% worse than mid-market
Fee FREERegular
Recipient gets
₹1,25,714.20
Exchange rate 125.7142Regular
~0.41% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
Same day
Bank Deposit
₹1,25,714.20
~0.41% worse than mid-market
~0.42% worse than mid-market
Fee FREERegular
Recipient gets
₹1,25,700.00
Exchange rate 125.7000Regular
~0.42% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
1–4 hrs
Bank Deposit
₹1,25,700.00
~0.42% worse than mid-market
~0.13% worse than mid-market
Fee £3.20Regular
Recipient gets
₹1,25,657.60
Exchange rate 126.0610Regular
~0.13% worse than mid-market rate
Fee £3.20
Same day
Bank Deposit
UPI
₹1,25,657.60
~0.13% worse than mid-market
~0.05% better than mid-market
Fee £5.71Regular
Recipient gets
₹1,25,574.85
Exchange rate 126.2960Regular
~0.05% better than mid-market rate
Fee £5.71
Instant
Bank Deposit
UPI
₹1,25,574.85
~0.05% better than mid-market
~1.03% worse than mid-market
Fee FREERegular
Recipient gets
₹1,24,931.80
Exchange rate 124.9318Regular
~1.03% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
Minutes
UPI
₹1,24,931.80
~1.03% worse than mid-market
~1.05% worse than mid-market
Fee FREERegular
Recipient gets
₹1,24,900.00
Exchange rate 124.9000Regular
~1.05% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
1–2 days
Bank Deposit
₹1,24,900.00
~1.05% worse than mid-market
~1.18% worse than mid-market
Fee FREERegular
Recipient gets
₹1,24,739.36
Exchange rate 124.7394Regular
~1.18% worse than mid-market rate
Fee FREE
Same day
Bank Deposit
₹1,24,739.36
~1.18% worse than mid-market
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click through and complete a transaction with our partner providers. This helps keep our comparison service free for you.
Why Trust RemitServe?
Unbiased Comparisons
We show all providers ranked by what your recipient gets, no favoritism, just facts.
Only FCA-Regulated Providers
Every service we compare is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
Real-Time Rates
Live data updated every 15 minutes so you always see current market rates.
Quick Answers
What's the cheapest way to send money to India from the UK?
The cheapest option changes daily based on exchange rates and fees. Wise and Remitly typically offer competitive rates, but it's essential to compare live rates for your specific amount to find the true cheapest option today.
How long does it take to transfer money from UK to India?
Transfer times vary by provider and method: instant transfers can arrive in minutes (but often cost more), while standard transfers take 1-3 business days (usually with better rates). Bank transfers typically take 3-5 days.
Is it safe to send money to India online?
Yes, when using FCA-regulated providers like those we compare. These companies are required to safeguard your funds, maintain strict security standards, and follow UK financial regulations. Always verify FCA authorization before sending money.
Should I use my bank or a money transfer service?
Money transfer services (like Wise, Remitly, Western Union) almost always offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks. Banks typically add 3-5% in hidden exchange rate markups, while specialist services are more transparent and competitive.