Sending money overseas from the UK is a common requirement for individuals, expats, businesses, and students. Barclays is one of the UK’s major high street banks and a widely recognised choice for international payments. However, understanding how Barclays international transfers compare in cost, speed, transparency, and usability is essential before you send money abroad.

This guide explains how Barclays international transfers work, the costs involved, exchange rate treatment, delivery times, limits, what information you need, alternatives, and common questions. It is designed to help you make a fully informed decision based on real cost drivers rather than assumptions.

Summary

Barclays allows UK customers to send money internationally using online banking, mobile apps, phone or in a branch. Online transfers usually carry no upfront transfer fee, but Barclays applies exchange rate markups and other charges that together can make your transfer more expensive than it first appears. Transfer times vary by destination and method but typically range from one to five business days. Understanding the full range of costs and details you need to supply before initiating a transfer helps ensure you send money with clarity and confidence.

What Barclays International Money Transfers Are

Barclays international transfers are cross-border payments sent from a Barclays account in the UK to a bank account in another country. They use global banking networks such as SWIFT for currencies outside Europe and SEPA for euro transfers within SEPA zone countries. When you send money internationally through Barclays you are converting sterling to another currency and instructing Barclays to move funds abroad. Barclays handles the payment instruction, currency conversion, and settlement with the recipient’s financial institution.

How Barclays International Transfers Work

You can initiate an international transfer with Barclays in different ways depending on your preference and the destination. Most customers complete international payments through online banking or the Barclays mobile app. Barclays also supports transfers via telephone banking and in branch, though fees for non-digital methods tend to be higher. Most international transfers are processed using the SWIFT system, which can involve intermediary financial institutions. For euro payments within Europe, Barclays typically uses SEPA where available, which can reduce costs and speed up delivery.

To start a payment you generally need:
Your Barclays UK account login
The amount you want to send and the currency
Recipient’s full name and address
The recipient bank’s IBAN or account number
The recipient bank’s SWIFT/BIC code for non-SEPA transfers

Costs Involved in Barclays International Money Transfers

When you send a payment internationally with Barclays you may encounter several types of costs:

Transfer fees: Barclays often charges no fee for online international transfers in many destinations, but there are fees when you arrange transfers by phone or in branch. Typical branch or telephone charges are around £25 for many destinations. Some currencies, such as USD, may attract additional cover charges even on online transfers.

Overseas delivery charges: Barclays may impose delivery charges depending on the destination country, typically ranging from £4 to £12.

Recipient or intermediary bank fees: When payments use SWIFT, intermediary banks and the recipient’s bank may deduct fees during processing.

These costs can vary depending on the currency, destination, and how the transfer was arranged. Knowing all potential charges upfront helps avoid surprises when the recipient receives less than expected.

Exchange Rates and Hidden Charges

The most significant cost associated with international transfers is typically the exchange rate margin. Barclays applies an exchange rate that includes a markup above the mid-market rate. Industry analysis shows Barclays’ foreign exchange markups on international bank transfers often fall between 3 and 4 percent of the transfer amount. This means that even with a low or zero upfront transfer fee, the effective cost of sending money abroad can be substantial, especially on larger transfer amounts.

Banks like Barclays do not always disclose exchange rate markups clearly before you begin a transfer. Often you only see the exact rate when confirming the payment, which can make comparison with alternatives difficult without researching beforehand.

How Long Transfers Take

The execution time for an international payment with Barclays depends on the destination, currency, and protocol used:

For euro transfers within SEPA, delivery is often same day or within one business day.
For SWIFT payments to most destinations worldwide, transfers generally take between two and five business days.
Delays may occur due to bank holidays, intermediary processing, or incomplete payment details. The cut-off time for initiating transfers each day also affects processing; transfers submitted after the cut-off are typically processed the next business day.

Transfer Limits and Restrictions

Barclays applies limits on how much you can send in a single transaction or per day through online banking. For many personal accounts the online transfer limit is up to £50,000 per day. If you need to send more than the online limit the transfer may need to be arranged by telephone or in branch, which can trigger additional fees. Accounts such as Premier or business accounts may have higher online transfer limits. Knowledge of limits helps avoid blocked transfers or unexpected branch visits.

Sending Barclays International Transfers Step by Step

The most common way to send an international payment with Barclays is through online banking:

Log in to your Barclays online account or mobile app.
Navigate to Move Money or Payments and choose International Payment.
Enter the recipient’s details, including IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code.
Specify the amount and currency you want to send.
Review the fees, exchange rate, and estimated delivery time.
Confirm and authorise the payment using your security credentials.

If you cannot complete the transfer online because of destination restrictions or limits, telephone banking or branch staff can assist at a higher service fee. Planning ahead saves time and cost.

Alternatives to Barclays for International Transfers

While Barclays offers the convenience of a high street bank, many customers now use specialist money transfer services or currency brokers for cost savings and speed. Specialist providers often offer:

Lower exchange rate markups closer to the mid-market rate
Lower or transparent fees
Faster delivery options in some corridors
Clearer pricing so you know exactly what the recipient will receive

If cost and value are key priorities, comparing Barclays against specialist options before sending money is a prudent step.

FAQs

What fees does Barclays charge for international money transfers?
Barclays often charges no upfront fee for online transfers, but branch or telephone arranged transfers typically cost around £25. Additional overseas delivery charges may apply depending on the destination.

Does Barclays use the mid-market exchange rate?
No. Barclays applies an exchange rate markup above the mid-market rate, which can significantly affect the total cost of the transfer.

How long do international transfers from Barclays take?
International bank transfers with Barclays typically take one to five business days depending on destination and method.

Can I send large transfer amounts with Barclays?
Yes, but online transfer limits may apply. Larger sums may require arranging the transfer via telephone or in branch, often at higher fees.

Do intermediary banks charge additional fees?
Yes. When payments go through SWIFT, intermediary banks and the recipient bank may deduct fees, which can reduce the amount received unless you choose to cover them.

Sources

https://www.barclays.co.uk/ways-to-bank/international-payments/
https://www.barclays.co.uk/content/dam/documents/personal/International/International_Banking_Tariff_guide_PP045_UK.pdf
https://www.keycurrency.co.uk/barclays-international-transfer/
https://www.transfergo.com/barclays-international-transfers