How to send money to Bulgaria from the UK

Start here - simple, safe ways to support Bulgaria from the UK

Sending money to Bulgaria should be quick, affordable and stress-free. If you are helping family, paying a bill, or moving funds for a property purchase, the right service can save you time and money. High-street banks often add hefty markups and slower delivery. Specialist providers focus on speed, fair exchange rates, and clear fees, with handy apps so you always know where your money is.

Today, you can send to Bulgarian bank accounts, cards, or arrange cash pickup across hundreds of locations. Options range from near-instant card transfers to lower-cost bank transfers that take a couple of days. With real-time rate calculators and tracking, you can see exactly what arrives in BGN before you confirm, making it easier to budget and avoid surprises.

Tip: Always compare the total cost - exchange rate, fee, and delivery time - not just the headline fee.

A few minutes of comparison can save you pounds on every transfer.

Who this guide helps

If you live in the UK and need to send money to Bulgaria regularly or as a one-off, this guide is for you. It suits people supporting family, paying rent or utilities abroad, students, remote workers, and anyone managing cross-border finances. We keep the jargon out and focus on reliable, cost-effective services with strong UK user experiences.

What you can send and where it goes

Most UK services let you fund transfers by bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or Open Banking. You can send GBP that converts to BGN for bank deposits, top up Bulgarian cards, or arrange cash pickup where bank accounts are not practical. Many providers publish live exchange rates and fees before you pay, so you can judge the value in real time.

Revolut supports bank transfers that typically take 3-5 working days, while card transfers can arrive in under 30 minutes and often seconds. Revolut-to-Revolut transfers are usually near-instant and fee-free in supported currencies, which helps if your recipient also has the app. MoneyTO keeps fees low from £1 and can deliver to bank accounts, Bulgarian Visa or Mastercard, or cash pickup at Tokuda Bank and Investbank branches.

Ria offers a promotional £0 fee on your first transfer with code HELLORIA and supports both bank deposits and cash pickup at over 100 Bulgarian locations. Xe provides minutes-fast bank deposits and access to thousands of cash pickup points, while Moneycorp focuses on fee-free online transfers with excellent rates that usually land in 1-2 working days. Remitly is known for transparency, full tracking and an on-time guarantee that refunds fees if a transfer is late.

Quick comparison - popular UK-to-Bulgaria routes

How transfers actually work - from send to receive

The process is straightforward. Choose a provider, register, and verify your identity if prompted. This protects you against fraud and is a legal requirement for financial services. Next, enter the recipient’s details. For bank deposits, you will need their Bulgarian IBAN and sometimes a BIC. For card payouts, the recipient’s card number is needed. For cash pickup, select a location and ensure the recipient’s name matches their ID exactly.

Funding the transfer from the UK can be done via bank transfer, debit or credit card, or Open Banking. Cards are usually fastest but may carry higher fees. Bank transfer or direct debit is often the cheapest for larger amounts, though it can take longer. Revolut and Xe handle card-funded payments quickly, while Moneycorp specialises in fee-free bank transfers that typically land in 1-2 working days. Ria and MoneyTO can route funds to cash pickup points for recipients who prefer cash.

Once sent, track progress in the app. Providers send updates at each stage and some offer delivery guarantees. If time matters, pick options that confirm minutes-speed delivery to Bulgaria. If cost matters more, choose low-fee bank transfers and plan around the 1-3 working day window.

Why choosing the right provider saves real money

Every transfer has two costs: the fee you see and the exchange rate you get. High-street banks often hide large markups in the rate. Specialist services aim for sharper rates with clearer, smaller fees. That combination means more BGN in your recipient’s account.

If you only need to get money there in minutes, card-funded services like Revolut, Xe or Remitly can be ideal. They prioritise speed and transparency with real-time tracking. If you are sending a larger sum for a property purchase or tuition, Moneycorp’s fee-free model and strong rates over 1-2 days can be more cost-effective. If your recipient needs cash, MoneyTO, Ria and Xe offer extensive pickup networks so they can collect money with a valid ID without a bank account.

The right match depends on your priorities - speed, total cost, or cash access. Comparing providers before you send is the easiest way to keep more of your money.

At-a-glance advantages and drawbacks

Watchouts before you press send

Double-check the recipient’s details. For Bulgarian bank deposits you need a correct IBAN, typically starting with BG and followed by 20 characters. A single error can delay or bounce the payment. For cash pickup, the recipient name must match their ID exactly, and they should bring valid identification to the selected location.

Consider delivery time. Card-funded transfers can arrive in minutes, but may cost slightly more. Bank transfers are typically cheaper for larger amounts and, with Moneycorp, can land in 1-2 working days. Revolut and Ria quote 3-5 days for standard bank deposits, which might suit non-urgent payments. If your recipient is unbanked or rural, check nearby cash pickup options using in-app locators from services like Ria, MoneyTO and Xe.

Finally, look at the entire cost: the fee plus the rate. A provider with a £0 fee may still be pricier if the exchange rate is weaker. If you send regularly, save your recipient details and set alerts for better rates. Always avoid using credit cards if you are concerned about cash advance fees or interest.

Other good options to consider

1. Revolut - best for instant-to-app or fast card transfers, with instant Revolut-to-Revolut and broad currency support.
2. MoneyTO - strong for low fees from £1, Open Banking convenience and 125 cash pickup points.
3. Ria - first transfer £0 fee with HELLORIA, wide UK access online and on the high street.
4. Xe - minutes to bank deposits and 5,570+ cash pickup points, no hidden fees.
5. Moneycorp - fee-free transfers and strong rates for larger, planned payments in 1-2 working days.
6. Remitly - full tracking, clear fees and an on-time guarantee for peace of mind.
7. High-street bank - reliable but usually slower and more expensive due to poorer rates and fees.

Frequently asked questions

How long do UK-to-Bulgaria transfers take?

Card-funded transfers can arrive in minutes. Bank transfers vary from 1-2 working days with Moneycorp to around 3-5 days with some providers. Cash pickup can be instant once funded.

What details do I need for a Bulgarian bank transfer?

You will need the recipient’s full name and Bulgarian IBAN. A BIC may also be required. Always copy details carefully to avoid delays.

Is cash pickup safe in Bulgaria?

Yes, when you use reputable providers. Your recipient must show valid ID and the exact reference number. Services like Ria, MoneyTO and Xe list verified partner locations.

Which option is cheapest?

There is no single cheapest option. Compare the total cost for your amount today - exchange rate plus fees - and consider delivery speed. Bank transfers often win for larger sums.

Can I track my transfer?

Yes. Most apps provide real-time status updates, notifications and full histories. Some offer delivery guarantees or instant alerts when money is collected.

Where Switcha fits in

At Switcha, our goal is to help UK consumers send money to Bulgaria with confidence. We compare trusted providers for speed, total cost and reliability, so you can quickly see what you will actually pay and how fast your money will arrive. Whether you need instant delivery, cash pickup for an unbanked relative, or fee-free options for bigger payments, we highlight the services that fit your priorities.

We keep it simple: clear fees, live exchange rates and plain-English guidance. Use Switcha to shortlist providers, check today’s rates in minutes, and lock in a deal that gets more BGN to your recipient. No jargon - just transparent choices that help you save.

Important information

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Exchange rates move, fees change and eligibility depends on your circumstances. Check provider terms, limits and identification requirements before you send, and choose options that match your budget and timing.