How to send money to Ireland from the UK

Getting money to Ireland without paying over the odds

Sending money across the Irish Sea should be simple and affordable. Yet many UK senders still face high bank fees, poor exchange rates, and confusing jargon. The good news is that newer providers make transfers faster and cheaper, often in seconds, while keeping your money secure. The key is understanding what details you need to provide, which methods suit your situation, and how different pricing works so you are not surprised by hidden costs.

Banks often route payments through the SWIFT network, which can mean multiple fees and weaker exchange rates. In contrast, app-based services may use real mid-market exchange rates with small, transparent fees. Some even offer fee-free transfers within plan limits. This guide walks you through the essentials in plain English so you can choose a trusted route that suits your needs and budget.

Small choices can mean big savings when exchange rates and fees are involved.

Who this guide helps

Whether you are supporting family in Ireland, paying a deposit on a property, or splitting costs with friends, this guide is for UK consumers who want a safe, cost-conscious, and quick way to send money. It is especially useful if you are sending funds regularly or making a larger one-off payment where even a 1% difference can add up.

What you are actually doing when you send

International transfers move pounds out of your UK account and deliver euros into an Irish account or as cash pick-up. To get it right first time you will usually need the recipient’s full name, their Irish IBAN, BIC or SWIFT code, and address. IBAN ensures the money lands in the correct account, while the BIC identifies the correct bank branch. Many providers validate these details before you press send, cutting the risk of delays.

Costs vary by two main factors: the exchange rate and the fee. Banks typically add a 4-6% mark-up to the exchange rate on top of transfer charges. Specialist providers commonly use the real mid-market rate, then add a small, clear fee. For £1,000, differences like these can change how many euros arrive by tens of euros. Speed also differs: app-to-app transfers can be near instant, while SWIFT payments can take a day or more and may face extra intermediary charges.

How to make a transfer step by step

First, choose a provider that suits your needs for cost, speed, and convenience. Create an account and complete any required identity checks - standard for financial security. Next, enter the amount in pounds, the recipient’s details, and select how you want to pay. Bank transfer funding is usually cheapest but can be slower to reach the provider. Debit cards are fast and often low cost. Credit cards are convenient but typically come with higher fees. Finally, review the total cost and the exact euros the recipient will receive before confirming.

Many UK users find that modern providers offer very competitive pricing. For instance, transfers funded from a linked account can cost only a few pounds and often arrive in seconds. Some app-based services offer fee-free transfers within plan limits and instant app-to-app sends. For larger or timed payments, specialist currency services can lock in rates or set alerts so you move money when prices work in your favour.

Always check the total cost, not just the headline fee or the rate.

Quick next steps

• Gather recipient details: full name, IBAN, BIC, address
• Compare total cost for £1,000 including fees and rate
• Choose funding method based on urgency vs price
• Send a small test payment if it is your first time

Why your choice of method matters

The wrong route can cost more and take longer. Traditional banks use SWIFT, where fees can be charged by the sender, recipient, and intermediaries, on top of an exchange rate mark-up. That quickly eats into the amount received. In contrast, services that use the mid-market rate tend to be far better value, especially on regular or high-value transfers. Some also settle payments within seconds using SEPA Instant.

Price points vary. One leading low-cost provider can move £1,000 from the UK to Ireland for around the price of a coffee when funded by bank transfer, with transfers from its account arriving in seconds. App-based challengers may offer £0 transfer fees on standard plans, with instant app-to-app sends and rapid SEPA Instant bank transfers. For big-ticket items like property payments, specialist FX providers can offer forward contracts and tailored support so you do not get caught by a sudden rate swing.

In short, choose based on your priorities: the lowest cost, instant arrival, or specialist support for larger sums.

At-a-glance comparison

The upsides and trade-offs

Pitfalls to avoid

Double-check the recipient IBAN and BIC before you send. A single digit out of place can delay or misroute funds. Watch for hidden charges: a great-looking exchange rate with a steep fee can be worse than a fair rate with a small fee. Likewise, banks may use the SWIFT network, where intermediary banks can deduct their own charges and the exchange rate may include a sizeable mark-up.

Funding method matters. Bank transfers to your provider are often the cheapest, but they can add a little time before the money is sent on. Debit cards cost slightly more but are quick. Credit cards are normally the most expensive and may add cash advance fees. If you need the euros to arrive immediately, choose an instant method and be comfortable with the fee, but if you are not in a rush, pick the lowest total cost and plan ahead.

Other ways to move your money

1. Schedule a forward contract with a specialist to lock in a rate for future transfers.
2. Set a rate alert so you receive a notification when GBP-EUR reaches your preferred level.
3. Use a small test transfer to verify details before sending the full amount.
4. Send app-to-app where possible for instant delivery to known contacts.
5. Consider cash pick-up for recipients without an Irish bank account.

Common questions, answered

• Q: What details do I need to send money to an Irish bank account? A: You will usually need the recipient’s full name, their 22-character IBAN, the BIC or SWIFT code, and their address.

• Q: How fast can money arrive in Ireland? A: App-to-app and SEPA Instant transfers can complete in seconds. SWIFT bank transfers can take until the next working day or longer, especially if intermediaries are involved.

• Q: Why do banks often cost more? A: Banks may add a 4-6% exchange rate mark-up and charge transfer fees. Intermediary banks in the SWIFT chain can also take a cut, reducing the euros received.

• Q: What is the cheapest funding method? A: Bank transfer funding is usually the lowest cost. Debit cards are fast and affordable. Credit cards tend to be the most expensive and may add extra charges.

• Q: Can I avoid hidden fees? A: Choose providers using the mid-market rate with transparent fees. Always check the total cost and the exact euro amount before you confirm.

How Switcha makes it easier

Switcha compares trusted UK-to-Ireland transfer options side by side, focusing on real total cost and delivery time so you can see exactly how many euros your recipient will receive. We highlight providers that use the mid-market rate with clear pricing, flag where banks add mark-ups, and show when instant transfer methods are worth the extra for speed. If you are sending a larger sum, we will point you to specialist services that offer forward contracts, same-day express options, and human support. With Switcha, you can choose a route that balances cost, speed, and security - all in plain English, with no pressure and no jargon.

Feel confident pressing send: compare, check the total, and keep more in your recipient’s hands.

Important information

This guide provides general information only and is not financial advice. Charges, limits, and speeds change frequently. Always check the latest rates, fees, and terms in-app or on the provider’s website before you transfer. If you are unsure, consider regulated advice for your circumstances.