How to send money to Jamaica from the UK

A simple route to reliable Jamaica transfers from the UK

Sending money to Jamaica should be quick, safe, and fairly priced. Whether you are covering family bills in Kingston, helping with school fees in Montego Bay, or paying a contractor in USD, there are UK-friendly services that keep costs down and delivery times fast. Banks can be expensive and slow, but modern apps offer minutes-fast card payments and transparent pricing that you can check in real time before you send. In this guide we walk through the main options used by people across Britain, highlight the differences between card, bank, and cash pickup, and flag what to watch for so your recipient gets the right amount on time. Clear, practical steps - no jargon.

Fastest routes: card to card or card to bank in minutes.

Who benefits from this guidance

If you send money from the UK to family, friends, or suppliers in Jamaica, this guide is for you. It suits British Jamaicans making regular remittances, UK-based parents supporting students, small businesses paying invoices, and anyone who wants clear choices that balance speed, cost, and convenience.

What you can expect when sending to Jamaica

For urgent transfers, card-funded apps can deliver to Jamaican bank accounts or cards in minutes. TransferGo offers instant deliveries with zero fees for GBP to JMD and card payments often arrive in 2-3 minutes. Revolut supports card transfers that typically complete under 30 minutes, often seconds, while bank transfers can take 3-5 business days. Western Union and Ria add helpful cash pickup across wide networks, plus bank deposit where needed. If your recipient prefers USD deposits, Wise supports USD wires into Jamaican banks using the SWIFT network, although sending JMD directly from the UK is not yet supported by Wise. Traditional bank wires via SWIFT, including to JN Bank, are a fit for larger sums but can take several days and may include intermediary charges. Across these options, fees and exchange rates vary by day and funding method, so it pays to compare in-app before you send.

How to move your money smoothly

Start by deciding on speed and payout. If minutes matter, choose a card-funded app with instant delivery to a bank account or card. TransferGo and Revolut are strong for speed, while Western Union and Ria add cash pickup for recipients without bank accounts. For larger USD transfers, Wise or a UK bank wire to JN Bank may be more appropriate, though slower. Next, compare the total cost - not just the fee, but also the exchange rate. Many services show a live GBP-JMD rate and the exact amount your recipient will receive. Payments funded by debit card are typically quickest. Bank account funding can be cheaper but slower. Weekdays often have better fee structures within plan limits, while weekends and late hours can see higher costs. Before confirming, double-check the recipient details, including bank account or phone number if the service supports sending without full bank information. Keep your receipt and tracking code so you can monitor delivery.

Why your choice of provider matters

Picking the right service can save you time and money while reducing stress for your recipient. Apps built for remittances often charge up to a fraction of typical bank costs, with delivery measured in minutes rather than days. Revolut-to-Revolut transfers are instant and fee free, useful if both sides use the app. TransferGo’s zero-fee GBP to JMD pricing can be a standout for frequent senders supporting relatives. Western Union and Ria excel where cash pickup is essential, and their UK presence makes in-person payments straightforward. Wise focuses on competitive mid-market exchange for USD wires, which can be helpful for tuition, medical bills, or invoices that need USD on arrival. JN Bank and JN Money are practical for direct deposits and pensions, especially when you want a direct relationship with a major Jamaican bank. With a little comparison each time you send, you can consistently achieve better rates and faster outcomes.

Providers at a glance

Check rates and fees in-app before sending - the best option can change daily.

Pros and cons at a glance

Watchouts that protect your money

Transfer costs are more than the headline fee. The exchange rate margin can be the bigger number, so always compare the final amount your recipient will see in JMD or USD. Pricing can shift over weekends and bank holidays, and some providers offer better rates within plan allowances on weekdays. Make sure your recipient’s name matches their ID for cash pickup, otherwise collection could be refused. For bank deposits, double-check account and branch codes, or use phone-number send features where available to reduce input errors. If you are sending larger amounts by wire, factor in potential intermediary fees on the SWIFT network that may reduce the amount received. Finally, keep transfer receipts and tracking numbers so you can escalate quickly if there is a delay.

Other ways to approach your transfer

1. Schedule regular transfers midweek to target better pricing windows.
2. Split a large payment into two methods: urgent portion by card, remainder via cheaper bank transfer.
3. If your recipient can use USD, compare Wise USD wires vs. local JMD payouts for value after fees.
4. Encourage recipients to set up accounts or cards that accept instant deposits where possible.
5. Use in-person Western Union via the Post Office if you prefer cash and face-to-face service.
6. Consider JN Bank direct deposits for pensions or recurring bills.

Common questions answered

How fast can money arrive in Jamaica?

Card-funded transfers can land in minutes. TransferGo card payments often arrive in 2-3 minutes. Revolut card transfers are typically under 30 minutes, often seconds. Bank transfers may take 1-5 business days.

Which option is usually cheapest from the UK?

App-based services are frequently far cheaper than traditional banks. TransferGo offers zero fees for GBP to JMD. Always compare the total received amount, including the exchange rate.

Can I send cash for pickup?

Yes. Western Union and Ria provide extensive cash pickup networks in Jamaica, with tracking codes so recipients can collect funds using valid ID.

What if my recipient does not have bank details?

Some services let you send using a phone number, which can simplify setup. TransferGo offers this feature so you can send even when full bank details are not on hand.

Can I send USD instead of JMD?

Yes. Wise supports USD wires to Jamaican bank accounts from the UK. It suits larger payments where the recipient wants USD, though delivery is typically slower than instant card routes.

How Switcha keeps it simple

At Switcha, we compare trusted UK-to-Jamaica providers side by side so you can see speed, fees, and the exact amount your recipient will receive before you commit. Our goal is to help you cut costs without compromising on safety. We highlight rapid options like card-to-bank in minutes, flexible choices such as cash pickup through Western Union or Ria, and bank-friendly routes for larger USD wires through Wise or direct transfers to JN Bank. With clear, up-to-date information and no jargon, you can choose the route that fits your budget and timeline, then send with confidence from anywhere in the UK.

Your money should arrive quickly and cost what you expect - no surprises.

Next steps

• Check today’s live GBP-JMD and GBP-USD rates in two or three apps.
• Pick the payout your recipient prefers: bank, card, or cash pickup.
• Send a small test amount first if using a new provider.

Important information

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Fees, limits, exchange rates, and availability change frequently. Always check the latest details in the provider’s app or website and confirm recipient information before you send.