How to send money to Poland from the UK

Sending GBP to Poland without overpaying

Moving money from the UK to Poland should be simple, secure and cost effective. Yet fees, exchange rate markups and transfer delays can chip away at what your recipient actually receives in PLN. The good news is you can cut costs sharply by choosing the right method for your situation. Services like Wise and Revolut often beat traditional banks on price, while bank-to-bank transfers can suit larger amounts thanks to reliability and strong protections. Here we set out the practical steps, typical costs and common pitfalls in plain English so you can keep more of your money working for the person who needs it.

The key is matching the provider to your priority - lowest fees, fastest speed or maximum security for larger sums.

Who benefits most from this guide

If you are a UK resident supporting family in Poland, paying rent or tuition, or moving funds for property and savings, this guide is for you. We focus on trusted UK options, real-world fees and the details you need to get money there quickly without surprises.

What you are actually paying for

Every international transfer has two main costs: the explicit fee and the exchange rate you are offered. Providers that use the mid-market exchange rate with a clear fee are usually cheapest because there is no hidden markup in the rate. Wise, for example, typically shows a small upfront fee and the mid-market rate, which helps more GBP land in PLN. Revolut can be extremely low cost on certain plans, with premium tiers charging around £0.90 to send £1,000 and instant transfers to Revolut contacts.

Traditional banks remain a secure route, and specialists such as Key Currency arrange bank-to-bank transfers that normally arrive in 1 to 2 working days. For app convenience, Starling lets you add a Polish payee once and send from your phone with a clear 0.4% fee plus partner charges. PayPal and Xoom prioritise speed and flexibility, showing an indicative rate such as 1 GBP to 4.78 PLN, and offering cash pickup options, though total costs can be higher than specialist money transfer firms.

How to move your money step by step

Start by confirming your recipient’s details: full name, Polish address, their 28-character IBAN and BIC. Decide what matters most - cost, speed or convenience. If low fees are your priority, compare Wise and Revolut first. Wise can charge as little as £4.61 for £1,000 via bank transfer, while debit card funding is typically higher at around £36.24. With Revolut, premium plan users can pay roughly £0.90 on £1,000, with instant transfers to Revolut friends in about 20 seconds and same-day delivery for many bank transfers.

If you prefer your UK bank, consider a specialist bank transfer through providers like Key Currency, which quote a bespoke GBP to PLN rate and deliver in 1 to 2 working days. App-based banking with Starling offers clear pricing at 0.4% plus a small local partner fee, or a typical £5.50 for SWIFT. For fast and familiar, PayPal or Xoom provide instant card-funded options and cash pickup in Poland, while Remitly gives full tracking and fee refunds if deliveries are late.

Why your choice matters

Small differences in fees and exchange rates can add up quickly, especially if you send money regularly. Using a mid-market rate with a transparent fee often saves the most, which is why many people choose Wise for bank-funded transfers. Revolut’s near-zero fee structure on certain plans is compelling for frequent, smaller sends or transfers within the app’s ecosystem. For larger transfers where assurance is essential, bank-to-bank routes and reputable specialists remain popular due to robust security and predictable arrival times.

Avoiding card-funded transfers can also reduce costs, as card fees are often higher. Likewise, cheques and money orders introduce complexity and delays that rarely justify their use today. By getting the basics right - accurate recipient details, the right funding method and a provider that fits your needs - you can consistently save money and time.

Quick glance: leading UK to Poland options

Aim for providers that combine low explicit fees with the mid-market rate.

Watchouts that protect your wallet

Exchange rate markups can be the silent cost that dwarfs the visible fee. Always check the total PLN your recipient will receive, not just the advertised fee. Funding method matters too. Bank transfer funding is usually cheaper than paying by debit or credit card, which can add sizeable costs. If a provider mentions SWIFT, expect partner bank fees and slightly longer timelines.

Accuracy is essential. A single-character error in the 28-character IBAN can delay or bounce your transfer. Keep the recipient’s legal name and address exactly as their bank holds it. For urgent payments, confirm cut-off times. Many transfers submitted late on Friday will land Monday. Finally, be cautious with cheques and money orders. They are slower, harder to track and often more expensive than modern digital alternatives.

Other solid choices to consider

1. Traditional UK bank international transfers - reliable for larger sums but often pricier than specialists.
2. Building societies that support international transfers - check fees and rates carefully.
3. Currency brokers offering regular payment plans - useful for recurring rent or mortgage payments.
4. Pre-scheduled transfers with rate alerts - lock in favourable moves when GBP strengthens.

Common questions answered

• Q: What details do I need to send PLN from the UK?
  A: You will usually need the recipient’s full name, Polish address, their 28-character IBAN, the BIC, and sometimes a reason for payment.

• Q: How long do transfers to Poland take?
  A: Many arrive the same day or next working day. Wise often completes by Monday for late-week sends, while SWIFT paths can take up to Wednesday.

• Q: Is card funding worth it for speed?
  A: It can be faster, but card fees are typically higher. If time allows, bank transfer funding usually saves money.

• Q: Which provider is cheapest right now?
  A: For many UK to Poland transfers, Wise with bank funding is often among the lowest. Revolut premium plans can be even cheaper for certain app-to-app or small transfers.

• Q: What if my transfer is delayed?
  A: Providers like Remitly offer tracking and will refund fees if they miss the promised delivery window. Contact customer support with your reference number.

How Switcha makes this easier

At Switcha, we cut through the noise so you do not overpay. We compare trusted UK providers side by side, showing the real total you will send and what your recipient will receive in PLN. You will see transparent fees, exchange rates and estimated arrival times before you commit. Whether you want the absolute lowest cost with a mid-market rate, near-instant transfers to friends using Revolut, or bank-level reassurance for larger amounts via specialists, we surface the best fit in seconds. Set alerts, track rates and choose the option that keeps more of your money working for your loved ones in Poland.

Important note

This guide is for general information only and is not financial advice. Always compare current fees and rates, and consider your circumstances before sending money. Prices and speeds can change without notice.

Next step: Compare today’s GBP to PLN rates, choose bank transfer funding where possible, and double-check the recipient IBAN before you hit send.