Trusted UK guide to sending money to Turkey, comparing costs, speeds, and secure methods across Revolut, Wise, Xe, Western Union, MoneyTO, Remitly and Fonmoney.
A clear route for UK to Turkey money transfers
Sending money to Turkey should be quick, affordable and safe. If you are supporting family, paying bills, or settling a deposit, the right method can save you pounds and time. Specialist providers now beat traditional banks on exchange rates, speed and transparency, with in-app quotes and real-time tracking so you always know what you will pay and when funds arrive. In the UK, services like Wise, Revolut, Xe, Western Union, MoneyTO, Remitly and Fonmoney are built around secure technology and clear pricing. The key is matching the method to your needs - instant card transfers for urgency, low-fee bank transfers for value, and cash pick-up when your recipient does not have an account.
The best choice balances cost, speed and how your recipient prefers to receive the money.
Who benefits most
If you are a UK resident sending regular support to family in Turkey, paying a supplier, covering tuition or helping in an emergency, this guide is for you. It explains everyday options in plain English so you can feel confident about costs, timing and security.
What you can use today
Several UK-facing services make GBP to TRY straightforward. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden mark-up and transparent fees, so you can see exactly what your recipient will receive. For £1,000, fees via bank account can be around £5.17, while paying by debit card can cost more, roughly £40. Revolut is strong on speed, offering same-day bank transfers to Turkish accounts using IBAN and BIC or card transfers to Visa or Mastercard that can land in seconds to 30 minutes. Xe focuses on reliable bank deposits in minutes with no hidden fees, while MoneyTO leans into Open Banking for quick, secure payments from UK accounts without entering card numbers. Western Union remains a go-to for cash pick-up within minutes at agents across Turkey, ideal if your recipient does not have a bank account. Fonmoney offers predictably low pricing with a fixed 1.99€ fee and delivery within 1 to 2 business days, which suits non-urgent transfers. Remitly prioritises security and clarity with fast delivery options and clear rates.
How to move your money safely and smoothly
Start by checking a live quote in an app or on the provider’s website. Enter the amount in GBP, choose the delivery type - bank account, card, or cash pick-up - and review the exchange rate, fee and estimated arrival time before you proceed. Paying by UK bank transfer or Open Banking is often the cheapest, and for many services the money arrives in seconds or the same day. Cards are typically faster but cost more. With Revolut and Xe, same-day bank deposits are common, while Wise and MoneyTO can deliver nearly instantly depending on the receiving bank. If your recipient needs cash, Western Union can have funds ready in minutes for collection with valid ID. Always double-check the recipient’s name, Turkish IBAN and, if needed, BIC or SWIFT to avoid delays. Use in-app tracking to follow progress and keep the recipient informed.
Why the method matters
Every transfer involves a trade-off between speed and price. Bank transfers are usually best value for larger amounts and regular payments, especially with Wise’s mid-market rate and low bank-transfer fees. Revolut and Xe are efficient when time is tight, with same-day or minutes-level speed. Card-funded transfers can land in seconds but often carry higher fees. MoneyTO’s Open Banking option is both fast and low-friction, cutting out card details while keeping costs competitive. If your recipient cannot access a bank, Western Union’s cash pick-up is reliable and widespread. For predictable budgeting, Fonmoney’s fixed 1.99€ fee can be attractive if timing is less urgent. Across providers, encryption, fraud checks and tracking are standard, aligning with UK security expectations and giving you confidence that your money is protected end to end.
Quick comparison at a glance
| Provider | Typical speed | Notable fees and pricing | Best for | Pay-in methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Seconds to same day | Mid-market rate, low fees - c. £5.17 via bank on £1,000, c. £40.66 by debit card | Low total cost and transparency | UK bank transfer, debit/credit card, Apple Pay |
| Revolut | Seconds to same day | In-app fee varies by amount and time; Revolut-to-Revolut free | Urgent transfers and card-to-card speed | Bank transfer, card, in-app balance |
| Xe | Minutes to same day | No hidden fees, competitive rates | Reliable bank deposits | Bank transfer, debit/credit card |
| MoneyTO | Fast, often near-instant | Competitive rates, no hidden fees, real-time tracking | Open Banking convenience and cost | Open Banking, bank transfer, cards |
| Western Union | Minutes for cash pick-up | Transparent fees shown before you pay | Recipients without bank access | App, website, agents, bank, cards |
| Fonmoney | 1-2 business days | Fixed 1.99€ fee | Predictable low fee for non-urgent | Credit card, direct banking, bank transfer |
| Remitly | Fast options available | Clear fees and rates, security-led | Trust and speed combined | Bank transfer, cards |
For £1,000, account-funded transfers are typically cheapest. Card-funded transfers are faster but more expensive.
Weighing up the upsides and downsides
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer via Wise/MoneyTO/Xe | Low fees, strong rates, good for larger sums | Can be slower than card funding at peak times |
| Card to card or card funded | Instant to minutes, ideal for emergencies | Higher fees and sometimes lower effective rates |
| Open Banking (MoneyTO and others) | Fast, secure, avoids card entry | Requires bank that supports the flow |
| Cash pick-up (Western Union) | Works without bank access, widespread agent network | Cash collection fees and travel to agent |
| Fixed-fee services (Fonmoney) | Predictable cost for planning | Slower delivery - 1 to 2 business days |
Checks before you hit send
It pays to look closely at the exchange rate and the fee together. A low fee can be offset by a weaker rate, so focus on the final TRY amount your recipient sees. Confirm the recipient’s Turkish IBAN and name exactly as held with their bank, and include BIC or SWIFT if requested to avoid rejections. If you are sending to a card, make sure the card network and issuer in Turkey accept incoming transfers. For speed, cards can arrive in seconds to 30 minutes, but you will often pay more. For larger transfers, bank or Open Banking payments are usually more cost effective and still land same day with several providers. Use in-app tracking for visibility and store receipts. Finally, enable security features such as two-factor authentication and alerts so you can act quickly if something looks wrong.
Other routes to consider
- Traditional UK bank international transfer - familiar and secure, but often pricier and slower than specialists.
- PayPal to Turkish accounts - convenient but may have higher fees and less competitive rates for TRY.
- Currency brokers for high-value transfers - good service and hedging tools, but usually not instant.
- Prepaid travel cards - useful for card spending in Turkey, not ideal for sending to a bank.
- Mobile wallets in Turkey - check acceptance and fees before using.
Common questions
How fast can money reach Turkey?
With services like Revolut, card transfers can arrive in seconds to 30 minutes. Wise, Xe and MoneyTO often deliver the same day to bank accounts, while Fonmoney typically takes 1 to 2 business days.
What is usually the cheapest way?
Account-funded transfers through low-cost providers tend to be cheapest. Wise’s bank transfer fee on £1,000 can be around £5.17, while card funding costs more. Always compare a live quote.
Is cash pick-up available?
Yes. Western Union supports cash collection in minutes across Turkey. Your recipient needs valid ID and the MTCN to collect the funds.
Are these services safe?
Leading providers use encryption, fraud monitoring and secure logins. Use two-factor authentication, verify recipient details and track transfers in-app for added peace of mind.
What details do I need to send to a Turkish bank?
Typically the recipient’s full name, Turkish IBAN and sometimes BIC or SWIFT. Double-check details to prevent delays or returns.
How Switcha makes comparing easy
At Switcha, our goal is simple: help you save money without the faff. We bring together live quotes from trusted UK providers so you can see the fee, exchange rate and delivery time side by side before you commit. That means you can choose between ultra-fast options like Revolut and Xe for urgent transfers, or low-cost routes such as Wise and MoneyTO for regular payments. Prefer cash pick-up? We show Western Union times and fees clearly as well. We keep things transparent in plain English, highlight any limits or extra costs, and point you to secure sign-up links. No jargon, no pressure - just the facts to help you send more of your money to Turkey.
Important note
This guide provides general information, not financial advice. Exchange rates, fees and delivery times change regularly. Always check a live quote in the app before sending and ensure your transfer is suitable for your circumstances.
Next steps
- Compare a live GBP to TRY quote across two or three providers
- Choose bank transfer for best value or card for speed
- Double-check IBAN and names, then track your transfer in-app
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FAQs
Common questions about managing your personal finances
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