Top 5 Cheapest Ways to Send Money to Poland from the UK 

Sending money from the UK to Poland should be straightforward. However, the cheapest transfer is not necessarily the one advertising the lowest fee. The real cost depends on several factors: the transfer fee, the GBP-to-PLN exchange rate, the payment method, the delivery option and how quickly the money needs to arrive. This matters to a substantial number of people. Polish was the most common non-UK passport held in England and Wales in the 2021 Census, with approximately 760,000 residents holding a Polish passport. Regular payments between the UK and Poland may include family support, rent, mortgage payments, business expenses and personal savings. We compared five popular ways to send money to Poland from the UK, looking at:

• the total amount received in Polish zloty;

• transfer and currency-conversion costs;

• estimated delivery time;

• payment and payout methods;

• pricing transparency;

• convenience for UK-based customers.

Our top overall choice is TransferGo, followed by Wise, Revolut, Paysend and Remitly.

The five cheapest ways at a glance

A note about the word “cheapest”

There is no provider that is guaranteed to be the cheapest for every UK-to-Poland transfer. A service may charge no visible transfer fee but use a less favourable exchange rate. Another may charge a small fee while giving the recipient more PLN overall. The Financial Conduct Authority says international-payment pricing should clearly show the exchange rate, the amount received, any exchange-rate markup, fixed and variable fees, and the total remittance cost. The most useful comparison is therefore not the advertised fee alone, but the final amount the recipient will receive.

Before confirming a transfer, enter the same amount into two or three providers and compare the final PLN figure.

1. TransferGo - best overall for sending money to Poland

Best for: Low-cost transfers that combine competitive pricing with fast delivery and flexible payout options.

TransferGo takes first place because its UK-to-Poland service provides a strong balance of cost, transfer speed and ease of use.

Customers can set up a transfer in GBP and see the exchange rate, applicable fee and amount the recipient will receive before confirming the payment. TransferGo says its fee is dynamic, meaning that it can depend on the amount, funding method and payout method selected. Funding a transfer by bank transfer is presented as the cheapest payment option on its UK-to-Poland page. Other methods, including card payments and money held in a TransferGo Account (which holds multiple currencies). Recipients in Poland may be able to receive money:

• in a Polish bank account;

• on an eligible payment card;

• through a supported multi-currency wallet.

This flexibility can be valuable when the sender needs to move money quickly or when the recipient prefers not to wait for a conventional international bank payment. TransferGo states that card-funded transfers can arrive instantly or within minutes, while bank-transfer delivery generally ranges from several minutes to several hours. Actual times depend on the payment method, banking checks and recipient details.

Why TransferGo is our number-one choice

TransferGo is particularly well suited to the UK-to-Poland corridor. Rather than treating the payment as a traditional SWIFT transfer, it can use local payment infrastructure to collect money in the UK and deliver it in Poland. That can help reduce intermediary-bank costs and make the process easier to follow. TransferGo also displays the cost before the customer confirms the transfer. This allows senders to compare the final PLN payout rather than relying on claims such as “zero commission”.

Advantages

• Competitive GBP-to-PLN exchange rates.

• Exact cost displayed before confirmation.

• Bank, card and wallet payment options.

• Bank-account and card delivery in Poland.

• Fast options for urgent transfers.

• Service designed around international transfers.

Points to consider

• The cheapest funding option may not be the fastest.

• Card payments may carry a different fee from bank-funded transfers.

• Transfer limits and available payout options can depend on the recipient and transaction.

Verdict: TransferGo is our strongest all-round choice for someone looking for a cheap, fast and straightforward way to send money from the UK to Poland.

2. Wise - best for transparent exchange-rate pricing

Best for: Customers who want to see a detailed breakdown of the exchange rate and transfer fee.

Wise is a strong alternative for sending GBP to PLN, particularly for customers who value transparent pricing. The provider displays the transfer fee, estimated arrival time and amount the recipient should receive before the payment is made. Wise also says that its fees become proportionally lower for some largertransfers. Customers can normally fund a transfer through online banking or with an eligible debit or credit card. However, the cheapest payment method may vary. A bank-funded payment will often cost less than funding the same transfer by card. Wise says that many payments on the UK-to-Poland route can arrive quickly, although the final estimate depends on the amount, payment method and time at which the transfer is initiated.

Advantages

• Clear fee breakdown.

• Exchange rate and recipient amount shown upfront.

• Suitable for both smaller and larger bank transfers.

• Fast delivery available on eligible transactions.

• Easy comparison between payment methods.

Points to consider

• The visible transfer fee is only one component of the comparison.

• Card payments may be more expensive than bank payments.

• The cheapest provider can change as the live GBP-to-PLN rate moves.

Verdict: Wise is a good option for customers who prioritise transparent calculations and want to examine every part of the transfer price.

3. Revolut - best for existing app users

Best for: People who already use Revolut and regularly exchange or hold different currencies.

Revolut can be a convenient way to transfer money to Poland, especially when both the sender and recipient already use its app. The provider supports transfers from the UK to Poland and shows the applicable exchange rate and fees before the customer completes the transaction. Its Polish route information states that a GBP payment to a PLN bank account may arrive on the same day, although timing varies by currency and transfer type. Eligible card transfers may arrive considerably faster. Revolut says customers can exchange GBP for PLN without an additional currency-exchange fee on weekdays when the transaction is within the limits of their plan. Limits and potential additional charges depend on the customer’s subscription and the circumstances of the exchange. That makes Revolut potentially attractive for regular users who understand their plan’s allowance.

Advantages

• Convenient for existing Revolut customers.

• Currency conversion and transfers are managed in one app.

• Potentially competitive weekday exchange.

• Fast transfers between Revolut users.

• Fees are displayed before confirmation.

Points to consider

• Exchange allowances vary by plan.

• Additional costs may apply after a plan limit is reached.

• Weekend exchange conditions may differ.

• A subscription fee should be considered when assessing the total cost of a paid plan.

Verdict: Revolut can be one of the cheapest options for existing users, but customers should check their plan limits and the final PLN amount before sending.

4. Paysend - best for simple card transfers

Best for: Customers who want to send money directly to an eligible Polish card or bank account.

Paysend focuses on straightforward online transfers and supports payments from the United Kingdom to Poland. Its route page promotes upfront fees, transparent exchange rates and delivery to eligible bank cards and accounts. The provider also says transfers may arrive within minutes, although the actual time depends on the receiving institution, payout method and compliance checks. A card-to-card transfer can require fewer recipient details than a conventional international bank transfer. Depending on the service offered for a particular transaction, the sender may only need the recipient’s name and eligible card details.

This can make Paysend convenient for smaller personal transfers where speed and simplicity matter.

Advantages

• Simple mobile and online transfer process.

• Card and bank-account payout options.

• Fee and exchange rate shown before payment.

• Potentially fast delivery.

• Useful for recipients who prefer card-based payments.

Points to consider

• Card delivery is not available for every recipient or transaction.

• A low fixed fee does not automatically produce the best exchange rate.

• The recipient’s bank or card issuer may affect delivery time.

Verdict: Paysend is worth checking for smaller transfers and card payouts, but its final PLN amount should be compared directly with TransferGo and Wise.

5. Remitly - best for delivery options and promotional rates

Best for: Customers who want several delivery methods or may benefit from an introductory promotion.

Remitly supports transfers from the UK to Poland and offers several ways for the recipient to receive money. Depending on availability, these can include:

• bank-account deposits;

• debit-card deposits;

• cash collection.

Remitly supports deposits to accounts at a wide selection of Polish banks, including major institutions such as PKO Bank Polski, Santander Bank Polska, Bank Pekao, ING Bank Śląski, Bank Millennium and mBank. The company also provides transfer tracking, allowing the sender and recipient to follow the payment’s progress. Remitly may offer special exchange rates or fee promotions to new customers. These promotions can make a first transfer competitive, but the normal price for later transactions may be different.

Advantages

• Several potential delivery methods.

• Broad coverage of Polish banks.

• Transfer tracking.

• Promotions may reduce the cost of an initial transfer.

• Useful when the recipient needs cash rather than a bank deposit.

Points to consider

• Promotional rates are temporary.

• Cash collection may cost more than a bank deposit.

• The cheapest delivery option may not be the fastest one.

• Customers should compare the normal repeat-transfer price.

Verdict: Remitly can provide good value when a promotion applies or when the recipient needs a particular delivery method.

Are traditional UK banks a cheap way to send money to Poland

A normal bank transfer may appear to be the simplest choice because the sender already has a current account. However, it is not always the cheapest way to convert GBP to PLN. Possible costs include:

• an international transfer fee;

• a markup within the bank’s GBP-to-PLN exchange rate;

• fees charged by intermediary banks;

• charges imposed by the receiving bank;

• additional costs for urgent transfers.

Some banks advertise a transfer with no separate fee but recover the cost through the exchange rate. For this reason, customers should compare the number of zloty the recipient will receive rather than looking only at the bank’s stated payment fee. A bank may still be suitable for customers who prioritise familiarity or need to make a transfer as part of a wider banking relationship. For most ordinary personal transfers, however, a specialist online provider is likely to offer a more transparent comparison.

How to find the cheapest UK-to-Poland transfer

Follow these steps before sending money.

1. Compare the final PLN amount

Enter the same GBP amount into each provider’s calculator. The option delivering the most PLN is generally the cheapest, assuming the delivery speed and method are suitable.

2. Check the exchange rate

Compare the provider’s GBP-to-PLN rate with a neutral reference rate. A small exchange-rate difference can matter more than the visible fee, particularly on a large transfer.

3. Compare payment methods

Paying by UK bank transfer is frequently cheaper than using a credit card. Debit-card payments may be faster but can carry a higher service fee. Using a credit card could also be treated as a cash-like transaction by the card issuer, potentially creating a separate fee or interest charge.

4. Choose an appropriate delivery speed

An instant transfer can cost more than a standard transfer. Where the payment is not urgent, choosing slower delivery may reduce the total cost.

5. Check whether the offer is promotional

A favourable introductory rate may apply only to the first transfer. Regular senders should compare the standard price they will pay after the promotion ends.

6. Review the provider’s transfer limits

Providers can set different limits depending on identity verification, funding method and payout type. Customers sending a larger amount should confirm that the selected provider supports it before initiating payment.

How to send money to a Polish bank account

Although the process differs slightly between providers, most online transfers involve the same basic steps.

1. Create an account with the transfer provider.

2. Verify your identity when requested.

3. Select the United Kingdom as the sending country and Poland as the destination.

4. Enter the amount in GBP.

5. Choose PLN as the receiving currency.

6. Review the fee, exchange rate and final amount received.

7. Enter the recipient’s full legal name and bank details.

8. Select a payment method.

9. Check every detail before confirming the transfer.

10. Track the payment until it has been delivered.

For a bank-account transfer, the sender will normally need the recipient’s full name and Polish bank-account or IBAN details. Other information may be requested depending on the amount and purpose of the transfer.

How long does a money transfer to Poland take

Delivery can range from a few seconds to several business days. The timing depends on:

• the provider;

• payment method;

• payout method;

• time and day of the transfer;

• recipient’s bank;

• identity or security checks;

• whether the details entered are correct.

TransferGo states that card-based transfers can arrive within minutes, while bank-funded payments can take from several minutes to several hours. Wise and Revolut also offer fast delivery on eligible transactions, while other transfers may take longer. Always use the delivery estimate displayed for the individual transaction rather than relying on a provider’s general headline.

Is it safe to send money to Poland online

Using an established and appropriately regulated provider is generally safer than responding to an unsolicited transfer request.

Before sending money:

• check the provider on the FCA Financial Services Register;

• use the official website or app;

• enable two-factor authentication where available;

• verify the recipient’s details independently;

• never disclose a password, PIN or one-time security code;

• be suspicious of anyone pressuring you to transfer money immediately.

UK fraud-prevention guidance warns that genuine banks, payment providers and the police will not call and ask someone to move money to a supposedly “safe” account or disclose security details. Money held by a payment or electronic-money institution is not necessarily protected in the same way as deposits held by a UK bank. Customers should review the provider’s safeguarding information before leaving money in an account for an extended period.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to send money to Poland from the UK?

Our top overall choice is TransferGo because it combines competitive GBP-to-PLN pricing, fast delivery and several funding and payout options.

However, the cheapest service for a specific transaction depends on the amount, live exchange rate, payment method and delivery speed. Compare the final PLN payout immediately before sending.

Can I send money from a UK bank account to Poland?

Yes. You can make a direct international transfer through a bank or fund a specialist transfer service from your UK account.

Using a specialist provider may allow the payment to be collected locally in GBP and delivered locally in PLN, potentially reducing traditional international bank charges.

Can I send pounds directly to a Polish account?

Some Polish accounts can hold GBP, but most recipients will want to receive PLN. Check which currency the account supports before sending.

Sending GBP to a PLN-only account may allow the recipient’s bank to perform the conversion at its own rate, which may not be the most competitive option.

Can money be sent directly to a Polish debit card?

Some providers, including TransferGo, Paysend and Remitly, offer card-based delivery on eligible transactions. Availability depends on the recipient’s card, bank and transfer details.

Is a fee-free transfer always cheaper?

No. A provider can advertise no transfer fee while including its cost within the exchange rate. Compare the final amount received in PLN.

Should I send money in GBP or PLN?

For most personal transfers to a standard Polish account, selecting PLN as the receiving currency provides greater control over the conversion. The sender can see the exchange rate and final payout before confirming the transfer.