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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
Banks are often the first option when it comes to transferring money abroad. However, those who have sent large amounts know that bank fees and exchange rate margins can quickly add up, making the actual rate you get much worse than the one you were quoted.
In this guide, we go over how NatWest handles international transfers, what fees are involved and how long transfers actually take.
NatWest allows transfers via online banking, mobile app, telephone or in-branch services. Each method comes with different fees, limits and processing times depending on the currency and destination.
When sending a large sum abroad for a purchase such as a property, it’s important to plan carefully and ensure your funds arrive on time. By using a currency expert, these daily limits to do not apply so you can move all funds in one transaction.
SEPA transfers are used for Euro payments within the EU. They’re faster than SWIFT transfers and can arrive the same day if sent before the cut-off.
For large transfers over £50,000, additional verification checks or delays may apply and exchange rates may not be as good.
NatWest’s fees vary depending on the transfer method and currency pairing.
Digital Payments
Manual Payments (Telephone/Branch)
*Fees can vary depending on recipient bank.
NatWest typically applies a 3-5% markup above the interbank rate. Even if fees seem low, large sums can lose thousands before arriving in the recipient’s account. Banks should openly disclose these margins with you, and we recommend noting exactly what markup you’re being charged.
On a £200,000 transfer to USD, this margin alone could end up costing you around £6,000-£8,000.
Transfer times can vary depending on timing of the transfer and which method used:
Large transfers may require verification under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, which can extend processing times.
When Does NatWest Work Well?
For high-value transfers, NatWest’s fees and exchange rate margins make specialist brokers such as Regency FX a more cost-effective choice.
Example: Sending £200,000 to the USA:
That’s $6,515 more, which could be used for tuition, several months’ rent or a luxury holiday for two.
*Based on exchange rate 1 GBP = 1.3322 USD as of 27th October 2025. Actual rates may vary.
High-value transfers require more than convenience, they need expertise, transparency and security:
With Regency FX, clients gain confidence that their money is handled correctly, efficiently and securely.
Here at Regency FX, we know that moving large sums internationally isn’t always straightforward. To help you get it right, here are 4 essential tips when making high-value transfers.
Timing can make the difference on large transfers, even small changes in the exchange rate can cost or save thousands. Because rates fluctuate frequently, it’s worth keeping an eye on market news. With Regency FX your dedicated account manager can monitor the market for you so you get the best rates.
Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary delays. Make sure your KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) verification checks are completed early. You’ll often need to provide documents such as proof of ID, proof of address or a recent utility bill. Getting these sorted in advance helps ensure your transfer goes through without any delays.
Always look beyond the advertised fees. Get quotes from several providers and compare the total cost, not just the rate shown. You may be quoted the interbank rate, but once fees and exchange rate margins are applied, the actual rate will tend to be worse than what another provider might offer.
Always use an FCA-regulated provider. This ensures your funds are held in segregated accounts, separate from company money, giving you greater protection.
NatWest is great for smaller transfers and everyday payments, but for sums above £50,000, specialist brokers like Regency FX can help you save thousands.
With competitive rates, lower fees, personal guidance and FCA-regulated security, more of your money reaches its intended destination.
We pride ourselves on our premium level of customer service, you will be allocated your own account manager whom you will have direct access to.
Get a free quote today
As a first-class currency transfer service, here at Regency FX we endeavour to get competitive exchange rates regardless of how much you are transacting.
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