Money transfers

Italy to UK money transfer guide

By Regency FX
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February 28, 2025

Transfer Money from Italy to the UK

At Regency FX, we help you get the most from your currency when transferring money from Italy to the UK.

As an independent currency specialist, we have lower overheads than banks, allowing us to pass the savings directly to you.

Bank transfers between Italy and the UK are now more cost-effective. We can help you choose the best time to exchange money, unlike banks or online-only systems that give you whatever rate is available on the day.

All transfers are conducted through safeguarded client accounts, keeping your funds safe until you are ready to complete your transfer.

What is a Safeguarded Account?

A safeguarded account means your funds are kept separate from the company’s own money.
This blocks third-party access and ensures your money is secure until it reaches your UK bank account.

How to Transfer Money from Italy to the UK

There are four simple steps:

  1. Identity check
  2. Lock in an exchange rate
  3. Make your payment
  4. Receive Pounds in the UK

1. Identity Check

You must verify your identity before sending money internationally.
This is legally required due to anti-money laundering regulations and only applies to new customers.

Once set up, repeat transfers are faster. For British expats, verification is usually straightforward, especially if you still have a UK address.

2. Lock in an Exchange Rate

Once registered, your bank or transfer company will quote a current EUR/GBP rate.
Rates move throughout the day, so you can decide when to proceed.

When you agree, the rate is locked in and you’ll receive an email confirming the transaction.

3. Pay for Your Transfer

Banks usually require funds upfront before agreeing to a rate.

Money transfer specialists often allow you to lock in a rate first, which is useful if you spot a favorable rate.

You’ll receive instructions to send your Euros to a safeguarded client account.

4. Convert Euros to Pounds

Once your funds are received, they are converted to Pounds Sterling at the agreed rate.
The money is then sent to your chosen UK bank account.

Options for Sending Money from Italy to the UK

You can choose either a bank or a money transfer specialist.

Daily Transfer Limits

  • Banks often have daily limits, usually €50,000–€100,000.
  • Italy itself has no legal daily limit, but banks like Banca Intesa set a €50,000 cap.
  • Money transfer specialists generally have no daily limits, making them better for large transfers.

Timeframe for Italy to UK Transfers

Transfers usually take 1–3 working days.

Factors affecting timing:

  • Bank processing times
  • Public holidays
  • Cut-off times (typically 4pm)
  • Time zones

Late-day transfers count as the next working day, so plan accordingly.

Safety of Money Transfer Specialists

Check if a specialist is FCA-regulated. FCA regulation requires funds to be held in segregated client accounts, separate from company funds.

You can verify a company’s FCA registration online.

Costs: Banks vs Money Transfer Specialists

There are two main costs:

  1. Transfer fees
  2. Exchange rate margins

Transfer Fees

Banks usually charge €15–€30 per transfer, with extra fees for priority or faster transfers.
Money transfer specialists often have lower fees.

Exchange Rate Margins

Banks may charge 3.5–4.1% on EUR/GBP transfers.
Example: A €100,000 transfer could cost €3,500–€4,100 in hidden FX costs.

Money transfer specialists typically have lower margins, saving you thousands.

Achieving the Best Exchange Rate

Even a 1% difference can save or cost €1,000 on a €100,000 transfer.

  • Money transfer specialists can monitor rates and notify you of favorable movements.
  • Online platforms like PayPal or Wise are DIY, with less guidance and higher risk of errors.

Are Online Rates Real?

No - rates shown on Google, XE or Oanda are interbank rates, not the consumer rate.
Only banks or large institutions can access these rates.

For an accurate quote, always check with a money transfer specialist or your bank.

About Regency FX

We are a UK-based independent currency broker, specializing in high-volume transfers.

  • Every client gets a personal account manager.
  • Funds are held in FCA-compliant segregated accounts.
  • We offer competitive rates and can monitor the market on your behalf.

Even if you are only exploring options, we can help you budget and plan transfers effectively.

© RegencyFX. Unauthorised copying or re-wording of this blog content is prohibited. Any unauthorised copying or re-wording will constitute an infringement of copyright. The copyright of this content is owned by Regency FX Ltd.

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