How to Transfer Money from the UK to France: The Complete 2025 Expat Guide
A complete 2025 guide for UK expats transferring money to France. Compare fees, exchange rates, SEPA rules and the best low-cost transfer options.
Moving money from the UK to France should be simple, but high-street banks continue to use outdated systems, slow settlement times and expensive exchange-rate margins. For UK expats living in France, these hidden costs can eat into pensions, salaries and monthly budgets. This guide explains how UK–France transfers really work in 2025, which methods cost the least, and how to build a simple system that avoids unnecessary fees.
How UK–France Transfers Actually Work
- Currency conversion: GBP must be exchanged to EUR unless you already hold euros.
- Transfer route: Banks use SWIFT; modern services use faster low-cost routes.
- Fees vary: Banks hide fees inside the exchange-rate spread.
- Timing matters: EUR–GBP rates can swing significantly week to week.
- SEPA applies only in euros: Once money is in EUR, transfers inside France are fast and cheap.
Why High-Street Banks in the UK Are Expensive
- Poor exchange rates: Banks often add 2–4% hidden margin to GBP→EUR.
- International transfer fees: £7–£25 depending on the bank.
- Slow processing: SWIFT transfers may take 2–5 business days.
- Unexpected deductions: Intermediary banks sometimes take small “routing fees”.
Low-Cost Transfer Options for UK Expats in France
The most widely used option for expats now comes from dedicated money-transfer platforms:
- Transparent fees: No hidden exchange-rate padding.
- Fast settlement: Often instant or same-day to French accounts.
- Multi-currency balances: Hold GBP and EUR side-by-side.
- UK and EU account details: Receive funds without “international” fees.
Wise (Most Popular Among UK Expats)
Wise is widely used because it combines low-cost FX, predictable rates and both UK and Eurozone bank details. It is particularly useful for pensions, salaries and monthly transfers from UK accounts.
Revolut & Other Fintech Multi-Currency Accounts
- Good for frequent travellers or multi-currency spending.
- Fast internal transfers and competitive FX on paid plans.
- Useful debit card for daily spending in France.
Comparison Table: UK–France Transfer Options
| Provider Type | Speed | Exchange Rate | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK High-Street Bank | 2–5 days | Weak (£££ margin) | £10–£25 + hidden spread | Pensioners who prefer traditional banks |
| Wise | Instant–24h | Mid-market rate | Low transparent fee | Monthly transfers & pensions |
| Revolut | Instant–24h | Strong for paid tiers | Low–medium | Daily spending + travel |
| Traditional French Bank | Varies | Mid–weak | €0–€12 incoming | Receiving SEPA transfers |
How to Build a Simple Transfer Workflow (The Expat Setup)
This is the workflow most UK expats eventually settle into:
- Receive UK income or pension into a UK account or your GBP balance.
- Transfer GBP → GBP wallet on Wise.
- Convert only the amount needed to EUR at mid-market rates.
- Send EUR to your French RIB via SEPA (usually instant or same-day).
- Use your French account for bills, rent and insurance.
This avoids UK banks’ inflated rates and reduces monthly losses.
When to Exchange GBP → EUR for the Best Rate
- Check weekly averages: Small swings can add up across the year.
- Avoid weekend FX: Some platforms add a buffer for market closures.
- Convert in larger batches: Reduces repeated fees.
- Use alerts: Many apps let you set target GBP→EUR rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a French bank? Yes. For bills, tax, URSSAF, utilities and insurance, a French RIB is still required.
Can I receive UK pension payments into a multi-currency account? Yes — many expats receive their UK State Pension into GBP first, then convert monthly.
Are transfers taxed? No. Currency transfers are not income and are not taxed. Only the source income itself is subject to tax.
Conclusion
For cross-border living, a low-fee multi-currency account dramatically reduces monthly costs compared to legacy UK banks. Combined with a French current account, it forms the most efficient and predictable setup for expats managing their finances between the UK and France.
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