Learn how South Asian businesses and individuals can send money to the UK and how much it can cost
Key takeaways
- Pakistan and Bangladesh residents and businesses can send money to the UK through bank wire transfers (SWIFT), money transfer operators, or multi-currency account providers, with each method differing on speed, cost and documentation.
- UK recipients are identified by an IBAN and a SWIFT/BIC code. You will need both from the recipient before initiating a transfer.
- Pakistan outward remittances are regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), while Bangladesh outward remittances go through authorised dealer banks under Bangladesh Bank’s framework. Supporting documentation is required for most business transfers.
- A multi-currency account like the World Account from WorldFirst lets you send GBP to UK recipients at competitive FX rates with faster settlement than traditional SWIFT wires.
Introduction
Sending money from Pakistan or Bangladesh to the UK is a common transaction for businesses paying UK suppliers and business partners. But the fluctuating GBP exchange rates can make your final payments also unpredictable and possibly cut into your margins
This guide covers the main methods available, the information you will need to supply, the fees and timelines involved, and how to keep more of the amount reaching the recipient.
Methods to send money from Pakistan or Bangladesh to the UK
Bank wire transfer (SWIFT): An international transfer routed through the SWIFT network from your Pakistan or Bangladesh bank to the recipient’s UK bank account.
Money transfer operators. Specialised cross-border remittance providers that handle Pakistan or Bangladesh to UK transfers. These services usually use local payment rails at both ends of the corridor rather than SWIFT.
Multi-currency accounts. An account that holds balances in several currencies within one platform. For sending to the UK, you convert PKR, BDT or held USD into GBP within the account and send the payment to the recipient’s UK bank.
| Method | Settlement time | Payment network | Where conversion happens |
| Bank wire (SWIFT) | 3 to 5 business days | SWIFT with correspondent banks | At the sending bank, on each transfer |
| Money transfer operators | Varies by provider | Local payment rails at both ends | At the operator, on each transfer |
| Multi-currency accounts | 1 to 2 business days | Local payment rails | Within the account, on your timing |
What details you need to send money to the UK
The UK uses the IBAN system, so UK recipients are identified by both an account number and an IBAN. For a transfer from Pakistan or Bangladesh to a UK recipient, you will typically need:
Recipient details:
- Full legal name as it appears on their UK bank records
- UK bank name and branch
- UK account number
- IBAN (begins with GB, 22 characters total)
- SWIFT/BIC code of the UK bank (for example, HBUKGB4B for HSBC UK)
- Residential or business address in the UK (often required for compliance)
Sender documentation (Pakistan):
- CNIC and NTN
- Purpose of remittance declaration
- For business transfers: commercial invoices, contracts or supporting documents under SBP outward remittance requirements
Sender documentation (Bangladesh):
- National ID or passport
- Purpose of remittance declaration
- For business transfers: Form IMP, invoice, Letter of Credit or contract, filed through your authorised dealer bank under Bangladesh Bank’s framework
Mismatches between the recipient’s name on your form and their UK bank records are one of the most common causes of transfer delays, so double-check this before submitting.
How long does it take?
Transfer times depend on the method:
- SWIFT bank wires: 3 to 5 business days, sometimes longer if the payment is held for compliance review on either side
- Money transfer operators: Same-day to 1 business day for most consumer remittances
- Multi-currency account providers: Typically 1 to 2 business days for GBP transfers, with same-day processing available on supported routes (cut-off times apply)
Timing can be affected by UK bank holidays, Pakistan or Bangladesh public holidays, and additional compliance review for first-time transfers or larger amounts.
Fees and costs involved
The visible fee on a transfer confirmation rarely reflects the full cost. There are three cost layers to track:
- Transfer fee: The upfront charge the provider applies to process the transaction (RM 10 to RM 100 for bank wires; often zero for multi-currency accounts, depending on volume)
- FX markup: The difference between the provider’s exchange rate and the mid-market rate. Traditional banks typically mark up PKR or BDT to GBP conversions by 2% to 5%
- Intermediary bank fees: Correspondent banks along the SWIFT route may deduct US10toUS30 before the funds reach the UK bank
For a GBP 10,000 transfer, these three layers can add up to GBP 300 to GBP 500 in combined cost through a traditional bank wire. For businesses sending regular GBP payments, choosing a provider with competitive FX markups and transparent fees saves meaningful amounts across the year.
Send money to the UK with a World Account
The World Account from WorldFirst is a multi-currency account built for South Asia businesses handling cross-border payments. For transfers to the UK, the account supports GBP sending directly to UK bank accounts.
Here is how it works:
- Convert PKR, BDT or held USD into GBP at competitive conversion rates
- Hold a GBP balance until you are ready to pay the UK recipient
- Send GBP payments directly to UK bank accounts, with settlement typically within 1 to 2 business days
- Receive GBP payments from UK clients into your local GBP receiving details, with no forced conversion to PKR or BDT on arrival
- Lock in future GBP rates with forward contracts for upcoming payments, protecting margin from FX movement (subject to eligibility)
- Spend from your GBP balance using the World Card for UK-based SaaS, subscriptions and business expenses, with no FX fees when paying in GBP (sufficient balance held in the transaction currency)
- Collect from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including UK-based platforms
Zero account opening and holding fees. Fully online setup with no branch visits.
How to send GBP to a UK account from your World Account
Step 1: Add the UK recipient as a payee
In the WorldFirst dashboard, go to Payees, click Add a new payee, select Third-party account, enter the UK country and GBP currency, and fill in the recipient’s bank details including IBAN and SWIFT/BIC. Complete verification through the Authy app or SMS.
Step 2: Initiate the transfer
Go to Payments, click Send & withdraw, select the UK payee from your payee list, enter the amount in GBP or your funding currency, and confirm the transaction. Scheduled payments use the spot conversion rate applicable at the time of the transfer unless a forward contract is booked.
FAQs
1. How long does a bank transfer from South Asia to the UK take?
SWIFT wire transfers from Pakistan to the UK typically take 3 to 5 business days. Multi-currency account providers typically deliver GBP within 1 to 2 business days.
2. What documents do I need to send money from Pakistan to the UK?
For personal remittances: CNIC, purpose declaration, and the UK recipient’s full details. For business remittances: additionally, commercial invoices, contracts, and supporting documents required under SBP’s outward remittance framework.
3. Can I send money from Bangladesh to the UK?
Yes. Bangladesh businesses can send money to the UK through authorised dealer banks, with Form IMP and supporting documents required for business transfers under Bangladesh Bank’s framework. Individuals can also send money for approved purposes such as education, medical treatment or family support.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
