Zelle does not support international transfers, so it cannot be used to send money from the US to the UK.
The platform is limited to transactions between US-based accounts only, making it suitable for domestic payments rather than international money transfers.
To send funds abroad, you’ll need to use a different service.
Why Doesn’t Zelle Work Internationally?
Zelle was designed to make domestic transfers in the US as seamless as possible, but it wasn’t set up to handle the ins and outs of international payments.
Currently, Zelle’s network is exclusive to over 1,700 US banks and credit unions, none of which extend services outside the US.
Think of it as a local subway line: great for getting around town, but it doesn’t connect you to a different country.
With Zelle, you’re essentially “calling local,” and there’s no infrastructure in place to reach accounts outside the US, like a bank in the UK.
While Zelle may be out of the running, you’re certainly not out of options.
Here are some great alternatives to help you transfer money from the US to the UK, many of which offer competitive rates and a hassle-free experience.
Best Alternatives to Zelle for Sending Money to the UK
1. Currency Brokers
If you’re looking to move larger amounts, a currency broker like Key Currency could be your best bet.
Brokers specialise in international money transfers, and they’re known for delivering better exchange rates than most banks, especially when dealing with bigger sums.
Unlike the automated processes of most apps, brokers provide a personal touch. Think of them as the concierge of currency transfers, guiding you through each step and helping you avoid hidden fees.
This is particularly helpful if you’re making a complex or high-value transfer, such as purchasing property, moving investments, or assisting family members.
With a broker, you get real human support, so you can feel confident knowing your money is in expert hands.
2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
For those seeking simplicity and transparency, Wise is a solid choice. Wise gives you the real exchange rate (the same rate you’d find if you looked it up online) without any hidden markups.
This level of transparency makes it easy to see exactly how much will land in your recipient’s UK account.
Transfers with Wise are typically quick, often completed within a day or two, making it one of the fastest options around.
And with an app that’s intuitive and easy to navigate, you can manage your transfer from your phone, wherever you are.
Wise works well for smaller, regular payments or single transfers and offers a straightforward, user-friendly experience.
3. PayPal
Most people have used PayPal at one time or another, whether for online shopping or sending a quick payment to friends.
You can link a US bank account or card to PayPal and send money directly to someone’s PayPal account in the UK, making it a convenient and recognizable option.
However, PayPal’s convenience comes at a cost: fees for international transfers tend to be higher, and the exchange rates are typically less favourable compared to brokers or Wise.
For small, quick transfers, PayPal is a viable choice, but it may not be the best for saving on fees or securing the best rates.
4. Bank Transfers
Finally, there’s the traditional route, bank transfers. They’re reliable and have been used for international transfers for decades.
However, banks tend to charge higher fees for sending money abroad, and their exchange rates aren’t as competitive as those from specialised transfer services.
Transfers through banks can also take a bit longer to process.
While this option may not offer the best rates, it’s a dependable choice if you prefer the familiarity of your bank and don’t mind paying a bit extra for the service.
What If the Recipient Has a US Bank Account?
If the person you’re sending money to in the UK has a US-based bank account, there’s a little workaround: you can use Zelle as if they were still stateside.
Zelle doesn’t rely on the recipient’s physical location, only that their account is with a US-based bank that supports the service.
However, if they solely have a UK bank account, Zelle simply won’t work, and you’ll need one of the alternatives above.
Summary
In the end, while Zelle is fantastic for quick, local transfers in the US, it’s limited to domestic use and doesn’t offer international support to the UK or anywhere else abroad.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Options like currency brokers, Wise, and PayPal offer secure, convenient ways to transfer money overseas, and each has its own advantages.
Brokers offer a hands-on, tailored experience for larger transfers, while Wise and PayPal can be great for quick, smaller transactions.
Choosing the service that best fits your needs will ensure that your money reaches its destination smoothly, without the limitations Zelle imposes.