Best way to send money from USA to UK

Does anyone know by any chance what's the best way to send money from the USA to the UK?

I have gone 3 ways to send money in the past.

Western Union - Send $95 + $15 fee = $110... Receiver gets 56.04GPB instantly

Moneygram - Send $95 + $10 fee = $105.... Receiver gets 57.77GBP instantly

Xoom - Send $95 + $5 fee = $100.... Receiver gets 57.80GBP 3 days processing


I have gone to my First Federal Bank, but they charge a minimum fee of $25, so that's out the window.

With xmas round the corner, I'm trying to find out the best possible deal to send money for the kids. I'd appreciate if anyone knows what the best way to send money.

Thanks

Cut out the middle man i.e. the recipient, and just send it straight to David Osborne c/o 11 Downing Street. He will end up with it all anyway

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Originally Posted by Anfield

Cut out the middle man i.e. the recipient, and just send it straight to David Osborne c/o 11 Downing Street. He will end up with it all anyway

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Oh you are a cynic Anfield ;)

This might work. Open an account with a US branch of a UK bank.

You may then be able to transfer funds for free.

If you both have a paypal account its easy.

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Originally Posted by ducati

This might work. Open an account with a US branch of a UK bank.

You may then be able to transfer funds for free.

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They are very few and far between where I am ducati. I have got incontact with a few banks, and so far, they charge a minimum fee of $25.

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Originally Posted by changilass

If you both have a paypal account its easy.

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That very well could be an option.

Don't forget that pay pal take their cut!

Have you thought about buying gifts on a UK site and having them delivered? Some sites will even wrap them for you.

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Originally Posted by Beat Bug

Don't forget that pay pal take their cut!

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From the Paypal website:-

"What are the fees for receiving money?

* Receiving a personal payment (e.g. a gift from family) is free if the sender uses their PayPal balance or their bank as the payment method. If they use a credit or debit card there will be a small fee. The sender can decide to pay this or pass it on to you."

and also:-

"Payments using PayPal balance, credit or debit cards and Instant Bank Transfer methods will be credited to the recipient instantly."

paypal or direct IBANS internet banking transfer

all you need is the IBANS number of the bank AC you want to send it to.


dx