Best Way to Send Money from Israel to United Kingdom
Because banks shouldn't hide your money in spreads.
We expose the real cost of every transfer — the spread, the fees, the delivery time — and rank providers by what actually lands in your recipient's account. No sponsored ordering. Ever.
Which provider is cheapest to send money from Israel to United Kingdom in 2026?
Hover any card to see exactly what it costs you.
How has the ILS/GBP exchange rate changed recently?
vs Traditional Banks
You save up to GBP 50
on a ILS 3,700 transfer
Wise
BEST RATEBank of America
+5% markup + $35 wire fee
Wells Fargo
+4.5% markup + $25 wire fee
Sending Israeli shekels to the UK doesn't have to mean losing 5% to your bank. Digital providers like Wise, Remitly, and Revolut offer mid-market rates and fast delivery to UK accounts. This guide walks you through every step to send safely and cheaply.
In United Kingdom, recipients can access funds directly at Lloyds Banking Group, the country's largest financial institution. By using WorldRemit instead of a traditional bank wire, your recipient gets approximately 11 GBP more on a $1,000 transfer — because digital providers pass the real exchange rate directly. Worth knowing about the local currency: the £50 note features mathematician Alan Turing and his work on codebreaking, printed on polymer that lasts 2.5× longer than paper.
Our verdict: Always compare the provider's rate against the mid-market rate on Google before sending — the gap is the real fee.
Step 1: Understand the ILS to GBP Corridor
Before initiating your transfer, get familiar with this route. The Israel-to-United Kingdom corridor is heavily used by Israeli students studying at British universities, families supporting relatives in London, freelancers paid by UK clients, and property investors managing London real estate. Remittances play an important role in United Kingdom's economy, supporting both households and the broader financial services sector. Knowing your purpose for sending helps you choose the right provider — small recurring transfers benefit from different services than one-time large lump sums.
Step 2: Check the Mid-Market Rate First
Before comparing any provider, look up the real ILS/GBP rate on Google or XE.com. This is the "mid-market rate" — the true wholesale exchange rate. Write it down. Every quote you receive afterward should be measured against this number. If a bank offers you a rate that is 4% worse than what Google shows, that gap is the hidden fee, regardless of whether the bank advertises "zero commission."
Step 3: Spot the Two Types of Fees
Money transfers carry two costs. First, the flat fee — a transparent charge typically between £0 and £25. Second, the exchange rate markup — the difference between the mid-market rate and the rate the provider gives you. Israeli banks like Bank Hapoalim or Leumi commonly add 3% to 5% markup plus a SWIFT fee of 50–150 ILS. The markup is where most of your money disappears, so always calculate the total cost in GBP received, not just the upfront fee.
Step 4: Choose a Digital Provider Over Your Bank
Digital specialists consistently beat traditional banks by 3–8% on the ILS to GBP route. Compare these four:
- Wise — uses the true mid-market rate with a transparent flat fee, ideal for transparency-focused users.
- Remitly — offers Express (minutes) and Economy (3–5 days) tiers, good for first-time senders with promotional rates.
- Revolut — excellent if both sender and recipient have Revolut accounts, offering near-instant free transfers up to monthly limits.
- WorldRemit — strong for cash pickup options and bank deposits across the UK.
Standard banking regulations apply for sending from Israel to United Kingdom, so you'll need to provide ID verification (Teudat Zehut or passport) and, for transfers above 50,000 ILS, documentation of the source of funds.
Step 5: Pick the Right Speed
Decide how fast you actually need the money to arrive. Choose Instant or Express (within minutes to a few hours) only when paying urgent bills, university tuition deadlines, or property deposits — these tiers cost more. Choose Economy (1–3 business days) for routine transfers like family support or freelance income; the savings are typically £5–£15 per transfer. Note that transfers initiated on Friday afternoon Israeli time often won't process until Sunday or Monday due to Shabbat and weekend banking schedules.
Step 6: Confirm the Delivery Method
Most recipients in the UK want money landed directly in their current account. The two largest receiving banks in United Kingdom are Barclays and Lloyds Bank, and most digital providers can deliver directly to accounts at these banks within hours. Ask your recipient for their sort code (six digits) and account number (eight digits) — these replace IBAN for domestic UK delivery and reduce errors. For Barclays and Lloyds customers, deposits typically clear via Faster Payments the same day.
Step 7: Time Your Transfer Strategically
Exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day. Set up a rate alert in Wise or Revolut at your target rate so you can transfer when the market moves in your favor. London market hours (10:00–17:00 Israel time) generally offer the tightest spreads. For amounts above 10,000 GBP, contact the provider's business desk — many offer better rates at higher thresholds. Avoid transferring during major UK economic announcements (BoE rate decisions) when volatility spikes.
Step 8: Save Receipts and Track
After sending, save the confirmation email and reference number. Most digital providers offer real-time tracking. If the funds don't arrive within the promised window, contact support with your reference number before initiating a second transfer.