How to receive money from Remitly in the UK

Receiving money from abroad can seem like a complex puzzle, but this guide is here to piece it all together for you.

Here, we'll walk you through exactly how you can receive money in the UK using Remitly. From what the sender needs to do, to what you as the recipient need to know, we've got it covered.

We’ll also show you a smart alternative to receive international transfers from the money services provider Wise - the Wise account. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

You can get local account details in 8+ currencies, including GBP, EUR, and USD, and receive money for free. You can then convert, send or spend these currencies directly from your Wise account for low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate with no markup.

Plus, you’ll get dedicated support and volume discounts when converting or sending large amounts.

➡️ Learn more about receiving money with Wise

How to receive money from Remitly in the UK: a step-by-step guide

Let’s break down the typical process for receiving money via Remitly in the UK. While the sender makes the initial move, understanding these steps will help you anticipate what's needed and when.

Step 1: The sender initiates the transfer

It all begins when someone abroad decides to send you money using Remitly. They'll need to:

• Select the UK as the destination country

• Specify the amount they wish to send

• Choose a payout method For recipients in the UK, bank deposit is the most common option.

Step 2: Provide your recipient details

For the money to reach you accurately, the sender will require certain information from you. This usually includes:

• Your full name: This should match your official identification precisely.

• Your UK bank account details: If the money is going directly into your bank account, you'll need to provide your UK bank's sort code and account number, and potentially the bank name too if requested.

• Your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) - for international transfers

• Your SWIFT/BIC code (Bank Identifier Code) - for international transfers

• Your address and phone number: This is for communication and potential verification.

Step 3: Understand the payout options

For transfers to the UK, Remitly primarily offers the following payout methods:

• Bank transfer - this is the most straightforward method. The funds are transferred directly from the sender to your UK bank account. All you need to provide is your bank's sort code and account number, along with your IBAN and SWIFT/BIC for international transfers.

• Cash pickup¹ - get your money in cash by visiting a Remitly cash pickup partner location in person, making sure to take along your ID and details of the transaction.

• Mobile Money - this isn’t available in all countries, so your sender will need to check in the Remitly app if it’s an option for UK recipients.

Step 4: Track the transaction

Once the sender has set up the transfer and provided your details, Remitly handles the transaction.

Both the sender and recipient receive notifications about the transfer's progress. Remitly sends updates via email or SMS to you as the recipient, so you will be kept informed. The sender can also check the status in their app and share the tracking details with you.

Occasionally, especially for larger amounts or new accounts, Remitly may request recipient verification. This is a standard security measure.

How long does it take to receive money from Remitly in the UK?

The time it takes for the money to arrive can vary based on the payout method and the countries involved. Your sender will need to start setting up the transfer to check estimated delivery times, and then let you know.

It’s also important to remember that bank processing times can play a part. While Remitly processes the transfer quickly, your own bank may have internal systems that can add a slight delay.

How much does it cost to receive Remitly transfers in the UK?

There aren’t usually any fees to pay to receive Remitly transfers in the UK. The sender covers the fees, so it’s free for you.

Remitly transfer limits - how much can I receive?

Receiving limits depend on the sender’s country regulations, the chosen payment method and the verification level with a provider. Remitly does have some transfer limits, and these mainly affect the sender (although of course, they affect how much you can receive).²

What to do if you have any issues

If you encounter any problems, such as a delayed transfer or an incorrect amount, the best course of action is to:

• Contact the sender: They can check the transfer status from their end.

• Contact Remitly customer support: Remitly offers support through their app, website, and phone lines to help resolve any issues.

Receive your international transfers with Wise

If you’re concerned about the fees and poor exchange rates offered by banks or other service providers for receiving international transfers, it’s good to know there are alternatives out there.

Open a Wise account online and you can receive money for free in 8+ major currencies, including GBP, EUR, and USD. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

Over 14.8 million people worldwide use Wise to send, spend and convert money in 40+ currencies – for low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates close to what you can see on Google.

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

FAQs

Can I receive money through Remitly without an account?

Generally, you don't need your own Remitly account to receive money as a recipient. You will, however, need to provide the necessary details to the sender, and for some payout methods, you might be prompted to create a basic profile to access the funds.

How can I receive money from Remitly to my bank account in the UK?

To receive money from Remitly into your UK bank account, the sender will need your full name, your UK bank name, sort code, and account number. For international transfers, you’ll also need to provide the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and SWIFT/BIC code for your account.

How can a receiver track a Remitly transfer to the UK?

As a recipient, you can usually track a Remitly transfer by using the tracking code provided by the sender. You can also log into your Remitly account (if you have one) or use the Remitly app to view the transfer status.

How to withdraw money from Remitly as a recipient in the UK?

As a recipient in the UK, if the money is sent to your bank account, there is no separate withdrawal step. The money will directly appear in your bank account.

Key takeaways

Sources used:

Sources last checked 09-Mar-2026