civilservant

How easy is it to actually use? When I signed up I was a little confused about how I actually initiated a transfer, how long it would take etc.

Bink

It takes a little effort to set up but I find it easy to use. I've set up my accounts within it and you then just select them after getting the quote.

As for how long it takes, it varies. In my experience it's been much quicker for UK to US transfers than vice versa. but typically for US to UK (no wire just draft) it takes about a week. UK to US IME is 2 days (I wire the money to them in the UK as I can do it for free whereas I can't in the US).

I don't think they ever tell you how long it will take precisely.

GeoffM

My initial limit was $80,000! I didn't ask them to raise it, that's just what it opened as.

It's not immediately obvious but once you set up the accounts for either end it makes sense as you go along. There is a page that explains how long it will take, but only roughly (like 1-3 days) and it varies by method - wire, EFT, etc.

Sue

For sending small amounts to the UK I've used Xoom.com and found them to be easy to use.

ihe

Once again. I regularly need to do the opposite transfer and would happily act as a counterparty for a person to person deal free of commissions subject to suitable safeguards for both parties.

GeoffM

It's showed up in my Wells Fargo account as pending which usually means it'll be posted by tomorrow. Not bad, just three working days - which is actually quicker than Lloyds TSB which has previously taken 4-5 working days. My mum sent some money through A&L, now Santander, and that showed up within hours, not days.

Bink

Just out of curiosity Geoff, have you done the transfer the other way (US to UK)? I normally do US to UK transfers (my UK CC actually has a useable limit, my US ones do not for larger purchases like sofas etc) and have found UK to US transfers quicker than US to UK transfers by several days consistently.

GeoffM

No, I need all the money here! Any UK balances were paid off before I transferred this money here.

brit0ninusa

what about xoom.com, I have been using them for the last few times, worked great and quite cheap and quick

davenay67

Xoom.com (according to the customer service rep I just spoke to) can only transfer money from the USA to the UK, and not the other way around.