How to Send Money to a Debit Card (2026)
Sending money to a debit card is a common need, but the practical steps depend on what you are actually trying to do. If you want to send money to a debit card belonging to a recipient overseas, specialist transfer services like Remitly now deliver funds directly to a debit card number using real-time card networks. If you want to know how to transfer money from a credit card to a debit card in your own name, the options and costs are quite different, and choosing the wrong method can cost you significantly more than it needs to.
This guide covers both scenarios in full. You will find a clear explanation of how to send money to a debit card internationally using the best available services, a breakdown of how to send money from a credit card to a debit card using several distinct methods, and a comparison of fees, speeds, and what information you actually need from the recipient. All costs referenced are based on current 2026 provider pricing.
The method you choose matters. Some routes deliver money within minutes. Others take several days and carry costs that far exceed what specialist services charge. Understanding the difference before you transfer can save you a meaningful sum, especially if you send regularly.
What Does It Mean to Send Money to a Debit Card?
A debit card is not a standalone destination for money in the traditional banking sense. Every debit card is linked to an underlying bank account. When money is sent to a debit card, it is deposited either into that linked bank account, or, using newer payment networks, directly to the card number itself. Both outcomes result in the recipient being able to access the funds via their debit card, but the mechanism and the information required are different.
Visa Direct and Mastercard Send are real-time push payment networks that allow funds to be deposited directly onto an eligible Visa or Mastercard debit card, typically within 30 minutes. The sender provides only the recipient's 16-digit card number, and the money is pushed to the card without needing a sort code, account number, or IBAN. Several specialist money transfer services, including Remitly, now use these networks for debit card delivery in supported corridors.
When the destination is the bank account linked to a debit card rather than the card number itself, the process is identical to a standard bank transfer. The sender needs the recipient's bank details such as sort code and account number for UK accounts, or IBAN and BIC for European and international accounts. The debit card itself does not show these details, so the recipient will need to retrieve them from their banking app or a recent statement.
Find the Best Rate to Send Money to a Debit Card Right Now
Before diving into each method, use the comparison tool below to see live transfer rates for your specific amount and destination. Even small differences in exchange rate margins compound significantly on larger transfers, so comparing before you commit is always worth the 60 seconds it takes.
Best Ways to Send Money to a Debit Card Internationally
When you need to send money to a debit card belonging to someone in another country, specialist money transfer services consistently outperform traditional banks on cost, speed, and ease. Banks typically cannot direct funds to a debit card number at all. They require a full account number and SWIFT code, routing the payment through the slow and expensive SWIFT network, which takes 2 to 5 business days and charges significant fees.
To put the cost difference in concrete terms: sending £1,000 internationally via Barclays costs roughly £50 to £65 in total when you factor in the wire fee (around £25) and the FX markup of 2.5 to 4% above the mid-market rate. Sending the same £1,000 via Wise costs around £6, and via Remitly to a recipient's debit card directly, often under £5. The recipient gets more money, faster, and with no hidden deductions on arrival.
The three providers below cover the full range of needs. Wise leads on exchange rate quality, Remitly on direct debit card delivery speed, and Xe on broad currency coverage for large or complex transfers.
Wise
Wise is the top-rated option for sending money to a debit card when exchange rate quality is the priority. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup, charging a transparent fee of 0.4% to 1.5% depending on the currency pair and payment method. Money is delivered to the bank account linked to the recipient's debit card, and in supported corridors Wise also offers instant card delivery through Visa Direct.
For anyone asking how to send money to a debit card internationally while keeping costs to an absolute minimum, Wise is the answer for most major currency pairs. The app and website show you the exact fee and expected delivery time before you confirm. There are no surprises on arrival, and no deductions made to the received amount. Wise is fully FCA regulated and holds customer funds separately from company money, making it one of the safest choices available for any size of transfer.
If you want to use a credit card to fund the transfer, Wise accepts credit cards in most markets with an additional processing surcharge of approximately 0.5% to 1% on top of the standard transfer fee. This makes Wise a viable option for those who want to transfer money from a credit card to a debit card internationally, keeping the total cost well below what a bank would charge for the same transaction.
Wise scores 9.5 out of 10 overall. Its combination of genuine mid-market exchange rates, transparent upfront fees, and wide country coverage makes it the benchmark for low-cost international transfers, including to debit cards in over 80 countries.
- Mid-market exchange rate: no hidden markup on the conversion, ever
- Fee shown before you confirm: know exactly what you pay before committing
- 80+ currencies supported: covers the vast majority of major transfer corridors
- FCA regulated: customer funds held separately, fully safeguarded
- 16 million+ customers: one of the most trusted transfer services in the world
Remitly
Remitly is the best choice when the recipient needs the money delivered directly to their debit card number, rather than to a bank account. Unlike most services, Remitly explicitly offers debit card deposit as a delivery option in many corridors including the Philippines, India, Mexico, and Nigeria, using Visa Direct and Mastercard Send to push funds to the recipient's card within 30 minutes to 3 hours.
This direct debit card delivery is what sets Remitly apart. When you want to know how to send money to a debit card internationally without the recipient needing to provide their full bank details, Remitly is typically the answer. The recipient simply provides their 16-digit card number. Fees vary by corridor, typically ranging from £1.49 to £3.99 for transfers under £500, with competitive exchange rates and a published delivery guarantee.
Remitly is FCA regulated, holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 200,000 reviews, and backs every transfer with a stated delivery time. If a transfer is late, Remitly offers a refund policy. For regular senders, Remitly's loyalty programme also provides occasional fee discounts and rate improvements. With coverage across 100 destination countries, it is one of the most widely used services for direct debit card transfers.
Remitly's direct debit card deposit feature means recipients in supported countries can receive money on their card without providing full bank account details. This is particularly valuable for recipients in countries where mobile banking is common but formal account details are not always to hand.
- Direct debit card deposit: recipient provides card number only
- Visa Direct and Mastercard Send: real-time card payment networks
- 30-minute to 3-hour delivery: among the fastest options available
- 100+ destination countries: broad corridor coverage globally
- Delivery guarantee: Remitly commits to the stated delivery time
Xe
Xe is the strongest option for larger debit card transfers and transfers involving less common currency pairs. With support for over 100 currencies and delivery to more than 200 countries, Xe's coverage is broader than most competitors. For a standard debit card transfer, Xe delivers to the bank account linked to the recipient's card, requiring standard bank account details from the recipient.
Where Xe stands out is in its competitiveness on large amounts. For transfers of £5,000 or more, Xe's exchange rate margin is often particularly strong, and for exotic or less traded currency pairs, Xe's rate can beat Remitly and Wise. Xe is part of the Euronet Worldwide group, has operated since 1993, is FCA regulated, and holds a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 80,000 reviews.
If you want to transfer money from a credit card to a debit card internationally using Xe, the service accepts credit card funding in supported markets, though the processing fee for credit card payments is typically higher than using a bank account or debit card as the funding source. For high-value transfers where the exchange rate saving more than offsets the funding fee, Xe remains one of the most competitively priced options available.
Xe scores 9.0 out of 10, and its breadth of currency coverage and strong rates on large transfers make it the right tool when the destination currency is less common or the transfer amount is significant.
- 100+ currencies: one of the widest currency ranges of any transfer service
- No fixed transfer cap: handles large amounts cleanly on most corridors
- Strong FX rates at scale: particularly competitive for transfers above £5,000
- FCA regulated: authorised and regulated payment institution in the UK
- 200+ countries: near-universal destination coverage
How to Transfer Money from a Credit Card to a Debit Card
When most people search for how to transfer money from a credit card to a debit card, they want to move funds from their credit card balance into their own current account, accessible via their debit card. This is a domestic transfer, not an international one, and the options and costs differ substantially from sending money abroad. Understanding what each method actually costs is essential before you proceed.
Credit card providers do not make this process simple or cheap by default, because transferring credit to a bank account reduces the interest income they earn. Most methods carry either an upfront fee, ongoing interest charges, or both. The key is choosing the method where the cost is transparent and predictable. Below are the main options, ranked from cheapest to most expensive.
Option 1: Use a Money Transfer Credit Card
The cheapest way to transfer money from a credit card to a debit card in the UK is to use a dedicated money transfer credit card. These are specialist products from providers including MBNA, Virgin Money, and Barclaycard that are designed specifically to move a portion of your credit limit into your current account as cash, from where you can access it via your debit card.
The process works in three steps. You apply for a money transfer credit card and get approved. You initiate a credit transfer from the card to your bank account. The card charges a one-time fee of typically 1% to 4% of the amount transferred, and in return you receive a 0% interest period of 12 to 24 months on that amount. This is by far the lowest-cost method for significant sums, because the interest component is genuinely zero for the promotional period.
As a concrete example: transferring £2,000 using a money transfer card with a 2% fee costs £40 upfront and nothing more, provided you repay the balance before the 0% period ends. Compare that to a cash advance on a standard credit card, where the same £2,000 would incur a fee of £60 to £100 plus daily interest accruing immediately at around 25 to 30% APR. If you are looking for how to send money from a credit card to a debit card in the UK with the lowest possible total cost, a money transfer credit card is the right starting point.
Option 2: Transfer via PayPal
PayPal offers a way to send money from a credit card to a debit card without needing a specialist credit product. You fund a payment using your credit card, send it to your own PayPal account, and then withdraw the funds to the bank account linked to your debit card. This works without applying for any new product and can be completed within a few business days.
The cost is significant. PayPal charges approximately 2.9% plus a fixed fee of £0.30 when a credit card is used as the funding source. On a £500 transfer, that is roughly £14.80 in fees. There is no 0% interest period on this method, but if you repay your credit card in full, you may benefit from your card's standard interest-free period of up to 56 days. PayPal withdrawals to a linked bank account are free and typically arrive in 1 to 3 business days, making this a reasonably fast if moderately expensive option.
For anyone asking specifically how to transfer credit card money to debit card accounts without opening a new credit product, the PayPal route is the most accessible option, provided you are comfortable with the 2.9% fee. It is worth calculating the cost against your credit card's interest rate to ensure the total expense makes sense for your situation.
Option 3: Your Bank's Credit Transfer Feature
Some UK banks allow you to transfer money directly from a linked credit card to your current account through online banking. Barclays, Santander, and Halifax have offered versions of this feature, though availability depends on your specific credit card product and account type. The fee is typically 3% to 5% of the amount, with interest applying from the transaction date unless a promotional rate is in place.
This method is not the most cost-effective, but it is the simplest if your bank supports it. There is no need to apply for a new product or use a third-party app. If you only need to transfer a small amount once and speed matters more than minimising cost, this can be a practical choice. Check your bank's mobile app or call their customer service line to confirm whether this option is available on your specific account.
Option 4: Cash Advance (Avoid for Significant Amounts)
A credit card cash advance allows you to withdraw cash from your credit card at an ATM, deposit it into your bank account, and then access it via your debit card. This is technically how to transfer money from a debit card you already have access to after the withdrawal, but the cost makes it the least suitable option for anything beyond a small, urgent sum.
Cash advances typically carry a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, plus interest that begins accruing immediately at 25% to 30% APR with no grace period. On a £1,000 withdrawal, the upfront fee is £30 to £50, and interest then accrues daily from the withdrawal date. For any amount over £200 where you will not repay immediately, a money transfer credit card or the PayPal method will almost always be cheaper when you factor in the total cost over time.
What Sending to a Debit Card via a Traditional Bank Actually Costs
Traditional banks are a popular starting point for many people looking to send money to a debit card overseas, but the cost of doing so the traditional way is substantially higher than using a specialist service. The numbers are worth understanding concretely before you commit to a bank transfer.
Barclays charges a flat fee of £25 for international bank transfers, plus a currency conversion margin of approximately 2.5% to 3.5% above the mid-market rate. On a £1,000 transfer, the FX markup costs around £25 to £35 on its own, and the fee adds another £25. The total cost is approximately £50 to £60, and the transfer takes 2 to 5 business days via the SWIFT network. The same amount sent via Remitly to the recipient's debit card directly costs under £5 and typically arrives within an hour.
HSBC applies a similar structure. International transfers carry fees of £4 to £40 depending on the transfer tier, and the exchange rate markup sits at 2.5% to 4%. NatWest charges a flat fee of £15 to £25 plus a 2% to 3.5% FX margin. These costs are not hidden, but they are rarely presented as a single clear figure, which means many senders do not realise until after the transfer how much was lost.
A bank cannot send money directly to a debit card number. It can only transfer funds to the account linked to that card via SWIFT, which adds both cost and time. Specialist services bypass this entirely by using Visa Direct or Mastercard Send for card delivery, or by maintaining local payment networks in destination countries that settle instantly without the SWIFT overhead.
On a £1,000 transfer via a major UK high street bank, you can typically expect to lose £50 to £65 in total, between the flat wire fee and the FX markup. The recipient receives the equivalent of around £935 to £950, not £1,000. Over multiple transfers, this adds up to a significant ongoing loss that is entirely avoidable by using a specialist money transfer service for debit card delivery.
What Information Do You Need to Send Money to a Debit Card?
The information required to send money to a debit card depends on which delivery method the receiving service uses. There are two distinct approaches, and confusing them can cause delays or failed transfers.
If you are using a service that delivers directly to the card number using Visa Direct or Mastercard Send, such as Remitly for supported corridors, you need the recipient's full name, the 16-digit debit card number, and the card's expiry date. No sort code, account number, or IBAN is needed. This is the simplest information set, and is ideal for recipients who have a card but have difficulty locating their full bank account details.
If you are using a service that sends to the bank account linked to the debit card, such as Wise or Xe, you need the recipient's full name and standard bank account details. For UK recipients, this means a 6-digit sort code and 8-digit account number. For European recipients, it means an IBAN and BIC code. For other international recipients, it typically means a local account number and the bank's SWIFT code. These details are found in the recipient's banking app or on a bank statement, not on the card itself.
If you are asking how to transfer money from a debit card to another account rather than receiving into one, you will need your own banking details to fund the transfer, plus the recipient's preferred delivery details. Most transfer apps guide you through this step by step, and entering the wrong account details can result in a delayed or failed transfer, so it is worth double-checking before confirming.
How Long Does It Take to Send Money to a Debit Card?
Transfer speed is one of the most significant variables when choosing how to send money to a debit card. The difference between the fastest and slowest methods can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 business days, depending on the service and delivery type.
Method | Typical Delivery Time | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
Remitly (direct debit card deposit) | Under 1 hour in most cases | Very low |
Wise (bank account linked to debit card) | Same day to 2 days | Very low |
Xe (bank account linked to debit card) | Same day to 2 days | Low |
PayPal (credit card to own account) | 1 to 3 business days | Moderate |
Traditional bank SWIFT transfer | 2 to 5 business days | High |
Real-time debit card delivery through Visa Direct and Mastercard Send is the fastest available option. Remitly uses these networks in supported corridors, which means money can land on a recipient's debit card before the sender has finished making a cup of tea. Wise delivers to bank accounts same-day for most major currencies including GBP, EUR, and USD. SWIFT bank transfers from traditional banks are consistently the slowest and most expensive option, adding unnecessary days and fees to every transfer.
If you are thinking about how to transfer money from a credit card to a debit card in the UK and speed matters, the PayPal method offers delivery to your bank account within 1 to 3 business days after the initial transfer. A money transfer credit card route can also be fast, as many banks process the credit-to-account transfer within 1 to 2 business days once the product is set up.
Compare Transfer Services Before You Send
Before committing to any method, use the comparison tool below to see exactly what you would pay via each service. Rates update in real time and the tool includes fees, exchange rate margins, and estimated delivery times for your specific transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you send money directly to a debit card number?
Yes, it is possible to send money directly to a debit card number in supported corridors. Services including Remitly use Visa Direct and Mastercard Send, which are real-time push payment networks that allow funds to be deposited onto an eligible Visa or Mastercard debit card using just the 16-digit card number and expiry date. Not all services support this, and availability depends on the destination country. For corridors where direct card delivery is not available, money is sent to the bank account linked to the debit card instead, which requires standard bank account details. Always check the specific service's delivery options for your destination before initiating a transfer.
How do I transfer money from a credit card to a debit card?
The most cost-effective way to transfer money from a credit card to a debit card in the UK is to use a dedicated money transfer credit card. These products, available from providers like MBNA, Virgin Money, and Barclaycard, allow you to move a portion of your credit limit into your current account for a one-time fee of 1% to 4%, with a 0% interest period of 12 to 24 months. Alternatively, you can use PayPal by funding a payment with your credit card and withdrawing it to your bank account, though PayPal charges approximately 2.9% plus £0.30 per transaction. Some banks also offer a direct credit-to-account transfer feature in their online banking portal, typically for a fee of 3% to 5%. Cash advances from ATMs are the most expensive option and should be avoided for any significant amount due to the immediate high-rate interest that applies from day one.
How do I send money from a credit card to a debit card without fees?
There is no fully fee-free method to send money from a credit card to a debit card in most circumstances. The closest option is a money transfer credit card, which charges a one-time transfer fee of 1% to 4% but then applies 0% interest for a promotional period. This is the lowest total cost available for domestic transfers in the UK. PayPal and bank credit transfer services both charge 2.9% or more, and cash advances carry both an upfront fee and immediate high-rate interest. For international transfers, using Wise or Remitly funded by a credit card is significantly cheaper than a bank wire transfer, though a small additional processing fee of around 0.5% to 1% applies for using a credit card as the funding source.
How long does it take to send money to a debit card?
Delivery time depends on the method used. Remitly's direct debit card deposit via Visa Direct or Mastercard Send typically delivers within 30 minutes to 3 hours for supported corridors. Wise transfers to a bank account linked to a debit card generally arrive same-day for major currencies including GBP, EUR, and USD. Xe also delivers within 1 to 2 business days for most corridors. PayPal transfers to your own account take 1 to 3 business days. Traditional bank SWIFT transfers are the slowest option, typically taking 2 to 5 business days, and are also the most expensive. For urgent transfers, Remitly's direct debit card delivery is the fastest available option in supported corridors.
Can I use Wise to send money to a debit card?
Yes, Wise can be used to send money to a debit card, primarily by delivering funds to the bank account linked to the recipient's debit card. Wise supports bank account delivery in over 80 countries and uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee starting from around 0.4%. In some corridors, Wise also supports direct card delivery using Visa Direct, meaning funds can arrive on a recipient's debit card without the recipient needing to provide full bank account details. Wise accepts both debit card and credit card as payment methods, though credit card funding typically incurs a small additional processing fee. Wise is FCA regulated and rated 9.5 out of 10 overall on moneytransfer.store.
Does Remitly support debit card deposits?
Yes, Remitly explicitly supports direct debit card deposits in many corridors, which is one of its most distinctive features. Using Visa Direct and Mastercard Send networks, Remitly can push funds directly to a recipient's eligible Visa or Mastercard debit card without requiring a full bank account number or IBAN. This delivery method is available for transfers to countries including the Philippines, India, Mexico, Nigeria, and several others. Delivery via direct debit card deposit typically takes 30 minutes to 3 hours. Where this option is available, it is presented as a delivery method when you enter the recipient's details. Remitly is FCA regulated, holds a 4.1 out of 5 Trustpilot rating, and backs all transfers with a delivery guarantee.
How do I transfer credit card money to a debit card using PayPal?
To transfer credit card money to a debit card via PayPal, you need both a PayPal account and a credit card linked to it. Send a payment from your PayPal balance funded by your credit card to your own PayPal account or a secondary account, then withdraw that balance to your bank account, which is accessible via your debit card. PayPal charges approximately 2.9% plus £0.30 when you fund a payment using a credit card, so on a £300 transfer you would pay around £9.00 in fees. The withdrawal from PayPal to your bank account is free and takes 1 to 3 business days. This method is convenient but not the cheapest option. For larger sums, a money transfer credit card offers significantly lower total costs if you can wait for approval.
What is the cheapest way to send money to a debit card internationally?
The cheapest way to send money to a debit card internationally depends on the destination. For most major corridors, Wise offers the lowest cost by using the mid-market exchange rate and charging a transparent fee of 0.4% to 1.5%. On a £1,000 transfer, this typically costs around £5 to £15. Remitly is similarly priced and offers the added advantage of direct debit card delivery in supported corridors. In all cases, specialist money transfer services save significantly compared with a traditional bank, which typically charges £50 to £65 on the same £1,000 transfer when the wire fee and FX markup are combined. Using the comparison tool on this page is the easiest way to find the lowest rate for your specific amount and destination.
Can I transfer money from a debit card to another debit card?
You can transfer money from your debit card to another person's debit card, but you are effectively doing a bank-to-bank transfer, since each debit card is linked to an underlying bank account. For domestic UK transfers, you provide the recipient's sort code and account number and the payment is processed via Faster Payments, typically arriving within seconds and at no charge. For international transfers to another debit card, specialist services like Remitly offer direct card-to-card delivery in supported corridors. If you want to transfer money from your debit card as the funding source for an international transfer, all three major providers, Wise, Remitly, and Xe, accept debit card payments without the additional processing fee that applies to credit card funding.
Do banks charge to send money to a debit card?
Yes, traditional banks charge significantly to send money to a debit card internationally. The cost comes from two sources: a flat transfer fee and a currency conversion margin above the mid-market rate. Barclays, for example, charges a £25 flat fee plus a 2.5% to 3.5% FX markup. On a £1,000 transfer, the total deducted can be £50 to £60. For domestic UK transfers to a bank account linked to a debit card, banks do not typically charge a fee for standard Faster Payments transfers within the UK, though some packaged bank accounts or business accounts may apply charges. Specialist money transfer services charge a fraction of what banks charge for international transfers, making them the obvious choice for any cross-border debit card transfer.
Is it safe to give someone your debit card number for a transfer?
Receiving a transfer to your debit card number via a legitimate service like Remitly is safe. Visa Direct and Mastercard Send are push payment networks, meaning the sender is pushing money onto your card rather than pulling money from it. Giving someone your card number for this purpose does not give them the ability to make purchases or withdrawals from your account. However, you should only share your card details with people you trust and through legitimate transfer services. Never share your PIN, the 3-digit CVV code, or your online banking password, as these are not needed for a legitimate incoming transfer. If you receive an unexpected request for your card details from someone you do not know, treat it with caution.
How do I send money to a debit card internationally using Remitly?
To send money to a debit card internationally using Remitly, start by creating an account at Remitly.com or on the Remitly app. Enter the destination country and select the debit card delivery option if it is available for that corridor. You will be prompted to enter the recipient's name, their 16-digit Visa or Mastercard debit card number, and the card expiry date. Choose your funding method (debit card, bank transfer, or credit card), enter the amount, review the fee and exchange rate, and confirm the transfer. Remitly provides a quoted delivery time before you confirm, and the money typically arrives on the recipient's debit card within 30 minutes to 3 hours for supported corridors. Remitly also sends confirmation emails to both sender and recipient.
Whether you need to send money to a debit card internationally or transfer funds from your credit card to your own debit card, the right method can save you a significant amount compared to what a traditional bank charges. For international transfers, comparing Wise, Remitly, and Xe before you send is the single most effective thing you can do to keep more money where it belongs, with the recipient. Use the comparison tool above to see real-time rates for your specific transfer before committing.
If you are wondering how to send money from a credit card to a debit card at the lowest possible cost, a money transfer credit card is the most affordable domestic route, while Wise or Remitly is the answer for any international transfer. And if you are looking for guidance on how to transfer money from a credit card to a debit card without paying more than necessary, the comparison tool on this page gives you live rates across all the top services so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Mohammad Humaid
Verified AuthorMo is the founder of MoneyTransferStore. As an expat who has experienced the challenges of sending money across borders himself, he set out to help others like him avoid hidden fees and unfair exchange rates on international transfers. With a background spanning fintech, payments, and Web3, Mo brings years of practical experience to building a platform focused on transparency and trust.
