ACE Money Transfer
ACE Money Transfer
23 Oct 2026
If you hold an HSBC account and need to send money abroad, you have several routes available. International money transfers can be made through mobile apps, online banking, or branches, as well as by phone or post. HSBC supports sending money to over 150 countries in multiple currencies, but the cost, speed, and experience vary significantly depending on your account type and the channel you choose.
HSBC UK customers can use a standard current account for international payments, upgrade to the HSBC Global Money Account for multi-currency flexibility, or take advantage of HSBC Global Transfers if they hold HSBC accounts in more than one country or region. Each option comes with its own fee structure, exchange rate treatment, and transfer limits.
This guide breaks down HSBC fees, exchange rates, transfer times, and limits in detail. It also walks you through how to send money internationally step by step, and compares HSBC's offering with ACE Money Transfer, an international money transfer service that supports remittances to various destinations worldwide. Transfer availability, fees and processing times depend on the sending country and transaction details.
The HSBC Global Money Account is a multi-currency wallet built into the HSBC mobile banking app. It lets you hold, convert, and send multiple currencies from a single place, often with reduced or zero HSBC fees on global money transfers.
Here is what you need to know:
To open a Global Money Account, you must already hold an eligible HSBC UK current account (Basic, Amanah, and MyAccount are excluded). You then apply directly through the app.
The HSBC Global Money account allows for multiple currency management without additional transfer fees. You can hold balances in 18 major currencies, including EUR, USD, CAD, AUD, HKD, AED, CHF, SGD, JPY, and CNH.
You can send payments in up to 21 currencies worldwide, with coverage extending to over 200 countries and regions.
Global Money transfers can be made up to £50,000 per day, or up to the equivalent of USD 200,000 when sending to your own HSBC accounts outside the UK.
Transfers made via the Global Money account provide real-time foreign exchange rates built into the transaction. The rate is locked for approximately 40 seconds while you review and confirm.
ACE Money Transfer delivery times vary by destination, payment method and applicable processing checks. Check the estimated delivery time for your transfer before confirming it.
You can send up to £50,000 online or in the app, making the digital route the most practical for most customers.
If you hold HSBC accounts in more than one country, HSBC Global View and Global Transfers give you a unified way to manage and move money across borders.
Global View lets you see balances across your own HSBC accounts in participating countries and regions from a single online and mobile banking dashboard.
HSBC Global Transfers allow you to transfer money between linked HSBC accounts, often instantly and fee free, up to the equivalent of USD 200,000 per day in many jurisdictions.
Supported locations include the UK, Hong Kong SAR, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, Singapore, India, Malaysia, and HSBC Expat in Jersey, among others.
Transfers to HSBC accounts can be instant and fee-free, particularly between your own global accounts in supported currencies. Some transfers may take up to 5 working days depending on local regulations.
HSBC Global Transfers use live exchange rates during market hours. You can preview the rate before confirming, giving you visibility on how much the recipient will receive in their domestic currency.
Premier customers and Private Banking clients often receive additional benefits, including higher limits and waived fees on these transfers.
This setup is especially useful for expatriates, international students, or anyone managing finances in another country or region.
HSBC fees for international transfers depend on the channel you use, the destination, and whether you are sending via the Global Money Account or a standard current account.
HSBC’s fees for international payments may vary by account type, destination and transfer method. Check HSBC’s current official tariff for applicable charges before sending a payment. HSBC charges between £0 and £5 for online international transfers, depending on destination and service used.
HSBC’s fees for international payments made by post may vary. Check the bank’s current official tariff for applicable charges before choosing a transfer method.
Many HSBC-to-HSBC transfers and euro payments within the EEA are fee-free. Sending euros to an EEA destination from your HSBC account typically costs nothing.
Receiving euros from the EEA into HSBC accounts is free. For other currencies or non-EEA origins, incoming international payments usually cost £5.
Intermediary banks may charge separate processing fees for international money transfers. HSBC may charge additional fees from intermediary banks, and the recipient's bank might also deduct charges.
Standard international payments outside the EEA incur a £5 fee for online transfers.
Premier customers, Private Banking clients, and those using the Global Money Account may pay reduced or zero HSBC fees on outgoing transfers.
To find the most current charges, check the Tariff of Charges section on the HSBC website for your specific country or region.
Understanding the HSBC exchange rate is critical, because even when HSBC fees appear low or fee free, the foreign exchange markup can be where the real cost hides.
HSBC applies its own exchange rate with a markup over the interbank rate for currency conversion. The interbank (mid-market) rate is the one you see on financial news sites and currency converters.
Exchange rates for international transfers can vary based on the type of account used and market conditions. Rates refresh frequently during market hours, and the Global Money Account locks the rate for about 40 seconds while you confirm.
The exchange rate offered by HSBC may differ from the mid-market rate. Check HSBC’s current quoted GBP-to-EUR rate and compare it with a reference rate at the same time to assess the difference. On a £1,000 transfer, that difference could cost you €20 to €25 compared to the mid-market rate. On larger amounts, this adds up fast.
You can check HSBC exchange rates in HSBC online banking or the mobile banking app, typically under view and global transfers or the international payments section.
Always compare HSBC's quoted rate to the mid-market rate before confirming. This gives you a clear picture of the total cost, not just the visible fee.
Transfer limits and delivery times depend on how you send, what account you hold, and where the money is going.
You can send up to £50,000 online or in the app for standard international payments and Global Money transfers.
The exchange rate offered by HSBC may differ from the mid-market rate. Compare HSBC’s quoted GBP-to-EUR rate with a reference rate at the same time. Phone transfer limits may vary by account type and customer eligibility; check HSBC’s current official guidance for applicable limits.
Global Money transfers can be made up to £50,000 per day, with transfers to your own HSBC accounts outside the UK capped at the equivalent of USD 200,000.
Payments to the EEA should arrive the next working day when sent in euros or sterling. EEA payments in euros arrive the next working day under normal conditions.
Payments outside the EEA can take up to 4 working days, depending on the currency, recipient bank, and any intermediary bank processing.
Payments in 70+ countries can reach as fast as 1 hour via supported Global Money corridors.
Payments may take longer around bank holidays, weekends, or if compliance checks are triggered by unusual amounts or destinations.
You can track international payments through HSBC online banking or the HSBC mobile banking app to monitor estimated arrival times.
Before you initiate a transfer, gather the following details. Transfer options may vary by recipient country and currency.
Recipient's full name (matching their bank account exactly) and their postal address.
Recipient's bank name and branch address.
Recipient details include full name, address, account number or IBAN, and SWIFT/BIC code. IBAN is the standard international account number used across Europe and many other countries. The SWIFT or BIC is a global bank code that identifies the specific institution.
For destinations like the US, Canada, or Australia, you may also need a routing number, sort code, or transit number.
A funded HSBC account with sufficient balance in the sending currency or an available foreign currency balance in your Global Money Account.
Your secure key or mobile security credentials for authentication.
The purpose of payment (such as family support, tuition fees, or property purchase), especially for large or cross-border transfers.
Keep all payment details accurate to avoid delays, returned payments, or additional fees.
Use the HSBC mobile banking app for international transfers or HSBC online banking for a full desktop experience. Here is how:
Via online banking:
Log in to HSBC online banking.
Select "Pay or Transfer," then choose "Send money internationally" or "International Payments."
Pick the HSBC account you want to debit.
Add or select your recipient's details (name, address, IBAN or account number, SWIFT or bank code).
Enter the amount and choose the currency. HSBC will display the exchange rate and any fees on screen.
Follow the on screen instructions, confirm the reason for payment, and approve with your secure key.
Via the HSBC mobile banking app:
Log in to the app.
Tap "Pay & Transfer" and select pay or "Send money internationally" through the Global Money section if applicable.
Choose an existing payee or add a new one with the required bank details.
Select the payout currency and review the live foreign exchange rate.
Confirm and authorise using biometric or passcode security.
Other channels:
You can also send money by calling HSBC or visiting your nearest HSBC bank branch. Phone and branch transfers may be slower and attract higher fees.
Sending instructions by post is the slowest option, costing around £17 per transaction.
First-time senders and high-value payments often require additional identity verification and may start with lower initial limits.
Once you send money, staying informed about its progress is straightforward.
You can track international payments through HSBC online banking or the mobile banking app. Look under recent transactions or the international payments section.
Each transfer generates a payment reference and often a SWIFT reference number. Keep these handy if you or the recipient bank need to trace a delayed transaction.
Common statuses include pending (submitted but not yet processed), processing (in progress), completed (funds credited), and returned or rejected (incorrect details or compliance hold).
If your transfer is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, contact HSBC customer support with the payment date, amount, and payment reference. HSBC can investigate with intermediary or recipient banks on your behalf.
In some cases, HSBC can recall a transfer that has not yet been credited, but this is not guaranteed and may attract additional fees. Future-dated payments can sometimes be cancelled before the cut-off time.
HSBC offers a well-established bank-based international money transfer service through HSBC accounts and the Global Money Account. ACE Money Transfer helps customers send money internationally. Transfer times and fees vary by destination and payment method.
Here is how they compare:
Total cost: HSBC fees range from £0 to £17 depending on channel and destination, but the HSBC exchange rate includes a markup that can significantly increase the real cost. ACE Money Transfer separates its fees and exchange rate transparently, so you know exactly what you are paying.
Speed: Standard HSBC transfers outside the EEA can take up to 4 working days. ACE Money Transfer payouts often complete in minutes, particularly for supported corridors in Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Coverage: HSBC supports 150+ countries and other currencies through its network. ACE focuses on high-demand remittance corridors and offers deep coverage where it operates.
Payout methods: HSBC is primarily bank-to-bank. ACE Money Transfer supports bank deposit, mobile wallet, and cash pickup, which is far more flexible for recipients who are unbanked or prefer collecting cash at a local branch.
Account requirements: HSBC requires a full current account. ACE Money Transfer allows customers to send money internationally by creating an online account, entering recipient details, and paying via debit card, credit card, or online bank transfer, without needing a traditional bank account with the provider.
For regular remittances, especially to countries where speed and payout flexibility matter, ACE Money Transfer is an international money transfer service for sending funds to supported destinations.
ACE Money Transfer enables customers to send international remittances online without visiting a branch. Before publication, verify the relevant legal entity’s FCA status and permissions on the FCA Register.
Register or log in to your account using your email, Google, or Apple ID. First-time users verify their identity in line with local KYC requirements.
Choose your destination country and select a payout option: bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup at authorised partner bank branches.
Enter accurate recipient details, including their full name, bank account or mobile wallet number, and any required local codes.
Select a payment method such as a debit card, credit card, or online bank transfer.
Add a payment reason, review the applied exchange rate and fees, and confirm the transfer details before clicking "Pay Now."
Track your transaction in real time using the reference tracking number provided. You can monitor the status from processing through to payout.
Available payout methods:
Bank deposit: direct transfer to major partner banks globally.
Cash pickup: over-the-counter cash collection at authorised partner bank branches.
Mobile wallet: instant crediting to supported digital wallet accounts.
Available payout options may include bank deposits, cash pickup or mobile wallets, depending on the destination and transfer route. Recipients should check which options are available for their transaction. You might also be interested in exploring ACE if you regularly send money to countries in South Asia, Africa, or Southeast Asia.
Focusing on the total cost, meaning fees plus exchange rate markup combined, matters far more than chasing a "fee free" label. Here are practical ways to keep more money in your recipient's pocket:
Compare HSBC's quoted exchange rate against the real mid-market rate before confirming any transfer. Use a currency converter to see the difference, especially on major currencies like US dollars, EUR, or AED (United Arab Emirates dirham).
HSBC Global Transfers and Global Money Account eligibility depends on the bank’s terms. This is not financial or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional, as these channels typically offer lower HSBC fees and more competitive rates during market hours than standard international payments.
For regular remittances, compare quotes from specialist services like ACE Money Transfer. Comparing transfer fees, exchange rates and estimated delivery times can help you assess the overall cost of an international transfer.
Avoid sending money on weekends or around a bank holiday when markets are closed and rates may be less favourable.
Send in the recipient's local currency where HSBC or your chosen provider offers a better exchange rate, rather than letting the recipient's bank handle the conversion.
Use digital channels (app or online banking) rather than branch or post to avoid higher fees and slower processing.
Whenever possible, consolidate transfers into fewer, larger payments to reduce the per-transaction cost, after checking how the exchange rate scales with amount.
Different situations call for different tools, and many customers sensibly use both HSBC and ACE Money Transfer depending on what they need.
HSBC makes the most sense when:
You are moving large sums between your own HSBC accounts in different countries, using Global View and free transfers via HSBC Global Transfers.
The recipient requires a standard bank transfer to their bank account and insists on a major banking institution.
You want to hold and manage supported currencies in one place using the HSBC Global Money feature for life abroad.
Your transfer is within the EEA in euros, where HSBC fees are zero and delivery is next working day.
ACE Money Transfer may be preferable when:
You send frequent, low to medium-value remittances to family or friends, and want speed and transparency on every transaction.
Your recipient prefers mobile wallet or cash pickup rather than a traditional bank transfer.
You need urgent delivery and the destination is in one of ACE's well-developed corridors.
You want to receive money worldwide through flexible payout options not available via HSBC.
You are an HSBC customer but want to compare. If you are an HSBC customer, compare the applicable fees and exchange rates with those of other providers before choosing a transfer service.
The right choice depends on your transfer pattern, destination, and how quickly your recipient needs the funds. Before committing, compare a sample quote from both HSBC and ACE Money Transfer to see the total cost in the recipient's currency. That single step can save you more than any individual tip on this list.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, tax, business, or financial advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all facts, figures, and data are accurate and valid as of the date of publication, no warranty or guarantee is given as to the ongoing completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information.
The content is based on information available at the time of publication. Regulations, government policies, market conditions, and service offerings may change over time and vary across jurisdictions and providers. As a result, some information may no longer be current or applicable. Readers should independently verify all information and consult qualified professional advisors before making any financial, legal, or business decisions.
