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Published on 25 August 2025•8 minutes

Send money to UK from Canada: Fast, cost-effective international transfers with Airwallex

Airwallex Editorial Team

Send money to UK from Canada: Fast, cost-effective international transfers with Airwallex

Sending money from Canada to the UK has become an essential financial activity for businesses operating across borders. Whether you're paying suppliers in London, managing remote employees in Manchester, or expanding operations into British markets, the need for efficient international transfers continues to grow. Recent data shows that nearly half of respondents consider sending money internationally as essential as paying rent or utilities ¹. With the Pound Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate experiencing volatility – trading at around CA$1.8243, down roughly 0.3% from recent opening rates – businesses need reliable solutions that offer competitive rates and transparent pricing ².

Understanding the Canada-UK payment corridor

The financial relationship between Canada and the UK remains robust, with businesses on both sides of the Atlantic requiring seamless payment solutions. The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates from 4.25% to 4.0% this month, which could impact exchange rates significantly ². Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada recently held rates at 2.75%, creating an evolving landscape for currency exchanges ².

For Canadian businesses, these economic factors make choosing the right payment provider crucial. Speed has become the most important factor when selecting a payment method, cited by almost two-thirds of respondents in recent research ¹. Additionally, 44% of users express frustration with poor exchange rates, while 35% cite high or hidden fees as major pain points ¹.

How Airwallex transforms Canada to UK transfers

Airwallex offers Canadian businesses a comprehensive solution for sending money to the UK through its global financial infrastructure ³. The platform supports over 50 currencies and provides real-time foreign exchange rates for major currency pairs, making it ideal for businesses managing multiple international relationships ⁴.

Competitive exchange rates and transparent pricing

Unlike traditional financial institutions that often hide fees in unfavorable exchange rates, Airwallex structures its pricing with a foreign exchange markup of just 0.3-0.6% above the interbank rate ⁴. This transparent approach means businesses know exactly what they're paying, with zero monthly account maintenance fees and complimentary domestic transfers in most cases ⁴.

The platform's international transfer capabilities extend beyond simple currency conversion ⁵. Canadian businesses can access market-leading FX rates regardless of transaction size, ensuring both small startups and large enterprises receive competitive pricing.

Speed and efficiency in cross-border payments

In today's fast-paced business environment, waiting days for international transfers isn't acceptable. Research indicates that 65% of respondents rank speed as their top priority when choosing a payment method ⁶. Airwallex addresses this need through its streamlined transfer process that eliminates traditional banking delays.

The platform's efficiency stems from its direct integration with local payment networks in both Canada and the UK. This infrastructure allows businesses to send payments that arrive quickly, helping maintain strong supplier relationships and ensuring timely employee payments ³.

Security and compliance for Canada-UK transfers

When sending money internationally, security cannot be compromised. Airwallex maintains PCI DSS Level 1 compliance and operates under licenses from multiple regulatory authorities ⁴. The security infrastructure includes advanced fraud detection systems and regular security audits, ensuring your funds remain protected throughout the transfer process ⁴.

For Canadian businesses, compliance with both domestic and international regulations is essential. The platform's robust compliance framework ensures all transfers meet regulatory requirements in both Canada and the UK, providing peace of mind for finance teams managing international payments.

Comparing international transfer options

The international payments landscape offers various options for Canadian businesses. Traditional competitors like OFX have transferred over US$204 billion to date and support transfers in over 50 currencies to over 170 countries ⁷. However, Airwallex distinguishes itself through its comprehensive business-focused platform that goes beyond simple transfers.

While services like Revolut allow transfers from Canada to UK accounts in GBP or 36 other currencies, with transfers generally arriving within 3 to 5 business days, Airwallex focuses specifically on business needs with features designed for scalability and integration ⁸.

The advantage of integrated financial services

Unlike standalone transfer services, Airwallex provides a complete financial operations platform. Canadian businesses can manage multiple currency accounts, issue corporate cards, and handle all international payments from a single dashboard ⁹. This integration eliminates the need for multiple providers and reduces administrative overhead.

The platform's API capabilities allow businesses to integrate international transfers directly into their existing workflows. Whether you're running an e-commerce platform that needs to pay UK suppliers automatically or managing regular payroll for UK-based employees, Airwallex's technology adapts to your needs.

Practical steps for sending money from Canada to UK

Getting started with Airwallex for Canada to UK transfers involves a straightforward process designed for business efficiency:

Account setup and verification

First, Canadian businesses need to create an Airwallex account. The verification process ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining security. Once approved, you gain access to the full suite of international transfer capabilities.

Adding UK beneficiaries

Adding UK recipients is simple through the platform's intuitive interface. You'll need standard banking details including the recipient's name, address, and UK bank account information. The system validates these details to prevent errors and ensure successful transfers.

Initiating transfers

When ready to send funds, you can lock in competitive exchange rates and initiate transfers with just a few clicks. The platform shows real-time exchange rates and total costs upfront, eliminating surprises. You can also schedule recurring transfers for regular payments like monthly supplier invoices or employee salaries.

Managing currency volatility

Exchange rate fluctuations can significantly impact international business operations. The Canadian Dollar recently firmed against major currencies, bolstered by rising oil prices given the 'Loonie's' crude-linked status ². These movements underscore the importance of having tools to manage currency risk.

Airwallex helps businesses navigate this volatility through several features:

Rate alerts and market insights

Stay informed about currency movements with rate alerts that notify you when exchange rates reach your target levels. This allows you to time transfers strategically and maximize value.

Multi-currency accounts

Hold funds in multiple currencies to reduce conversion needs. If you regularly receive CAD revenue but have GBP expenses, maintaining balances in both currencies provides flexibility and reduces exposure to rate fluctuations ¹⁰.

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The future of Canada-UK business payments

The international payments landscape continues evolving rapidly. Global cross-border bank credit expanded by $1.5 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a record $34.7 trillion ¹¹. This growth reflects increasing international business activity and the need for efficient payment solutions.

Emerging technologies are reshaping how businesses approach international transfers. The digital payment market's estimated value reached $10.18 trillion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach $32.07 trillion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.5% ¹².

For Canadian businesses sending money to the UK, these trends mean:

Increased efficiency and lower costs

As technology advances, transfer costs continue declining while speed increases. Airwallex leverages these improvements to provide better value for businesses.

Enhanced integration capabilities

The future involves seamless integration between payment systems and business operations. Airwallex's API-first approach positions businesses to capitalize on these developments.

Greater transparency and control

Businesses increasingly demand visibility into their international payments. Real-time tracking, instant notifications, and detailed reporting become standard expectations that Airwallex delivers.

Supporting your UK expansion

Many Canadian businesses use international transfers as part of broader UK market expansion strategies. Whether establishing a UK subsidiary, partnering with British suppliers, or hiring UK talent, efficient payment infrastructure proves essential.

Airwallex supports these expansion efforts through:

Local payment capabilities

Receive payments like a local UK business with dedicated account details. This simplifies transactions for UK customers and partners who can pay you as they would any domestic supplier.

Scalable infrastructure

As your UK operations grow, Airwallex scales with you. From handling a few monthly transfers to processing thousands of transactions, the platform maintains efficiency and competitive pricing.

Dedicated support

Airwallex provides dedicated support channels for business clients, with premium accounts receiving 24/7 assistance ⁴. The support structure includes comprehensive documentation and specialized assistance for technical integrations, ensuring smooth operations as you expand.

Optimizing your international payment strategy

Successful international business requires more than just sending money across borders. It demands a strategic approach to financial operations that maximizes efficiency and minimizes costs.

Batch processing for efficiency

Instead of processing transfers individually, batch multiple UK payments together. This streamlines operations and can reduce per-transaction costs.

Regular payment scheduling

For recurring expenses like UK office rent or regular supplier payments, set up automated transfers. This ensures timely payments while reducing administrative burden.

Currency optimization

Analyze your payment patterns to identify opportunities for currency optimization. If you have both CAD income and GBP expenses, strategic timing of conversions can yield significant savings.

Conclusion: Empowering Canada-UK business growth

Sending money from Canada to the UK doesn't have to involve high fees, poor exchange rates, or lengthy delays. Airwallex transforms international transfers into a competitive advantage for Canadian businesses through transparent pricing, fast processing, and comprehensive financial services.

With the global payments landscape evolving rapidly – the payment sector generated $2.2 trillion in revenue in 2022, an 11% increase from the previous year – businesses need partners that combine technological innovation with practical solutions ¹³. Airwallex delivers both, providing the tools Canadian businesses need to thrive in international markets.

Whether you're making your first transfer to a UK supplier or managing complex multi-currency operations, Airwallex offers the speed, security, and support to streamline your international payments. Start optimizing your Canada to UK transfers today and discover how modern financial technology can transform your international business operations.

Visit ³ to learn more about streamlining your international payments and accessing competitive exchange rates that help your business grow globally.

FAQ

How does Airwallex help Canadian businesses send money to the UK?

Airwallex provides Canadian businesses with fast, cost-effective international transfer services to the UK. The platform supports over 50 currencies and offers real-time foreign exchange rates for major currency pairs like CAD to GBP. With transparent pricing and streamlined payment solutions, businesses can manage cross-border transactions with confidence while avoiding hidden fees commonly found with traditional banks.

What are the advantages of using Airwallex over traditional banks for UK transfers?

Airwallex offers several key advantages including competitive exchange rates, transparent fee structures, and faster processing times compared to traditional banks. Founded in 2015 and valued at over $5.5 billion, Airwallex has secured more than $800 million in funding, demonstrating strong market confidence. The platform eliminates many hidden fees and provides real-time rate visibility that traditional banks often lack.

What compliance requirements apply when sending money from Canada to the UK?

When sending money from Canada to the UK, businesses must comply with FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) regulations for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. In the UK, transfers are subject to FCA regulations and international money transfer laws. Airwallex ensures compliance with both Canadian and UK regulatory requirements, providing peace of mind for cross-border transactions.

How do current exchange rates affect CAD to GBP transfers?

The CAD to GBP exchange rate is influenced by central bank policies from both countries. Recent forecasts indicate the Bank of England may cut interest rates from 4.25% to 4.0%, which could impact sterling's strength against the Canadian dollar. Airwallex provides real-time exchange rates, allowing businesses to monitor market conditions and time their transfers strategically to maximize value.

What types of businesses benefit most from Airwallex's Canada to UK transfer services?

Businesses that frequently pay UK suppliers, manage remote employees in British markets, or are expanding operations into the UK benefit most from Airwallex's services. Companies involved in international trade, e-commerce, consulting, and technology services particularly value the platform's ability to handle recurring payments, bulk transfers, and multi-currency management efficiently.

How does Airwallex compare to other international transfer providers like Wise?

While Wise (formerly TransferWise) was established earlier in London in 2011 and is publicly traded, Airwallex offers distinct advantages for business users. Airwallex's platform is specifically designed for business needs with features like multi-currency accounts, expense management, and corporate cards. Both platforms offer competitive rates, but Airwallex's business-focused approach and comprehensive financial infrastructure make it particularly suitable for companies with complex international payment requirements.

Citations

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Airwallex Editorial Team

Airwallex’s Editorial Team is a global collective of business finance and fintech writers based in Australia, Asia, North America, and Europe. With deep expertise spanning finance, technology, payments, startups, and SMEs, the team collaborates closely with experts, including the Airwallex Product team and industry leaders to produce this content.

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Transfers Finance operations Accounts Payable