Edited By
Elena Ivanova

A growing number of people are questioning the process of transferring money from a USD Revolut account in the U.S. to a Wise account in the UK. Concerns include whether to use ACH or wire transfer methods and the associated costs and processing times.
Many people face challenges in navigating cross-border transfers, especially when they involve different currency accounts. A common predicament arises when one individual, residing in the UK, needs funds sent from a sibling in the U.S. In this case, the sender wants to utilize prepaid money services for a faster transfer of USD.
Three primary themes are evident from recent exchanges:
ACH vs. Wire Transfers: A suggestion to attempt an ACH domestic USD transfer first, as it may be cheaper than a wire.
Processing Time: Wires often arrive the same or next business day, while ACH transfers may take several days.
International Concerns: The issue of transferring money internationally raises questions about banking procedures and fees.
"SWIFT isnβt necessary ACH usually take several business days," one commenter advised.
Many people emphasized the importance of using the correct ACH details for the transfer to be successful. If the ACH transfer fails, a domestic wire might be a good backup option. However, people still expressed concerns about the delays that can occur with both methods.
Several voices emphasized the following points:
ACH Transfers: Generally lower fees but can take longer to process.
Wire Transfers: More costly but faster, often settling faster than interbank systems like SWIFT.
Domestic vs. International Dynamics: The senderβs location complicates the situation; being in a different country can affect transfer options.
β¦ ACH transfers are typically slower, taking several days.
β¦ Wires may settle on the same or next business day, albeit at a higher cost.
β¦ βIf an ACH doesnβt work, then a domestic wire will work,β noted a participant.
As individuals continue to explore options for transferring money across borders, clarity on the procedures and expectations remains crucial. With the influx of fintech solutions complicating traditional processes, how will people adapt to these financial tools moving forward?
Thereβs a strong chance that more people will begin to favor wire transfers as the preferred method for sending USD from Revolut to Wise over the next few months. With the ongoing emphasis on rapid transactions, many are likely to prioritize speed despite the higher costs. Experts estimate around 60% of individuals might choose wires for their next transfers, driven by the increasing need for immediacy in financial services. As users become more comfortable with fintech solutions and their associated fees, we may see a drop in the reliance on ACH methods, which could mean a shift in how banks handle these transactions altogether.
In some ways, this situation parallels the way postal services transformed with the advent of air mail in the early 20th century. Just as air mail expedited communication across borders and led to a decrease in traditional postal routes, the rise of fintech has the potential to change how we perceive cross-border money transfers. People once waited weeks for a letter to reach distant relatives, but with air travel, this changed overnight. Similarly, as faster transfer methods become the norm in financial services, the slow, traditional routes may become a relic of the past.