Plenty of people in the UK have reasons to move money to Japan. You might be paying rent for a flat in Tokyo, covering university fees in Osaka, helping a relative with living costs or setting yourself up for a teaching job. Businesses on this route often pay Japanese manufacturers, design studios or freelance translators.
The rate you are offered and the fees you are charged can differ quite a bit from one provider to the next. On a larger sum, a small gap in the rate can easily cost you hundreds of pounds. The Money Cloud shows trusted money transfer providers side by side, so you can see the best deal before you commit.
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The mid-market rate is the point halfway between the buying and selling price of a currency, and it is the rate you will see quoted in the news. Most providers do not pass this rate on to you in full. They add a margin on top, which means you receive fewer yen for every pound you send.
Comparing providers lets you see the full cost of a transfer, not just the headline fee. A provider that advertises zero fees may still give you a weaker rate, so looking at the total amount your recipient will get in Japan is the clearest way to judge value.
Bank transfers
Your UK bank can send money to a Japanese account using the SWIFT network. It feels familiar and secure, but banks tend to build a sizeable margin into their exchange rates and may charge a fixed fee as well. Intermediary banks along the way can also take a cut, so the final amount that lands in Japan may be lower than you expected.
Money transfer services
Specialist money transfer providers focus on international payments and usually offer rates much closer to the mid-market rate than a high street bank. Many are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and can handle small monthly payments and large one-off sums alike. The Money Cloud compares these providers for you, so you can see who offers the most yen for your pounds.
Peer-to-peer payment apps
Peer-to-peer apps can be handy for small, quick payments to friends or family in Japan. They are simple to use, but sending limits can be low and the exchange rate is not always the best available. For larger amounts, a dedicated transfer provider is often better value.



We bring together a range of regulated providers so you can compare rates and fees side by side without having to open multiple tabs, create multiple accounts or wade through pages of small print.
We compare regulated providers. Every provider on our platform is authorised and regulated, reassuring you that your money is in safe hands.
We show the full picture. We look at exchange rates and fees together, so you can see the actual euro amount you are likely to receive, not just the headline rate.
We cover all transfer sizes. Whether you are sending a few hundred pounds or a six-figure sum for a property purchase, there are providers suited to your needs.
We work for personal and business customers. From one-off transfers to regular business payments, we help both individuals and companies compare their options.
There is no obligation. Comparing on The Money Cloud is free and does not commit you to anything. You choose if and when to proceed.
This determines how many euros the recipient receives. Even small differences matter for larger amounts.
Some providers charge a flat fee. Others build their cost into the rate. Some do both. Look at the total cost, not just one or the other.
Faster transfers can carry a premium. If your payment is not urgent, a standard transfer may give you a better rate.
Some providers have minimum or maximum transfer amounts. Check these to see if they match your needs before you start.
Confirm that any provider you use is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority or an equivalent regulator. This matters if anything goes wrong.
For large or time-sensitive payments, having access to a real person can make a real difference.

Most people start with their bank because it is familiar and feels straightforward. For simple domestic payments, that convenience makes sense. For international transfers, it often comes at a cost.We bring together a range of regulated providers so you can compare rates and fees side by side without having to open multiple tabs, create multiple accounts or wade through pages of small print.
Banks typically apply wider exchange rate margins than specialist providers and may charge additional fees on top. The combination can make a meaningful difference to the final amount received, particularly on larger transfers.
Specialist money transfer providers exist specifically to handle international payments. They tend to offer more competitive rates, clearer pricing structures and, in many cases, extra features such as rate alerts, forward contracts and dedicated support for larger or time-sensitive transfers.
Neither is automatically better for every situation. The right choice depends on the amount you are sending, how quickly it needs to arrive and what level of support you need. That is why comparing is the sensible first step.
Enter the amount you want to send in pounds, choose whether it is a personal or business transfer and we will show you quotes from trusted providers. Pick the deal that suits you best, then complete your transfer directly with that provider.
Most transfers arrive within one to three working days, depending on the provider, the amount and the time you send. Because Japan is several hours ahead, payments made late in the UK day may be processed on the next Japanese business day.
You will normally need the recipient's full name as held by their bank, their account number, the bank's name, branch name and branch number, and the SWIFT code. Some providers may also ask for the reason for the payment.
