Overseas payments and accounts

How do I make an overseas payment?
Depending on your requirements there are a couple of ways in which we can send funds overseas

*For most destinations we will give you the option to pay the beneficiary's bank charges, to ensure that they receive the full amount you wish to send.
**Available to the 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Maximum payment 50,000 Euros.

More information on the fees for these services can be found on our charges page.

Can I send a banker's draft overseas?
first direct can supply drafts drawn on banks payable in 140 countries, sent to your home or work address. This is a cost effective means of sending funds worldwide. Drafts are an ideal way of sending a gift of money or to pay for goods and services in the beneficiary's local currency or Sterling.

If you were looking for a draft to send money within the UK, we can arrange an electronic funds transfer for same day receipt - contact us on 08 456 100 100 for more details.

Can I receive money from abroad into my first direct account?
We are happy to receive payments from overseas banks, such as those from a property sale or holiday home rental income, to credit your first direct account. A payment will be applied to your account on the day of receipt. If you receive schedules or dividends from abroad, we can arrange to pay these into your account.

Use a currency often? We can help.
We offer a choice of foreign currency accounts in a range of currencies. These are suitable if you regularly make and receive payments in a particular foreign currency, travel to certain countries, own a property abroad or have surplus currency funds. International Personal Accounts (previously known as Foreign Currency Accounts) are available to 1st Account customers and offer immediate access to your funds.