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Travel money

Collection vs delivery: the cheapest way to get holiday money

Home delivery or local pickup? How fees and convenience affect what you receive — and what to compare on our site.

Delivery and collection are not just logistics — they change what you actually receive once postage or travel costs are included.

Delivery suits most online orders

Many UK bureaus offer free delivery above a minimum — often £500–£750. Below that, a £5–£10 fee can wipe out a “better” headline rate. Always compare you receive for your amount on our comparison tool.

Collection can win for last-minute trips

If you live near a collection point, pickup can beat next-day delivery stress — especially before early flights. Check branch hours and ID requirements on the provider site.

Airport collection is still not airport walk-up

Some providers let you collect at an airport partner with a pre-paid order. That is different from buying unsorted cash at a terminal bureau — you locked a rate when you ordered online.

Run the numbers

Enter your GBP spend and currency on the homepage comparison. Switch providers and note delivery fees in their checkout — our ranking uses the delivery and fee rules we have on file.

See also how far in advance to buy.