Should I use my bank or a specialist provider?

Neither is always better; the right choice depends on your amount, urgency, comfort with online services and the support you want. Banks offer familiarity and often phone or branch help, but the cost can sit in the exchange rate and speed varies. Specialist providers focus on cross-border payments and often show the rate, fee and amount received before you commit, but they need registration and may apply extra checks. Compare real quotes from both for your amount on the same day, and confirm each firm's authorisation. This is education, not a recommendation.¹