How long do international money transfers take?
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
An international transfer can arrive in seconds or take several working days. How long it takes depends mostly on which payment system carries it and how many banks it passes through on the way.
Typical times
- For comparison, within the UK by Faster Payments: usually seconds.
- Euros within the SEPA area: by the next business day, or seconds with SEPA Instant.
- Other international transfers over SWIFT: usually one to five business days.
What slows a transfer down
Each extra bank in the chain can add time and fees. Weekends, bank holidays in either country and sending after the daily cut-off time all push a transfer back. Security checks can also hold a payment, especially a large or unusual one, and a wrong IBAN, SWIFT code or name can send it back to you.
Avoiding delays
Double-check the account details, send early in the day on a business day, and hold money in the currency you are paying in where you can, so it doesn't need converting on the way.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms give your customers GBP, EUR and USD accounts and transfers under your own brand, with currency exchange at a fee the owner sets, powered by licensed partners.
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.