How Long Does an International Bank Transfer Take in UK?

When you’re sending money abroad, knowing how long it will take to arrive is crucial, especially for urgent payments or business transactions. International bank transfers can vary in speed depending on the country, currency, and transfer method involved.

UK-based individuals and businesses often rely on either traditional banks or newer fintech services to send money globally.

Each provider operates differently, and understanding these variations ensures better control over your money. Whether you’re sending funds to family, paying overseas suppliers, or managing property payments abroad, this guide offers everything you need to know.

What Is an International Bank Transfer?

An international bank transfer is a process where money is electronically sent from one country to another through a financial institution.

These transfers typically move funds from the sender’s bank account in the UK to the recipient’s account abroad. They involve different currencies and may pass through one or more intermediary banks before reaching the destination.

These transactions are commonly used by individuals supporting family members overseas, UK businesses paying international suppliers, or those investing in property abroad.

Transfers can be initiated online, through a banking app, or in person. Depending on the banks involved and the destination country, the transfer time and cost can vary.

Unlike domestic transfers, international ones are more complex due to the involvement of different banking systems and regulations.

How Does an International Bank Transfer Work?

International transfers begin when you instruct your bank to send funds abroad, typically providing the recipient’s name, account number or IBAN, and the SWIFT/BIC code of their bank.

Once submitted, the bank checks the transaction, converts the currency if needed, and initiates the transfer using a global payment network like SWIFT or SEPA.

Funds may pass through one or more intermediary or correspondent banks depending on the route and the recipient’s country. These middle banks act as bridges to ensure money reaches banks that don’t have direct partnerships with the sender’s bank.

Each institution involved may conduct fraud checks or compliance verifications, which can introduce delays. Once it clears these steps, the money is deposited into the recipient’s bank account.

The sender and receiver banks, the payment network used, and even the day and time the transaction is made all affect the speed.

How Long Does an International Bank Transfer Take in UK?

The typical international bank transfer from the UK takes between 1 to 5 working days. This timeframe depends on several factors such as the bank’s internal processing time, the destination country, the currency, and whether the transfer is sent before the bank’s cut-off time.

For example, SEPA transfers to European countries can arrive as soon as the next business day if submitted before the deadline.

In contrast, SWIFT payments to countries outside Europe can take up to five working days. Banks like Barclays or Santander may complete some transfers in 1–2 days, while Lloyds or Nationwide might take longer depending on the country.

It’s important to remember that weekends, holidays, and security checks can delay the process. If speed is essential, some banks offer express services at an extra cost.

What Factors Can Affect the Speed of Your International Transfer?

Destination Country

The recipient’s location significantly influences transfer time. Transfers within the European Economic Area (EEA) tend to be faster due to shared banking regulations and infrastructure.

 Payments to countries like Germany, France, or Ireland often clear within one or two days. In contrast, sending money to countries with less advanced banking networks, such as those in Africa or South America, can take longer.

Currency Involved

Currency conversion can introduce delays. If the transaction involves exchanging GBP to another currency, the bank must execute the conversion using current exchange rates, which may include spreads and require verification.

Some currencies, particularly exotic ones, may require manual processing, which can add a day or two.

Bank Processing Times

Every bank operates on its own schedule. Transfers submitted after the daily cut-off, typically around 2pm to 4pm UK time, are processed the next working day. Transfers on weekends or public holidays won’t begin processing until the next business day.

Intermediary Banks

If the sender’s and recipient’s banks don’t have a direct connection, the transfer is routed through intermediary banks.

These banks facilitate the transfer but can slow it down, especially if they perform their own verification steps.

Regulatory Compliance Checks

Banks follow strict anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations.

As a result, they may delay or temporarily hold funds for additional documentation, particularly for large transactions or payments to high-risk countries.

Are SWIFT and SEPA Transfer Times Different?

SWIFT and SEPA transfers differ in terms of structure, cost, and speed. SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is intended for euro transactions within EU countries and a few others, including the UK.

These transfers are typically completed within one business day and usually involve minimal or no fees, making SEPA a cost-effective solution for sending euros within Europe.

On the other hand, SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) facilitates international payments in various currencies across the globe.

Unlike SEPA, SWIFT transfers can take between 2 to 5 working days to process, depending on the countries involved and the number of intermediary banks.

Additionally, SWIFT transfers often come with higher charges from both the sending and receiving banks.

In summary, SEPA is ideal for fast, affordable euro payments within Europe, while SWIFT is better suited for global transfers, though typically slower and more expensive

Which UK Banks Offer the Fastest International Transfers?

The speed of an international bank transfer depends not just on geography and networks, but also on your bank. Here’s a comparison of major UK banks and fintechs based on transfer speed and efficiency:

Fintech providers like Wise and Revolut consistently outperform traditional banks for speed and transparency, especially for small personal transfers.

Can You Track an International Bank Transfer?

Yes, you can usually track your international bank transfer. Most banks provide tracking tools, especially for SWIFT payments.

After you initiate the transfer, you’ll receive a reference number or tracking code. This allows you to follow the progress of your transaction and get an estimated delivery time.

If your transfer is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, it’s important to contact your bank. You can request a UETR (Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference), which is used within the SWIFT network to trace the exact status of your payment and identify any delays or issues.

Many modern banking apps and online platforms also offer push notifications or live status updates when the funds have been sent or received.

These features provide added peace of mind when sending money internationally, helping you stay informed every step of the way.

How Can You Speed Up Your International Transfer?

Speeding up an international bank transfer is possible when you take the right actions before and during the process. Choosing the right provider plays a key role, fintech platforms such as Wise or Revolut often offer quicker settlement times than traditional banks.

Timing is also crucial; aim to send your transfer during the recipient’s bank operating hours and avoid weekends or public holidays.

Tips to Speed Up Your Transaction

• Use fintech providers (Wise, Revolut) for faster, often same-day settlements
• Initiate payments during local business hours in the recipient’s time zone
• Choose your bank’s express or urgent transfer option if available
• Send money before the bank’s daily cut-off time (usually between 2pm–4pm)
• Double-check recipient’s IBAN and SWIFT/BIC codes to prevent returns or holds
• Avoid sending money during holidays or weekends when banks may not process
• Send in the recipient’s local currency to skip conversion delays

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce wait times and ensure smoother global transactions.

Is There a Way to Send Instant or Same-Day International Payments?

Yes, there are now more ways than ever to make international payments that arrive on the same day, or even instantly. Digital platforms like Revolut offer real-time transfers between users, which means the recipient can get the money within seconds.

This makes it ideal for personal transfers or frequent payments within a network. Additionally, Revolut supports card-to-card transfers that typically arrive in under 30 minutes.

For broader international transactions, Wise enables same-day payments for major currency pairs such as GBP to EUR or USD, especially if initiated early.

Some traditional banks also provide express or priority payment options. These services often come with an additional fee but can ensure delivery within 1 to 2 working days depending on the country.

However, such options are usually less predictable and subject to compliance checks. For the fastest transfers, it’s best to use modern apps that support real-time processing and notify you as soon as the money is received.

Conclusion

International bank transfers from the UK can take anywhere from a few seconds to five working days. The time varies based on the bank, destination, currency, and transfer method.

Using SEPA for euro payments or fintech services for same-day transfers often speeds things up. Always check your bank’s processing times and cut-off hours. Double-check recipient details to avoid costly delays.

Whether you’re sending money for business, family, or investments, choosing the right method and provider can save time and ensure your transfer arrives safely and on time.

FAQs About International Bank Transfer Timing

Why does my international bank transfer take longer than expected?

Delays often occur due to intermediary banks, compliance checks, or sending after the bank’s cut-off time.

Can I send money abroad on a weekend or bank holiday?

Yes, but most banks won’t process the payment until the next business day.

Do exchange rates affect how long a transfer takes?

Yes, currency conversions may add extra time as banks verify rates and conduct checks.

Is it cheaper and faster to use a money transfer service instead of a bank?

Generally, yes. Services like Wise and Revolut offer quicker transfers with lower fees.

Can you cancel an international bank transfer after sending it?

Possibly. You must contact your bank quickly before the funds are fully processed.

Are there any risks in international wire transfers?

Yes, including wrong recipient details, fraud, or delays from security verifications.

What are intermediary banks, and how do they delay transfers?

They help route funds between banks without direct connections, adding extra steps and time.