Why International Money Transfers Sometimes Get Delayed

Learn why sometimes transfers are held up and what you can do. Transfers can get slow for a few reasons. A problem at the bank, wrong details, or checks the bank needs to do can all cause delays. You may feel lost or upset, but knowing the reason can help fix it. If the transfer is slow, check that every detail is right. Reach out to your bank or the service you used to send the money. They can tell you what to do next. Also, ask for updates if the hold takes a long time. This way, you know the next step, and feel better about your transfer.

International money transfers usually work fine. But at times, the money does not reach the right place as quickly as you want. If you send money to your family, pay someone in another country, or pay school fees, these delays can really get on your nerves.

This guide tells you about the top things that can make your money transfer late. You will also get some easy tips here, so you know how to keep this from happening to you.

What are the most popular methods for money transfer?

The most popular methods for money transfer include bank transfers, online payment services like PayPal and Venmo, wire transfers, and mobile apps such as Cash App. Each method has its benefits, catering to different needs for speed, convenience, and fees associated with sending or receiving funds internationally.

1. Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Checks

All international money transfers are checked by financial institutions and the people who make the rules. They do this to stop fraud and people using money for bad things like terrorism and money laundering. In some cases, the rules can be even more strict.

• If you move more than a certain amount of money, often over £1,000, it can be flagged.
• The first time you send money or if you are a new customer, the transfer can be checked.
• Sending money to, or getting money from, countries that people see as risky can raise a flag.

If your transaction gets flagged, it can be delayed for a compliance check. This means the processing time can take one to three more business days. This happens because there are fraud prevention steps and security checks put in place to keep everything safe.

What to do:

• Always put the full and correct details for the sender and the person who will get the money.
• Do not use words that are not clear to explain the transfer, like just writing “payment”. Be more clear, like writing “rent” or “invoice 1023”.
• If the provider gets in touch with you, reply fast. Give them any paperwork or additional information they need.

2. Incorrect Recipient Details

Typos or missing info can slow down or stop transfers. Some of the most common problems are:

• A wrong IBAN or SWIFT/BIC code
• A recipient name that is not spelled right
• A missing account number, missing payment details, or no location code

What to do:

• Always check all bank account details, like IBAN and SWIFT, to make sure they are right.
• The name has to be just the same as in the official papers from the recipient’s bank.
• Find out if you need a BIC code or sort code, because some countries, such as the UK or one that is in the EU, may ask for that.

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3. Intermediary or Correspondent Banks

Many international wire transfers do not go right from your bank to the receiving bank. A lot of the time, they pass through intermediary banks first. This is common when you use international wire transfers, and it often happens before the money gets to the receiving bank.

• Transfers sent to places that are not in the SEPA region.
• Changing money between US dollars, EUR, or other less common currencies.
• Banks that do not have a direct link.

Every stop in bank transfers adds extra time. This happens mostly during weekends, international holidays, or when there is limited staff. Bank transfers use the SWIFT network. The secure messaging system in this network can make things even slower.

What to do:

• Ask your provider if the money will have to go through any intermediary banks.
• Choose providers that use direct routing, like Equals Money and OFX.

4. Time Zone Differences and Banking Hours

If you send money at 4pm in London, it could reach New York or Sydney when they are out of business hours. If your transfer comes in outside their working times, it will not be handled right away. Instead, the money will wait until the next working day to be processed.

If you count weekends, domestic transfers, or global events in the place where the recipient lives, the time it takes can change by two or three days. There can also be delays because of the working week that people in the United States, the Middle East, or Asia follow.

What to do:

• Send transfers early in the day. Try to do it before 12pm.
• Do not start payments on Fridays or right before public holidays.
• Remember to watch out for Golden Week, bank holidays, and cut-off times at the start of the week.

5. Currency Conversion and Exchange Rate Hold-ups

When you send money in different currencies, like changing GBP to EUR, your bank or payment service may wait before finishing the transfer. They do this because they want to get the best rate for you and for them. This happens most when the market goes up and down a lot. You will see this more with credit transfers or when you send a large amount.

What to do:

• Use providers that show you the full exchange rate and every fee from the start.
• Check if the transfer will use live rates or if it has a rate that is fixed for that time.
• Try not to send money on weekends, as exchange markets are closed then.

Realistic Transfer Timelines by Method

What You Can Do to Speed Things Up

• Be sure you give all your account information in the right way and make sure it is clear.
• Pick providers with a good record, like Equals Money, OFX, or Currencies Direct.
• Keep your transaction receipts and any reference numbers safe with you.
• Do not send money late in the day or right before weekends.
• Use the provider’s money transfer tracking tool if you can.
• Compare the payment methods. This way you can see what is best for your need, how fast you want to send it, and where the money will go.
• Know that various factors might slow things down. These can be things like bank holidays, checks by the law, or when the system is not working. Some things are out of your hands.

Correct as of 05 June 2025

FAQs – About Delayed Transfers

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