swift-charges-explained

SWIFT Transfer Fees and Charges Explained


Businesses often use SWIFT transfer for global transactions. But high transaction fees, and unpredictable cost deductions are some of the main challenges associated with it.

The extra transaction charges can easily add up, making it harder to control expenses and maintain profitability. So, it’s important to get a complete understanding of SWIFT Transfer fees and charges, especially for businesses handling frequent global payment processes.

What Are SWIFT Transfer Fees And Charges?

SWIFT transfer fees refer to the costs associated with using the SWIFT network for international payments. These charges are applied at various stages of a transaction and can include outgoing transfer fees, intermediary bank charges, recipient fees, and currency conversion costs. Each fee depends on factors like the banks involved, the countries of origin and destination, and the currencies being exchanged.

Businesses relying on SWIFT transactions often face high and unpredictable costs. For example, a transfer of $10,000 from the U.S. to an Indian account may involve multiple fees: ₹2,000 for incoming charges, ₹3,000 for intermediary banks, and $25 deducted by the sender’s bank. These fees add up, reducing the final amount received and increasing the total cost of the transaction.

Understanding how these fees work and identifying ways to manage them is crucial for businesses handling frequent international payments.

Types Of SWIFT Transfer Fees

1. Incoming wire Transfer Fees

Banks charge this fee to process the transfer on behalf of the sender.

  1. Cost: The bank sending the money might charge a flat fee, usually between $25 and $50.

    Example: Sending $10,000 from a U.S. bank to India may cost $50.

2. Intermediary Bank Fees

Intermediary banks charge fees when payments route through them before reaching the recipient.

  1. Cost: If the transfer goes through intermediary banks, they may also charge fees, typically between $10 and $30 per transaction.

    Example: A transfer passing through two intermediaries could add ₹5,000 to the cost.

3. Recipient Bank Fees

The recipient’s bank deducts a fee for processing the incoming funds.

  1. Cost: Indian banks often charge a fee for receiving money, ranging from ₹200 to ₹1,000 (usually about $2.50 to $12.50).

    Example:A $10,000 payment to the U.S. may result in $9,975 being credited after a $25 deduction.

4. Currency Conversion Costs

When payments involve currency exchange, banks apply a markup to the exchange rate.

  1. Markup: 2% to 5% above the market rate.

    Example :Converting ₹1,00,000 to USD at a 3% markup reduces the recipient’s credited amount by ₹3,000.

Fee TypeCost RangeExample
Sender Transfer from U.S. Fee$25 - $50$50 for a $10,000 transfer to the U.S.
Intermediary Fee$10 - $30$60 for two intermediaries
Recipient Fee₹500 - ₹2,000 or $25 flat$25 deducted for U.S. payments
Currency Markup2% - 5% of the amount₹3,000 for ₹1,00,000 transfer at 3% markup

Also Read: Understanding the Use and Elements of MT103 in SWIFT Payment Transfers.

With a clearer picture of the various fees associated with SWIFT transfers, let’s move on to understanding who bears these costs during the transaction:

Who Bears the SWIFT Fees?

When making a SWIFT transfer, it’s important to understand who is responsible for the various fees involved, as they can be split between the sender, the recipient, or both.

Types of Fee-Bearing Codes

When initiating a SWIFT transfer, the sender has the option to specify how the fees should be divided using one of three standard codes: OUR, SHA, or BEN.

Type of Fee-Bearing Code Who Pays the Fees?Details
OURSender pays all fees The recipient gets the full amount; the sender covers all costs, including intermediary fees.
SHAFees are split between sender and recipient Sender pays sending bank fees; recipient covers their bank fees.
BENThe recipient pays all fees The recipient's bank deducts all fees, including intermediary charges.

Also Read: SWIFT: The network powering international money transfer.

Now that we know how responsibility for SWIFT fees is divided, let’s examine the factors that influence these costs and how they can vary across different transactions.

Factors Influencing SWIFT Transfer Costs For Indian Businesses

Here are some of the top factors affecting the SWIFT Transfer costs and charges:

1. Variations in Costs Across Banks and Regions

SWIFT transfer fees vary widely based on the bank and region involved.

  1. Bank Differences: Large banks like Bank of America and Chase often charge higher fees than smaller regional banks or fintech solutions. For example, a Bank of America transfer to India might cost $45, while a regional bank could charge $8.

    Regional Disparities : Due to complex banking regulations, receiving funds from developed markets like the U.S. or U.K. often incurs higher costs. On the other hand, transfers from emerging markets like Southeast Asia might be cheaper.

For example, a transfer of $2000 from the U.S. might include a $15 flat fee plus a percentage-based currency conversion charge. A similar transfer from Thailand might only cost $7 due to fewer intermediaries.

Pro Tip: Compare fees across banks and fintech platforms before transferring. Smaller providers often have lower, transparent fees.

2. Currency Conversion Costs And Exchange Rate Markups

Currency conversion is a key expense in SWIFT transfers, especially for payments to regions like the U.S. or Europe.

  1. Exchange Rate Markup:Banks apply a margin (typically 2%-4%) over the market exchange rate. For instance, sending ₹1,00,000 to the U.S. at a 3% markup could reduce the recipient's USD amount by ₹3,000.

    Impact of Fluctuations : Exchange rates can vary by the hour, leading to unpredictable costs.

For instance, if the current USD-INR rate is 83.00 but the bank applies 80.50 after markup, a ₹5,00,000 transfer results in a ₹12,500 hidden loss.

Pro Tip: Track real-time rates and negotiate forex rates with your bank or explore forex-optimized platforms.

3. Transparency And Hidden Charges In Forex Pricing

Lack of transparency is a common issue in SWIFT transfers.

  1. Bundled Fees: Some banks combine exchange rate markups with transfer fees, making it harder to identify costs.

    Intermediary Banks : Transfers through multiple banks may incur intermediary fees, reducing the final payout.

For example, an Indian exporter paying $10,000 might face a bank fee of ₹2,000 plus an intermediary fee of $50 deducted from the recipient’s amount.

Pro Tip: Request a detailed fee breakdown from your bank and use platforms offering upfront forex pricing.

4. Transfer Speed And Processing Costs

The speed of a SWIFT transfer also affects costs.

  1. Standard Transfers: These are cheaper but may take 2-5 business days.

    Express Transfers : Higher fees apply for same-day processing, which can add $50-$100 to the cost.

For example, for a time-sensitive payment from Europe, an express transfer costing $30 might save a deal, compared to a $15 standard transfer.

Pro Tip: Plan payments in advance to avoid unnecessary express fees unless urgent.

Now, with SWIFT Transfers, it’s also important to understand how to manage delays and ensure efficient transactions to avoid any extra charges.

Managing Delays And Fees In SWIFT Transfers

Delays in SWIFT transfers can be challenging and costly. If a payment is delayed, it might require additional tracing, potentially leading to higher tracing fees. Moreover, if the delay results in a late payment to a vendor, you could face further penalties or interest charges.

For businesses, these delays can disrupt cash flow, affect supplier relationships, and result in missed deadlines. Understanding how delays and associated fees work helps mitigate the financial impact and ensures smoother, more predictable international transactions.

For instance, if a distributor in the U.S. is expecting payment within 30 days but the transfer is delayed, you may be charged a penalty for breaching the agreed terms. For businesses dealing with international vendors, these costs can quickly escalate, making it crucial to ensure that transfers are processed promptly and without issues.

Strategies For Timely Payments

To minimize delays, ensure timely payments and efficient management of late fees:

  1. Double-check the recipient’s bank to avoid errors that could delay processing and incur additional fees.

  2. Consider expedited transfer services offered by banks for faster processing, even if they come with a higher fee.

  3. Consider banking hours and international holidays as these can affect transfer timing and lead to unforeseen delays.

For instance, if you're sending a payment around a major holiday in either your country or the recipient's, it may take longer for the transfer to be processed, leading to potential delays. By planning ahead, and considering these factors, you can better manage the timing of your SWIFT transfers and avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.

Also Read: International Payments: The Challenges and Solutions of Cross border Payments.

Having understood the impact of delays on transfer costs, it’s time to consider alternative payment solutions that can help mitigate these issues and offer a more efficient approach.

A Better Alternative To SWIFT Transactions: PayGlocal

PayGlocal removes the extra costs often associated with SWIFT transfers. Businesses pay only when they transact, with no setup fees, platform fees, or documentation charges. This simple pricing structure makes it easy to predict and manage expenses.

Key Features Of PayGlocal:

  1. Multi-Currency Accounts:Collect payments in USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, and more, with no hidden costs.

    Transparent Pricing: PayGlocal charges no setup, platform, or documentation fees—businesses pay only when they transact.

    Payment Tracking : Real-time notifications keep businesses updated on payment status.

    Low Transaction Costs: Reduce FX charges and eliminate intermediary fees with localized payment methods.

Final Thoughts

SWIFT transfers are essential for global payments but come with complex fees, including intermediary charges, exchange rate markups, and tracing costs. Understanding these charges helps businesses plan better and avoid unexpected expenses.

Factors such as bank policies, transfer speeds, and currency conversion rates play a significant role in determining total costs. Careful consideration of these elements ensures that businesses can optimize their payment strategies while managing their international transactions effectively.

Ready to try a simpler, and more cost-effective alternative to SWIFT? Sign up with PayGlocal now to get started!

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as any advice or recommendation in any manner and is not reflective of any sponsorship of affiliation. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, it may not reflect the latest developments or interpretations. Users are advised to exercise their own discretion and judgment before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided.

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