Understanding How International Payment Options Work

Whether for business or personal matters, when you need to send or receive money abroad, knowing which platforms to use is important. With options out there like wire and bank transfers, ACH debits, and the use of person to person applications, you can send money anywhere in the world within a few days. As convenient as these services are, however, most aren’t fully aware of where their money goes once they hit send. Here are a few details on how some of the most commonly used international payment methods work.

Wire Transfers

Wire transfers are electronic transfers of money from one person to another, typically using a bank or money transfer service platforms, such as Veem. It is one of the most commonly used methods of sending and receiving money from abroad. When you decide to send money to someone overseas, the money never physically leaves your account, nor does it happen instantly. The funds must first be verified and then sent to a foreign country’s financial processing system prior to being deposited into the sender’s account. While domestic transfers can happen the same day, international payments can take a day or two.

Money Transfer Services

For senders or receivers who prefer to complete wire transactions in person, there are money transfer services provided by companies like Western Union and MoneyGram. Using cash, credit, or debit, the sender must complete a form including information on where the wire transfer should be sent. There is generally a fee associated with the transfer. The wire transfer is processed and the sender can visit the designated location to retrieve the funds.

Automated Clearing House Transfers

Used when transferring money between bank accounts, Automated clearinghouse or ACH transfers are another option you can use. Keep in mind, however, with this option, the sender might have to wait several days for the funds to arrive as they have to first be cleared by the bank before being transferred to the sender’s account. There is, however, some form of protection with this method as payments can be reversed in limited circumstances. Still, paying by ACH can relieve the customer of the need to order and write checks, mail them, cross their fingers, and wait for delivery. They also avoid the stress of credit card debt by paying the funds directly from their bank account. If you are a business owner, you could also search for the best ach processing companies to learn how the big firms have implemented EFTs (electronic funds transfers) into their businesses and how you can do the same to make it easier for you to make recurring payments.

Mobile Apps and Person to Person Payment Tools

There are other payment options you can consider when trying to send money abroad. Online payment gateways like PayPal and other service providers will complete electronic transfers using funds from your connected checking, credit, or debit account. Though not considered a wire transfer, it is another way to electronically send money anywhere around the world. There are associated fees for each transaction, and speed will depend upon the method of payment used and where the money is being sent.

Whether you’re sending money to a friend or family member, trying to purchase something online from an international company, or fulfilling international orders, there are effective tools and resources that will allow you to expedite the process faster. Wire transfers and other electronic payment methods have made it possible for individuals to send money from virtually anywhere in a matter of seconds. When sending or receiving money abroad, be sure to review each option based on speed and fees to determine which platform is best suited for you.