Why Do International Bank Transfers Get Delayed?

International bank transfers can get delayed because of incorrect bank details, intermediary banks, compliance checks, weekends, holidays, or currency processing. While most delays are routine, they can be stressful when you're waiting to pay a supplier or receive an important business payment.

In this guide, we'll break down the most common causes of international bank transfer delays and show you how to avoid unnecessary payment problems.

How Long Does an International Bank Transfer Take?

Before looking at the reasons for delays, it helps to understand that international bank transfers are not always instant. Depending on the banks, countries, currencies, and payment networks involved, an international transfer can take anywhere from a few hours to several business days.

A domestic transfer may move directly between banks in the same country. An international transfer often has more steps because the payment may need to pass through intermediary banks and different financial systems. This is especially important for businesses using a global B2B marketplace, where payments may involve buyers, suppliers, and banks across different countries.

The processing time can also depend on:

The sending and receiving banks
The countries involved
The currency being transferred
SWIFT or other payment networks
Bank working hours and holidays
Compliance and security checks
The payment information provided

So, a delay does not automatically mean there is a problem with your payment.

Why Do International Bank Transfers Get Delayed?

There are several reasons an international bank transfer may take longer than expected. Some are related to banking procedures, while others happen because of incorrect information or additional security checks.

Here are some of the most common causes.

1. Incorrect Bank Details

One of the most common reasons for a delayed international payment is incorrect or incomplete bank information.

When sending money overseas, you may need details such as the recipient’s name, account number, IBAN, SWIFT/BIC code, bank address, and sometimes additional information. Even a small mistake can cause the payment to be rejected, returned, or held for manual review.

Before making an international transfer, double-check:

Recipient name
Account number
IBAN, where applicable
SWIFT/BIC code
Bank name and address
Payment reference
Currency and amount

Taking a few extra minutes to verify these details can prevent days of unnecessary delays. Also, before committing to a new supplier, it's equally important to evaluate supplier reliability, especially when a delayed payment could hold up production or shipment.

2. Intermediary Banks Add Extra Processing Time

International transfers sometimes pass through one or more intermediary banks before reaching the recipient’s bank.

Think of an intermediary bank as a middle point that helps move money between financial institutions that do not have a direct relationship.

Each additional bank can add another processing step. If one of these banks needs to review the payment, the transfer may take longer.

This is one reason two international transfers of similar amounts can have very different delivery times.

3. Bank Holidays and Weekends

Banks generally process international payments during business days. If you send money on a Friday evening, weekend, or public holiday, processing may not begin until the next business day.

The tricky part is that the sending country and receiving country may have different holidays.

For example, your bank may be open while the recipient’s bank is closed for a local public holiday. The payment may simply wait until the receiving bank resumes normal operations.

If your international payment seems delayed around a weekend or holiday, give the banks a little extra time before assuming something went wrong.

4. Compliance and Anti-Fraud Checks

Banks have strict rules designed to prevent fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. As a result, some international transfers are automatically reviewed before they are released.

A bank may check:

The sender and recipient
The payment amount
The countries involved
The purpose of the transaction
Previous transaction activity
Sanctions and compliance databases

These checks also protect buyers from fraud, especially when they are dealing with unknown suppliers. Before sending money, importers should understand how to avoid supplier scams when importing products.

5. Large or Unusual Transactions

A large payment may receive additional verification from the bank.

For example, imagine a small business normally sends $2,000 to overseas suppliers but suddenly sends $50,000. The bank may want to confirm that the transaction is legitimate before processing it.

This does not necessarily mean you have done anything wrong. It is often simply part of the bank’s risk-management process.

If you regularly make large international payments, keeping invoices, contracts, purchase orders, and supplier information available can help if the bank asks for supporting documents.

6. Currency Conversion Can Cause Delays

Currency conversion is another part of international payments that can affect processing time. If you send money in one currency and the recipient receives another, the transaction may involve currency conversion through the bank or payment network.

Exchange-rate processing, currency availability, and additional banking steps can sometimes add time to the transaction. For businesses making frequent international payments, it is important to understand not only the exchange rate but also the processing time and fees associated with currency conversion.

If you want to understand some of the challenges businesses face when making cross-border payments, especially around foreign exchange and banking fees, you can also read this guide on making international payments from Nigeria.

7. The Receiving Bank May Be Slow

Sometimes the sending bank has already completed its part of the transaction, but the receiving bank has not yet credited the money to the recipient’s account.

This can happen because the receiving bank needs to complete its own internal checks or processing procedures.

If the sender’s bank confirms that the payment has been sent successfully, contacting the recipient’s bank may help determine whether the money is waiting on the receiving side.

8. Missing or Incorrect Payment Information

International transfers often include a payment reference or purpose of payment. Some banks require specific information before they can release the funds. For business transactions, missing information about the invoice, supplier, or payment purpose may result in additional verification.

This is especially important when paying international suppliers. Always ask your supplier which payment details their bank requires before sending the money.

If you're new to international sourcing, it's also worth understanding how to find verified suppliers for international trade before sending payments to an overseas business.

Can a Bank Transfer Be Held for Review?

Yes, an international bank transfer can be held temporarily for review.

Banks may place a transaction on hold when something requires additional verification. This can include unusual payment activity, incomplete information, compliance concerns, or a mismatch between the transaction details and the recipient information.

If your payment is being reviewed, the bank may contact you and ask for additional documents or information. Try to respond quickly and provide accurate information. Delaying your response can extend the payment processing time even further.

This is also why supplier verification should happen before a transaction begins. Knowing exactly who you are paying makes the entire process easier to manage.

How Can You Avoid Delays in International Bank Transfers?

While you cannot control every part of the international banking system, you can reduce the chances of unnecessary delays.

Before sending an international payment, use this simple checklist:

Verify the recipient's full name.
Confirm the account number or IBAN.
Check the SWIFT/BIC code carefully.
Confirm the recipient bank's details.
Check the payment currency.
Confirm the exact amount.
Include the correct payment reference.
Ask whether supporting documents are required.
Check weekends and public holidays.
Keep your invoice or purchase agreement available.
Confirm the expected processing time with your bank.

For regular international business payments, creating a standard international payment checklist can save time and reduce mistakes. You can also learn more about how to pay international suppliers safely before choosing a payment method.

What Should You Do If an International Transfer Is Delayed?

If your international bank transfer has taken longer than the expected processing time, don't panic. Start by checking the transaction status with your bank.

Ask the bank:

Has the payment been processed?
Has the payment left the sending bank?
Is it being held for compliance review?
Has it reached an intermediary bank?
Has the recipient's bank received it?
Was the payment rejected or returned?
Is any additional information required?

Your bank may also provide a transaction reference or tracking information that can help locate the payment.

If the payment was sent to an overseas supplier, share the relevant payment reference with the supplier so they can check with their own bank as well.

Payment delays can become particularly frustrating when they affect an export order. For businesses trading with African markets, this guide on exporting to Africa and facing payment delays offers more insight into the problem.

International Bank Transfer vs. Other Payment Methods

Traditional bank transfers are widely used for international trade because they are familiar and accepted by businesses around the world. However, they are not always the fastest option.

Depending on your business and transaction, you may also consider other payment methods available in your market.

When choosing an international payment method, look beyond speed. Consider:

Transaction fees
Exchange rates
Security
Payment limits
Supplier requirements
Refund or dispute options
Availability in both countries
Transaction tracking

For international buyers, the best payment method is usually the one that offers a good balance between security, cost, reliability, and convenience.

How International Buyers Can Reduce Payment Problems

For buyers working with overseas suppliers, payment delays can affect the entire supply chain. A delayed payment may mean a supplier waits to begin production, release an order, or arrange shipment.

That is why payment planning should be part of your purchasing process, not something you think about only after placing an order.

Before making a payment, verify the supplier, confirm the order details, check the invoice, and make sure the bank information matches the supplier's verified details.

If you're sourcing from overseas, you can also follow a supplier verification checklist for international buyers to make sure important checks are completed before payment.

You should also keep records of your invoices, contracts, payment confirmations, and shipping documents. Good documentation makes it much easier to resolve problems if a payment is delayed or questioned.

Simplify International Trade Payments with Kingmansa

International trade payments involve more than simply finding a supplier and sending money. Buyers also need to manage supplier communication, transactions, logistics, and other steps that can make cross-border purchasing complicated.

Kingmansa is a global B2B marketplace designed to connect buyers and suppliers and make international trade easier. By bringing key parts of the B2B buying process together, Kingmansa helps businesses manage cross-border sourcing more efficiently.

If you are looking for suppliers, purchasing products internationally, or expanding your sourcing opportunities, Kingmansa can help make the process more organized and convenient. You can explore verified suppliers or connect with buyers depending on your business needs.

You can also learn more about how Kingmansa connects verified suppliers and buyers worldwide and how digital B2B infrastructure can make international trade more structured.

Final Thoughts

International bank transfer delays are frustrating, but simple things like bank checks, incorrect details, holidays, or intermediary banks often cause them.

The best way to avoid trouble? Double-check your payment details, keep your documents ready, and know your bank’s processing time. A little preparation can save you a lot of waiting.

So, before you hit Send, take one extra minute to check everything. Your future self will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my international bank transfer taking so long?

An international bank transfer may be delayed because of intermediary banks, incorrect bank details, compliance checks, weekends, holidays, currency conversion, or additional processing by the receiving bank.

2. How long does an international bank transfer take?

Most international bank transfers can take several business days, depending on the banks, countries, currencies, payment networks, compliance checks, and whether intermediary banks are involved.

3. Can an international bank transfer be delayed because of a bank holiday?

Yes. International bank transfers can take longer around weekends and public holidays because banks may not process payments during non-business days in either the sending or receiving country.

4. What information is needed for an international bank transfer?

Depending on the country and bank, you may need the recipient's name, account number, IBAN, SWIFT or BIC code, bank details, payment amount, currency, and transaction reference.

5. Why is my international payment under review?

Banks may review international payments for security, fraud prevention, anti-money-laundering, sanctions, or compliance reasons. Large or unusual transactions may receive additional verification before release.