Top International Payment Methods: Pros & Cons

There is a growing need for reliable international payment methods for businesses and individuals making online transactions.

According to Statista, the global share of goods sold in cross-border ecommerce trade grew from 16% in 2016 to 22% in 2022.

Whilst there are many cross-border payment systems and financial institutions to choose from, not all of them measure up to the same reliability, safety, convenience, and affordability standards.

Finding the best option to send money internationally can be a daunting task. Here are some international money transfer methods and their pros and cons to help narrow down your choice.

1. International wire transfer

International wire transfers are executed by banks via the SWIFT network (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication). The bank transfers funds from your account or credit card to bank accounts in another country. These transfers typically take up to five days to complete.

Some banks provide the option of direct debit payments. This method is often used when setting up automatic recurring payments, such as paying an overseas mortgage.

To complete the transfer, you will need the following information:

• The recipient’s full name.
• Recipient’s account number or IBAN (International Bank Account Number).
• Recipient banks’ NCC (National Clearing Code) when sending accounts that don’t have an IBAN.
• Recipient’s bank routing number (if sending to an American bank).
• Recipient bank’s SWIFT or BIC code (Bank Identifier Code) - the unique identifier that ensures the money doesn’t go to the wrong bank.
• Reason for the transfer.

Message to beneficiary or reference (optional).

2. Card payments

With a prepaid debit card, your funds are taken out of your bank account and then transferred using the card network to the recipient's debit card account.

For credit cards, the transaction works in a similar way to a purchase. The credit card provider funds the transfer, which you then have to pay back.

Debit cards are more cost-effective than credit cards. However, credit cards can offer the benefit of a reward scheme and can help you build your credit score.

3. Mobile money apps

If you have a mobile money wallet, you can use it to send and receive money safely, even if you don’t have a bank account or cards.

The money is transferred to a secure electronic account that is linked to your mobile phone number, which you’ll easily be able to access via an app.

You can make payments from anywhere, at any time, with just a few clicks. Most phone apps are easy to use and provide messaging trails that make it easy to track transactions.

4. Online money transfer services and foreign exchange specialists

Money transfer services and foreign exchange specialists allow you to exchange currencies and transfer money internationally. Transactions typically take place via an online platform or app.

Many money transfer companies offer “do it yourself” services where you can process the currency transfer for yourself online. Some have dedicated currency specialists available to answer your questions and provide expert guidance. Others, like Clear Currency, offer both. Here are some of the benefits to using an international payments specialist:

You avoid mistakes

Foreign exchange transfers can be complex, and if you don’t have the guidance you need, you can make costly mistakes. Recalling funds from overseas can be a long, challenging and expensive process, so getting help from the outset is advisable, to ensure you get it right first time.

They can help you find the best exchange rates

Exchange rates move by the second. It helps if you have a dedicated currency specialist who is familiar with the market trends to help you achieve the most favourable rate of exchange and lower your risks.

Choose Clear Currency for your international money transfers

Of all the methods discussed in this article, using online money transfer services or foreign currency specialists provides the most benefits when transferring money internationally. Online platforms are fast, convenient and budget-friendly.

That’s where Clear Currency comes in. We are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), whose primary aim is to ensure financial markets work honestly, fairly and effectively for individuals, businesses and the economy as a whole.

Whether you're a company or an individual, sign up for an account with us today for fast, cost-effective and secure international transfers.