Understanding International Payments
You can send money abroad to over 35 countries by using SWIFT (GBP, EUR or USD, 2-5 business days, 25 GBP/USD or 20 EUR) or SEPA (in EUR, within 1-2 days, for 0,2 GBP) systems.
Sending money abroad requires more precision than a standard UK transfer because the process involves cross-border banking networks and currency conversion. When you send funds internationally through Metro Bank, you need specific information, such as the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and the BIC (Bank Identifier Code) or SWIFT code for their bank.
These details are essential for ensuring your money arrives in the correct account without getting stuck in intermediate banking systems. Taking the time to gather these identifiers before you log into your account helps the payment move through the network with fewer complications and minimizes the risk of the funds being returned.
Key Transfer Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Methods | Online banking or in-branch |
| Processing Time | Typically 1 to 4 working days, depending on the destination |
| Eligibility | Personal current account holders |
| Key Requirements | Recipient’s full name, IBAN, and BIC/SWIFT code |
Step-by-Step Guide to International Transfers
First, obtain the necessary payment details from your recipient. You must have their full name as it appears on their bank account, their IBAN, and their bank's SWIFT or BIC code. Without these, the bank's system cannot verify the destination, and your payment request will likely be rejected.
Log into your Metro Bank online banking portal using your secure credentials. Navigate to the "Payments" or "Transfers" section and select "International Payment." The system will ask you to enter the recipient's details. Check every digit of the IBAN and SWIFT code carefully, as mistakes here can cause significant delays in the funds reaching the recipient.
Enter the amount you wish to send. The system will then display the exchange rate, any applicable fees, and the total amount in the destination currency. Review this information thoroughly before proceeding.
Confirm the payment by following the on-screen security prompts, which may include verifying the request via a mobile notification or a code sent to your registered device. Once confirmed, you will receive a reference number to track the status of your transfer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
MFA or Login Issues
Cause: You cannot authorize the transfer because the security code is failing to reach your device, often due to poor network coverage or an outdated mobile number on your file.
Fix: Move to an area with a stronger signal or connect to a secure Wi-Fi network to prompt the code delivery.
Fallback Action: Telephone the bank’s support team to verify your identity verbally and proceed with the transfer via their secure internal systems.
Browser or App Errors
Cause: The payment page may time out or freeze if your browser has stored conflicting temporary data or if the connection is interrupted mid-transfer.
Fix: Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then restart the session from the beginning.
Fallback Action: If the error persists, use a different browser or call the customer service line to process the payment over the phone.
Locked Account or Access Issues
Cause: Multiple failed attempts to enter the recipient's bank details or your own password trigger an automatic security lock to prevent unauthorized changes.
Fix: Use the "Forgotten login details" link on the login screen to safely reset your access credentials.
Fallback Action: Visit a local Metro Bank branch with a valid photographic ID; staff can manually verify your identity and help restore your account access.
Pro-Tip: Before confirming your payment, check the exchange rate offered. International transfers often involve a currency conversion margin. If you are sending a large sum, compare the total cost—including the transfer fee and the exchange rate—with a specialist currency exchange service to ensure you are getting the best value for your transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my international payment rejected?
International transfers often fail due to mismatched details. If the name you provided does not match the bank account holder's legal name exactly, or if the IBAN/SWIFT code is incorrect for the bank branch, the receiving bank’s system will automatically reject the incoming funds to prevent potential money laundering. The money is then returned to your account, though this can take several days. Double-check all details with your recipient and ensure the beneficiary name is accurate before attempting to send the payment again.
How long will it take for my money to arrive?
While domestic payments arrive within hours, international transfers must pass through various clearing networks, which adds time to the process. Payments to countries within the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) zone typically arrive faster, whereas transfers to countries outside this zone can take up to four working days. If the transfer crosses a weekend or a public holiday in either the UK or the destination country, the processing time extends. Monitor your online banking portal; if the status shows as "completed," the funds have left Metro Bank and are currently with the correspondent bank network.
Will I be charged extra fees by the receiving bank?
The total cost of your transfer may include fees beyond those charged by Metro Bank. Intermediary banks that handle your money along the journey can deduct their own service charges from the amount sent. When you set up the payment, check if you have the option to choose who pays the charges (you, the recipient, or shared). If you select "OUR" (you pay all charges), it ensures the recipient receives the full amount, but this often comes with a higher upfront fee. If the recipient receives less than expected, contact your bank to ask if an intermediary charge was applied.
