Non resident international transfers

Multi-currency international bank transfers for Non UK residents

The days of 'the cheque is in the post' are long gone. You can now make a bank transfer at the click of a mouse as international banking makes full use of the speed and efficiency of electronic payment systems.

With our online international banking, it's easy to make transfers in a variety of different currencies, up to a maximum of £50,000 (or currency equivalent). And by choosing to make your international payments online, rather than by letter, fax or face-to-face, you will get to enjoy discounted tariffs.

The internet is the fastest medium for international bank transfers, but it is not the only way to move money. At Barclays, we offer a range of other methods for money transfer:

• By fax
• Over the telephone
• By using the services of a personal banker or Relationship Manager
• Or of course, you could still send a cheque by post.

Governments have also introduced measures to increase the speed and efficiency of international bank transfers, while keeping a wary eye on security matters and legal concerns, of course.

In Europe, for instance, a Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) has been set up. A SEPA credit transfer (SCT) is a low-cost means of money transfer. It is a pan-European system for sending euro payments across borders. It includes the 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

This service is for euro transfers only, and for our clients is restricted to clients with accounts held in London (Knightsbridge), Gibraltar, Switzerland and Cyprus.

Apply for a Barclays international bank account before you move to the UK.

Sending and receiving Euros

Particular care has to be taken when making international bank transfers of euros in a European Union (EU) member state or Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland.

Make sure you obtain the IBAN and SWIFTBIC numbers of the person or organisation to whom you are sending euros. IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. SWIFTBIC stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication Bank Identifier Code.

Using anything other than these two numbers means the bank receiving the payment may reject it and we will impose an additional £7 international bank transfer fee on the transaction.

If you are receiving euros, remember to provide the sender with your IBAN and SWIFTBIC numbers, which can be found on the top right hand side of your statements.

Online international transfer

Our online international banking makes it easy to transfer up to a maximum of £50,000 (or currency equivalent) in different currencies, across time zones.

International bank transfer fees

Like most transactions, international bank transfers have costs. However, following the correct procedure can cut out unnecessary transfer fees.

A point to consider at the start of any international bank transfer is to establish who is paying which charges for the operation.

If, for example, someone is making an international bank money transfer to you, and does not pay all applicable costs, then some of the costs will be borne by your account. Similarly, if you are making an international transfer you should establish which costs your account is bearing and which are to be borne by the receiver.

International bank transfer security

Security of your financial transactions and information is a top priority throughout the Barclays Group, whatever means you use to bank with us. As you will be aware, the internet is a major focus for fraudulent activity. We use the latest technology to ensure that our online international transfer service is within a secure environment.

For instance, you have the facility to send us secure emails from our website and so are covered by enhanced security.

Please contact us for more details.

Apply for a Barclays international bank account before you move to the UK.