Discover infinity
Posted on Oct 31, 2025
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Sending or receiving money across borders has become incredibly common. Freelancers getting paid by overseas clients, exporters selling goods internationally, remote workers earning from foreign companies—cross-border payments are just part of doing business now.
International wire transfers are still one of the most common ways people move money between countries. They're dependable and practically every bank handles them. But here's the reality: they're often slow, and they're almost never cheap. If you're in India waiting for money from abroad, you know the frustration all too well. Sitting around for days wondering when it'll arrive, getting hit with fees you didn't expect, and dealing with processes that leave you completely in the dark about where your money even is.
This guide breaks down what international wire transfers really are, how long they actually take, why delays happen so often, and how you can get your money faster with smarter alternatives that exist today.
What Are International Wire Transfers and Why Everyone Uses Them?
An international wire transfer is simply a way to send money electronically from your bank account to someone else's account in another country. The money moves through a network of banks using SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), which connects financial institutions around the world.
Here's why they're so common:
They work everywhere: Pretty much every bank on the planet handles wire transfers, so you don't need to worry about whether your recipient's bank will accept it. No special apps or accounts required—just regular banking.
They're secure: Banks check who's sending and who's receiving before moving the money. You get a paper trail, which matters when you're dealing with large amounts or need proof of payment.
Businesses need them: If you're a freelancer getting paid by a client in another country, or a company importing goods, wire transfers are often your go-to option. They're official, documented, and accepted for business purposes.
Currency conversion is built in: You can send dollars and your recipient gets euros, or any other combination. The banks handle the exchange as part of the process.
The downside? They're not exactly fast. While wire transfers are reliable and secure, they can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the banks involved, time zones, and which countries you're dealing with.
How Long Does an International Wire Transfer Take?
Most international wire transfers take between 1 to 5 business days, though the actual timeline depends on several factors: which countries are involved, the banks handling the transaction, the currencies being exchanged, time zone differences, and whether there are holidays in between.
If you're sending money to India, here's what you can typically expect from different countries:
Sending Country | Average Processing Time to India | Common Reasons for Delay |
United States | 2–4 business days | Time zone gap, multiple intermediary banks |
United Kingdom | 1–3 business days | Compliance checks, weekends |
Australia | 2–4 business days | FX conversion delays |
Singapore | 1–2 business days | Faster due to regional proximity |
UAE | 1–3 business days | Bank verification and cut-off times |
European Union | 2–5 business days | SWIFT intermediary routing |
Canada | 2–4 business days | Currency conversion and bank review time |
If you initiate a transfer late in the day, on a weekend, or before a holiday, expect delays. Banks also sometimes hold funds for compliance reviews, which can add extra time you weren't anticipating.
Why International Wire Transfers Can Be Slow and Pricey?
International wire transfers get the job done, but they come with real frustrations:
Your money takes detours: It doesn't travel straight from your bank to the recipient's account. Instead, it bounces through two or three intermediary banks along the way, and each stop adds processing time and another chance for something to slow down.
Hidden costs eat into your transfer: Sure, you see the upfront transfer fee. But banks also quietly bump up the exchange rate by 2–4% above the real market rate. Then each bank in the chain takes its own small cut. By the time your money arrives, the person receiving it gets noticeably less than what you originally sent.
Tracking is basically impossible: Unlike ordering something online where you can watch it move, you can't see where your money is during a wire transfer. It just vanishes into the banking system, and you're left refreshing your account hoping it shows up soon.
Compliance checks cause delays: Banks have to run anti-money laundering and identity verification checks on international transfers. These security measures are important, but they can randomly hold up your money for hours or even days with no warning or explanation.
Time zones don't align: Send money on a Tuesday afternoon from New York? It's already Wednesday morning in Mumbai. Since banking hours don't overlap, your transfer often just sits there idle, waiting for the next business day to begin on the other end of the world.
How to Receive International Payments Faster?
If you're regularly receiving payments from overseas clients, partners, or marketplaces, waiting several days for every transaction can seriously hurt your cash flow and make running your business harder than it needs to be.
Here's how you can speed things up:
Use platforms that send money directly without bouncing it through multiple banks along the way.
Choose providers that show you the real exchange rate upfront—not one loaded with hidden markups.
Look for systems that connect with your invoicing or accounting software so payments flow in seamlessly.
Get Paid Faster with InfinityApp
InfinityApp is built for Indian businesses and freelancers who deal with international payments. Instead of waiting days for traditional wire transfers to clear, you receive payments instantly through secure digital channels—with better rates and complete transparency about costs.
Why InfinityApp makes sense:
Real-time transfers: No more waiting days for your money to show up. Receive your international payment in 24 hours.
Multi-currency support: Handle USD, GBP, EUR, and 50+ major currencies easily with Infinity's multi-currency account.
No FX Margin: You see exactly what you're earning and how much you will receive with Infinity's currency converter.
Global client access: Share simple payment links and get paid via cards or bank transfers with Infinity's QuickLink.
Compliance-ready: Fully aligned with RBI and FEMA regulations so you're covered.
With InfinityApp, your payments don't get stuck in the traditional banking maze. You get faster access to your money, better exchange rates, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly where things stand with every transaction.
Conclusion
International wire transfers have been the standard way to move money across borders for years. They're reliable, but they're also slow and expensive. For Indian businesses, exporters, and freelancers, this creates real problems: your cash gets stuck waiting when you actually need it, and hidden fees quietly chip away at what you've earned.
Modern payment platforms like InfinityApp solve these issues. You eliminate the unnecessary delays, pay lower fees, and receive your money faster, all while staying fully compliant with regulations. The world moves quickly now. Your money should keep pace.
FAQs on International Wire Transfer
1. How long does an international wire transfer take to India?
Usually 1 to 5 business days, depending on the sender's country, how many banks are involved, and currency conversion requirements.
2. Why do international wire transfers get delayed?
Delays happen because of time zone differences, compliance and security checks, and the number of intermediary banks processing your transfer.
3. Are international wire transfers safe?
Yes, they're secure when you use verified banking channels or licensed financial institutions with proper regulatory oversight.
4. How can I track my international wire transfer?
Request a SWIFT tracking number (MT103) from the sender's bank to see where your transaction is in the process.
5. What's the best alternative to wire transfers for receiving money in India?
InfinityApp offers a faster, more transparent, and affordable way to receive international payments directly from clients worldwide.
