Guide to international business payments for UK businesses

Key takeaways: International business payments cover everything from paying overseas suppliers to receiving money from clients abroad, and each route (SWIFT, SEPA or a third-party provider) comes with its own costs and timings. The advertised transfer fee rarely tells the full story - exchange rate margins and correspondent bank charges often make up the bigger part of the real cost. Sending money overseas can carry VAT and tax reporting implications, so it’s worth checking your position with an accountant if your set-up is complex.