Difference between Swift and wire transfer

The information provided here is part of Online export import business guide course.


Difference between Swift and wire transfer

This is a common question among traders about swift and wire transfer. What is the meaning of wire transfer, How does swift work? Whether swift and wire transfer are same?

difference between swift transfer and wire transfer Before differentiating Swift and wire transfer let us find out What is swift and what is wire transfer?
What is Swift ? How SWIFT works?

Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication is abbreviated as SWIFT. SWIFT extends service of network which enables banks and other financial organizations all over world to send and receive financial transaction information in a standardized, secured and reliable environment. SWIFT does not facilitate funds transfer; but SWIFT sends payment orders, which must be settled by correspondent accounts that the institutions have with each other. SWIFT CODES means bank identification codes allotted to each bank all over world. SWIFT has been introduced after popular TELEX system service which had been used before 1990s.


The service of Telex is too slow and had no standardized format for the data it transfers, added up to an inefficient system apart from its insecurity. In order to solve the demerits of Telex services seven major international banks gathered together to discuss a suitable replacement of telex in the year 1974. After three years, in 1977, a society was formed and 230 member banks from 5 countries started operation of SWIFT. SWIFT has now more than 10000 members worldwide (more than 200 countries) handles more than 15 million messages daily. Any financial institution who holds a banking license can become a member of SWIFT by paying a joining fee and service charge for each message sent.

What is wire transfer? How wire transfer works?Difference between ‘Swift ’ and ‘wire transfer’

Wire transfer is method of fund transfer by means of electronic from one individual or organization to another, either from one bank account to another or transfer of cash at a cash office. ‘ Western union money transfer’ is a good example for transfer of cash electronically who operates worldwide. In US, Fedwire system is more likely to be RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement).
Wire transfer services are in different categories like retail money transfer, International money transfer, international debit card etc.


In a retail money transfer (for example: western union), an individual or firm can transfer or receive money without having account with them.

International money transfers are effected with the help of SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) messages. A six digit Bank Identification Code (BIC) is assigned to each bank and transfer of fund is effected with the help of SWIFT messages.

Also read - How does Wire transfer work in international business?     What is swift transfer in import and export trade?

With an International Debit Card, money can be withdrawn at any where in world, the card holder need not have an account with the card issuing financial institution.

The above information is a part of Guide on howtoexport and import 

What is swift transfer in import and export trade.

Difference between Swift and wire transfer

Difference between Telegraphic Transfer and Swift

Terms used in freight forwarding such as Subrogation, Supply Chain Execution,Supply Chain,surety,Surcharge,SWIFT,TACT Rate

Other post about import export cauching

How does TT (Telegraphic Transfer) work?
Difference between Vessel arriving and Vessel berthing in export import trade
Difference between Purchase Order and Commercial Invoice
Difference between Demurrage and Detention in import
Is Seaway bill a document of title? What is Seaway bill.
What is the difference between BAF and CAF
Excise and Customs - Click here to read complete notification under Budget 2014
How to get Export Orders?
How to settle dispute in Exports and Imports?
Click here to know India Trade Classification(ITC)
Pre shipment bank finance to suppliers for exports through other agencies
Types of export containers
Measurement of export containers
Exim Policy of India 2015-20
MEIS, Merchandise Exports from India Scheme
SEIS, Service Exports from India Scheme


Comments


Praveen: What is difference b/w Commercial invoice, proforma invoice, provisional invoice Provisional Invoice: A provisional Invoice is raised to give the buyer first hand information about the tentative cost he would incur on purchase of the material. The provisional invoice gives the price structure and other fixed costs in addition to the price,and also provides for inclusion of additions on account of VAT, Excise,haullage etc and other contingent expenses at the time of supply. COMMERCIAL INVOICE: An invoice indicates what must be paid by the buyer according to the payment terms of the seller .A commercial invoice (in addition to other information), must identify the buyer and seller, and clearly indicate the (1) date and terms of sale, (2) quantity, weight and/or volume of the shipment, (3) type of packaging, (4) complete description of goods, (5) unit value and total value, and (6) insurance, shipping and other charges (as applicable). Proforma invoice is not a true invoice – it is simply a document that declares the seller’s commitment to provide the goods or services specified to the buyer at certain prices. Proforma invoices are not recorded as an accounts receivable by the seller nor are they recorded as an accounts payable by the buyer.

africa innocent: the difference between this two electronic transfer is clear and clean thanks for giving this difference. regards

sibotee: what is it that really happens when a transaction is made over the SWIFT step by step

amar: i have authorization code pc nmbr tin nmbr bic nmbr can i look up my transfer to see where it is

Discussion Forum

You can also share your thoughts about this article.
Any one can answer on question posted by Readers