Instructions for SWIFT money transfer in India www.deekpay.com
Things to know about SWIFT money transfers in IndiaWhat to know about SWIFT money transfers in India

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. established in 1973, SWIFT has become a pillar of the global financial infrastructure, providing a platform forCross-border paymentsand communications provide a reliable and efficient platform.
What is SWIFT remittance?
SWIFT SWIFT is an integrated communications system between member banks for sending money around the world. Many banks are members of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, or SWIFT, so it is used to send money overseas. FromIndiaThe SWIFT code and bank account number are required for international transfers.
The SWIFT system provides each bank with a unique code for identification purposes. As a result, when a user transfers money to a foreign account, it will first go through the SWIFT codeIdentify the bank to which the transfer is to be made, and then identify it by account number. swift has over 10,800 financial institutions, corporates, foreign exchange payments and trade finance members.
Most global wire transfers are done through SWIFT. Here are the main points on how to transfer money using Indian banks and SWIFT codes.
What is SWIFT?
Financial institutions use SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) to securely transmit information and instructions through standardised codes. established in 1973 and headquartered in Belgium, SWIFT has grown to become the backbone of international finance, facilitating cross-border transactions between banks, securities firms and corporations. swift remittances are often associated with the ease and security they provide for international transactions.
How can I transfer money using SWIFT codes?
When users want to send money overseas to India, they need to provide some key information. Below are the key details required:
Beneficiary name and details Beneficiary's bank SWIFT code Beneficiary's account number Amount to be sentRecommended Reading:SWIFT Code
SWIFT remittance fees and charges
SWIFT fees in India can vary depending on a number of factors, including the amount transferred, the bank involved and the currency exchange rate. Typically, fees are paid by the sender, the recipient or both, depending on the agreement between the parties. Factors that affect the amount of the fee include:
Correspondent Banks: If intermediary banks are involved, additional fees may apply. Exchange rates: Currency conversion fees may apply if the transfer involves different currencies. Bank policies: Different banks have different fee structures for SWIFT transfers.Below are the SWIFT transfer fees of popular Indian banks when users send money to the US:
Bank SWIFT transfer chargesHDFC Bank₹500ICICI Bank₹750SBI₹11.25Axis Bank₹500Kotak Bank₹500SWIFT transfers with HDFC RemitNow
Let us see an example of sending money overseas using RemitNow, the money transfer system of HDFC. If the user is an HDFC account holder, he can use RemitNow to send money overseas from India.
Firstly, according toReserve Bank of IndiaIn order to send money overseas, one of the following 13 conditions must be met:
business travel Personal Travel Education Medical Pilgrimage Travel Overseas Employment Overseas Immigration GRE / GMAT / TOEFL Test Fees Next of kin maintenance (relatives as defined under the Companies Act, 2013) Remittance to overseas own account Indian Overseas Portfolio Investment - Equities Indian Overseas Portfolio Investment - Debt Instruments Personal Gift RemittanceThe minimum amount that can be sent using the RemitNow transaction is equivalent to US$100 and the maximum amount is equivalent to US$25,000.
Once all the requirements have been met, it's time to collate the payee's details, including their bank's SWIFT code.
Next, follow the steps below to add beneficiaries to the system:
Login to HDFC Online Banking through app or website Click on the "Funds Transfer" tab Click on "Requests" Select "Add Beneficiary" Fill in the beneficiary's personal and account details, including the SWIFT code. Click on "Confirm" Enter the OTP sent to your mobile phone for verificationAfter validating the OTP, HDFC takes 30 minutes to register the beneficiary in its system. Hence, after 30 minutes, the next part of the transfer can start:
Re-login to HDFC Internet Banking Click on "Funds Transfer" tab Click on "Send money abroad" Fill in the remaining details Click "Confirm"To ensure that the transfer goes smoothly, please ensure that PAN Stay current with your account.
Recommended Reading:What is an Indian PAN card?
How long does it take to transfer funds via SWIFT?
In most cases, SWIFT transfers take 2-5 business days. The length of time depends on the source and destination of the funds. If there are any errors in the transfer details, your transfer may be cancelled.
How does SWIFT work?
SWIFT acts as a messaging intermediary to ensure the secure and efficient transmission of financial messages between its member institutions. The process works as follows:
Message creation: When a bank or financial institution needs to transfer or send information to another institution, it creates a SWIFT message. This message contains the necessary details, such as the amount to be transferred, the currency and the recipient's account information.The SWIFT remittance process begins at this step. Message format: SWIFT messages follow a standardised format to ensure consistency and reduce the risk of errors. The most common message types are: MT103: Used for single customer credit transfers. It is the most commonly used message for SWIFT remittances. MT202: Used for financial institution transfers. MT940: Used for end-of-day balances and transaction reports. Transmission: Formatted messages are transmitted to the recipient organisation via SWIFT's secure network. This network uses codes and protocols to deliver messages quickly and securely, ensuring a seamless SWIFT remittance experience. Validation and settlement: Upon receipt of a SWIFT message, the recipient organisation validates the details and proceeds with the transaction. The actual movement of funds, known as settlement, takes place through a correspondent banking relationship or central bank account. Beneficiary information: Accurate beneficiary information, including the recipient's bank details and account number, is essential for the successful completion of the transfer. Any discrepancies may cause delays or failures in the SWIFT remittance process.The importance of SWIFT for India
SWIFT plays an important role in the Indian economy by enabling seamless international trade and financial transactions. Some of the key points highlighting its importance are given below:
Facilitating trade: India is a key player in global trade, importing and exporting goods and services. swift ensures that payments associated with these trade activities are processed efficiently, thereby supporting the country's economic growth. Using the SWIFT remittance system greatly simplifies these processes. Foreign investment: SWIFT facilitates the smooth flow of foreign investment into India by providing investors with a secure platform to transfer funds. This contributes to the growth of various industries and the economy as a whole. swift remittance services make it easier for foreign investors to access the Indian market. Remittances: India is one of the largest recipients of remittances, with millions of Indians working abroad sending money home. swift facilitates these transactions and ensures that families receive their money in a timely and secure manner. the reliability of swift's remittance services is critical to these remittance flows.SWIFT's advantages for Indian businesses and individuals
SWIFT offers numerous benefits to businesses and individuals in India:
Security: SWIFT's robust security measures, including encryption and authentication protocols, protect against fraud and cyber threats and ensure the safety of financial transactions. This makes SWIFT remittances a reliable option for secure international payments. Efficiency: Standardised formats and fast messaging reduce delays and errors, making international transactions more efficient. Businesses and individuals alike benefit from the efficient SWIFT remittance process. Global reach: with a network covering more than 200 countries and territories, SWIFT enables Indian companies to connect with partners and customers across the globe and expand their market reach. the SWIFT remittance service facilitates these global connections. Cost-effective: by simplifying the process of sending money internationally, SWIFT reduces the costs associated with cross-border transactions, benefiting both businesses and individuals. the affordability of SWIFT's remittance services is a distinct advantage. Transparency: SWIFT messages contain detailed information on each transaction, providing transparency and enabling better payment tracking and reconciliation. the clarity provided by the SWIFT remittance system helps to maintain accurate financial records.SWIFT's challenges and future
While SWIFT is a cornerstone of global finance, it faces a number of challenges and opportunities for future development:
Competition: Emerging financial technologies and alternative payment systems such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies threaten SWIFT's dominance. These technologies offer faster and cheaper alternatives for cross-border transactions and may affect the use of SWIFT's remittance services. Regulatory compliance: SWIFT must continually adapt to changing regulatory requirements in different countries and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) laws. Maintaining compliance is essential for continued trust in the SWIFT remittance process. Cybersecurity: as cyber threats become more sophisticated, SWIFT must strengthen its security measures to prevent potential attacks and ensure the integrity of its network. the security of SWIFT's remittance services remains a top priority. Innovation: To remain relevant, SWIFT is investing in innovation, including the development of SWIFT GPI (Global Payments Innovation), which aims to deliver faster, more transparent and traceable payments. The future of SWIFT's remittance services depends on such innovations.SWIFT Alternative Programme
In the rapidly evolving world of financial technology, several SWIFT alternatives have emerged with different advantages:
Blockchain-based solutions: Platforms such as Ripple use blockchain technology to enable instant, secure cross-border payments at lower fees. Unlike traditional SWIFT remittances, blockchain transactions are decentralised, reducing the need for intermediaries. SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area): This system simplifies bank transfers within the Eurozone, allowing for faster and cheaper transactions than traditional SWIFT remittances. Digital wallets: these platforms offer individual users and small businesses an alternative to international remittances, often with lower fees and faster processing times than SWIFT remittances.concluding remarks
In conclusion, SWIFT remittances are an integral part of the global financial system, enabling secure, efficient and transparent international transactions. Its role in facilitating trade, supporting foreign investment and ensuring the smooth flow of remittances underscores its importance to the Indian economy. Despite the challenges posed by emerging technologies and regulatory changes, SWIFT continues to innovate and adapt to ensure its relevance in the future of global finance, and the reliability and efficiency of SWIFT remittance services make them an indispensable part of the modern financial landscape.
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