The ultimate guide to paying overseas suppliers

In today’s hyperconnected world, it’s easy to find, secure, and do business with international merchants and suppliers. Business is practically instant, and Google Translate can facilitate your communication; the only things slowing you down are different timezones, and how you go about paying your international suppliers.

One thing that will never change is that businesses of all sizes want a quick, reliable, cost-effective and secure method to make overseas payments. One delayed payment, or a couple of unexpected fees, and your relationship with a supplier can get derailed.

Choosing the right international payment method can make all the difference in streamlining your international business relationships, so it’s crucial that you understand what’s involved with each one.

Bank transfer

One simple way to pay overseas suppliers is via bank transfer. All you need to know is their bank details, the transaction itself is run through the SWIFT network.

However, international bank transfers require a great deal of your time—and an even greater deal of trust. There is very little protection for merchants or suppliers, and no recourse from your bank in the chance your transaction goes wrong. On top of limited security, international bank transfers are typically slow, taking up to five business days or longer to be completed. 

You also face high fees on your transaction, ranging from $6 up to $30 or more. That’s per transaction. In some cases, you’re even charged fees to amend, cancel, or investigate any issues with your transfer. This is on top of the FX rate banks give, which can be 4-5% less the interbank FX rate (the rate you typically find on Google). So if you’re after a cheap, secure way to send money internationally, a bank transfer through one of the big banks may not be the best way to pay overseas suppliers.

PayPal or credit card

Using your credit card or PayPal to pay overseas suppliers is a reasonably simple, straightforward method that works adequately for smaller payments. The benefits of PayPal include a good dispute resolution process, secure technology, and protection against fraud. However, PayPal charges both a percentage fee and a flat dollar fee per payment, which scales up based on the amount of money you’re sending.

Also, when paying via PayPal you run the risk of account holds, declined payments (based on their perceived level of risk), laborious payment times, and the risk that your transaction may even be cancelled.

While your credit card can be a suitable method for instant payment, you will be charged a high foreign transaction fee (typically 3%) on each payment.

Peer-to-peer currency transfers

Peer-to-peer transfers are picking up speed as personal payment platforms, but how do they measure up when paying overseas suppliers?

The benefit of these types of platforms is that they provide quick payments, and charge less fees than the banks. But while they may be quicker than other methods, peer-to-peer transfers generally aren’t the safest way to pay overseas suppliers. These platforms don’t have security in place to protect their users, and their exchange rates typically aren’t as competitive as other methods.

They are also quite slow in their processes, and it can take days for payments to clear.

Airwallex

If you are making international payments and want a cost-effective, fast and secure way to send money, why not consider Airwallex? We believe Airwallex is the best way to pay overseas suppliers. It’s not just because we’re biased—it’s true. 

Some of the advantages of using Airwallex are:

• Our lightning-fast payment system means you can pay international suppliers practically instantaneously. No waiting around for money to clear, no delays. 

• We offer you access to the interbank FX rate with a very small and transparent margin on top. This means we are up to 90% cheaper than the big banks. Best of all, the margin is the same regardless of the amount you are paying - so no need to call up to negotiate the best rates.

• We also offer card payment options with zero international transaction fees. If you need to make a card payment, instantly spin up a virtual card to pay a supplier online. 

• Lastly, we have no monthly fees and our business account can be set up all online.

With access to over 130 countries in 20+ currencies, Airwallex is the safest and most cost-effective way to pay your overseas suppliers, too. We are PCI compliant so your data and funds remain protected at every step of your transfer and our security systems maintain the highest international standards.

The best way to pay overseas suppliers is with Airwallex

For complete certainty, absolute speed, and the best exchange rates around, Airwallex is the safest way to pay your overseas suppliers.

It’s easy to set up, easy to get started, and you gain direct access to our expert support team to help you get the most out of your new payment system.

Get in touch with us to experience first-hand how Airwallex can streamline your international payments.

Related article: 6 surprising reasons why your bank transfer is delayed

Our products and services in Australia are provided by Airwallex Pty Ltd ABN 37 609 653 312 who holds AFSL 487221. Any information provided is for general information purposes only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information in light of your own objectives, financial situation or needs. Please read and consider the Product Disclosure Statement available on our website before using our service.