Sending money across borders is supposed to be fast, simple, and stress-free—but sometimes international transfers can take longer than expected. Delays happen for various reasons, and understanding them can help you avoid unnecessary frustration.

In this article, we explore the top 5 reasons international money transfers get delayed and how you can prevent them.

1. Incorrect or Incomplete Recipient Details

One of the most common causes of delays is wrong or incomplete recipient information. Even a small mistake can stop or slow down a transfer.

Common errors include:

• Incorrect bank account number

• Misspelled recipient name

• Wrong mobile money number

• Incorrect country or currency

• Missing bank codes (such as SWIFT, IBAN, Routing Number)

When details don’t match, banks or payout partners must manually review the transaction—causing delays that could last hours or even days.

How to avoid this:
Double-check every detail before sending money. Confirm spelling, numbers, and formats carefully.

2. KYC or Compliance Checks Are Pending

Financial institutions must follow strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) procedures. If your account or transaction triggers a check, the transfer may be paused.

Reasons include:

• Newly created accounts

• Large transfers

• Unusual transaction patterns

• Missing KYC documents

• Suspicious activity alerts

• Recipient flagged for verification

These checks protect both customers and the financial system—but they can temporarily delay processing.

How to avoid this:
Complete your verification early and keep your account information updated.

3. Bank Holidays & Weekends in Sending or Receiving Countries

Banks in the UK and in many African or Asian countries do not process transactions during:

• National holidays

• Public holidays

• Weekends

• Special banking closures

Even if the remittance platform processes your transfer instantly, the recipient’s bank may only credit funds during working hours.

This is one of the most frequent causes of unexpected delays.

How to avoid this:
Plan transfers around holidays and avoid sending after banking hours if the destination requires bank-level processing.

4. Network or System Downtime

Digital payment systems rely on multiple partners and networks, including:

• Banks

• Mobile money operators

• FX partners

• Payment gateways

• Local settlement systems

If any of these experience downtime, maintenance, or technical issues, your transfer may take longer.

This can happen during:

• Heavy transaction volume

• System upgrades

• Network outages

• Connectivity problems

Reliable remittance companies often have backup routes, but delays may still occur.

How to avoid this:
Choose platforms with strong partnerships and real-time status updates.

5. Compliance Review Based on Transaction Red Flags

Sometimes a transfer is flagged for additional review if it triggers compliance rules.

Red flags include:

• Sending large amounts unexpectedly

• Frequent transfers to new recipients

• Transfers to high-risk regions

• Mismatched sender information

• Suspicious reference notes

When flagged, the transaction enters a manual review queue—which can take minutes or hours depending on volume.

This isn't a punishment; it's a legal requirement to prevent fraud and illegal activity.

How to avoid this:
Be consistent with your transaction behavior and provide accurate information when asked.

Bonus: Slow Receiving Banks or Mobile Money Providers

Even if your transfer is sent instantly, the receiving institution may process it slowly due to:

• Internal delays

• Verification checks

• End-of-day batching

• Manual approvals

• High volume

Digital remittance platforms often deliver instantly, but the final crediting depends on the destination partner.

Final Thoughts

International money transfers involve multiple systems, regulations, and institutions—so occasional delays are normal. The key is understanding why they happen and how you can reduce the chances.

To minimize delays:

✔ Double-check recipient details
✔ Complete your KYC verification
✔ Avoid sending during bank holidays
✔ Use a regulated, reliable platform
✔ Follow consistent transfer patterns
✔ Choose providers with strong payout networks

With a modern, FCA-regulated platform like M’Cube Global, most transfers are completed instantly or within minutes, thanks to advanced automation, secure systems, and direct partnerships with global payout providers.