Cut-off times, weekends and public holidays in several countries: how to plan a payment so it arrives when you need it.
An international payment crosses several calendars: your country’s, your provider’s, the intermediary banks’ and your beneficiary’s. Planning around them is the simplest way to avoid a payment arriving late.
Business days, not calendar days
Payment times are counted in business days, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in the countries concerned. A payment prepared late on a Friday will usually not move before the following week.
Market hours matter for your rate
At Volta, the rate shown is guaranteed during market hours, on business days from 9:00 to 18:00 London time. Outside these hours it is indicative and confirmed before you transfer. Preparing your quote during market hours gives you a firm rate straight away.
Build in a margin
Once your funds are received, payments are usually sent within 48 hours and, as a rule, within 72 business hours, subject to compliance checks, public holidays and intermediary banks. If your supplier needs the funds by a given date, work backwards and add a margin.
Watch the holidays on both sides
Religious and national holidays differ between your country, Europe, China, the Gulf and North America. Check them when a deadline is close, especially at the end of the year.
Keep funds ready for urgent payments
Funds credited to your Volta balance, for example after an excess transfer, stay available for your next payments and can be used without waiting for a new transfer to arrive.