Speed matters: US-to-Europe transfer times in 2025 – local rails with Airwallex vs OFX's 1-2 day window

Finance teams often assume all international payment providers settle in "about two days." That assumption can cost you deals, strain supplier relationships, and create cash flow gaps when urgent payments hit unexpected delays.

The reality? Transfer speeds vary dramatically between providers and payment methods. While OFX advertises 1-2 business days for most transfers, customer experiences tell a different story – with some Trustpilot reviews highlighting delays stretching into weeks. (OFX is rated "Excellent" with 4.4 / 5 on Trustpilot)

Meanwhile, modern financial platforms like Airwallex leverage local payment rails to deliver transfers in 0-3 business days, with same-day options available for certain corridors. (Airwallex offers multi-currency accounts to receive funds, high-speed international transfers)

This guide breaks down the real transfer times between US and European markets, compares Airwallex's local rail approach against OFX's traditional methods, and provides a decision framework for choosing the right payment method based on urgency, cost, and reliability requirements.

The transfer speed landscape: promises vs reality

When evaluating international payment providers, advertised transfer times often paint an incomplete picture. Most providers quote "typical" timeframes that don't account for compliance delays, correspondent banking relationships, or weekend processing gaps.

OFX's transfer timeline reality

OFX markets itself as delivering transfers within 1-2 business days for major currency corridors. (OFX vs Airwallex: compare on fees, features, and benefits) However, customer experiences reveal significant variance in actual delivery times.

Trustpilot reviews show mixed experiences across different regions. While OFX Australia maintains a 4.6/5 rating, (OFX - Australia is rated "Excellent" with 4.6 / 5 on Trustpilot) the UK operation shows more concerning patterns with a 3.4/5 average rating. (OFX - United Kingdom is rated "Average" with 3.4 / 5 on Trustpilot)

Several factors contribute to OFX's transfer time variability:

SWIFT dependency: OFX relies heavily on the SWIFT network for international transfers, which can introduce delays due to correspondent banking relationships and compliance checks. (SWIFT alternatives for businesses)

Weekend processing gaps: Traditional banking infrastructure doesn't process transfers over weekends, extending delivery times for Friday submissions.

Compliance screening: Enhanced due diligence requirements can add 1-3 additional business days for certain transactions or destinations.

Airwallex's local rail advantage

Airwallex takes a fundamentally different approach by leveraging local payment rails wherever possible. This infrastructure advantage translates into more predictable and faster transfer times. (What are payment rails? How they work and the types of payment rails)

For US-to-Europe transfers, Airwallex can utilize:

SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area): Direct access to European local clearing systems enables same-day or next-day delivery to 36 European countries.

Local banking partnerships: Established relationships with local banks in key markets reduce intermediary delays and correspondent banking fees.

Real-time processing: Modern infrastructure processes transfers 24/7, eliminating weekend delays that plague traditional providers.

Breaking down US-to-Europe transfer corridors

Transfer speeds vary significantly depending on the specific currency pair and destination country. Here's how Airwallex and OFX compare across major US-to-Europe corridors:

Same-day transfer options

Airwallex offers same-day transfer capabilities for urgent payments, particularly within the SEPA zone. (International business transfers to USA - Airwallex) This feature proves invaluable for:

• Last-minute supplier payments

• Payroll emergencies

• Time-sensitive business opportunities

• Contract deadline requirements

OFX doesn't currently offer guaranteed same-day delivery options, relying instead on standard SWIFT processing timelines.

The hidden costs of transfer delays

Beyond the obvious inconvenience, slow international transfers create measurable business costs that finance teams often underestimate.

Supplier relationship strain

Late payments damage supplier relationships and can result in:

• Loss of early payment discounts (typically 2-3% of invoice value)

• Strained credit terms for future orders

• Priority shipping delays during peak seasons

• Potential supplier switching costs

Cash flow management complexity

Unpredictable transfer times complicate cash flow forecasting, leading to:

• Larger cash buffers to account for timing uncertainty

• Missed investment opportunities due to idle cash

• Higher borrowing costs when transfers arrive later than expected

• Increased treasury management overhead

Operational inefficiency

Finance teams spend significant time managing transfer uncertainty:

• Daily status checks with payment providers

• Supplier communication about payment delays

• Manual tracking across multiple platforms

• Exception handling for delayed transfers

Payment rail technology: the infrastructure difference

Understanding the underlying payment infrastructure helps explain why transfer speeds vary so dramatically between providers.

Traditional SWIFT limitations

The SWIFT network, while ubiquitous, operates on decades-old infrastructure with inherent limitations. (What are SWIFT and BIC codes? How do they work?)

Batch processing: SWIFT processes transactions in batches rather than real-time, creating natural delays.

Correspondent banking: Multiple intermediary banks can add 4-8 hours per hop, with each institution applying its own compliance screening.

Limited operating hours: Most SWIFT processing occurs during business hours in the relevant time zones, creating gaps over weekends and holidays.

Manual intervention: Complex transactions often require human review, adding unpredictable delays.

Modern local rail advantages

Local payment rails offer significant speed and reliability improvements:

Real-time processing: Systems like SEPA Instant Credit Transfer process payments in seconds, not hours.

Direct clearing: Elimination of correspondent banks reduces both delays and fees.

24/7 availability: Modern rails operate continuously, processing transfers even during traditional banking holidays.

Automated compliance: Built-in screening reduces manual review requirements while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Decision framework: choosing the right transfer method

Selecting between Airwallex's local rail approach and OFX's traditional methods requires evaluating multiple factors beyond just speed.

When to prioritize Airwallex local rails

High-frequency transfers: Businesses making daily or weekly international payments benefit most from consistent, fast delivery times.

Time-sensitive payments: Supplier payments, payroll, or contract deadlines where delays create measurable business costs.

Cash flow optimization: Companies operating with tight cash management where predictable transfer times enable better working capital utilization.

Multi-currency operations: Businesses maintaining local currency accounts in multiple markets can leverage Airwallex's global account infrastructure. (How long do international bank transfers take)

When SWIFT still makes sense

Infrequent transfers: Occasional international payments where speed isn't critical and cost optimization takes priority.

Exotic currency pairs: Destinations where local rail infrastructure isn't available or mature.

Large value transfers: Transactions exceeding local rail limits (typically €100,000 for SEPA) that require SWIFT processing.

Regulatory requirements: Specific compliance or reporting requirements that mandate traditional banking channels.

Cost-speed optimization matrix

Implementing transfer time visibility

Regardless of which provider you choose, implementing proper transfer tracking and communication systems reduces operational overhead and improves stakeholder satisfaction.

Payment UI considerations

Modern finance teams need real-time visibility into transfer status. Key features to implement:

Estimated delivery times: Display expected arrival dates based on destination, amount, and current processing queues.

Status tracking: Real-time updates as transfers progress through different processing stages.

Exception alerts: Automated notifications when transfers exceed expected timeframes or encounter compliance holds.

Historical analytics: Track actual vs. expected delivery times to identify patterns and optimize future transfers.

Stakeholder communication

Proactive communication prevents most transfer-related friction:

Supplier portals: Self-service interfaces where vendors can check payment status without contacting finance teams.

Automated notifications: Email or SMS updates at key transfer milestones (initiated, processing, completed).

Exception handling: Clear escalation procedures when transfers encounter delays or compliance issues.

The 2025 competitive landscape

The international payments market continues evolving rapidly, with traditional providers like OFX facing pressure from modern platforms offering superior speed and transparency.

Technology adoption trends

Financial institutions are investing heavily in payment rail modernization:

API-first architecture: Modern providers offer programmatic access for automated payment processing and reconciliation.

Real-time FX: Live exchange rate updates enable more accurate cost forecasting and timing optimization.

Compliance automation: AI-powered screening reduces manual review delays while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Multi-rail routing: Intelligent systems automatically select the fastest available payment method for each transaction.

Regulatory developments

European payment regulations continue favoring faster, more transparent cross-border transfers:

PSD2 implementation: Enhanced payment service provider requirements improve consumer protection and service standards.

SEPA expansion: Ongoing efforts to include more European countries in instant payment schemes.

Cross-border regulation: EU initiatives to standardize international payment processing and reduce friction.

Making the switch: migration considerations

Transitioning from OFX to Airwallex (or vice versa) requires careful planning to avoid disrupting ongoing payment operations.

Technical integration requirements

Modern payment platforms offer various integration options:

API connectivity: Direct system integration for automated payment processing and status updates. (How international wire transfers work)

File-based processing: Batch upload capabilities for high-volume payment processing.

Manual interfaces: Web-based portals for ad-hoc transfers and payment management.

ERP integration: Direct connectivity with accounting systems for automated reconciliation.

Change management best practices

Parallel processing: Run both systems simultaneously during transition periods to ensure continuity.

Staff training: Comprehensive education on new platform features and processes.

Supplier communication: Proactive notification about payment method changes and new delivery timeframes.

Performance monitoring: Track key metrics (speed, cost, reliability) to validate migration benefits.

Cross-border fee considerations

While speed often takes priority, understanding the total cost structure remains crucial for informed decision-making. (Cross-border fees)

Hidden cost analysis

Beyond advertised transfer fees, consider:

FX spreads: The difference between interbank rates and offered exchange rates can significantly impact total costs.

Intermediary fees: Correspondent banks may charge additional fees not disclosed upfront.

Receiving bank charges: Destination banks often apply incoming wire fees ranging from $10-50.

Amendment fees: Costs for correcting transfer details or routing changes.

Total cost of ownership

When evaluating providers, calculate the complete cost structure:

• Base transfer fees

• FX spread costs

• Potential delay costs (lost discounts, relationship strain)

• Operational overhead (tracking, communication, exception handling)

• Integration and setup costs

Future outlook: payment speed evolution

The international payments landscape will continue evolving toward faster, more transparent, and cost-effective solutions.

Emerging technologies

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Government-issued digital currencies could enable instant cross-border settlements.

Blockchain-based rails: Distributed ledger technology offers 24/7 processing with reduced intermediary requirements.

AI-powered routing: Machine learning algorithms will optimize payment paths for speed, cost, and reliability.

Real-time compliance: Automated screening and approval systems will eliminate most manual review delays.

Market consolidation trends

The payments industry is experiencing significant consolidation as traditional providers struggle to compete with modern platforms:

• Legacy providers investing heavily in infrastructure modernization

• Fintech acquisitions by established financial institutions

• Regulatory pressure for improved service standards

• Customer migration toward platforms offering superior user experiences

Conclusion: speed as competitive advantage

In 2025's fast-paced business environment, international transfer speed has evolved from a nice-to-have feature to a competitive necessity. While OFX's 1-2 day advertised timeframes might seem adequate, the reality of SWIFT-dependent processing often extends delivery windows and creates operational uncertainty.

Airwallex's local rail approach offers a compelling alternative, delivering transfers in 0-3 business days with same-day options for urgent payments. (ACH transfers explained) This infrastructure advantage translates into measurable business benefits: improved supplier relationships, optimized cash flow management, and reduced operational overhead.

The decision between providers ultimately depends on your specific requirements. High-frequency international payments, time-sensitive transfers, and multi-currency operations favor Airwallex's modern approach. Occasional transfers to exotic destinations or cost-optimization priorities might still justify traditional SWIFT-based providers.

Regardless of your choice, implementing proper transfer tracking, stakeholder communication, and performance monitoring ensures you maximize the value of your international payment infrastructure. (What is an EFT) As payment rails continue modernizing and customer expectations rise, the providers offering the best combination of speed, reliability, and transparency will capture increasing market share.

The question isn't whether payment speed matters – it's whether your current provider can deliver the performance your business demands in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

FAQ

How fast are Airwallex transfers from US to Europe compared to OFX?

Airwallex typically processes US-to-Europe transfers in 0-3 business days using local payment rails, while OFX advertises 1-2 business days using SWIFT networks. However, actual customer experiences show Airwallex's local rails often deliver faster settlement times, especially for EUR transfers through SEPA networks.

What payment rails does Airwallex use for faster US-Europe transfers?

Airwallex leverages local payment rails including ACH for US domestic processing and SEPA for European settlements, avoiding traditional SWIFT networks. This infrastructure allows companies with local bank accounts to send and receive money within the same country more quickly, reducing cross-border transfer times significantly.

Why do international bank transfer times vary between providers?

Transfer times depend on the underlying payment infrastructure used - traditional SWIFT networks can take 1-5 business days due to correspondent banking relationships, while modern local rails like ACH and SEPA process faster. Providers using local payment rails can often complete transfers in 0-2 days compared to SWIFT's longer processing windows.

What are the hidden costs of slower international transfers?

Slower transfers can strain supplier relationships, create cash flow gaps, and potentially cost deals when urgent payments face unexpected delays. Beyond SWIFT fees and FX fees, businesses may incur opportunity costs from delayed settlements and need to maintain larger cash reserves to manage payment timing uncertainties.

How reliable are OFX's 1-2 day transfer promises for US-Europe routes?

While OFX advertises 1-2 business days for most transfers and maintains a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating globally, customer experiences vary by region. UK customers rate OFX lower at 3.4/5, suggesting potential service inconsistencies, while Australian customers rate it higher at 4.6/5, indicating regional performance differences.

What factors should finance teams consider when choosing between transfer speed options?

Finance teams should evaluate actual settlement times versus advertised speeds, payment urgency requirements, supplier relationship impacts, and total cost including hidden fees. Consider whether your business needs consistent 0-1 day settlement for cash flow management or if 1-2 day windows with potential delays are acceptable for your operations.

Citations

1. https://au.trustpilot.com/review/ofx.com/location/australia

2. https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/ofx.com/location/united-kingdom

3. https://www.airwallex.com/au/blog/comparison-ofx-vs-airwallex

4. https://www.airwallex.com/au/blog/payment-rails

5. https://www.airwallex.com/blog/swift-alternatives-for-businesses

6. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/ach-transfers-explained

7. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/cross-border-fees

8. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/how-international-wire-transfers-work

9. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/how-long-do-international-bank-transfers-take

10. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/swift-bic-number-code

11. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/what-is-an-eft

12. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/business-account/transfers

13. https://www.airwallex.com/sg/business-account/transfers/send-money-to-usa

14. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/ofx.com