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Frequently Asked Questions

International Payments

Questions

Answers

What is a SWIFT Address / BIC?

The Bank Identifier Code (BIC), also known as the SWIFT Address, is the code necessary to send automated International Payments quickly and accurately to the banks concerned.

AIB’s SWIFT Address / BIC is AIBKIE2D.

Based on payment instructions together with the receiver's International Bank Account Number (IBAN), the SWIFT Address / BIC facilitates streamlined processing of International payments.

The SWIFT Address / BIC is a mandatory requirement for EU regulated payments i.e. it must be included on Paylink Euro - standard and/or urgent payment instructions to avail of the lower pricing. SWIFT Addresses / BIC codes consist of either 8 or 11 alphanumeric characters and can be verified using the following website: www.swift.com/biconline

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What is an International Bank Account Number (IBAN)?

The 'International Bank Account Number' or 'IBAN' is a standard for quoting account numbers across Europe. The use of an IBAN and the beneficiary bank SWIFT address / BIC code (Bank Identifier Code) enables your international payment to be made automatically and ensures the correct identification of your receiver's bank account.

Making payments to Europe
The SWIFT Address / BIC and an IBAN are mandatory requirements for EU regulated payments. You must include this information on your Paylink Euro standard and/or urgent payment instructions to avail of the lower pricing. Please ask for these directly from the receiver before making an international payment.

From 1st January, 2007, the IBAN and SWIFT BIC information is mandatory for all international Euro payments to EU member states (including Romania and Bulgaria), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

How will the IBAN be identified?
An IBAN contains additional characters in front of a normal recipient domestic account number. These characters consist of a 2-letter country code followed by a 2-digit check number.
For Example: IBAN AT611904300234573201

Using IBAN on Payment Instructions
Please note that the IBAN in printed format (such as an invoice) is likely to be prefaced by the word IBAN e.g. IBAN AT611904300234573201

  • You should NOT enter the word IBAN on any input to the bank.
  • You should not include any spaces when quoting the IBAN. The IBAN should be presented as a continuous string of alphanumeric characters i.e. AT611904300234573201

Find out more information on EU Regulated International Payments within Europe and a full listing of European Union Member States and other participating countries.

Lengths and formats of IBANs across Europe
There are standard lengths and formats of alphanumeric characters for IBANs in respect of each country - e.g. in Ireland, the standard is 22 characters. When completing payment instructions, please ensure that the receiver's IBAN corresponds in length to the IBAN length as indicated in the following table:

European IBAN Formats

Country Number of Characters Example of IBANs per country
1. Austria 20 AT611904300234573201
2. Belgium 16 BE68539007547034
3. Bulgaria 22 BG62UBBS80021079354517
4. Cyprus 28 CY17002001280000001200527600
5. Czech Republic 24 CZ6508000000192000145399
6. Denmark 18 DK5000400440116243
7. Estonia 20 EE382200221020145685
8. Finland 18 FI2112345600000785
9. France 27 FR1420041010050500013M02606
10. Germany 22 DE89370400440532013000
11. Greece 27 GR1601101250000000012300695
12. Hungary 28 HU42117730161111101800000000
13. Iceland 22 IS140159260076545510730339
14. Ireland 22 IE29AIBK93115212345678
15. Italy 27 IT60X0542811101000000123456
16. Latvia 21 LV80BANK0000435195001
17. Liechtenstein 21 LI21088100002324013AA
18. Lithuania 20 LT121000011101001000
19. Luxembourg 20 LU280019400644750000
20. Malta 31 MT84MALT011000012345MTLCAST001S
21. Netherlands 18 NL91ABNA0417164300
22. Norway 15 NO9386011117947
23. Poland 28 PL27114020040000300201355387
24. Portugal 25 PT50000201231234567890154
25. Romania 24 RO49AAAA1B3100759384000
26. Slovak Republic 24 SK3112000000198742637541
27. Slovenia 19 SI56191000000123438
28. Spain 24 ES8023100001180000012345
29. Sweden 24 SE3550000000054910000003
30. United Kingdom
including Northern Ireland		 22 GB29NWBK60161331926819


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What countries can I send Paylink Euro payments to?

Paylink Euro payments may be sent to an EU Member state, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Republic of Ireland is excluded for international outgoing payments. A full listing of applicable countries is provided in the following table:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
UK (including Northern Ireland)


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What currencies are available to make Paylink (Standard and Urgent) payments?

The following are the currencies available for making transfers using the Paylink (Standard and Urgent) forms:

Code    Currency    Paylink   
Standard   		 Paylink   
Urgent   
AED United Arab Emirates Dirham    Yes  
AUD Australian Dollars Yes  
CAD Canadian Dollars Yes Yes
CHF Swiss Francs Yes Yes
CYP Cyprus Pound Yes  
CZK Czech Koruna Yes Yes
DKK Danish Krone Yes Yes
EUR Euro Unit Yes Yes
GBP GBP Pound Yes Yes
GG GBP Pound Yes  
HKD Hong Kong Dollars Yes  
HUF Hungarian Forints Yes Yes
IM GBP Pound Yes  
INR Indian Rupee Yes  
ILS New Israeli Shekel Yes  
JE GBP Pound Yes  
JPY Japanese Yen Yes  
MTL Maltese Lire Yes  
NOK Norwegian Krone Yes Yes
NZD New Zealand Dollars Yes  
PHP Philippines Peso Yes  
PLN Polish Zlotys Yes Yes
SAR Saudi Riyals Yes  
SEK Swedish Krona Yes Yes
SGD Singapore Dollars Yes  
SKK Slovak Koruna Yes Yes
THB Thai Bahts Yes  
USD US Dollars Yes Yes
ZAR South African Rands Yes  


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What are the currency cut-off times for International Payments on AIB Internet Banking?

Generally International Payments will only be processed between 8:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday.

The table below highlights which currencies can be sent using the various international payment product options and the cut-off times that apply.

Please be aware that these cut-off times are meant as a guide and may change. Whilst AIB will process your payment requests on receipt, please note that due to local banking practices in certain regions of the world such as Africa, South America, Caribbean and areas of the Middle East and Asia, delivery times and service standards may vary.

Code Currency Paylink
Euro
Standard

Cut-Off
Time 		Paylink
Euro
Urgent

Cut-Off
Time 		Paylink
Standard

Cut-Off
Times 		Paylink
Urgent

Cut-Off
Times
AED United Arab Emirates Dirham        12:00 N/A
AUD Australian Dollars     15:30 N/A
CAD Canadian Dollars     16:00 13:00
CHF Swiss Francs     16:00 14:00
CYP Cyprus Pound     12:00 N/A
CZK Czech Koruna     16:00 13:00
DKK Danish Krone     16:00 14:00
EUR Euro Unit 16:00 14:00 16:00 14:00
GBP GBP Pound     16:00 13:00
HKD Hong Kong Dollars     15:30 N/A
HUF Hungarian Forints     16:00 13:00
INR Indian Rupee     12:00 N/A
ILS New Israeli Shekel     12:00 N/A
JPY Japanese Yen     15:30 N/A
LVL Latvian Lats     12:00 N/A
MTL Maltese Lire     12:00 N/A
NOK Norwegian Krone     16:00 14:00
NZD New Zealand Dollars     15:30 N/A
PHP Philippines Peso     12:00 N/A
PLN Polish Zlotys     16:00 13:00
SAR Saudi Riyals     12:00 N/A
SEK Swedish Krona     16:00 14:00
SGD Singapore Dollars     15:30 N/A
SKK Slovak Koruna     16:00 13:00
THB Thai Bahts     15:30 N/A
USD US Dollars     16:00 15:30
ZAR South African Rands     15:30 N/A


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How do I input the payment amount for Japanese Yen (JPY) payments?

Normally, the payment amount is entered on AIB Internet Banking in cents with no decimal point.

The exception to this is Japanese Yen (JPY) which should be input with no decimal places.

For example, €10 is entered in the form 1000, while 10 Japanese Yen should be entered in the form 10.

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What International payment options are available on AIB Internet Banking?

There are 2 types of International Payments that can be made on AIB Internet Banking

1. Paylink Euro

Paylink Euro payments are EU Regulated Euro international payments to an EU Member state (excluding Republic of Ireland) and Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You may wish to select the 'Urgent' option if you need to payment to reach the receiver quickly.

2. Paylink

Paylink payments can be sent in all major currencies to most destinations worldwide on an urgent or standard basis.

From 1st January, 2007, Paylink payments in euro currency to an EU member state (including Romania and Bulgaria), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland must quote the IBAN and SWIFT BIC information of the receiver of the payment.

Please note that all payments are subject to cut-off times

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How do I make an international payment using AIB Internet Banking?

  1. Select the 'international' option which is located under the 'transfer money' within AIB Internet Banking.
  2. Details of the available international payment types will be presented to you in a table. The payment type you choose will depend on the currency, destination and urgency of the payment as well as the associated cost. Please read the relevant criteria for each of the payment products to help you decide which international payment product best suits your needs.
  3. Select one of the payment products, & complete the blank payment input form. Fields marked with an * are mandatory and must be completed correctly to ensure your payment can be made.
  4. Read through the form again to ensure that you have entered all information correctly
  5. Click on the 'submit' button.
  6. You will be asked to enter a code from your Code Card in order to complete the transaction.

The status of your payments may be viewed in the International Payment Log, which can be found via the button at the bottom of the main 'international' screen or under 'account info' on the left-hand menu within Internet Banking.

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Which accounts can I debit to make International Payments?

International Payments can be made from a suitable account already set up on your AIB Internet Banking profile.

While inputting the Payment Form, there is a drop down option which will show you a list of the accounts that you can make International Payments from.

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What is the maximum payment transfer amount?

The maximum amount that may be transferred is limited in aggregate to €5,000 in any business day and the preceding non-business day period.

Paylink (Standard and/or Urgent) €5000
Paylink Euro (Standard and/or Urgent)      €5000     

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How do I enter the payment amount?


Paylink Euro - Standard and/or Urgent

Enter the payment amount in cents i.e. without a decimal point. For example €10 should be entered in the following format 1000.

Paylink - Standard and/or Urgent

Enter the payment amount in the currency you are sending without a decimal point and with decimal places. The exception to this is Japanese Yen (JPY), which should be input with no decimal places.

For example USD10 is entered in the form 1000, while 10 Japanese Yen is entered in the form 10.

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I have been given 2 bank addresses for the receiving bank - how do I know which bank information to enter?

You should only enter the name, address and Bank Identifier Code (BIC) details of the final receiving bank.

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What is Paylink Euro?

Paylink Euro payments are Euro international payments to an EU Member state, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. These are subject to EU Regulation 2560/2001.

Product Description & Pricing

Payment Description AIB Fee*
Paylink Euro     
Standard
  • Non-urgent Euro payment
  • Any amount up to and including €5,000
  • Euro currency only
  • Only available to countries in EU/EEA (1)
  • Valid IBAN and SWIFT Address/BIC mandatory (2)
  • Minimum payment cycle of 3 to 4 working days (3)
  • View International Payment Log for details and status

 €0.00
Urgent
  • Urgent Euro payment.
  • Any amount up to and including €5,000
  • Euro currency only
  • Only available to countries in EU/EEA (1)
  • Valid IBAN and SWIFT Address/BIC mandatory (2)
  • Usually same day value, subject to cut off times (3)
  • View International Payment Log for details and status
 €12.70     

* Please note that normal account transaction fees apply and the receiving bank may apply a fee on receipt of funds. Further details can be found in the most recent publication of the 'Schedule of international transaction charges (August 06) available at your local AIB branch.'

(1) EU/EEA = EU Member States and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Republic of Ireland is excluded for international outgoing payments.

(2) Incorrect or invalid IBAN or SWIFT ADDRESS / BIC information may result in payments being delayed, returned and/or incurring higher costs.

(3) Whilst we do our utmost to ensure that payments will be made on the value basis stated, we can only seek to ensure that the payments will be made to the beneficiary bank on this basis. We cannot be responsible for failure of the beneficiary bank to pass on the payment to the beneficiary.

All details of the international payment including the status, are available via the International Payments Log.

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What is Paylink?

Paylink payments can be sent in all major currencies to most destinations world-wide on an urgent or standard basis.

Paylink payments may also be used for payments to Europe where the criteria for Paylink Euro cannot be met.

Product Description & Pricing

Payment Description AIB Fee*
Paylink
Standard
  • Non urgent payment
  • Any amount up to and including €5,000
  • All major currencies worldwide
  • Minimum payment cycle of 2 to 3 working days (1)
  • Valid IBAN and BIC will be mandatory for all international Euro payments within EU/EEA and Switzerland from 1st January, 2007
  • View International Payment Log for details and status
 €15.00
Urgent
  • Urgent Payment
  • Any amount up to and including €5,000
  • Usually same day value for CAD, EUR, GBP or USD payments and next day value for CHF, CZK, DKK, HUF, NOK, PLN, SEK or SKK, subject to cut off-times (1)
  • Valid IBAN and BIC will be mandatory for all international Euro payments within EU/EEA and Switzerland from 1st January, 2007
  • View International Payment Log for details and status
 €22.50

* Please note that normal account transaction fees apply and the receiving and/or intermediary bank may apply a fee on receipt of funds. Further details can be found in the most recent publication of the 'Schedule of international transaction charges (August 06) available at your local AIB branch.'

(1) Whilst we do our utmost to ensure that payments will be made on the value basis stated, we can only seek to ensure that the payments will be made to the beneficiary bank on this basis. We cannot be responsible for failure of the beneficiary bank to pass on the payment to the beneficiary.

All details of the international payment including the status, are available via the International Payments Log.

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Can I determine the routing of my international payment?

No, the routing of an international payment is not specified by the sender of the payment. The payment routing for International Payments is determined by AIB.

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Where can I view the status of my international payment?

The status of a payment can be viewed in the International Payments Log.

This can be accessed by selecting the 'International Payments log' button from the main International Payments page under 'transfer money'. You can also access the international payment log under 'account info' within Internet Banking.

The International Payment Log holds a status history and details of the International Payments you have submitted to AIB for processing.

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What does each status in the International Payments Log mean?

Status Definition
Pending AIB has received the payment but processing of the payment has not commenced
Being Processed AIB has received the payment and processing has commenced. The payment is awaiting confirmation
Complete The payment has been processed and has been released by AIB. Please note that this does not mean that the funds have credited to the receiver's account by the receiving bank.
Unsuccessful The payment has been rejected.
Returned The payment has been returned from the receiving bank as they were unable to apply funds to the receiver's account

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What does 'SP Reference' stand for?

'SP' stands for 'Sent Payment'. An SP reference is a unique bank reference that is applied to your payment once the instruction has been accepted for processing by International Payments Processing area. If you have any queries relating to International Payments, please ensure to quote the SP reference.

For any queries, please contact 1890 24 24 24 or if calling from outside the Republic of Ireland, please contact + 353 1 6670024.

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How can I reuse the information I have previously entered, if I want to make the same payment in the future?

You may re-use the payment details for a previously made international payment on the basis that the status of the payment is 'COMPLETE'.

The status of your International Payments may be viewed in the International Payment Log. If the international payment details that you wish to re-use have a 'COMPLETE' status you may select the 'RE-USE' button to the right of the payment.

You will be required to input the following information:

  • account you wish to debit to make the international payment - this is a mandatory field
  • message to receiver
  • payment currency - this is a mandatory field
  • amount of the payment - this is a mandatory field
  • message to appear on your statement

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What information can I change when re-using payment details?

When you select the option to re-use a payment, you will be able to change the following information:

  • account you wish to debit to make the international payment - this is a mandatory field
  • message to receiver
  • payment currency - this is a mandatory field
  • amount of the payment - this is a mandatory field
  • message to appear on your statement

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How can I cancel or amend an international payment after I have submit it for processing via AIB Internet Banking?

In the case where you want to cancel or make an amendment to the International payment (post-processing), we will endeavour to cancel and/or make an amendment to this instruction.

However, in the instance where you wish to cancel a payment that has been confirmed through AIB Internet Banking, there is no guarantee that this can be done, as the receiver will have to authorise the receiving bank to debit the funds from his / her account

Please see Useful Contacts below

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The country I want to send money to is not appearing in the Country drop-down list? What do I do next?

We are unable to send payments to certain destinations. If the country you wish to send a payment to does not appear in the Country drop-down list in the payment input screen, please contact your local branch for more information.

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What are the charges/fees for International Payments on AIB Internet Banking?

The charges/fees for International Payments made via AIB Internet Banking are as follows:

Payment Type AIB Internet Banking Paper Delivery Payment Cycle
Paylink Euro - Standard €0.00 €0.75 Minimum of 3-4 working days
Paylink Euro - Urgent €12.70 €25.00 Soonest value subject to cut off times
Paylink - Standard €15.00 €20.00 Minimum of 2-3 working days
Paylink - Urgent €22.50 €32.00 Soonest value subject to cut off times

* Please note that normal account transaction fees apply and the receiving and/or intermediary bank may apply a fee on receipt of funds. Further details can be found in the most recent publication of the ‘Schedule of international transaction charges (August 06) available at your local AIB branch.

In addition, when submitting a payment using the Paylink Urgent product, and based on the information you provide, where possible AIB will endeavor to effect the payment through a more cost-effective method, which may be cheaper than the quoted payment price.

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Is it more cost effective to make my International Payments on AIB Internet Banking?

The savings available in making your payments electronically via AIB Internet Banking are illustrated in the following table:

Payment Type AIB Internet Banking Paper Delivery
Paylink Euro - Standard €0.00 €0.75
Paylink Euro - Urgent €12.70 €25.00
Paylink - Standard €15.00 €20.00
Paylink - Urgent €22.50 €32.00

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What is a Code Card?

Learn more about AIB Code Card

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Useful Contacts

For any queries relating to International Payments on AIB Internet Banking, please contact 1890 24 24 24 or if calling from outside the Republic of Ireland, please contact + 353 1 6670024.

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