Foreign Currency Payment Cut-Off & Settlement Times

Currency Region Cut-off Time (UK time) Delivery Time (Estimated) Notes
GBP UK (Barclays ➝ NatWest) N/A – Faster Payments Instant (up to 2 hours max) Most Barclays to NatWest GBP payments are real-time via Faster Payments.
EUR Europe (SEPA Zone) 2:00 PM Same Day or Next Working Day Sent via SEPA or SWIFT. Earlier = higher chance of same-day delivery.
AUD Australia 12:00 PM Next Working Day (typically) SWIFT required. Same-day possible, but not guaranteed.
CAD Canada 12:00 PM 1–2 Working Days SWIFT payment. Depends on recipient bank cut-off.
JPY Japan 11:00 AM 1–2 Working Days SWIFT. Consider time zone difference.
CNY China (Mainland) 10:00 AM 1–3 Working Days Can be longer due to compliance.
HKD Hong Kong 11:00 AM 1 Working Day Usually reliable next-day via SWIFT.
SGD Singapore 11:00 AM 1 Working Day Prompt next-day delivery via SWIFT.

✅ Important Notes:

  • GBP Transfers from Barclays to NatWest: Usually under 2 hours if sent via Faster Payments. CHAPS may be used for larger amounts, which guarantees same-day but may require action before 4:00 PM.

  • Currency Payments: Ensure instructions and compliance checks are completed before the cut-off to ensure timely delivery.

  • Weekends/Public Holidays: Payments won't be processed on these days.