First Convenience Bank international transfer guide [2024]

Gabriela Peratello

First Convenience Bank®¹ is a division of First National Bank®, offering services to customers in Texas, Arizona, Arkansas and New Mexico. It’s been in business for well over a hundred years and is a safe and trusted provider - but what about sending money to accounts overseas? If you need to make a First Convenience Bank international wire transfer, this guide is for you.

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What is First Convenience Bank?

First Convenience Bank was founded back in 1901, and today has over 340 branch locations in Texas, Arizona, Arkansas and New Mexico. Customers can access a range of services including checking and savings accounts, IRAs, CDs and more.

Some services are offered online and through mobile banking options - while for other services, including sending bank wires - you’ll need to visit your local branch.

Is First Convenience Bank safe?

Yes. First Convenience Bank is a division of First National Bank. In total these banks serve over a million customers, with over 93% of customer accounts attracting FDIC insurance. First Convenience Bank is considered safe to use with normal common sense precautions.

How does First Convenience Bank work?

When it comes to international transfers, some First Convenience Bank customers can send money to accounts overseas by visiting a local branch².

It’s important to note that this service isn’t usually available digitally - and not all account types are set up to offer international wire services. The First Convenience eaccount³, for example, offers domestic wire services only.

If you need to send a payment overseas you’ll have to check the terms and conditions of your specific account to make sure you’re able to process your payment conveniently.

Which countries can you send money with First Convenience Bank?

Not all First Convenience Bank account types are able to send money internationally. However, if you’re able to send money overseas from your specific account, it’ll be processed as a SWIFT wire transfer. SWIFT transfers can usually be sent to more or less any country in the world, often via one or more intermediary banks.

Is First Convenience Bank safe for international transfers?

Where First Convenience offers international wires, they’re likely to be processed through SWIFT - a safe and reliable network which is used by most banks when sending money for deposit in accounts overseas.

You’ll need to take normal precautions to protect your account and your money, such as double checking you have the correct recipient bank account information before you pay - but the service should be safe to use.

How to send money abroad with First Convenience Bank: step by step

First Convenience offers international wire services at select locations only. This means you won’t be able to set up your payment online or in the First Convenience app.

Instead, you’ll need to visit a local branch to have a teller help you with your transfer. Not all First Convenience locations can offer wires, so do call ahead to make sure this service is available at your preferred branch.

What information and documentation do you need to make international transfers with First Convenience Bank?

To send a First Convenience Bank international wire, you’ll need to gather the following information:

  • Your recipient’s name as shown on their bank account

  • Your recipient’s bank account number

  • Your recipient’s bank’s SWIFT/BIC code

  • Any other local information needed based on the country you’re sending to, such as a sort code for transfers to the UK

In some cases you may also need some documentation to support your transfer. This is often the case when sending high value payments, where you may be asked to prove the source of the funds and the reason for the transfer.

Where these rules apply they’re set in law, and help to reduce criminal activity and fraudulent transfers.

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How long do First Convenience Bank international transfers take?

First Convenience international wires are likely to be processed through the SWIFT network. SWIFT transfers are processed through a network of intermediary banks to move the money to its ultimate destination.

SWIFT transfers usually take up to 3 to 5 days to arrive, depending on the destination, and the recipient’s own bank’s policies.

Can you track an international wire transfer with First Convenience Bank?

When you arrange your international wire in a First Convenience Bank branch, you’ll be able to ask for any available tracking information. Depending on the payment destination, the teller may be able to give you an indicative delivery time so you know what to expect.

First Convenience Bank international transfers fees and costs

First Convenience Bank does not publish the costs of international transfers, as you’ll need to visit an eligible branch location to set up your payment. It’s helpful to know that international wires can attract several different fees, including:

  • An upfront transfer fee, paid to First Convenience Bank

  • An exchange rate markup which is a percentage fee added to the rate set by First Convenience Bank

  • Third party fees which are paid to intermediaries or the recipient’s own bank for processing the payment

Before you confirm your First Convenience Bank international wire, be sure to ask about all applicable fees so there are no surprises. It’s also worth comparing the costs and exchange rate available with First Convenience against a few other providers such as Wise, to make sure you get the very best deal out there for your specific payment.


Sources:

  1. First Convenience Bank
  2. First Convenience Bank fee schedule
  3. First Convenience Bank - eaccount

Sources checked on 07.05.2024


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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