Why is the amount received via SWIFT different than the amount sent?

In ZEN, the fees associated with making a SWIFT SHA transfer, are shared between the payer and the beneficiary of the transfer. The costs that you, as the payer, incur are fees e.g. for transaction mode and execution. In addition, intermediary banks may deduct fees from the amount the recipient ultimately receives. ZEN does not influence the fees charged by intermediary banks for SWIFT transfers. To ensure that the recipient of a SWIFT transfer receives exactly the amount sent by the sender, the sender should select the SWIFT OUR transfer type. He then undertakes to cover all transfer fees - including those charged by the recipient's bank or intermediary banks.

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International bank transfers

Why did the recipient receive less money than I sent?

Updated November 13, 2025 09:53

Sometimes, the person you send money to receives a smaller amount than you sent. That happens because international SWIFT transfers can include fees charged by other banks along the way.

How SWIFT SHA fees work

In SWIFT SHA transfers, you and the recipient share the costs.
You pay ZEN.COM’s transfer fee, while intermediary or recipient banks may deduct their own fees from the amount recipient receives.
ZEN.COM doesn’t control or set these intermediary fees.

How to make sure the recipient gets the full amount

Choose the SWIFT OUR option when sending your transfer. With this option, you cover all the fees, including those of intermediary and recipient banks, so the recipient receives the full amount you send.

You can check ZEN.COM’s current fees and commissions here.

How SWIFT SHA fees work

How to make sure the recipient gets the full amount

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