International payments

Making regular payments? How can you make sure your money arrives on time?

What’s the best way to arrange regular currency transfers?

If you are transferring money between countries on a regular basis, you need to know those payments will arrive on time, every time. Saga International Payments, provided by Western Union Business Solutions*  is an efficient, transparent, low cost alternative to high street banks that enables you to pay bills, fund mortgages, transfer pensions and send salaries internationally. Western Union Business Solutions* can set up a Direct Debit with your account and confirm with you in writing the date you want them to take your monthly payment. Western Union Business Solutions* can then complete these transactions automatically for you each month at the prevailing spot price. Alternatively, Western Union Business Solutions* can arrange 12 months’ payment with one phone call. Saga International Payments offer commercial exchange rates, do not charge any commission, and transfer fees are just £10 for each payment of £3,000 or less.

What difference does it make whether or not I fix the exchange rate for up to 12 months?

Because the currency markets move up and down, the cost of foreign currency changes constantly. By fixing your exchange rate, you will know the true cost of regular payments upfront. If you would prefer to leave the exchange rate to chance, you may receive a better exchange rate today, but that rate will change with each payment. Any difference will always depend on how the market acts. Usually, the monthly transactions are of smaller amounts, so logically a 1% move on a mortgage payment would have less financial impact than a 1% move on a deposit payment or a house purchase.

How can I decide which alternative is better for me?

The dealers are specialists in the currency market and can discuss the options with you. They are committed to making money transfers with Saga International Payments as easy as possible, although the final decision will always be yours.

How do I set up a regular payment service?

Request the Direct Debit mandate and the instruction template to be sent to you. When this is returned the Direct Debit will be set up with your bank and your regular payment requirements added to the system. Western Union Business Solutions* can then take care of everything else for you.