SWIFT gpi tracking explained
What is SWIFT gpi tracking?
SWIFT gpi tracking lets your bank follow an international payment as it moves between banks, and makes it possible for you to check where it is at any time. SWIFT is the global messaging system that banks rely on when they send instructions for transfers to each other. gpi stands for global payments innovation, and it's basically SWIFT's updated set of tools: not just faster promised delivery times, but also real-time insights and more details about any charges deducted on the way.
Some banks don't have gpi available for every account, and plenty focus on business transfers. If you're sending to a new destination or using a less familiar currency, reach out to your bank to confirm if gpi tracking works for your case. Tracking will help you see not only where the funds are, but also which banks took fees along the route. If you're wondering about how intermediary deductions work, check our guide on intermediary bank fees.
The UETR reference and how to use it
Every gpi-tracked payment gets a unique end-to-end reference, or UETR, which is a 36-character code formatted the same way for every payment. This number ties all legs of the journey together, however many banks are in the chain. It doesn’t change as the payment travels through different banks, and that’s why you can track the full path.
You’ll need the UETR from your bank to start tracking. It should show on your confirmation from the online banking portal, or sometimes in your detailed transaction view. If not, simply ask your account manager for it. Most banks have a tracker you can use, or you can get updates by giving the UETR back to your bank support desk. The feed will usually include the current step, the credited amount and any fees deducted. Make sure not to confuse the UETR with things like the recipient’s account details; you still need the regular SWIFT details for sending money, as the UETR alone can't route funds.
What the status messages mean
Statuses may look a little different from bank to bank, but the order is usually similar. Treat each as a stage, if something looks odd, you can always ask your bank to interpret it for you.
- Accepted or processing: your payment has left your bank, it's routed into the SWIFT network.
- Passed to an intermediary: a bank between sender and recipient (often in another country) has received the money, and is passing it on.
- Credited or completed: the beneficiary’s account is credited, meaning the payment arrived at the destination bank.
- Rejected or returned: the payment did not go through and will come back to you, with a code or description for why.
If you see a payment stuck at any status longer than what your bank says is typical, a compliance or document check might be holding things up. You might want to read more in our explanation of delayed international payments.
Frequently asked questions
Is SWIFT gpi tracking free?
It's up to the bank. A number of banks do include payment tracking in their corporate online banking by default, but some charge separately, or restrict it to certain client or payment categories. To avoid surprises, review your bank’s charges and terms in advance, and if you need confirmation, ask for the price in writing before relying on a tracker feature.
Where do I find the UETR for my payment?
You can usually spot a field called UETR on the payment confirmation you get when sending, or in the transaction details on your business banking. If it’s not visible, bank support can provide it for your record; you’ll need to tell them the date, the payment amount, and the recipient’s name. Remember, it’s a 36-character code in a set format. If you find a much shorter or longer reference, it's not the UETR.