Banks around the world use a system for deciding who should pay transfer fees in SWIFT payments. It looks like this:
BEN – The recipient covers all transfer fees charged by their bank and the fees charged by intermediary banks and the receiving bank.
SHA – The buyer covers all transfer fees charged by their bank and the seller covers the fees charged by intermediary banks and the receiving bank. Banks often choose this option as the default.
OUR – The buyer covers all transfer fees charged by their bank and the fees charged by intermediary banks and the receiving bank. You have to use this option to pay us.
When you do a transfer, it is not always so clearly described. Banks may phrase these options differently, give them different names or only imply what is going to happen. It all depends on a bank.
You are responsible for paying any fees arising from making the transfer. That means that you have to choose ‘OUR’ in details of charges. Our account must be credited with exactly the amount shown on the invoice, without any deductions. We do not agree to pay any bank charges.
IMPORTANT!
Please note that it is very easy to make a mistake when sending money to Poland. It happens quite often. You must fill in the transfer order in such a way that all transfer costs (both on your side and on ours) are covered by you. Due to the fact that banks often name payment options differently, it is essential to consult with your bank before making a transfer to avoid potential problems.