Unit launches international payments in more than 190 countries

Unit has launched international payments based on the SWIFT network. Companies using its platform can now offer customers cross-border payouts to banks in more than 190 countries and territories, using their existing banking set-up.

The service joins Unit’s accounts, cards, and domestic payment options, including ACH, real-time payments (RTP), wires, and cheques. International payments use the same ledger and dashboard, and settle through the banking relationship each company already operates.

Clear exchange rates and fees

Before a payment is sent, customers can view the exchange rate, fees, expected recipient amount, and transaction status. Each payment starts with a quote that locks the exchange rate and shows both the amount being sent and the amount the recipient will receive in local currency. Customers approve these terms before submitting the payment, so they can see foreign exchange costs upfront.

Unit has also accounted for situations in which an international payment does not complete. These cases are recorded through the API as distinct, structured events. If a payment is returned, the funds are automatically routed back to the originating account, with the return status and reason made available to the company. It can then notify the customer, reconcile the transaction, or offer a way to retry.

Integration through the Unit API

Partners can add international payouts through the Unit API. In a typical flow, a customer selects or adds a beneficiary, enters an amount in US dollars or a foreign currency, and reviews the exchange rate and fees before submitting the payment. Standard beneficiary details are required, such as a SWIFT/BIC code and an account number or IBAN.

Companies can monitor international payment activity in the Unit Dashboard alongside other account activity. By using the same infrastructure as accounts, cards, and domestic payments, they can offer cross-border payouts without integrating a separate provider or maintaining a separate ledger.