What Is SWIFT GPI
SWIFT GPI (Global Payments Innovation) is an enhanced SWIFT standard for tracking international transfers. Unlike classic SWIFT, GPI makes it possible to see the payment status in real time at every stage of the transfer chain. Each payment is assigned a unique identifier (UETR) that can be used to trace the movement of funds.
If the tracker stops updating — it is a warning sign that requires active steps.
Why SWIFT GPI Is Not Updating
A bank in the chain does not support GPI. Not all banks in the world are connected to SWIFT GPI. When a payment passes through a bank without GPI support, tracking is interrupted and the status "freezes" at the last known node.
Compliance delay at an intermediary bank. An intermediary bank may hold the payment for review but not update the GPI status. The money is physically at that bank, but the tracker does not reflect this.
Technical fault. Failures in the SWIFT GPI infrastructure are rare but do occur. In such cases tracking restores itself within a few hours.
The beneficiary bank has not yet confirmed crediting. If the funds have already arrived but the beneficiary bank has not sent a confirmation (SWIFT MT199 with ACSP code), the tracker status remains intermediate.
Payment was rerouted. If one of the banks changed the payment route, the new UETR may not be accessible to the original tracker.
What to Do
Wait 24 hours. A small delay in tracker updates is normal. If the status has not changed for more than a day — start taking action.
Contact the sending bank. Ask them to initiate a GPI status request through the SWIFT system. This provides current information on the payment's location.
Request the UETR. Make sure you have the unique end-to-end transaction reference (UETR). Without it, tracing the payment is impossible.
Ask for a tracer message. If the GPI request yields no result, the sending bank can send a SWIFT inquiry (MT199) to all banks in the chain to determine the status.
Escalate within the bank. If more than 3 business days have passed — insist on the matter being transferred to the international payments or correspondent banking department.
Consider recalling the payment. If the payment has been stuck for more than 10 business days without any explanation — consider initiating a formal recall through the SWIFT gCCT recall procedure.
FAQ
Is it normal for SWIFT GPI to not update for several hours? Yes, small pauses in updates are normal. A lack of updates for more than 24 hours is cause for concern, especially if the standard transfer deadline has already passed.
How do I find the UETR for my payment? The UETR is included in the SWIFT transaction confirmation (MT103). Ask your bank to provide this document.
What does the "ACSP" status mean in the GPI tracker? ACSP (Accepted Settlement In Process) means the payment has been accepted and settlement is underway. "ACCC" (Accepted Credit) means funds have been credited to the recipient.
If your SWIFT transfer is stuck and the GPI tracker is not updating, Marix can help you find a reliable way to conduct international settlements with minimal risk.