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What Is Telegraphic Transfer (T/T)? The Complete Guide for Irish Importers (2026)
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In short: Telegraphic transfer (T/T) is simply a bank wire - the most common way Irish importers pay Chinese suppliers, usually split into a deposit before production and a balance before shipment. It's cheap and fast compared with a letter of credit, but it offers no built-in protection if a supplier doesn't deliver, so the safety comes entirely from verifying who you're paying and confirming production before the balance goes out. The single biggest risk isn't the supplier - it's wire fraud, where a scammer intercepts email and swaps in different bank details.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
What Does "Telegraphic Transfer" Actually Mean?
Telegraphic transfer is the formal banking term for an electronic bank-to-bank wire, sent through the SWIFT network. The name is a holdover from when international payments genuinely travelled by telegraph - today it's the same wire transfer your bank already offers, just the term Chinese suppliers and freight documents use by default.
How Does a T/T Payment to a Chinese Supplier Work Step by Step?
Most first orders follow the same pattern. You and the supplier agree a price and deposit split, you wire the deposit, production starts, you (or your sourcing agent) inspect the goods, and you wire the balance before the supplier releases the shipment.
The Typical Deposit Structure
- 30% deposit paid by T/T once you confirm the order and specifications
- Production begins only after the deposit clears, typically 2-5 business days
- 70% balance paid by T/T once goods are inspected and ready to ship
- Shipping documents released to your freight forwarder once the balance clears
Higher-risk or first-time orders sometimes use a smaller deposit with a larger final payment held until after a pre-shipment inspection confirms the goods match the agreed spec.
What Does a T/T Payment Cost in Fees?
Irish banks typically charge a flat outgoing wire fee, plus the supplier's bank may deduct an intermediary or correspondent bank fee before the funds arrive - meaning the amount that lands can be €15-40 short of what you sent unless you specify that you'll cover all fees ("OUR" rather than "SHA" on the transfer form).
Worked Example: T/T Payment on a €4,000 Order
| Payment stage | Amount (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit (30%) | €1,200 | Paid on order confirmation |
| Irish outgoing wire fee | €15-25 | Varies by bank |
| Balance (70%) | €2,800 | Paid after inspection, before shipment |
| Correspondent bank fee | €10-20 | Deducted in transit unless you select "OUR" |
| Total paid by you | ~€4,045 | Assuming you cover all transfer fees |
How Do You Avoid Wire Fraud When Paying by T/T?
Confirm your supplier's bank account details by phone or video call before every payment, not just email - email accounts get hacked, and the most common scam has a fraudster intercepting a thread and sending new "updated" bank details right before the balance is due. Never change payment details based on an email alone, even if it looks like it came from the right person.
T/T vs Letter of Credit vs Trade Assurance: Which Should You Use?
| Method | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Telegraphic transfer (T/T) | Trusted suppliers, repeat orders, small to mid orders | Fast and cheap, but no built-in buyer protection |
| Letter of credit | Large or first-time orders with an unfamiliar supplier | Strong protection, but bank fees and paperwork add up |
| Alibaba Trade Assurance | Smaller platform orders | Convenient and capped, but tied to Alibaba only |
For a full walkthrough of letters of credit, see our guide to how LCs work, and for the full range of options our payment methods comparison covers Wise, PayPal and escrow alongside T/T. If you're paying a small agent order sourced through a marketplace like Weidian, see our guide to buying from Weidian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telegraphic transfer safe for paying Chinese suppliers?
It's safe when you verify the recipient's bank details independently and never pay the full amount upfront. The payment method itself isn't risky - skipping verification is.
How long does a T/T payment take to reach a Chinese supplier?
Usually 1-3 business days, though it can take longer if a correspondent bank flags it for compliance checks.
Can I get my money back if I send a T/T payment by mistake?
A recall request is possible but not guaranteed, especially once funds have been withdrawn. This is exactly why confirming bank details before you send is non-negotiable.
What's the usual deposit percentage for a first order?
30% is standard, though some suppliers will accept less for a smaller first order, and larger or custom-tooled orders sometimes require more.
Should I pay the balance before or after inspection?
After, wherever possible. Paying the balance only once a pre-shipment inspection confirms the goods match your specification is the single best protection a T/T payment can have.
How Epic Sourcing Helps
Epic Sourcing manages supplier payments as part of a verified process - confirming bank details independently, timing balance payments to inspection results, and flagging anything that looks like fraud before money moves. Once goods ship, budget ahead using our guide to container port charges and demurrage. Our bilingual teams on the ground in China and Vietnam support importers across Ireland, the USA, Singapore, South Africa and the UAE. Get in touch before your next payment - no pressure, no obligation.
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