GLOSSARY
UETR (Unique End-to-end Transaction Reference)
A 36-character UUID that identifies a SWIFT payment end-to-end, across every correspondent bank in the chain. Mandatory on all customer credit transfers since 2018; the parcel-tracking number for cross-border wires.
The UETR is a 36-character UUID that SWIFT requires on every customer credit transfer. The originating bank generates the UETR; every correspondent in the chain quotes it on the messages they pass on. The Tracker service lets any party in the chain (including the originator and beneficiary, via their banks) query the live status of the wire.
Why it matters
Before the UETR, "where's my wire?" required calling the originating bank, who called their correspondent, who called theirs, and so on. With the UETR, the answer is a single API call, returning the current leg, lifting fees deducted, FX applied, and expected delivery time — material for cash application and dispute handling.
Related terms
- SWIFT gpi
- ISO 20022
- pacs.008
- Correspondent Banking