T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) is the international banking term for a standard wire payment between business accounts. T/T is the dominant payment method in wholesale electronics worldwide, used for deals from $10,000 to multi-million-dollar shipments.
Common T/T payment structures in 2026 wholesale:
- T/T 100% advance, full payment before stock ships. Used with new buyer relationships and high-risk lots. Seller commands a 2-5 percent price premium.
- T/T 30/70, 30 percent deposit on PO confirmation, 70 percent balance against B/L copy or pre-shipment inspection. Standard for established relationships.
- T/T 50/50, equal split, often used for first-time deals between vetted parties.
- T/T against shipping documents, full payment released against bill of lading. Common in international shipments with established freight forwarders.
T/T transfers typically clear in 1-3 business days. SWIFT fees range from $20$50 per transfer; correspondent-bank charges add another 0.05-0.15 percent. For very large deals, traders sometimes use OFX, Wise Business, or specialist FX providers to reduce conversion costs.