Bank Transfer Confirmation ?

Unbelievable really, that we are in the 21st century and still put up with this concept of service.

I am talking about a bank transfer I made a few weeks ago to Belgium. Now because of the type of department it was sent to, it was impossible to get confirmation from them that the bill has actually been paid. If I just left it, I would receive the late payment fine in the post.

So it suddenly dawned on me what a shocking system that is still in place today for making such a transfer. First of all I have to pay £30 for the bank to make the transfer in the first place. Secondly the bank makes the transfer and tells me it could take up to 7 days before it is credited into the account (what is that delay all about?).

But here is the killer blow: - My bank is completely unable to confirm that the money has been received by the receiving bank.

If you think about it, that is quite ridiculous. I have just coughed up £30 and they cant even confirm the cash has been received !! Its a joke and none of us ever complain about such an archaic system.

I insisted I wanted a confirmation, so after half an hour on the phone I am told the best they can do is send a "Swift" message to the other bank to ask for confirmation of receipt. I must then phone the bank back after 7 yes seven working days to find out the answer. I phoned yesterday, 10 days later, only to be told they still havent heard, so phone back again next week some time.

Isnt that a pathetic way to operate ? I can get an auto receipt of an email anywhere in the world, but transfer a massive sum of cash and nothing can be done.

This is in fact all UK banks that operate like this, its not just a one off....