What default charging option is generally applied if no option is specified for an international payment?

The default charging option that is typically applied for international payments, in the absence of any specified option, is SHA. This option stands for "shared" charges, meaning that both the sender and the recipient share the transaction fees associated with the payment.

In most cross-border transactions, SHA is used to ensure that both parties bear some cost of the transfer. The sender pays for the sending bank's fees, while the recipient is responsible for any fees that may be charged by their receiving bank. This method is generally preferred in many international payment systems as it balances the costs between both parties and facilitates smoother transactions.

Understanding the default charging options is important as it helps both individuals and businesses plan for costs associated with international transfers.