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What details do I need for an international money transfer?

Here’s our guide to the information you need to provide when sending or receiving an international money transfer.

Thanks to modern technology and the rise of online banking, it’s quicker and easier than ever before to send money overseas. From banks to specialist online transfer providers, there are plenty of options to choose from when you need to transfer funds across international borders.

But do you know what information you need to provide to ensure that your funds arrive in the right account straight away? This guide explains all the bank account details you need to supply to safely send or receive an international money transfer.

Search and compare international money transfers

Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
1 - 10 of 10
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise (TransferWise) - Under 10k
24 hours
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Simplii Financial
Within minutes
$0
Up to $300 off your first Global Money Transfer with our code GMTEVENT depending on the amount you send. For cash pickups instead, earn $50 using code CASH. Limits and regulations apply.
Send money without fees and at competitive exchange rates to 130+ countries.
Simplii Financial
Within minutes
$0
Up to $300 off your first Global Money Transfer with our code GMTEVENT depending on the amount you send. For cash pickups instead, earn $50 using code CASH. Limits and regulations apply.
Send money without fees and at competitive exchange rates to 130+ countries.
Remitly
Finder Award
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Africhange
Within minutes
From $0
Send money in CAD to Africa on this blockchain and P2P powered provider.
Instarem
Within minutes
From $0
Use code FINDER to get CAD 20 off on first two transfers on a min transfer of CAD 250
Instarem offers zero transfer fees on all transfers.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX
24 hours
$0
Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
OFX
Finder Award
OFX
24 hours
$0
Exclusive offer: Discounted exchange rates for your first and ongoing transactions. $0 transfer fee.
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
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Sending an international money transfer online

Regardless of whether you choose to send a transfer through your Internet banking account or using a specialist online transfer company such as OFX, the details you need to provide remain the same.

You must supply:

  • The recipient’s name
  • The account name
  • The recipient’s home address (supplying this information is optional with some providers)
  • The recipient’s account number

Based on the country you are transferring funds to, you may also need to supply one of the following:

  • Bank and branch
  • IBAN (International bank account number)
  • ABA (American Bankers Association) routing number
  • IFSC (Indian Financial System Code)
  • SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) or BIC (Bank Identifier Code)

For example, the ABA routing number is used to identify banks in the United States and you will need to provide it or a SWIFT for transfers to that country, while if you’re sending a transfer to Europe you will need the IBAN and the SWIFT of the recipient’s bank. Your bank or money transfer provider will be able to provide specific information about the bank details you need to supply during the transfer process.

Apart from your recipient’s bank account details, you will also need to provide some specific details about the transfer, including:

  • The currency you wish to send
  • The amount you are sending
  • The purpose of the transfer

Sending an international cash transfer in person

This service is offered by providers such as Western Union and MoneyGram, allowing you to send fast cash transfers to hundreds of thousands of pickup locations around the world. The details you need to provide when sending a cash transfer are a little different, as you will typically need to supply:

  • Photo identification for yourself (a passport or driver’s licence will do)
  • Your recipient’s full name (this must match the recipient’s name as it appears on their ID)
  • Your recipient’s address
  • Money to complete the transaction

It’s also worth remembering that you will need to be at least 18 years of age to send a transfer overseas.

Receiving an online international money transfer

If someone wants to transfer money to you from an overseas bank account, you’ll need to make sure they have all the relevant details needed to complete the transaction. These include:

  • Your name
  • The name of your bank
  • Your bank’s BIC/SWIFT code
  • Your bank’s BSB (Bank State Branch) number
  • Your account number
  • Your address
  • Your e-mail address

IBANs are not used in Canada, but banks and transfer providers in some countries will require an IBAN to be provided before the transfer can be processed. You can contact your provider to find out how they would like this field populated.

It’s also worth pointing out that you may be charged a fee by your bank for receiving an international transfer. For example, TD Bank charges customers up to $17.50 for transfers received into Canadian accounts.

Receiving an international cash transfer

If you’re visiting a transfer provider’s branch to collect a cash transfer, you will need to provide:

  • Photo ID, for example your driver’s licence or passport
  • The reference number quoted to you by the person who sent the transfer

Depending on the size of the transfer, you may need to phone ahead to confirm that the agent has sufficient cash to complete the transaction. This is also useful if you need to check a branch’s location or opening hours.

Top tips for sending or receiving an international money transfer

Check details carefully

It’s your responsibility to ensure that the bank account details you provide for your recipient are correct. If you make a mistake and the funds are sent to the wrong account, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to recover those funds.

Check the exchange rate

Exchange rates vary from one transfer provider to the next, and even a minor variation in rates can make a big difference to the affordability of a transfer. Search for a provider that consistently offers competitive exchange rates.

Be aware of transfer fees

Make sure you’re aware of the fee the bank or money transfer provider charges for handling the transfer, and check whether the receiving bank will take a cut by imposing its own fees.

Use a reputable transfer provider

Make sure that any transfer provider you choose is reputable and trustworthy before handing over any bank details or money. The last thing you want to do is disclose your own or your recipient’s account information to a dodgy company.

Follow up questions about your documentation

What information do I need to provide when I send or receive an international money transfer via PayPal?

When sending money via PayPal, you’ll need to provide the email address or mobile phone number of your recipient, as well as the details of the bank account or credit card used to fund the transaction. As for receiving payments, you will need to provide your name, address, phone number and email address to open a free PayPal account.

Can I pay for an international money transfer using my credit card?

Yes, this option is available with some transfer providers, but typically only with companies that offer cash pickup transfers.

Will I need to sign up for an account before I send a transfer?

Yes, if using an online transfer company you will need to register for an account before you can send any money. Signing up is usually free. Some companies may require you to upload documents to verify your identity online.

Should I send a transfer via my bank or a specialist transfer company?

That’s entirely up to you. The advantage of using your bank is that it’s convenient, as you will most likely already have an account established from which you can transfer funds. However, in most cases, the better exchange rates and lower fees charged by online transfer companies mean that they are often a more affordable option.

What recipient bank account details will I need to provide when sending funds to India?

You will need to supply a SWIFT and an IFSC number for your recipient’s bank, as well as a reason for your transfer.

What recipient bank account details will I need to provide when sending funds to China?

You will need to provide a SWIFT for your recipient’s bank.

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