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Sending a money transfer: What information is required?

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Each company can set their own requirements for what information and proof of ID you need to send or receive a transfer. Being ready can make sending a transfer easier — and picking one up possible.

What information do I need to send a money transfer?

The information required to send a money transfer will differ slightly by bank or provider, your recipient’s location and your method of delivery.

Sending an international money transfer online

Regardless of whether you choose to send a transfer through your Internet banking account or use a specialist online transfer company such as Wise, 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 will also need to supply one of the following:

  • IBAN (International bank account number)
  • ABA (American Bankers Association) routing number
  • Bank and branch
  • 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

If you don’t have a bank account or merely prefer cold, hard cash, you’ll find providers that accept cash payments for international money transfers. The best-known services for cash transfers are Western Union and MoneyGram.

Western Union allows you to send in person at over 500,000 locations in over 200 countries. MoneyGram also offers online and in-person transfers to more than 200 countries, with some 350,000 agent locations around the globe.

For domestic transfers, look no further than your local Walmart store. Through a partnership with MoneyGram, you can send cash from your nearest store to any Walmart in the US or Puerto Rico or to any of MoneyGram’s agents worldwide.

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 license 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.

What information do I need to receive a money transfer?

Depending on whether you’re receiving the money from an overseas bank account or you’re collecting a cash transfer, you’ll need different information.

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

IBANs are not used in the United States, but banks and transfer providers in some countries will require an IBAN to be provided before the transfer can be processed. If this is the case, you can combine your BSB and account number.

It’s also worth pointing out that you may be charged a fee by your bank for receiving an international transfer.

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 license 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.

Money transfer providers and required documentation

Approval waiting periodSocial Security number required?Required documents
WiseNo waiting period for approval.
  • Yes
None
XoomNo waiting period beyond email confirmation. But you’ll need to speak to a Xoom representative to verify your first transfer.
  • No
  • Government-issued ID
  • Recent bank statement
SharemoneyNo waiting period beyond email verification.
  • Yes
  • Driver’s license
  • Government-issued ID
Western UnionNo waiting period beyond email verification.
  • No
None
RIANo waiting period for approval.
  • No
None
MoneyGramNo waiting period for approval.
  • Yes
  • Country of birth
  • Driver’s license number
PayPalConfirm your email and wait for bank account approval.
  • Yes
None
PangeaNo waiting period for approval.
  • No
None
TransfastNo waiting period for approval.
  • No
None
Currencies Direct InternationalSubmit identifying documents and speak to a representative.
  • Yes
  • Proof of address
  • Passport
TorFXConfirm your account by email and speak to a TorFX representative. After, you may be required to email further documentation.
  • No
  • Proof of address dated within past 3 months
  • Passport
RemitlyNo waiting period for approval.
  • Yes
None
MoneyCorpSubmit identifying information online after applying. You may also need to speak with a representative for approval.
  • No
  • Utility bill
  • Driver’s license
  • Bank statement
  • Current lease
  • Letter from bank
OFXSpeak with an OFX representative to complete approval.
  • Yes
  • Proof of driver’s license or passport
  • Proof of address
XeUpload documentation and wait for approval.
  • Yes
Government-issued ID
WyreBecause accounts are approved manually, you’ll need to wait for approval.

Am I required to share my Social Security number?

With most money transfer providers, you’ll need to provide specific personal information to establish your identity. This is because most companies that sell money transfers are subject to anti–money laundering laws and counter-terrorist financing standards, which require providers to exercise their due diligence to confirm that you’re not using their services for terrorist or otherwise nefarious activities.

“Identifying information” doesn’t always mean your Social Security number, however. But you’ll nearly always need to submit at least your government-issued ID, like your driver’s license or passport, to continue through the transfer process. MoneyGram is one provider that needs to see your official photo ID but not necessarily your SSN.

Note that Remitly and a few other providers may require your Social Security number to upgrade your account to unlimited or high-limit maximums.

What if I don’t have the required documentation?

Whether you can continue with your transfer without the required documentation will depend on your provider. A few may simply limit how much you can send your first transfer, while others may not allow you to send anything at all.

You may be able to get around documentation with a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or Circle. If you have a valid account with any of the banks that use Zelle — like Bank of America, Chase, Capital One or USAA — you’re already set up for domestic transfers of up to $2,500. Simply visit your bank’s website or download its app to begin sending money.

ID and other documentation is necessary for providers to satisfy federal laws in place to prevent money laundering and other potentially illicit activities.

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.

Compare online money transfers

Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
1 - 14 of 14
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
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.
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.
Instarem
Within minutes
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Revolut
Revolut
Within minutes
From $0
Revolut offers international exchange rate for over 150+ currencies and transfers within 30 minutes.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
Revolut
Revolut
Within minutes
From $0
Revolut offers international exchange rate for over 150+ currencies and transfers within 30 minutes.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
Within minutes
$3
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Currencies Direct (business)
24 hours
$0
Minimizes costs of international transactions and offers custom solutions for business clients. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
Revolut
Revolut
Within minutes
From $0
Revolut offers international exchange rate for over 150+ currencies and transfers within 30 minutes.
Currencies Direct
24 hours
$0
CurrenciesDirect makes transferring money abroad simple with bank-beating exchange rates. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
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Bottom line

You have many options when it comes to a money transfer, but nearly all will require at least some documentation to establish your identity — and keep the provider out of hot water with the government. Weigh the requirements when considering a money transfer specialist that’s right for your needs.

Common questions about money transfer requirements