How to transfer money to someone’s bank account

Sending money to another person’s bank account, whether domestically or internationally online, is something many of us do regularly – whether it’s supporting family, paying shared expenses, reimbursing a friend, or covering rent.

But the phrase “bank transfer” can mean different things depending on how the money is actually sent. Today, funds can reach someone’s bank account through several different payment systems, including traditional bank wires, card-funded transfers, and modern digital payout networks.

There are many different ways to transfer money to someone’s bank account, and understanding your options can help you choose the right avenue that fits your needs in terms of speed, cost, and convenience.

Different ways to send money to someone's bank account

There are several ways to send money to someone else’s bank account. The process you experience – including how fast the money arrives and what information you need – depends on the payment method used.

Traditional bank transfers (bank wires and domestic bank rails)

One of the most established ways to send money is through a traditional bank transfer. These are usually processed through domestic banking systems or international networks such as SWIFT.

To make a transfer like this, you typically need the recipient’s bank account number or IBAN, their name, and sometimes the bank’s SWIFT/BIC code.

Domestic transfers may arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on the country and local banking system. International transfers may take several days, especially if multiple intermediary banks are involved. Fees and exchange rates vary depending on the bank and the destination.

Card-funded transfers with bank payout

Another common method today is to fund a transfer with a debit or credit card, with the money delivered to the recipient’s bank account.

With this approach, the card acts as the funding source, and the payment provider sends the funds through the available payout network in the destination country.

Depending on the corridor and local payment rails, delivery may be fast, though timing can vary depending on destination and banking systems.

This type of transfer is widely used by digital money transfer platforms because it allows people to send funds without visiting a bank branch.

Card-to-card transfers

In some cases, money can be sent directly from one card to another. Because most debit cards are linked to bank accounts, the funds typically become available in the recipient’s account once the transfer is completed.

Card-to-card transfers are commonly used in countries where card networks support this type of payout. The information required is usually the recipient’s card number rather than their bank account details.

Local instant payment systems

Some countries also support local near-time payment systems that allow money to move between bank accounts within seconds or minutes. Please note: While most transfers are now received within minutes, delivery times can still vary based on the recipient’s bank processing, compliance checks, or other local conditions.

Examples include Fast payments in the UK, SEPA Instant in parts of Europe, and other domestic instant payment rails around the world.

Availability depends on the country and whether both banks support the system.

What information you usually need

When sending money to someone’s bank account, the required details depend on the transfer method and the destination country.

In most cases, you will need:

• The recipient’s full name
• Their bank account number or IBAN
• The bank name or destination country

In some transfer methods, you may instead need:

• The recipient’s debit card number
• A phone number linked to a wallet or payment service (in certain countries)

Incorrect or incomplete information is one of the most common reasons transfers are delayed. Double-checking recipient details before sending money can help avoid unnecessary processing issues.

Do you always need an IBAN to send money to a bank account?

Not always. In many international transfers, an IBAN or local bank account number is required to identify the recipient’s account. However, depending on the transfer method and destination country, some digital payment services may allow transfers using alternative details such as a debit card number or mobile wallet information.

How long does it take to transfer money to someone’s bank account?

The time it takes for a transfer to reach someone’s bank account depends on the payment method, destination country, and banking systems involved. Domestic transfers may arrive the same day or the next business day, while international transfers can take longer, depending on the route and intermediary banks. Digital transfer services may offer faster delivery in some corridors, though timing can still vary.

Other ways people send money

There are also several alternative methods people use to move money between individuals. Let’s explore those options.

E-wallet transfers

E-wallet services allow users to send funds through an online account or mobile app. Recipients may often withdraw the funds to their bank account or spend the balance directly.

This option can be convenient if both the sender and recipient already use the same service, though it may require both parties to create accounts.

Fees and delivery times vary by platform and destination country.

Cash deposits

In some situations, people may deposit cash directly into a bank account at a branch. While still possible in some places, this approach is less common today as many people prefer digital payment options that can be completed remotely.

Cheques

Writing a cheque is another traditional method of transferring money, but this option has become less widely used in many countries. Cheques may take several days to clear, and sending them internationally can introduce additional delays.

Sending money to bank accounts with Paysend

Digital money transfer platforms enable to send funds internationally without visiting a bank branch.

Paysend allows users to send money by funding a transfer with a card and delivering funds to a bank account* or card, depending on the destination country and available payment rails.

In many corridors, this allows users to send money through a mobile app or online platform while the system routes the payment through the most appropriate network available.

Delivery time varies by destination and transfer method, and the required recipient information may differ depending on whether the payout is made to a bank account or card.

*While most transfers are now received within minutes, delivery times can still vary based on the recipient’s bank processing, compliance checks, or other local conditions.

How to make a transfer with Paysend

Getting started typically involves a few simple steps:

1. Create or sign in to your Paysend account
2. Enter the recipient’s details and destination country
3. Choose how you want to fund the transfer
4. Review the exchange rate and transfer information
5. Confirm and send the transfer

Once the transfer is sent, you can track its progress through the app or website.

Send money with Paysend

Understanding bank transfers helps avoid surprises

While sending money to someone’s bank account can involve different processes behind the scenes, modern digital services make it easy to choose the method that fits your needs.

Understanding how these transfers work – and what information is required – can help ensure your money arrives as expected.

Sending money to bank accounts in different countries

People often send money to bank accounts across borders to support family, pay rent, or cover shared expenses. The exact transfer process can vary depending on the destination country, local banking systems, and available payment rails.

For example, users frequently send money to bank accounts in:

• India
• Mexico
• the Philippines
• Colombia
• Turkey
• Nigeria
• Sri Lanka
  
   

Delivery methods, required details, and processing times may differ depending on the destination country and the payment network used.

Related questions about bank transfers

Can you transfer money to someone else’s bank account online?

Yes. Many banks and digital payment services allow users to send money online or through a mobile app by entering the recipient’s bank details or card information.

Can I send money to someone’s bank account using a debit card?

Some digital transfer services allow transfers funded by a debit card while delivering the money to the recipient’s bank account or payment card, depending on the destination country.

How long does an international bank transfer take?

International transfers may take from one to several business days depending on the banking networks used, intermediary banks, and the destination country.

Do I need an IBAN to send money to a bank account?

In many international transfers, an IBAN or local account number is required. However, some digital payment services allow transfers using alternative details such as a card number.

What happens if the bank transfer details are wrong?

Incorrect recipient information can delay or prevent the transfer from completing. Many providers recommend double-checking account numbers, IBANs, or card details before confirming a payment.

Common bank transfer terms explained

When sending money to someone’s bank account, you may come across several technical terms. Understanding what they mean can clarify the transfer process and reduce confusion.

What is an IBAN and why is it needed for bank transfers?

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a standardized format used in many countries to identify a specific bank account. It helps banks route international transfers correctly and reduces the risk of errors during payment processing.

What is a SWIFT or BIC code?

A SWIFT or BIC code identifies a specific bank within the global SWIFT network. These codes are commonly required for international bank transfers so that payment instructions reach the correct financial institution.

What is a correspondent bank?

In some international transfers, particularly traditional bank wires, payments may pass through intermediary institutions called correspondent banks. These banks help route the funds between the sending bank and the receiving bank.

What does settlement time mean for bank transfers?

Settlement time refers to how long it takes for funds to be fully processed and made available in the recipient’s account. The timing can vary depending on the transfer method, destination country, and banking systems involved.

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