What details do I need to receive an international wire transfer?

Waiting on an international payment — whether it’s a gift from family abroad, funds from your own overseas account, or even part of an inheritance — can be exciting. But before that money lands in your account, there’s one crucial step: giving the sender the right information.

Missing or incorrect details can lead to delays, extra fees, or even failed transfers, meaning it pays to get it right the first time.

We’re breaking down all the information you need to receive an international wire transfer. We’ll also look at how providers like Wise and OFX can help you receive money across borders — often faster, cheaper, and more conveniently than banks. With options like multi-currency accounts, you might even skip the high fees and bad exchange rates altogether.

What information is needed for an international wire transfer?

To make sure your international wire transfer arrives safely and without delay, you’ll need to gather information about the person or business you’re sending money to. While specific requirements can vary by provider and destination country, most international wire transfers need a standard set of details to ensure the funds are routed correctly. These include:

• Recipient’s full name and address: Must match exactly with the name on their bank account for security and compliance checks.
• Recipient’s bank name and address: To identify the receiving financial institution.
• Recipient’s SWIFT/BIC code: A SWIFT code is the unique identifier for the recipient’s bank and ensures the payment is routed to the correct bank internationally.
• Recipient’s account number or IBAN: This identifies your specific account within your bank. In many countries, especially in Europe, an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used instead of a regular account number.
• Currency to send: You may need to choose the currency the recipient wants to receive. This is especially important if they’re using a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise.
• Purpose of the transfer: Some countries or payment providers may ask for a reason for the transfer, such as “family support,” “invoice payment,” or “gift”, to comply with local regulations.

Double-check every detail before confirming your transfer, as even small errors can cause delays, rejections, or funds being sent to the wrong account.

What information do I need to give to receive an international wire transfer?

To make sure an international wire transfer lands safely in your account, you’ll need to pass along a few key details to the sender. These help identify your bank, your account, and the reason for the payment—so it’s routed correctly and doesn’t get delayed.

What you need can vary depending on your bank or the country the transfer is coming from. It’s always a good idea to check your bank’s official incoming wire instructions first before sharing anything.

Generally, you should be prepared to provide:

• Your full name and residential address – These should match the name and address on your bank account to avoid issues with verification.
• Your bank’s name and address – This helps confirm the receiving bank, especially if it’s part of a larger banking group.
• Your account number – This identifies your individual account. If you’re using a checking or savings account, you may have to include the account type too.
• Your IBAN (International Bank Account Number), if applicable – Used in many countries, especially across Europe and the UK, to identify accounts within a bank for international transfers.
• Your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code – A SWIFT code (or BIC) helps ensure the funds reach the correct bank internationally.
• Any reference or message to include – Useful if you want the transfer labeled with an invoice number, name, or purpose for easy tracking.

If you’re using a provider like Wise , you may be able to receive money using local account details in multiple currencies, making it easier and cheaper for the sender.

Cheapest ways to receive money internationally

You can usually receive international payments straight into your bank account—but it might not be the most cost-effective option. Banks often charge incoming wire fees, and you may also lose money through poor exchange rates or unexpected SWIFT deductions taken by intermediary banks along the way.

An alternative is to use a multi-currency account with a provider like Wise. These accounts let you receive payments using account details in different currencies.

This helps avoid costly international wire fees and can mean a faster, more transparent transfer. You can then convert your money within the account using mid-market exchange rates, usually with lower fees than banks.

*Information correct at the time of writing, 25th March 2025.

Wise Account

The Wise Account allows personal customers and businesses to hold and manage money in over 40 currencies. Opening an account is free, with no monthly or annual fees. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions, charging a transparent fee that varies by currency—starting from 0.57%.

To receive funds, Wise provides local account details in 8+ currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and more, and receiving domestic payments in these currencies is usually free.

For international SWIFT payments, Wise charges a fixed fee per transaction (e.g., $6.11 USD for USD wires). There are generally no limits on the amount you can receive, with customers being able to send up to 1 million USD per transfer.
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How to receive international money transfer with Wise

1. Set up your account: Sign up for a Wise account and complete the verification process.​
2. Share your account details: Once set up, Wise provides you with local account details (like account and routing numbers) in 8+ currencies, allowing you to receive money for free. Share these details with the sender as well as your full name and any additional reference or payment details if required.
3. Receive funds: You’ll be notified when the money arrives in your Wise account.​ Use the funds directly or convert them to other currencies at the mid-market exchange rate.​

OFX

OFX enables secure, low-cost money transfers to over 170 countries, with access to 50+ currencies. Businesses can make international payments to suppliers or staff, and individuals can use OFX to transfer money to family or cash out overseas income.

OFX used to offer a multi-currency account called The OFX Global Currency Account which was designed for businesses operating internationally, allowing them to hold, manage and receive funds in multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and CAD. However, this account is no longer available for new business and eCommerce clients.

While new signups can’t access Global Currency Account, you can still receive a payment sent through OFX money transfer.

To receive money with OFX, users first need to register for an account. Once verified, you can receive funds from abroad and convert them into your preferred currency.

There are no fees to receive money via OFX’s network, but there is typically a $150 USD minimum transfer and no maximum limit.

How to receive international money transfer with OFX

1. Sender registers with OFX: The person or business sending money signs up for an OFX account and completes verification.

2. Sender provides recipient’s bank details: The sender inputs the recipient’s full name, bank name and address, and bank account number (plus SWIFT/BIC code if needed) into their transfer with OFX.

3. Transfer and delivery: The sender transfers the funds to OFX. OFX then converts the currency at a competitive rate and deposits the money directly into the recipient’s bank account.

Chase Total Checking Account

With a Chase Bank Personal Account, you can receive international wire transfers directly into your account. Chase charges a fee of up to $15 per incoming international wire transfer and the exchange rate includes a margin set by Chase, which may not be publicly disclosed.

This includes a spread, which Chase may make a commission from when foreign currency exchange takes place when receiving an international wire.

Transfer limits can vary depending on your specific account type, and will depend on how much you have available in your account.

How to receive international money transfer with Chase

1. Share the following information with the sender:
   • For domestic wire transfers: Routing Number: 021000021
   • For international wire transfers: SWIFT/BIC Code: CHASUS33
   • Your Chase bank account number
   • Your account name and address as it appears on your statement
2. Receive Funds: After the sender initiates the wire transfer with the provided details, the funds will be deposited into your Chase account.​

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account is a standard personal account with access to online and mobile banking. You can receive international wire transfers directly into this account, though a $15 fee applies. If the transfer is sent in a foreign currency, it will be automatically converted to USD using Wells Fargo’s exchange rate, which includes a markup over the mid-market rate and third parties or other banks may also charge additional fees.

Wells Fargo doesn’t specify exact limits for incoming transfers, so if you’re expecting a large payment from abroad, it’s best to check with the bank ahead of time.

How to receive international money transfer with Wells Fargo

1. Provide the following details:

1. • For Domestic Wire Transfers: Wire Routing Transit Number (ABA/RTN): 121000248
   • For International Wire Transfers: SWIFT/BIC Code: WFBIUS6S

• • • Bank name: Wells Fargo Bank, NA
    • Bank address: 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
    • Your account number: Your complete Wells Fargo account number (including leading zeros)
    • Your account name and address: As it appears on your statement

2. Receive funds: Once the sender initiates the wire transfer with the provided details, the funds will be deposited into your Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account.​

Best ways to receive money internationally – pros and cons

Reasons to receive money internationally

There are many legitimate reasons why you might receive money from abroad. Depending on the purpose and the amount, some transfers may require additional documentation to verify the source of funds or meet local regulations.

1. Sending money to yourself from your overseas account

If you live in one country but have bank accounts in another, you might transfer money between your own accounts.

This is common for expats, remote workers, or frequent travellers. Using a multi-currency account from providers like Wise can help reduce fees and avoid poor exchange rates.

Wise offers mid-market exchange rates, and has high transfer limits (usually an equivalent of 1 million GBP), allowing you to easily move your money internationally with low transfer costs.

2. Receiving an inheritance from abroad

Large sums of money from wills or estates may be sent internationally. Because inheritance transfers often exceed standard limits, you may be asked to provide documentation — such as a copy of the will or legal proof of inheritance.

Services like OFX and Wise are suitable for handling large amounts, with high limits and a call-back option with Wise, and no maximum transfer limit and the ability to speak to a currency specialist with OFX.

3. Money from family or friends

Whether it’s a birthday gift, emergency support, or help with expenses, receiving personal payments from loved ones abroad is common. Even for smaller transfers, Wise is often a cheap and fast option — especially when using local account details to avoid SWIFT fees.

4. Transferring pension or retirement income

If you’ve retired abroad or worked in another country, you may receive monthly pension payments from your home country. In these cases, it’s important to use a provider with low ongoing fees and good exchange rates, especially for recurring transfers.

5. Proceeds from overseas investments or property sales

If you’ve sold shares, property, or other assets in another country, you might receive the proceeds as an international payment. Depending on the size of the transfer and the sending country, you could be asked for proof of sale.

OFX is a good choice for large, one-off transfers with personalised support and no maximum limit.

Conclusion: Information required for receiving international wire transfers

Receiving money from abroad can be straightforward—as long as you provide the right information to the sender. If you’re moving money between your own accounts, getting a gift from family, or accepting an inheritance, accuracy is key to avoiding delays, fees, or failed transfers. Providers like Wise and OFX may offer better exchange rates and more affordable, flexible options compared to banks, especially when you’re receiving funds regularly or across multiple currencies.

Key takeaways

• Always provide your full name, account number, bank name, and SWIFT/BIC code to the sender.
• If available, use local account details with multi-currency accounts like Wise Account to avoid SWIFT fees and speed up transfers.
• Some transfers (like inheritance or high-value payments) may require additional documentation.
• Banks charge higher fees and may offer poorer exchange rates than fintech alternatives.
• Double-check details before sending them to avoid transfer delays or rejections.

Tarah Ren

Author

Tarah Ren

Freelance Copywriter and Content Editor

Tarah is an experienced copywriter for international brands, specialising in digital marketing and eCommerce.

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Seyma Mektepli

Reviewer

Seyma Mektepli

Editor-in-chief

Seyma is an experienced content writer and editor-in-chief at Exiap, delivering informative articles on personal finance, and money transfers.

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Last updated

March 28th, 2025