What Details Do I Need to Give for Someone to Transfer Me Money?

Receiving money from another person or entity requires providing accurate information to ensure funds arrive in the correct account. The specific details needed depend largely on the transfer method used, whether it is a traditional bank transfer, a digital payment application, or an international transaction. Providing incomplete or incorrect information can lead to delays, returned funds, or even the money being sent to the wrong recipient. Understanding the precise details required for each type of transfer streamlines the process, allowing for efficient and secure receipt of funds.

Details for Domestic Bank Transfers

For direct bank-to-bank transfers within the United States, such as Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions or domestic wire transfers, several key pieces of information are necessary to identify the recipient’s account. The sender will need the recipient’s full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account. This ensures that the identity of the person receiving the funds matches the account holder, preventing potential security issues or rejections.

The sender also requires the recipient’s bank name and the specific account type, such as checking or savings. Each bank account has a unique bank account number that precisely identifies the individual account within the financial institution. It acts as a unique identifier for all financial activities associated with that specific account, including deposits and withdrawals.

A nine-digit bank routing number is also essential for domestic transfers. This number identifies the specific financial institution where the account is held. Both the routing number and the account number are necessary for processing electronic payments, direct deposits, and domestic wire transfers, ensuring that funds are accurately directed to the intended bank and then to the correct account within that bank.

Details for Digital Payment Apps

Digital payment applications offer a simplified way to send and receive money, often requiring fewer traditional banking details than direct bank transfers. These platforms typically link to a user’s bank account or debit card, but the primary identifiers for transactions are often more user-friendly. Senders usually need only one of a few common identifiers to initiate a payment.

Common identifiers include the recipient’s unique username or “handle” specific to the application, such as a Venmo username or Cash App Cashtag. Alternatively, the sender can use the recipient’s email address or phone number linked to their digital payment account. These methods streamline the process by relying on readily available contact information rather than sensitive bank details.

The name associated with the recipient’s digital payment account should match the name the sender expects, which helps confirm the correct recipient. While these apps aim for convenience, users should verify the recipient’s identifier carefully before sending funds. This helps prevent accidental transfers to unintended parties, as transactions through these apps can be difficult to reverse.

Details for International Transfers

International money transfers involve additional information due to the complexities of cross-border banking systems. The sender will need comprehensive details about the recipient and their bank, including the recipient’s full legal name and complete physical address.

The sender also requires the recipient’s bank name and its full physical address. Critically, an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is often necessary, particularly for transfers to and from European countries. The IBAN is an alphanumeric identifier that uniquely identifies a bank account across international borders.

The SWIFT/BIC (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication / Bank Identifier Code) code is also required. This code is an international standard for identifying financial institutions worldwide. It directs the funds to the correct bank globally, similar to how a routing number functions domestically. In some cases, depending on the sender’s bank or the destination country, details of an intermediary bank might also be required to facilitate the transfer if a direct relationship between the sending and receiving banks does not exist.

Details for Other Transfer Methods

Beyond electronic transfers, several other methods exist for receiving money, each with its own set of required details. For instance, receiving a paper check typically involves providing the sender with your full legal name exactly as it should appear on the check. A mailing address is also necessary if the check is to be sent by postal service.

Similarly, receiving a money order generally requires the recipient’s full legal name. If the money order is being mailed, a mailing address is also needed. Both paper checks and money orders are physical instruments, so accurate naming and addressing ensure successful delivery and deposit.

For transfers involving cryptocurrencies, the process is entirely digital, relying on a specific identifier: the cryptocurrency wallet address. This address is a unique string of characters that designates a digital wallet where the funds will be received. Unlike traditional financial systems, personal names or bank details are not typically involved in direct cryptocurrency transfers.