How to track an international wire transfer
Waiting for an international transfer can be stressful since you have no idea if the transaction was successful or has been stuck. Since international transfers do not happen instantly, tracking them can provide you with peace of mind.
A unique reference number is generated against every transfer request. This allows the sender or receiver to check the status through the website, customer support, or mobile application.1 In case of delay, both sender and recipients can use this reference number to check if it is still in process or stuck due to some issue.
But is international wire transfer tracking as simple as it sounds? In this blog, we'll discuss how to international track wire transfers, the information needed to set up tracking, some common reasons for delays, and how to resolve them.
What are international wire transfers
International bank transfer allows businesses and people to send money across borders securely. Banks and financial institutions utilize encrypted systems to handle these transactions. Individuals use wire transfers to move their money for personal reasons, whether to family or friends, to purchase goods or services, or to buy international property. Businesses use them for supplier payments, overseas employee payrolls, or cross-border investments.
The process begins when the sender enters the recipient's bank information. This includes their name, SWIFT or IBAN code, and account number. The recipient's bank receives the information after the sender's bank verifies it and subtracts the amount. Before the money reaches its destination, it sometimes goes via other banks.
Upon receiving the money, the recipient's bank transfers it into their account. This process can be completed quickly or over many days, depending on the countries and banks involved. However, one can expect unforeseen delays due to bank processing hours, public holidays, or additional security procedures.
Why is tracking your wire transfer essential?
Wire transfers are a reliable way to send money across borders, but once the transaction is initiated, you shouldn’t assume it will always reach the recipient without issues. Let’s look at some of the reasons on why is it necessary to monitor wire transfers from one country to another country.
Ensuring funds reach the right recipient
After you send a wire transfer, the financial institutions process your transaction through multiple bank channels, and it has to pass through different checkpoints before it reaches the recipient.
Detecting and resolving issues quickly
Wire transfers are often processed without any problem. However, errors can occur. Inaccurate SWIFT codes, wrong account numbers, or even banking holidays might cause delays. By tracking, you can identify these issues early on and address them before they become more serious issues.
Occasionally, a transfer is delayed at an intermediary bank. In other situations, additional information could be required by the recipient's bank before the payment is processed. You can prevent unforeseen delays and promptly submit the required information if you track bank transfers.
Additionally, large transactions can trigger additional security checks. If this occurs, tracking allows you to keep on top of the situation. You'll know precisely where your money is and what has to be done, so you won't have to wait in the dark. This is particularly helpful when there is a time constraint, such as when making a supplier payment or paying for an urgent necessity.
Peace of mind for everyone involved
The purpose of tracking a wire transfer is to ensure that everything is proceeding as planned. It benefits the recipient as well. They won't have to worry about what's going on if they're waiting for funding. They can make plans according to the transfer status.
Key information needed for tracking
One aspect of successfully sending money internationally is having all the right information. Some of them include:
Every bank assigns a unique identifier number that allows the sender and receiver to check their status and see when the bank has processed your transfer.
This number is used to track payments for U.S. bank transfers handled through the Federal Reserve. If something seems off, your bank can use it to investigate the process.
SWIFT/BIC codes are international bank codes specific to a particular bank. These codes allow banks to communicate effectively with one another. If a transfer is delayed, verifying the SWIFT or BIC code can help clear up any issues.
This is a standardized international bank account number commonly used in Europe and other regions. It makes sure the money goes to the right account.
How to track an international wire transfer
When sending or receiving an international wire transfer, it's important to track its progress. A delay can be frustrating, but knowing what steps to take makes the process easier. Here's how to track an international wire transfer with a reference number:
After sending the wire, you will be given the FED number. If days have gone by and the recipient has not received the money, check with your bank or transfer service provider and request a trace using your FED. They can confirm if the money has been processed and provide an update. Most banks also let you track international wire transfers through online banking or mobile apps.
If you’re expecting money, ask the sender for the tracking number. Some banks let you track a wire transfer with a reference number, so having this detail makes it easier to follow up. Keep an eye on your account, and if your bank offers notifications for incoming funds, enable them for updates.
Common reasons for delays and how to address them
Wire transfers usually don’t take long, but sometimes, they don’t go through as fast as expected. Let’s look at some of the common reasons for delays and ways to resolve them.
Incorrect account details
Your transaction can be halted by one simple mistake: entering the incorrect recipient’s details. With incorrect details, the money can also be sent to the wrong place. Therefore, always double-check account numbers, IBANs, and SWIFT codes before sending. If you realize there’s an error after making the transfer, reach out to your bank right away to fix it.
Bank holidays and weekends
Banks don’t process transfers on weekends or holidays, which can push transactions to the next business day.2 If timing is important, check your bank’s schedule before sending money.
Compliance and regulatory checks
Large transfers or international payments often go through security reviews. Banks do this to prevent fraud and other financial crimes. If your transfer is delayed because of this, your bank might ask for extra information.3
Intermediary banks
Sometimes, a transfer doesn’t go straight to the recipient’s bank. It passes through intermediary banks, which can slow things down.4 If you need an update, your bank can tell you how to track wire transfers and where the money is. If you have a tracking number, use it. You can track wire transfers with reference numbers through your bank's system to check the status.
If you’re not sure what’s causing the delay, understand how to track wire transfers with reference numbers thoroughly. Contact your bank, give them the tracking details, and ask if anything needs to be done on your end.
What to do if your transfer is delayed
Waiting for a wire transfer that hasn’t arrived can be stressful, but there are ways to sort it out. The sooner you take action, the faster it can be resolved.
Contact your bank or transfer service provider
Start by contacting your bank or the service you used to send the money. They can check where the transfer is and why it’s taking longer than expected. Sometimes, it’s just a routine security check. Other times, it might be a missing detail that needs fixing. Either way, they’ll let you know the next steps.
Gather all relevant information
Before calling, have the details ready. This includes the transfer confirmation number, date, amount, and recipient’s details. If you’re wondering how to track international wire transfers with a reference number, enter it into your bank’s tracking system or ask customer support for an update.
Provide additional documentation
In some cases, banks ask for extra documents before releasing a transfer. This could be proof of payment, ID verification, or details about the transaction. The faster you provide what they need, the sooner they can process your transfer. If it still takes time, follow up regularly to make sure it’s moving forward.
Tips for smooth and timely international wire transfers
Sending money internationally should be simple, but small mistakes or overlooked details can cause delays. Taking a few extra steps can help everything go smoothly. Some of them include the following.
Double-check all recipient details
Be aware of cut-off times for processing
Banks and transfer services don’t process payments 24/7. If you send a transfer after the cut-off time, it won’t start moving until the next business day. That’s especially important to remember before weekends and holidays. That is why it is important to check the cut-off time to avoid extra waiting.
Choose a reputable transfer service
Not all transfer services are the same. Some are faster and more reliable than others. A trusted provider like BOSS Revolution can help ensure the money gets where it needs to go without delays. Many services also offer tracking tools, so if you want to know how to track money transfers from bank to bank, confirm the tracking method with the service provider.
Stay informed about fees
Some transfers come with hidden costs. Banks and transfer providers may deduct fees for processing or currency exchange. Before sending money, check the total cost to make sure the recipient gets the full amount.
Use tracking tools
If you’re worried about a transfer, tracking tools can help. This way, you can determine whether the money is and if it’s on time. If online tracking isn’t available, customer support can provide an update using the reference number.
Conclusion
Tracking your international wire transfer actively can ensure it gets to the right place on time. Whether you send money to family, pay for services, or handle business expenses, tracking your transfer is important.
Mistakes happen, therefore, you can avoid them by double-checking recipient details and choosing a reliable transfer service. It is important to know how to track international wire transfers so you can fix any issues quickly. Most banks and services offer online tracking, so you can check your transfer anytime.
If something seems off, contact your bank with the reference number and other details to speed things up. The sooner you act, the faster you can get things sorted.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of March 6, 2025
- https://www.westernunion.com/blog/en/ca/how-to-track-a-wire-transfer/
- https://www.currencytransfer.com/blog/expert-analysis/will-money-transfer-over-the-weekend/
- https://business.bofa.com/en-us/content/cyber-security-journal/transaction-security.html
- https://statrys.com/blog/delayed-bank-transfer
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/reference-number.asp
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/iban.asp
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.
