Yes, Remitly can send money directly to a bank account
Remitly is a money transfer service that lets you send money to bank accounts in over 130 countries. When you send through Remitly, you can choose to have the recipient's money deposited directly into their bank account instead of picking it up in cash. The money goes from your Remitly account to their bank, and the recipient never has to visit a physical location to collect it.
The process works the same way whether you're sending domestically (within the US) or internationally. You provide the recipient's bank details—account number, routing number, and bank name—and Remitly handles the deposit. The recipient's bank receives the funds and posts them to the account, just like any other incoming transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Remitly deposits money directly into the recipient's bank account if you choose that delivery method at checkout.
- You need the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing number (for US accounts), and their bank's name to complete a bank deposit transfer.
- Delivery times vary by country and receiving bank, ranging from same-day to several business days.
- Remitly charges a fee for bank transfers, which you can see before you confirm the transaction.
How to set up a bank account transfer through Remitly
Start by logging into your Remitly account or creating one if you don't have it yet. Enter the amount you want to send and select the country where the recipient's bank is located. Remitly will show you the exchange rate (if sending internationally) and available delivery speeds.
At the delivery method step, choose "Bank deposit" or "Direct to bank account"—the exact wording depends on which country you're sending to. You'll then enter the recipient's bank details: their full name as it appears on the account, the account number, the bank's routing number (for US banks) or SWIFT/IBAN code (for international banks), and the name of the bank. Double-check these details before moving forward, because an error in the account number or routing number will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account.
Review the fee, exchange rate, and total amount the recipient will receive. Confirm the transfer, and Remitly will process it. You'll receive a confirmation number and tracking information via email.
Delivery times and fees for bank transfers
Remitly offers multiple delivery speeds, and the one you choose affects both the fee and how fast the money arrives. Standard delivery is usually the cheapest option but takes the longest—often three to five business days for domestic US transfers and up to a week or more for international transfers. Express or next-day options cost more but deliver faster.
The fee structure varies by country and delivery speed. Remitly shows you the exact fee before you send, so you know what you're paying. Some transfers have a flat fee (for example, $2 for a domestic transfer), while others charge a percentage of the amount you're sending. International transfers typically cost more than domestic ones.
The receiving bank may also add processing time. Even if Remitly sends the money within one business day, the recipient's bank might take an additional day or two to post it to their account. This depends on the bank's internal processes and whether the transfer arrives during business hours.
What information you need from the recipient
Before you can send money to someone's bank account through Remitly, you need to collect specific details from them. Ask for their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their bank account), their account number, and their routing number if they're in the US. If they're outside the US, you'll need their SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number.
You also need the name of the bank where they hold the account. If they're unsure of their routing number or SWIFT code, they can find it on their bank statements, by calling their bank, or by logging into their online banking portal. Providing incorrect information is the most common reason transfers fail or take longer than expected.
What happens if the transfer fails or goes to the wrong account
If you enter an incorrect account number or routing number, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank before it reaches the account. When this happens, Remitly will typically refund the money to your Remitly account within a few business days. You can then correct the recipient's information and send again.
If the money does reach the wrong account because of an error in the details you provided, contact Remitly's customer support with your confirmation number and explain what happened. Remitly can attempt to recover the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates and whether the account holder agrees to return the money. This process can take weeks. To avoid this, always verify the recipient's account number and routing number before sending.
Remitly bank transfers versus other delivery methods
Remitly offers several ways to deliver money: bank deposit, cash pickup at partner locations, mobile wallet transfer, and home delivery in some countries. Bank deposit is often the fastest and most secure option because the money goes directly into the recipient's account without them having to visit a physical location. It also leaves a clear record in both your account and theirs.
Cash pickup requires the recipient to go to a Remitly partner location (such as a grocery store or money transfer agent) during business hours and present ID. This takes more time and effort on their end. Mobile wallet transfers work only if the recipient has a compatible digital wallet in their country. Bank deposit eliminates these friction points, which is why it's the most common choice for regular transfers to the same person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to any bank account, or only certain banks?
Remitly can send to most banks in the countries it serves, but some smaller or regional banks may not be available. When you enter the recipient's bank name during the transfer, Remitly will show you whether that bank is supported. If it's not, you may need to use a different delivery method or ask the recipient if they have an account at another bank.
How long does a bank transfer through Remitly actually take?
Domestic US transfers typically arrive within one to three business days with standard delivery. International transfers vary widely depending on the country—some arrive within one business day, while others take five to seven business days. The receiving bank's processing time can add another day or two. Remitly shows you the expected delivery window before you send.
What if the recipient's name on their bank account doesn't match their legal name exactly?
The name you enter must match what's on the bank account, even if it's a nickname or shortened version. Banks use name matching as a fraud prevention tool, and a mismatch can cause the transfer to be rejected or delayed. Ask the recipient to confirm the exact name on their account and use that.
Can I cancel a bank transfer after I've sent it?
Once Remitly has processed and sent the transfer, you generally cannot cancel it. If the money hasn't reached the recipient's bank yet, contact Remitly's support team immediately with your confirmation number—they may be able to stop it. If the money has already been deposited, you would need to ask the recipient to return it or contact the receiving bank directly.
Does Remitly work with US banks only, or can I send to international banks too?
Remitly works with banks in over 130 countries, not just the US. You can send to bank accounts in Canada, Mexico, the UK, India, the Philippines, and many other countries. The process is the same, but you'll need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number for international transfers.