Sendwave can send money directly to a bank account in most countries where it operates, but the receiving bank must be in a country Sendwave supports and the account holder's name must match the sender's records.
Sendwave is a mobile money transfer service owned by Remitly. It lets you send money from your phone to recipients in over 50 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. When you send to a bank account instead of a mobile wallet, the money goes directly into the recipient's bank, usually within one to three business days depending on the country and the receiving bank's processing speed.
The process is straightforward if the receiving bank is in a country Sendwave supports. You enter the recipient's full name, bank account number, bank name, and sometimes a branch code. Sendwave then routes the transfer through its banking partners. The recipient does not need a Sendwave account—only a valid bank account in their name.
Key Takeaways
- Sendwave transfers to bank accounts work only if the receiving bank is in a country Sendwave operates in, which you can check in the app before you send.
- The recipient's name on the bank account must match exactly what you enter in Sendwave, or the bank may reject or delay the transfer.
- Bank transfers through Sendwave typically arrive within one to three business days, though some banks take longer during weekends or holidays.
- Sendwave charges a flat fee plus a percentage of the amount sent; the exact fee depends on the receiving country and the amount you transfer.
- If a transfer fails or is rejected by the receiving bank, Sendwave will refund your money to your original payment method within five to ten business days.
Which countries and banks Sendwave can reach
Sendwave does not work with every bank in every country. Before you send, open the Sendwave app and enter the receiving country. The app will show you whether bank transfers are available there. If they are, you will see a list of supported banks or a note that most banks in that country accept transfers.
Sendwave operates in countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, among others. The list changes, so if you do not see a country listed, check the app or Sendwave's website for the current list. Some countries may support mobile money transfers but not bank transfers, so you may need to ask the recipient which option works for them.
If the receiving bank is not supported, Sendwave will tell you before you complete the transfer. You can then ask the recipient for a mobile money account number instead, or use a different service.
What information you need from the recipient
To send money to a bank account through Sendwave, you will need the recipient's full legal name, bank account number, and the name of their bank. Some banks also require a branch code or SWIFT code, which Sendwave will ask for if needed. Write down this information carefully—banks reject transfers when account numbers or names do not match exactly.
Ask the recipient to provide their account number as it appears on their bank statements or passbook, not as they might say it aloud. For example, some banks add leading zeros that are easy to miss. If the recipient is unsure, they can call their bank or check their online banking portal.
Keep the recipient's bank details in a safe place. Once you have sent money to an account, Sendwave saves those details so you can send to the same account again without re-entering everything.
How long the transfer takes
Sendwave typically delivers money to a bank account within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the receiving country, the receiving bank, and the time of day you send. Transfers sent on a Friday evening may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday because banks do not process transfers over weekends.
Some banks are slower than others. A transfer to a large bank in a major city usually arrives faster than a transfer to a smaller regional bank. If you send money late in the day or on a holiday, the receiving bank may not process it until the next business day.
Sendwave will show you an estimated delivery date when you review the transfer before you confirm it. This is an estimate, not a may provide. If the money does not arrive by the date shown, contact Sendwave support with the transfer reference number, which appears in your transaction history.
Fees and exchange rates
Sendwave charges a fee for each transfer. The fee is usually a combination of a flat amount plus a percentage of the money you send. For example, you might pay $2.99 plus 1.5% of the transfer amount. The exact fee varies by the receiving country and the amount you send. Sendwave shows you the fee before you confirm the transfer, so you know the total cost.
Sendwave also applies an exchange rate if you are sending money in a different currency than the receiving country uses. This exchange rate includes a markup—Sendwave does not use the mid-market rate. The app shows you the exchange rate and the amount the recipient will receive in their local currency before you send.
Compare Sendwave's fees and rates with other services if you are sending a large amount. Some services charge less for certain routes, and the difference can add up.
What happens if the transfer fails or is rejected
If the receiving bank rejects the transfer—usually because the account number or name does not match—Sendwave will refund your money. The refund goes back to the payment method you used to send the money, such as your debit card or bank account. Refunds typically take five to ten business days to appear, though your bank may take longer to process it.
While you wait for the refund, you cannot send the money again until it arrives back in your account. If the refund does not appear within ten business days, contact Sendwave support with your transaction reference number and ask them to investigate.
To avoid rejections, double-check the recipient's name and account number before you send. Ask the recipient to confirm the details match their bank records exactly. If the recipient is not sure, have them call their bank or log into their online banking to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a joint bank account through Sendwave?
Joint accounts vary by bank and country. Some banks accept transfers to joint accounts if you enter one account holder's name; others require both names or may reject the transfer. Ask the recipient to check with their bank before you send. If the transfer is rejected, the money will be refunded to you.
What if the recipient's name on their bank account is spelled differently than how they told me?
Banks match names exactly, so a misspelling or missing middle initial can cause a rejection. Ask the recipient to provide their name as it appears on their bank statement or ID. If you send with the wrong spelling, the transfer will likely be rejected and refunded.
Does the recipient need a Sendwave account to receive money in their bank account?
No. The recipient only needs a valid bank account in their name. Sendwave sends the money directly to the bank, so the recipient does not need to download the app or create an account.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
If the transfer has not been delivered yet, contact Sendwave support immediately with your transaction reference number and ask them to cancel it. Once the money reaches the receiving bank, you cannot cancel it—you would need to ask the recipient to send it back.
Why did my transfer take longer than the estimated date?
Banks process transfers on business days only, so transfers sent on weekends or holidays are delayed. Some banks also take longer to process incoming transfers, especially if the amount is large or the account is flagged for review. If your transfer is more than three business days late, contact Sendwave support with your reference number.