The basic process: Remitly to bank takes 1 to 3 business days
To transfer money from Remitly to your bank account, you link your bank to your Remitly account, then request a withdrawal. Remitly sends the money directly to the bank account you've registered — it does not go through a separate service or require you to pick it up anywhere. The transfer usually arrives within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your bank and whether you pay Remitly's fee for faster delivery.
You can only withdraw to a bank account that is registered in your name in the same country where you opened your Remitly account. You cannot transfer to someone else's account, and you cannot withdraw to a prepaid card or mobile wallet through this method.
Key Takeaways
- Link your bank account to Remitly through the app or website by providing your routing number and account number, then verify the account with two small test deposits.
- Standard withdrawals take 1 to 3 business days and cost between $0 and $2.99 depending on your account type and bank; faster options cost more.
- Remitly holds your money in a holding period (usually 24 hours) before releasing it to your bank, so plan ahead if you need cash on a specific day.
- If a transfer fails or takes longer than expected, contact Remitly support with your transaction reference number — they can see where the money is stuck.
How to link your bank account to Remitly
Open the Remitly app or go to remitly.com and sign into your account. Tap or click the menu icon, then select "Wallet" or "Account Settings" depending on whether you are on mobile or desktop. Look for "Bank Accounts" or "Linked Accounts" and choose "Add Bank Account."
Enter your bank's name, your routing number, and your account number. You can find your routing number on a check or by calling your bank; your account number is also on checks or in your online banking portal. Remitly will ask you to confirm the account is in your name and that you are the account holder.
After you submit this information, Remitly sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account. This typically takes 1 to 2 business days. Once the deposits appear in your bank account, return to Remitly and enter the exact amounts of those two deposits to verify ownership. Only after verification can you withdraw money to that account.
Withdrawal options and how long each takes
Remitly offers several withdrawal speeds, and the cost and timing depend on your account type and which option you choose. Standard withdrawals are the slowest and usually free or cost $0.99 to $1.99; these take 1 to 3 business days. Express withdrawals cost $2.99 and typically arrive within 1 business day. Some accounts include free standard withdrawals as part of a paid membership plan.
When you request a withdrawal, Remitly first places a 24-hour hold on the money in your Remitly account. After that hold ends, the money is sent to your bank. Your bank then processes it, which adds another 1 to 2 business days for standard transfers. If you choose express delivery, Remitly sends it when ready after the 24-hour hold, but your bank still needs time to post it.
Business days do not include weekends or federal holidays. If you request a withdrawal on Friday evening, the 24-hour hold extends into the weekend, and your bank may not receive the transfer until Tuesday. Plan accordingly if you need the money by a specific date.
What to do if your transfer is delayed or fails
If your withdrawal does not arrive within the timeframe Remitly promised, open the Remitly app and find the transaction in your history. Tap or click it to see the status — it will show whether the money is still on hold, has been sent to your bank, or has been rejected. Write down the transaction reference number (a string of numbers and letters that identifies this specific transfer).
Contact Remitly support through the app by tapping the help icon, or go to remitly.com/support and start a chat. Provide your transaction reference number and explain what happened. Remitly can see on their end whether the transfer was sent successfully and, if so, can contact your bank to trace where it is. If the transfer was rejected — usually because the account number or routing number was wrong — Remitly will tell you what needs to be corrected.
If your bank rejected the transfer, your bank's customer service can also help. Call the number on the back of your debit card and tell them you are expecting a transfer from Remitly. Provide the transaction reference number. Your bank can search their system for incoming transfers and tell you whether it arrived and was rejected, or whether it never reached them.
Fees and when they explore
Remitly charges a withdrawal fee only if you choose a faster delivery option or if you do not have a paid membership. Standard withdrawals are free for most account types, though some banks or account tiers may charge $0.99 to $1.99. Express withdrawals (1 business day) cost $2.99. Remitly's paid membership plans (called Remitly Plus) include free express withdrawals and other benefits, but you pay a monthly subscription.
Your bank may also charge a fee for receiving an incoming transfer, though most do not. If your bank charges a fee, it will be deducted from the amount you receive. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them to confirm whether they charge for incoming ACH transfers (the method Remitly uses).
Limits on how much you can withdraw
Remitly sets daily and monthly withdrawal limits that vary by account type and how long you have been a customer. New accounts typically have lower limits — often $500 to $1,000 per day and $2,000 to $5,000 per month. As your account ages and you complete more transfers, these limits usually increase. After 12 months of account activity, many customers can withdraw up to $10,000 or more per day.
Your bank may also set limits on how much you can receive in a single transfer or per day. If you try to withdraw more than your limit allows, Remitly will reject the request and tell you what the limit is. You can then request a smaller amount or wait until the next day or month (depending on which limit you hit) and request the remainder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw to a joint bank account?
No. Remitly requires the bank account to be in your name alone. If the account is joint, you cannot link it. You would need to transfer the money to a personal account in your name, or ask the account holder to set up their own Remitly account and withdraw to their personal account.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
Remitly sends the money to the account number you provided. If it is wrong, the money goes to someone else's account at that bank. Contact Remitly support when ready with your transaction reference number. They can sometimes reverse the transfer if it has not been processed yet, but if the money has already been deposited to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to request a reversal — which they are not required to grant.
Can I withdraw to a bank account in a different country?
No. Your bank account must be in the same country where you opened your Remitly account. If you opened your account in the United States, you can only withdraw to a U.S. bank account. International transfers require a different Remitly service (sending money to someone in another country), not a withdrawal to your own account.
Do I have to pay taxes on money I withdraw from Remitly?
That depends on where the money came from. If it is money you received as a remittance (a transfer from someone else), it is generally not taxable income. If it is money you earned and deposited into Remitly, you may owe taxes on that income depending on your situation. Consult a tax professional or your country's tax authority for guidance on your specific circumstances.
Can I set up automatic withdrawals from Remitly to my bank?
Remitly does not offer automatic recurring withdrawals. You must request each withdrawal manually through the app or website. However, you can set up a reminder on your phone or calendar to withdraw on a regular schedule if that helps you remember.