Yes, Remitly can send money directly to a bank account

Remitly is a money transfer service that lets you send money to people in other countries. One of the ways they deliver that money is by depositing it straight into a recipient's bank account — you don't have to go to a physical location to pick it up. This works whether you're sending to a family member abroad or paying someone who lives outside the United States.

The process is straightforward: you provide the recipient's bank details (their account number and routing information), Remitly transfers the funds, and the money appears in their account within the timeframe Remitly quotes you. The speed and cost depend on which country you're sending to and which delivery method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Remitly deposits money directly into a recipient's bank account in over 130 countries, and you see the delivery time and fee before you confirm the transfer.
  • You need the recipient's full name, bank account number, and the bank's routing or SWIFT code — ask them to verify these details before you send.
  • Delivery times range from same-day to several business days depending on the destination country and the delivery speed you choose (and pay for).
  • Remitly charges a flat fee or percentage fee depending on the amount and destination; compare the quoted total cost against other services before you send.
  • Your own bank account must be verified with Remitly before you can send money, which usually takes one to two business days after you link it.

What information you need to provide about the recipient

Before Remitly can deposit money into someone's bank account, you need their banking details. Ask the recipient to give you their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, and their bank's routing code or SWIFT code. In some countries, you may also need their bank's branch address or an IBAN (International Bank Account Number).

The exact details vary by country. When you enter the recipient's information into Remitly, the app or website will tell you which fields are required for that specific country. Double-check the details with the recipient before you send — a wrong account number means the money goes to the wrong person, and recovering it takes time.

How long it takes for money to arrive

Remitly offers different delivery speeds, and each one has a different cost and timeline. A same-day or express delivery might arrive within hours, while a standard delivery could take one to three business days. Some countries have slower banking systems, so money sent there may take longer even on the fastest option Remitly offers.

When you enter the recipient's country and the amount you're sending, Remitly shows you the available delivery speeds and tells you how long each one takes. The quoted time starts after the transfer is processed — if you send money on a Friday evening, the clock may not start until Monday morning, depending on your bank and Remitly's processing schedule.

Fees and exchange rates

Remitly charges a fee for each transfer, and that fee depends on the amount you're sending, which country it's going to, and which delivery speed you choose. Some transfers have a flat fee (a set dollar amount), while others use a percentage of the amount you're sending. Remitly also converts your US dollars to the recipient's local currency, and they explore an exchange rate to that conversion.

Before you confirm any transfer, Remitly shows you the exact fee, the exchange rate they're using, and how much money the recipient will receive in their local currency. This means you can see the total cost upfront and decide whether to send or try a different service. Comparing Remitly's rates against other money transfer services (like Western Union, MoneyGram, or your own bank's international transfer service) helps you find the cheapest option for that particular transfer.

Setting up your own bank account with Remitly

To send money through Remitly, you need to link your own US bank account to their service. You do this by providing your account number and routing number, the same information you'd give an employer for direct deposit. Remitly then verifies that the account belongs to you — they may deposit a small amount (usually less than a dollar) into your account and ask you to confirm the deposit amount, or they may verify it through your bank's website while you're logged in.

This verification process usually takes one to two business days. Once it's complete, you can send money whenever you want. If you use a debit card instead of a bank account, the process is faster — you just enter your card details — but some card issuers charge a fee for money transfers, so check with your bank first.

What happens if something goes wrong

If money is sent to the wrong account, Remitly can file a trace to try to recover it, but this takes time and isn't always successful. If the recipient's bank rejects the deposit (for example, because the account number was wrong), the money returns to your Remitly account, and you can try again with corrected information.

If the money doesn't arrive by the date Remitly promised, contact Remitly's customer service with your transfer confirmation number. They can check the status and tell you whether the money is still in transit, stuck at the recipient's bank, or returned to you. Keep your confirmation number and any messages from Remitly in case you need to dispute the transfer with your own bank later.

Alternatives if Remitly doesn't work for you

If Remitly doesn't send to the country you need, or if their fees are too high, other services offer bank deposit transfers. Your own bank can send international wire transfers, though these often cost more and take longer. Western Union and MoneyGram also offer bank deposit options in many countries. Some countries have local money transfer services that may be cheaper for transfers within that region.

If you're sending money to someone who doesn't have a bank account, Remitly also offers cash pickup at partner locations in some countries — the recipient can pick up the money in person instead of having it deposited. Check what options Remitly offers for your specific destination before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to any bank account in any country?

Remitly sends to over 130 countries, but not every country's banks participate. When you enter the recipient's country, Remitly tells you whether bank deposit is available there. If it's not, you can usually choose cash pickup or mobile wallet delivery instead.

What if the recipient's bank account is in a different name than the recipient?

The account holder's name must match the recipient's name — banks won't deposit money into an account under a different person's name. If the recipient uses a nickname or shortened version of their legal name, use their full legal name as it appears on their bank account.

Do I need to tell the recipient when I send money?

It's a good idea to let them know you've sent money and when they should expect it to arrive. Give them your transfer confirmation number in case there's a problem and they need to contact Remitly or their bank. Some recipients may not notice the deposit right away if they don't check their account regularly.

Can I cancel a transfer after I've sent it?

If you cancel before Remitly processes the transfer, the money returns to your account. Once the money has been sent to the recipient's bank, you can't cancel it — you'd have to ask the recipient to send it back. Check Remitly's status page to see whether your transfer has been processed yet.

Is sending money through Remitly safe?

Remitly is a licensed money transmitter regulated by state financial regulators. Your bank account information is encrypted, and Remitly doesn't share your details with the recipient. The main risk is sending money to the wrong account if you enter incorrect banking details, so verify the recipient's information before you send.