How to Track an International Money Transfer (Step‑by‑Step Guide)

You send money abroad to family, pay a freelancer, or settle an overseas invoice—and then you wait. Has the money left your account? Is it stuck somewhere between banks? Has it arrived?

Knowing how to track an international money transfer can turn that uncertainty into a clear timeline. This guide walks through what to expect, how tracking really works behind the scenes, and what you can do if something seems delayed.

Why Tracking an International Transfer Matters

When money crosses borders, more things can slow it down: time zones, different banking systems, compliance checks, and currency conversion. Tracking helps you:

• Confirm the transfer was actually sent
• See where it is in the process (sent, in transit, received)
• Estimate when the recipient may get it
• Spot issues early, such as incorrect details or extra checks
• Avoid duplicate transfers because you think the first one failed

Whether you send money through your bank, a money transfer service, or a digital wallet, most international transfers can be tracked in some way. The key is knowing what reference number to look for and where to check it.

The Basics: How International Money Transfers Work

Understanding the journey your money takes makes tracking less mysterious.

Common Ways to Send Money Abroad

Most international transfers use one of these routes:

• Bank-to-bank wire transfer (often via the SWIFT network)
• Online money transfer service (web or app-based providers)
• Cash pickup services (send online or in person, recipient collects cash)
• Mobile wallet or account-to-account transfers (within a single platform or network)

Each method has its own tracking tools, reference codes, and expected timelines.

The Typical Journey of an International Transfer

In basic terms, an international transfer usually passes through three main stages:

1. Initiated
   You submit the transfer, and your bank or provider debits your account.

2. In transit
   The transfer moves through one or more intermediaries:

   • Correspondent or intermediary banks (for SWIFT wires)
   • Partner payout banks or agents (for money transfer services)
   • Currency exchange and compliance checks

3. Completed
   The recipient’s bank or provider:

   • Credits the funds to the account, or
   • Makes the money available for cash pickup, or
   • Delivers it to a mobile wallet or similar service

Tracking tools are designed to show where your transfer sits along these stages.

Key Tracking Codes and Numbers You Need

The most important step in tracking an international money transfer is saving your reference details at the time you send it.

The Main Numbers You’ll See

Here are common identifiers you may encounter:

• Transaction ID / Reference Number
  A unique ID assigned by your bank or money transfer service. Often the primary way to track a transfer.

• MT103 (for SWIFT bank transfers)
  A standardized SWIFT payment message that serves as an official record of the transfer. It includes:

  • Sender and recipient details
  • Amount and currency
  • Date and time
  • Intermediary bank information (if any)

• MTCN or similar codes (for cash pickup services)
  A tracking code used to identify your transfer and allow the recipient to collect cash.

• Order ID or Receipt Number (online providers)
  Used on the provider’s website or app to check status.

• IBAN and SWIFT/BIC
  These identify accounts and banks, not individual transactions, but they help your bank trace a transfer internally if there’s a problem.

📌 Save this info every time you send money:

• Transaction or reference number
• Date and time of transfer
• Amount and currency
• Recipient’s full name and account details
• Sending channel (branch, mobile app, website)

Without these, tracking the transfer becomes slower and more complicated.

How to Track an International Bank Transfer (SWIFT Wire)

If you sent money through your bank (online, in a branch, or by phone), your transfer likely uses the SWIFT network.

1. Check Your Bank’s App or Online Banking

Many banks now show basic transfer status directly in digital channels. Look for sections like:

• Transfers
• International payments
• Wire transfers
• Payment history

Once there, you may see status tags such as:

• Pending / In progress – Your bank has accepted the transfer but has not fully processed it.
• Sent / Processed – The money has been released from your bank to the correspondent or recipient bank.
• Completed / Credited – The recipient’s account has been credited (at least, according to the sending bank’s records).
• Failed / Returned – The transfer was rejected or sent back, often with a reason code.

If the app provides only a simple “sent” status, you might still need to contact your bank for more detailed tracking.

2. Request an MT103 from Your Bank

For SWIFT wire transfers, the MT103 is one of the most useful documents for tracking.

It typically shows:

• Date the bank sent your transfer
• SWIFT/BIC of all banks involved
• Reference numbers along the chain
• Any fees charged along the way

You can usually:

• Download it from your online banking (if your bank offers this), or
• Ask your bank’s customer service or branch to provide a copy

The recipient’s bank can use the MT103 to trace the funds on their side and confirm where it is in the process.

3. Call or Visit Your Bank for a Trace

If:

• The transfer is taking longer than expected, or
• The recipient’s bank says they don’t see the funds

…you can ask your bank to initiate a trace.

What this involves:

• Your bank contacts intermediary and recipient banks in the SWIFT chain.
• They ask where the money is and request an update.
• In some cases, they may share additional status messages with you.

Some banks may charge a fee for formal tracing, especially if the funds have already been credited or the delay is within a normal timeframe. Policies vary, so it often helps to ask about potential fees in advance.

How to Track an Online Money Transfer (Non‑Bank Providers)

If you used an online money transfer service or app, the process is often more straightforward and visual.

1. Use the Provider’s Website or App

Most digital transfer services include a “Track” or “Activity” section. You typically:

1. Log in to your account
2. Go to Transfers, History, or Activity
3. Select the specific transfer
4. View the real-time status

Status updates may include:

• Processing – Payment being verified (funds may be pulled from your bank card or account).
• In transit – Money has left the provider and is heading to the recipient bank or payout partner.
• Available for pickup – For cash transfers, the recipient can now collect funds.
• Paid out / Completed – Funds are with the recipient (bank credited or cash collected).
• Cancelled / Refunded – Transfer has been reversed.

Some services show additional details like estimated delivery time, local banking hours, or notes about public holidays that may slow things down.

2. Track with a Public Tracking Page

Certain providers allow you to track a transfer:

• Without logging in, or
• As a recipient who doesn’t have an account

You usually enter:

• Transaction ID, reference number, or tracking code, and
• Your last name or the recipient’s last name, for security

This is helpful when you want to share a quick update with someone who is waiting for the funds.

3. Contact Customer Support

If the status has not changed for a while, or the transfer appears stuck:

• Use in-app chat, phone support, or email.
• Provide:
  • Your full name
  • Transaction ID or reference number
  • Date and amount of transfer
  • Recipient country and name

Support teams can often see back‑end notes such as compliance reviews, bank rejections, or technical issues that are not visible on your main tracking screen.

How to Track a Cash Pickup Transfer

If you sent money for cash collection at a physical location:

1. Use the Tracking Code

Most cash pickup transfers use a dedicated Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) or similar code.

To track:

• Go to the provider’s site or app
• Find the “Track a transfer” option
• Enter the tracking code and any requested verification details (such as your last name or country)

You may see status steps like:

• Available for pickup
• Paid out
• Expired / Cancelled (if the recipient did not collect the money within a certain timeframe)

2. Share the Code with the Recipient (Securely)

The recipient typically needs:

• The tracking code
• Their ID
• Sometimes the sender’s name and country

They can also ask at an authorized agent location whether the transfer is available, though the code is usually mandatory to complete payout.

For security, it is often safer to share the code through private channels (for example, direct messages or secure communication tools) rather than public or open forums.

What Transfer Status Updates Really Mean

Different banks and providers use slightly different wording, but the core stages tend to be similar.

Here is a simplified view:

📝 Tip: If you see a status you don’t recognize, note the exact wording and ask your bank or provider what it means in their system. Internal labels can be specific to each institution.

How Long Should an International Transfer Take?

Timing varies widely, but some general patterns can help set expectations:

• Bank-to-bank SWIFT transfers
  Often 1–5 business days, depending on:

  • Number of intermediary banks
  • Currencies involved
  • Weekends or public holidays in either country

• Online money transfer services to bank accounts
  Sometimes near‑instant within supported networks or same‑day to a few days, depending on payout bank and country.

• Cash pickup transfers
  Frequently available within minutes once fully processed, but may take longer if there are additional checks or local restrictions.

Common reasons for delays include:

• Incorrect or incomplete recipient details
• Extra compliance or security checks
• Bank holidays, weekends, or cut-off times
• Different time zones between sender and recipient countries
• Issues at intermediary or recipient banks

Tracking your transfer helps you distinguish between normal processing time and a potential problem that needs follow‑up.

What to Do If Your Transfer Seems Delayed

Sometimes a transfer takes longer than you or the recipient expect. Tracking tools are your first stop, but there are clear steps you can take if things appear stuck.

1. Double‑Check the Details

Start by reviewing:

• Recipient’s name (including spelling and order)
• IBAN or account number
• SWIFT/BIC of recipient bank
• Recipient bank name and branch (if provided)
• Transfer reference number

Any mismatch or typo may cause:

• Rejection and return of funds, or
• A longer manual review

If you discover an error, contact your bank or provider quickly to ask what options exist to correct or cancel the transfer.

2. Compare with the Estimated Delivery Time

Most providers show an estimated delivery date or time when you create the transfer. Ask:

• Is the transfer still within that range?
• Are there local public holidays or weekends affecting banking in the recipient’s country?

If you’re still within the typical timeframe, your provider may advise waiting a bit longer before they can investigate more deeply.

3. Ask the Recipient to Check with Their Bank or Provider

Sometimes the transfer is already with the recipient’s bank, but:

• The funds have not yet cleared into their account, or
• The bank requires additional actions (such as updating account details)

The recipient can ask their bank:

• Whether any incoming international payment is pending
• Whether an MT103 or other details from the sending bank are needed to trace it

4. Request a Trace or Investigation

If the transfer is significantly late and neither side sees it:

• Contact your bank or transfer provider
• Provide:
  • Transaction or reference number
  • Date, amount, and currency
  • Recipient’s full details
  • Any messages or codes you or the recipient received

They may:

• Run an internal review
• Contact intermediary or recipient banks for clarification
• Provide formal documentation of the transfer path

Some providers may take a few days to complete such investigations, especially if several banks or countries are involved.

Security and Privacy When Tracking Transfers

Tracking a transfer involves sensitive information. A few basic precautions can help protect you and the recipient.

What to Share (and What to Keep Private)

✅ Generally safe to share with the recipient:

• Tracking code or reference number (privately)
• Estimated delivery time
• Sending bank or provider’s name

❌ Avoid sharing publicly:

• Full account numbers or IBAN
• Copies of IDs or detailed personal documents
• Screenshots that display account balances or other unrelated data

If a support agent asks for sensitive information, it is often safer to:

• Use official support channels (phone numbers on bank statements or apps, not links from random messages)
• Confirm you are interacting with the correct organization, especially online

Simple Checklist: How to Track an International Money Transfer ✅

Here’s a quick, skimmable summary of practical steps:

• 🧾 Keep your receipt – Save the transaction ID, date, amount, and recipient details immediately after sending.
• 🔍 Check your app or online banking first – Look for status under Transfers or Activity.
• 📄 Request an MT103 (for bank SWIFT transfers) – Useful for in‑depth tracing across banks.
• 🌐 Use the provider’s tracking page – Enter your tracking code or order ID where available.
• 📞 Contact customer support if status is unclear – Provide full transaction details so they can investigate.
• 🧩 Ask the recipient to check their bank – They can confirm if an incoming transfer is pending or blocked.
• ⏳ Consider timing and holidays – Allow for weekends, time zones, and local non‑business days.
• 🛡️ Protect your data – Share tracking codes privately and avoid exposing full account details publicly.

How to Avoid Tracking Headaches Next Time

While no one can guarantee a completely friction‑free transfer, a few habits can reduce confusion and make tracking smoother.

1. Verify Recipient Details Carefully

Before you send:

• Confirm the exact name format on the recipient’s account
• Verify the IBAN or account number by copying and pasting rather than re‑typing when possible
• Confirm the SWIFT/BIC from reliable sources, such as official bank documents

Each correction you avoid reduces the chance of delays or reversals.

2. Take Screenshots or Save Confirmations

Right after you send a transfer:

• Save or print the confirmation page
• Take a screenshot or download a PDF receipt
• Note the expected arrival time shown by the provider

These records make later tracking and support conversations more efficient.

3. Choose Sending Times Strategically

Transfers created:

• Just before weekends or holidays
• Late in the day relative to the sending bank’s cut‑off

…may not be processed until the next business day. If timing matters, consider initiating transfers earlier in the week and during local banking hours where possible.

4. Communicate Clearly with the Recipient

Let the recipient know:

• How much you sent and in what currency
• Which method you used (bank transfer, online service, cash pickup, wallet)
• When you initiated the transfer
• Any tracking code or reference number they may need

When both sides know what to expect, you reduce unnecessary worry and follow‑up calls.

When Tracking Shows “Completed” but the Money Isn’t There

Sometimes your tracking tool says “completed,” but the recipient still doesn’t see the funds.

Common reasons include:

• The recipient’s bank still clearing the incoming funds internally
• The money credited to a different account at the same bank (for example, a foreign currency sub-account)
• The recipient’s bank account being restricted or dormant
• Delays in local notification systems, especially where online banking updates are slower

If this happens, consider these steps:

1. Share the reference number and MT103 (if available) with the recipient.
2. Ask them to:
   • Visit or contact their bank with these details
   • Request confirmation of any incoming international transfer under their name or account
3. Ask your sending bank or provider to confirm:
   • The exact date and time the payment was delivered to the recipient’s bank
   • The name and details of the receiving bank or payout partner

This creates a clearer picture for both institutions to work from.

Bringing It All Together

Tracking an international money transfer is ultimately about bridging the information gap between sender, intermediaries, and recipient.

By:

• Saving your transaction details
• Using online tracking tools provided by banks and transfer services
• Understanding the meaning of status updates and common delays
• Knowing when and how to request traces or support

…you can turn an uncertain waiting period into a more predictable process.

International transfers may still take time, but with the right tracking steps, you stay informed, reduce stress, and help ensure your money reaches its destination as smoothly as possible.