Bank Transfers: Are They Safe to Use For Sending Money? (2024)

Suits Me® Simplified: Banking 101

We discuss the security behind Bank Transfers & how they’re a safe way to send payments.

Bank Transfers: Are They Safe to Use For Sending Money? (1)

The convenience of making abank transferis one of their most popular features. Sending money at the touch of a button does away with the need of mountains of paperwork, as well as speeding up the process.

However, with such ease comes extra vigilance as the number of electronic bank transfers being carried out every day soars. This has led to a rise in the incidents of fraudulent behaviour, although banking providers and financial institutions have invested millions in combating fraud.

This is means that, on the whole, bank transfers are a safe way to send money, but you should also exercise caution when using them. Luckily, many forms of bank transfer have rigid security features built into them to combat fraud and avoid mistaken payments.

Faster Payments

Although the Faster Payments System (FPS) allows for almost instantaneous transfers, there is a complex security procedure built into every transaction. If you are making the payment, your banking provider will first verify your identity before allowing you authorise the transfer.

You will then have to fill in the details of the account you are sending the money to. Once your bank is satisfied with this, they will release the funds to the FPS. They will then make sure that the details you have entered match the account you are sending the money to. They will check the account number, sort code and name on the account. If some of these components don’t match up, they will hold the funds and perform additional checks.

If FPS is happy that all the details are correct and the transfer has been authorised, they will release the funds to the payee and you will be notified when the payment has been made.

Confirmation of Payee

Earlier this year, a new measure introduced by a number of UK banking providers has sought to add an extra level of security tobank transfers. Confirmation of payee is a way of your bank making sure you are paying money into the right account. Previously, there was no obligation on banks to ask for the name on a particular account, just the sort code and account number.

However, depending on your bank, you will now be asked to supply the exact name of the account holder before proceeding with the payment. If you provide it, the transfer will be authorised, as long as it matches the account and sort code.

If you supply a name which is similar to the account holders, but not quite accurate, your bank will ask you to check the exact name and spelling before proceeding. Your bank may give you a suggestion as to what the name might be.

If you cannot supply the correct name, your banking provider may contact the payee to notify them that you are attempting a payment but that they cannot authorise it yet. The payee will be advised to contact you with the additional information you require to complete the transaction.

Confirmation of payee will be applied to bank transfers such as Faster Payments and CHAPS while there are plans to introduce it for BACS payments in the future.

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Bank Transfers: Are They Safe to Use For Sending Money? (2024)

FAQs

Is sending money via bank transfer safe? ›

Bank transfers are considered one of the safest ways to transfer money between two parties, but there are still some risks to be aware of. Transferring money via bank transfer is the most common way to transfer money, and many people do it without thought.

Are bank to bank transfers secure? ›

Is a bank transfer secure? Bank transfers are considered a safe and secure method of payment, as there is proven identity verification associated with the transfer itself. However, it is critical to ensure that you know the person to whom you are sending the money.

Are you protected by bank transfers? ›

This is means that, on the whole, bank transfers are a safe way to send money, but you should also exercise caution when using them. Luckily, many forms of bank transfer have rigid security features built into them to combat fraud and avoid mistaken payments.

What is the most secure way for someone to send you money? ›

Venmo, Cash App, Google Pay, Zelle, PayPal, and wire transfer are some of the safest way to send money digitally. Money transfer apps are inexpensive and convenient options for paying family and friends. Wire transfers at a bank are ideal for securely sending large amounts domestically or internationally.

How to protect yourself when paying by bank transfer? ›

Use a protected payment method

Don't transfer money direct to anybody – use a verified money transfer or online payment service, or make a transaction using your bank or building society account, which will require the person you're paying to provide their details.

Can someone see my bank details if I transfer money? ›

Who sees the reference in a bank transfer? Only you and the receiver can see the bank transfer reference, so you don't need to worry about this information being shared with external sources and getting into the hands of the wrong people. The only way someone is able to find out this information is if you tell them.

Can money be lost in transfer between banks? ›

The Bottom Line: How To Transfer Money From Bank to Bank

Wire transfers and P2P payments tend to be the fastest methods, but you have little recourse for getting your money back once the funds are sent. Cashier's checks are a preferred method for transferring large sums of money but can get lost or damaged.

Can a scammer reverse a bank transfer? ›

Notice that it's a money washing schema. Criminals can't revert done money transfer on their own, and they have no interest in having their accounts confiscated by the police, so reverting the transfer is only a side effect (and most likely, only the beginning of your transfer).

What are the risks of paying by bank transfer? ›

Here are potential risks associated with bank transfers:
  • Bank transfer scams. ...
  • Unauthorized access to bank account details. ...
  • Wrong account or payment details. ...
  • International bank transfers. ...
  • Anti-money laundering. ...
  • Verify payment details. ...
  • Use secure networks. ...
  • Be cautious of scams.

What is the safest way to send money and not get scammed? ›

The Safest Ways to Transfer Money
  1. Transfer online from one account to another. One of the easiest and safest ways to transfer money to another account is through an electronic funds transfer. ...
  2. Write a personal check. ...
  3. Get a cashier's check. ...
  4. Send a money order. ...
  5. Use a wire transfer. ...
  6. Use a money-transfer app.
Jun 23, 2023

What is the most private way to send money? ›

10 best ways to send money anonymously
  • Prepaid debit card. ...
  • Cash. ...
  • Apple Pay. ...
  • PayPal. ...
  • Venmo. ...
  • Paysafecard. ...
  • Cash App. ...
  • The best VPNs for anonymous payments. NordVPN is one of the best VPNs we can recommend for anonymous payments, but it's not the only option.
Feb 7, 2024

What is the most secure payment transfer? ›

The Best Apps to Transfer Money for 2024
  • Paypal: Best overall.
  • Venmo: Best for sending money.
  • Cash App: Best if you like options.
  • Google Pay: Best for Google suite users.
  • Apple Pay: Best for Apple users.
  • Zelle: Best for sending money directly.
  • Western Union: Best for traditional domestic transfers.

Is it safe to transfer money to someone else's bank account? ›

A wire transfer is a safe way to transfer money from one bank to another. Traditional bank wire transfers are often used for domestic bank-to-bank transactions. They are fast, but their fees can be costly.

Can a bank transfer be recalled? ›

Can I reverse a bank transfer - or can my bank? Online payments, like Faster Payments, transfer money in real-time. Once a payment has been made, you can't stop or reverse it. You have to go through the process of trying to get the money back from the recipient and rely on their cooperation.

Are bank transfers safer than PayPal? ›

Is PayPal safer than bank transfers? PayPal is considered a safe payment method and offers advantages over bank transfers. It provides an extra layer of protection, allowing you to make payments without directly exposing your bank account or card details to the merchant.

Can I get my money back from a bank transfer? ›

If you have transferred money into someone's bank account but want it returned,you will have to ask them to pay it back to you. However if the payment resulted from a transaction paid via a credit card,or eBay or PayPal you can dispute the transaction and maybe get a refund.

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