TL;DR
To transfer money internationally, you need: your own verified identity (government-issued ID), the recipient's full name and bank account details (including IBAN or IFSC and SWIFT/BIC codes), the transfer amount and purpose, and registration with the money transfer service. For large transfers, source of funds documentation may also be required. Specific requirements vary by service and transfer amount.
Identity Verification for the Sender
Every licensed money transfer service operating in the US is required by federal law — specifically the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act — to verify the identity of the sender before processing a transfer. At minimum, you will need to provide your legal full name, current residential address, date of birth, and a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs typically include a US passport, US driver's license, state-issued ID card, or a foreign passport. Some services also accept green cards or Employment Authorization Documents for non-US citizens.
For online remittance services, identity verification is completed digitally during account registration through document upload and database matching. Some services use real-time facial recognition or video verification. Physical MTO locations may verify ID in person at the time of the transaction without prior registration. For transfers above certain thresholds typically $3,000 to $10,000 — services are required to collect and record additional identifying information under FinCEN's Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules.
Recipient Information Required
The recipient's information required depends on the delivery method. For a bank account transfer, you need: the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on the bank account, the recipient's full residential or mailing address in the destination country, the bank account number, and the specific bank branch routing identifiers (see below). For cash pickup, you need the recipient's full name and the pickup country and city. For mobile wallet delivery, you need the recipient's registered mobile number or wallet ID.
Bank and Routing Details for International Transfers
For transfers to Indian bank accounts specifically: the IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is the most critical routing identifier, uniquely identifying the specific bank and branch. The IFSC is an 11-character alphanumeric code available on any Indian bank passbook, checkbook, or on the RBI's IFSC lookup portal. The SWIFT/BIC code identifies the Indian bank at the international level and is required for SWIFT-based transfers from US banks; it is an 8 or 11-character code available on the bank's website. The full account number (which varies in length by bank; typically 11–16 digits) is also required.
For transfers to European accounts, the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) replaces the domestic account number and branch code. For transfers to other countries, the required routing information varies; verify with your transfer service what is needed for the specific destination country.
Transfer Purpose and Compliance Declarations
Most transfer services, particularly for transfers above certain thresholds, require the sender to declare the purpose of the transfer. Common purpose categories include: family support/maintenance, gift, education expenses, medical expenses, business payment, real estate purchase, investment, travel expenses, and loan repayment. These declarations assist the service in fulfilling its AML compliance obligations and may affect how the transfer is processed or what additional documentation is requested.
Source of Funds Documentation for Large Transfers
For transfers above $10,000 (and sometimes lower thresholds depending on the service), compliance teams may request documentation of the source of funds — evidence that the money being transferred was legitimately obtained. Acceptable documentation typically includes recent bank statements showing the origin of the funds, payroll statements, tax returns for the relevant year, documentation of asset sales, or investment account statements. Being prepared with this documentation before initiating a large transfer prevents unnecessary delays.
Differences by Transfer Service Type
Traditional banks typically have the most stringent documentation requirements and may require the transfer to be initiated in person at a branch for amounts above certain thresholds. Online remittance platforms collect everything digitally with streamlined KYC processes and tend to offer the most frictionless experience for registered, verified users. Cash pickup MTO services often have the simplest requirements: a valid ID and cash payment at the agent counter, though regulatory requirements still apply for large transactions. All services must file Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) for cash transactions above $10,000 and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ID do I need to send an international money transfer from the USA?
A valid government-issued photo ID is required. Acceptable documents typically include a US passport, state driver's license, state ID card, US permanent resident card (green card), or foreign passport. Online services verify ID digitally; in-person MTO locations check ID at the counter.
What bank details do I need to send money to India?
You need: the recipient's full name (as on the account), Indian bank account number, IFSC code of the specific branch, and the bank's SWIFT/BIC code. The IFSC is the most important for India-specific transfers and can be found on any Indian bank checkbook or the RBI's IFSC finder.
What is an IFSC code and where do I find it?
The IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a specific bank branch within India's NEFT/RTGS/IMPS payment networks. It is printed on Indian bank passbooks, checkbooks, and is searchable on the RBI website and the recipient bank's website.
Do I need to state a reason when sending money internationally?
Most services require you to select a transfer purpose from a dropdown menu (family support, gift, business payment, etc.). This is an AML compliance requirement. For certain purposes, particularly business payments and investments, additional documentation may be requested. Providing an accurate purpose description protects you and facilitates smooth processing.
What happens if I cannot provide source of funds documentation?
If a transfer service requests source of funds documentation and you are unable to provide it, the service may decline to process the transfer, put it on hold pending investigation, or file a Suspicious Activity Report with FinCEN. Maintaining accessible records of your income sources, savings, and asset sales ensures you can fulfill these requests promptly.
Does the recipient need to do anything to receive an international transfer?
For bank account deposits, the recipient typically needs to do nothing — the funds are credited automatically to the designated account. For cash pickup, the recipient must visit an agent location with valid ID and the transaction reference number. For mobile wallet delivery, the wallet must be active and registered.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount I can send internationally?
Minimums vary by service (often $10–$50) and maximums vary from a few thousand to unlimited per transaction depending on the service, your verification level, and the destination country. Services with higher transfer limits generally require full identity verification and may request source of funds documentation for large amounts.
