How to receive money from abroad in the US

Receiving money across borders doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Understanding how international transfers work is a great first step toward managing your global finances with confidence.

Using the right tools ensure your money arrives safely and efficiently. Read on to learn exactly how to simplify your international transfers.

Don't have a bank account? Read our guide to sending money without a traditional bank account.

Understanding international money transfers in the US

When you get sent money from another country, it often travels through a complex web of financial institutions. Unlike a domestic transfer between 2 US banks, an international payment involves different regulations, currencies, and technical systems.

How the SWIFT network works

Most international transfers move through the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) network. You can think of SWIFT as a secure messaging system that banks use to send instructions to one another. It doesn't actually move the money itself. Instead, it tells banks how to credit the relevant accounts.

Because a bank in the UK or France might not have a direct relationship with your bank in the US, the money may need to pass through one or more intermediary banks. These banks act as connecting flights for your money. While this system is reliable, it's often the reason why transfers take several days to arrive and why the final amount you receive might be lower than you expected due to processing fees at each stop.

The difference between ACH and wire transfers

In the US, you often hear about Automated Clearing House (ACH) and wire transfers. It's important to understand which one applies when you receive international transfer payments. Here's how it works:

Wire transfers: These are usually used for international payments. They're designed for speed and security but often come with higher fees. Domestic wires are fast, while international ones take longer due to the SWIFT network.

ACH transfers: These are typically used for domestic payments, such as direct deposits or bill payments. While some providers are beginning to offer international ACH options, they're less common for individual cross-border transfers.

For a deeper dive into transfer methods, check out our comparison between bank transfers, wires, and online transfers.

What details do you need to receive money from abroad?

To ensure your money reaches your account without delay, accuracy is essential. A single digit error in your account details can result in the transfer being rejected or sent to the wrong person.

Account and routing numbers

To receive money internationally, US banks require 2 main pieces of information:

• Your account number: This is your unique identifier at your bank.
• Your routing number: This is a 9-digit code that identifies your specific financial institution. For international wires, banks often use a specific wire routing number which might be different from the one you find on your paper checks.

The importance of the SWIFT/BIC code

While your routing number works for domestic transfers, international senders will need your SWIFT code (also known as a BIC). This is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies your bank on the global stage. Without this code, the sender’s bank won't know how to route the instructions through the global network to reach the US.

In addition to these codes, you should provide the sender with your:

• full legal name as it appears on your account
• residential address
• bank’s name and address

Learn more in our US wire transfer guide.

Ways to receive money from abroad with Revolut

We believe that getting paid from abroad should be just as easy as getting paid locally. We offer several ways to receive money from overseas, depending on what's most convenient for you and the sender.

Receiving via local account details

One of the most efficient ways to receive money is by using your local account details. When you open an account with us, we provide you with details for multiple currencies. If someone in the UK wants to send you British pounds, or someone in Europe wants to send you euros, you can give them local details for those regions.

This means the sender can often pay you as if you were a local resident in their country, which can significantly reduce the fees they pay and speed up the arrival of your money. You can then hold that currency in-app and convert it to US dollars whenever the exchange rate is favourable for you.

Revolut-to-Revolut real-time transfers

If the person sending you money is also a customer of ours, you don't need to share all your details. Instead, you can simply share your Revtag. This is a unique username that allows other customers to find you right away through our app. Transfers between our customers are typically completed in seconds, regardless of where either of you are in the world.

Payment Links for simple requests

If you're a freelancer or selling an item, you can create a Payment Link in-app. You set the amount and the currency, then send the link to your client via email or message. They can pay you via card or Apple Pay. This is a secure way to get paid without needing to disclose your private account numbers to the sender.

Learn more about receiving money online with Revolut.

Fees to expect when you receive money internationally in the US

Understanding the cost of a SWIFT transfer is important for anyone expecting money from abroad. There are often additional costs that traditional banks don't always make clear upfront.

Intermediary bank charges for SWIFT transfers

As mentioned earlier, the SWIFT network often involves intermediary banks. These banks may deduct a fee for their services as the money passes through them. This means that if someone sends you $1,000, you might only see $970 land in your account. We aim to provide as much clarity as possible, but it's important to check if the sender has chosen to cover these fees on their end.

Exchange rate markups

If the money is sent in a foreign currency and your bank automatically converts it to US dollars, they'll apply an exchange rate. Some providers may add a markup to the mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google).

By using a multicurrency account like ours, you can receive the money in the original currency and choose when to convert it.

How long does it take to receive an international transfer?

The time frame for an international payment can vary based on several factors:

• Standard SWIFT transfers: These usually take 3–5 business days.
• Public holidays and weekends: Transfers are only processed during business days. If a transfer is sent on a Friday, it may not start moving until the following Monday.
• Compliance checks: Every bank involved must perform routine security and anti-money laundering checks. This is a standard part of global banking and can sometimes cause slight delays.

When you choose to get paid into your Revolut account, we'll send you a notification the moment the money hits your account, so you don't have to keep checking your balance.

Staying safe when receiving money from strangers

While receiving money is generally safe, you should remain vigilant, especially when dealing with people you don't know personally. Here are our tips:

• Avoid overpayment scams: If a stranger sends you more money than agreed and asks you to return the difference, this is a common scam. The original payment could be made from a stolen account and will eventually be reversed, leaving you out of pocket.
• Protect your details: Only share your account number and routing number with trusted parties. For one-time payments from strangers, consider using a Payment Link or your Revtag to keep your details private.
• Verify the source: If you receive an unexpected payment, don't touch the money. Contact our support team so we can investigate it safely for you.

How to open a Revolut account in the US

If you're ready to manage your international money with more control, setting up an account with us is a straightforward process that you can complete in minutes. Here's how to get started:

1. Download the app: Find us on the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Sign up for Revolut: Enter your mobile number and verify it with the code we send you.
3. Enter your details: Provide your name, date of birth, and address.
4. Verify your identity: You'll need to take a photo of your ID (such as a passport or driver's licence) and a quick selfie. This helps us keep our community safe.
5. Add money: Once verified, you can add money to your account via bank transfer or card to get started.
6. Find your details: Tap on the currency you want to receive, then tap Details to share your info with the sender.

Want to send money abroad from the US? Check out our guide to sending money internationally.

Exchange and global transfer fees, fair usage limits, and Terms and Conditions apply.

Revolut is not a bank, banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Fees may apply. See revolut.com/en-us/ for details.