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Resource Centre
Wire Transfer
If you need to send or receive money quickly and safely across the country or internationally, a wire transfer (sometimes also called a wire payment) is often the best option.
When you send or receive a wire transfer, certain information must be included to satisfy compliance and regulation requirements, including those under anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing laws and regulations applicable to all Canadian financial institutions. This information will also assist us in ensuring that your payment is processed efficiently and accurately. Missing or incorrect information may result in additional fees charged to you, or deducted from the principal amount of the wire transfer.
Today, most wire payments are processed by financial institutions in Canada and globally using a secure system managed by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).
To send a wire transfer
Visit your local branch and provide the purpose of the wire and the following information about the recipient's account:
• Account holder name and full street address
(PO boxes not permitted)
• Account number
• Financial institution name and number
• Branch number and full address
• Routing number (Swift Code / BIC / IBAN code)
We recommend that you confirm the accuracy of the information with the recipient of the wire before sending the funds.
To receive a wire transfer:
- Canadian Currency (CAD) Incoming Wire (PDF) Transfers to Canada from within Canada (PDF)
- U.S. Currency (USD) Incoming Wire Transfers to Canada from the U.S. (PDF)
- U.S. Currency (USD) Incoming Wire Transfers from Canadian or International financial institution (other than USA) (PDF)
- International Currency and Canadian Currency (NON USD) Incoming Wire Transfers from an International financial institution (PDF)
Please note that the transfer details must be completed EXACTLY as shown. Once this is completed, you then provide the routing information to the ordering customer (ie. the sender) so you can receive your wired funds.
How can we help?
Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act regulations amendments took effect on June 1, 2021 to improve the effectiveness of Canada’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime and align with the international standards. All domestic and international SWIFT MT103 (or MX equivalent) and international non-SWIFT Electronic Funds Transfers (‘EFTs’) must be updated to include additional information related to the beneficiary, as well as the requirement for information related to the ordering customer.
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