How to make a bank transfer?

What is a bank transfer?

A banking transaction

Bank transfer is an operation that allows transfer money from one account to another. He connects an issuer, whose account is debited, and a beneficiary, whose account is credited. This transaction can be carried out as well between accounts of the same holder and between accounts of different holders or banks.

Internal transfer vs external transfer

There is internal transfer and external transfer. The internal transfer is made within the same bank, whether it be the accounts of the same user or a third party (spouse, children, etc.) domiciled with the same bank. The external transfer is made on an account domiciled in another bank.

Punctual transfer and permanent transfer

Whether internal or external, the transfer can be punctual (when it comes to making a single transaction) or permanent (when it comes to the payment of a monthly deadline: rent, internet package, etc.). A permanent transfer is particularly useful for Automate recurring paymentsthus reducing the risks of delay or forgetting payment.

Domestic transfers and separate transfers

Finally, a bank transfer can be made in France or abroad. We are talking about “domestic” transfers to designate money transfers within the same country. For them Transfers abroadit all depends on the country of destination:

• We are talking about “SEPA transfers (single Euro Payments Area)” to designate money transfers made within the European Union or the European Economic Area which includes Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Monaco and Saint-Marin.
• We are talking about “international” transfers to designate money transfers made outside the SEPA area.

What is the maximum amount for a transfer?

Different bank transfer ceilings depending on the banks

Theoretically, there is no ceiling for a bank transfer. But in practice, banking establishments define a transfer ceiling around of 6 000 to 7 Euros in order to combat tax fraud. These ceilings can also vary depending on the period (daily, weekly, monthly) and can be modified at the customer’s request.

Safety ceiling and transfers control

In addition to fixed ceilings, banks set up Additional security checks. This often includes measures such as SMS identity confirmation or mobile application for transfers greater than a certain amount. These controls are intended to avoid unauthorized fraud and transactions.

Increase the transfer ceilings

Customers can sometimes request a Increase in their transfer ceiling with their bank. This request may require supporting documents, such as information on the origin of funds or documents relating to the transaction, especially in the context of international transfers or significant commercial transactions.

How to turn money on a bank account?

The transfer order can be made at the counter of a bank, by mail, via the PayPal application or on the Internet. For an order of transfer at the counter of a bank, you must think of bringing an identity document.

Make a account at account

The bank account bank transfer is to transfer money between his own accounts. The transfer order can be made online, via its customer area, in the “Virements” section. It is also possible to go to a banking agency with an identity document and its account number. The account transfer is instantaneous.

Mandatory information to make a transfer order

To make a separate transfer or not separate to a third person, it is necessary to have the IBAN, the international identifier of the bank account, and the BIC, the international identifier of the bank, also called SWIFT, named the name of the international organization managing the BIC. Registered on the RIB, IBAN and BIC make it possible to identify an account and are necessary in France as abroad.

Make a transfer to another person from an IBAN or a RIB

To make a separate or non -separate transfer, just indicate:

• the account number to be debit;
• the amount to be transferred;
• The bank details of the account to be credited (IBAN and BIC).

How to make an online bank transfer?

The online transfer is very simple to make. To make an online bank transfer, the user must first Connect to your customer area via the site or mobile application of its bank. Once connected, here is the procedure to follow:

• Access the transfers or money transfers section, available in the banking services menu.
• Choose the type of transfer to be made.
• Enter the necessary information, such as the name of the beneficiary, the amount, and the bank details of the beneficiary.
• Validate the online transfer.

Each banking establishment can then set up Reinforced securitylike the confirmation by SMS, where the user must enter the code received by SMS online to validate the transfer.

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How to make an instant transfer?

The procedure is practically identical to that of a classic transfer. The user must connect to their online space, enter the information, then validate the transaction with a security code. The major difference lies in the fact that, for an instant transfer, The option must be selected Before validationand the transfer will be treated in a few seconds.

How long does a transfer take?

Again, It all depends on the type of bank transfer ::

• It takes 24 hours to make a separate transfer in France.
• It takes approximately 48 hours to make a transfer if the beneficiary’s account is domiciled abroad.
• The non -separate transfers are longer: they depend on the banks and currencies concerned. On average, the creditor must wait three to five days for the money to be transferred to his account (in accordance with the value date).

Attention ! When the transfer concerns A new beneficiarythe operation may take up to three days, the time required to verify the recipient’s bank details.

Account transfer: How much does it cost?

For domestic and external transfers

Domestic transfers are included in the banking package paid by the user and do not generate No additional costs. For external transfers, if the accounts are domiciled in the same bank, the operation is free. In the opposite hypothesis, costs can be invoiced. The price is variable depending on the banks, between one and three euros.

For online transfers

Online banking transfers are freewhile those made in a bank or an agency are paid, especially for international transfers or transactions requiring manual treatment. It is therefore advisable to favor online transfers if you want to avoid additional costs.

For permanent transfers

The permanent transfer can cause two types of costs, not cumulative: implementation fees or transfer fees taken during each operation. These costs vary from one bank to another, and it is recommended to check the conditions of his bank before setting up a permanent transfer. These costs are low, but they can accumulate in the long run.

For SEPA banking transfers

A SEPA transfer is made in euros, even if it is intended for a bank account labeled in another currency. It is up to the beneficiary’s bank that it is up to converting into the currency concerned. This operation can generate exchange feesvariable depending on the establishments.

For a transfer to an international bank

Non -separate transfers are expressed in percentage of transferred sums or taxed lump sum. These costs can be higher. In addition, reception costs and a exchange committee can be added, which increases the overall cost of the transaction. It is therefore advisable to compare the costs of the banks before carrying out an international transfer.

For an instant transfer

Since January 9, 2025, Instant transfer is free in all French banks. This measure follows a regulation of the European Parliament, stipulating that the costs for sending and receiving instant transfers should not exceed those invoiced for conventional transfers. Until then, he was billed one euro.

How do I know if I have a transfer that will happen?

Account statement verification

By regularly consulting his Online bank account statement or via the mobile application of your bank, it is possible to spot a planned transfer, it appears quickly in the list of incoming transactions. Most banks also display transfer forecasts in the historical transactions section.

Banking notifications

Many banks send SMS or email notifications As soon as a transfer is credited in an account. It is therefore important to verify that this option is well activated in its customer area to be alerted immediately as soon as a transfer is made to your account.

Follow -up of the transfer

Some banks allow a Online monitoring of current transfersespecially for international transfers or SEPA. If the transfer has been made from another bank account, it is sometimes possible to follow its status in its banking space, although the information can be limited according to the banks.

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What are the disadvantages of bank transfer?

Treatment times

Banking transfers can take time to be treated, in particular in the case of external or international transfers. In this case, faster payment options, such as bank cards, mobile payments or instant money transfer services, may be preferable.

Associated costs

Although many banks offer free internal transfers, there are costs in the case of external, international and separate transfersaccording to the banking establishment. If the transfer implies a change of currency, conversion costs can be added, which can considerably increase the total cost of the transfer.

Complexity for international transfers

BIC/Swift and IBAN are necessary for international transfers, which can make the procedure more complexFor less experienced users. International transfers can also lead to additional delays due to safety checks, anti-flowage laws, or differences in time zones.

Monitoring and traceability

Although bank transfers are well documented and traceable, it can be difficult for an individual Follow the state of a transfer once it was initiatedespecially for international transfers. Monitoring a transaction may require contact the bank’s customer service or request manual confirmation, which can take time.