How do online payments via bank transfer work?
In general, the process is quite simple. However, it may differ from country to country. Bank transfers - also referred to as wire transfers - are simply the direct transfer of funds from one bank account into another. In the context of this guide, that means a transfer from your customers bank account into your business bank account. Unlike other payment methods covered in this guide, bank transfers do not have any specific setup requirements on your business behalf, to begin accepting payments from your customers. In general, the process is quite simple. However, its worth noting that the process may differ from country to country, and particularly so when the business bank and customers bank are located in different countries. The customer completes the merchants checkout process and elects to pay via bank transfer. The business provides its bank account details to the customer, typically along with a unique transaction reference code. The customer instructs their bank to transfer the relevant amount to the business bank account, including the unique reference code to indicate the purpose of the transfer. The customers bank transfers the funds to the business bank. The business receives the funds into their account, noting the reference code. (In situations where the customers bank is different from the merchants bank, financial institutions called clearing houses are involved to facilitate the transfer of funds between the banks.) Find out more about how GoCardless can help