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International Transfer Errors: Cancellations and Corrections

A misspelled name, incorrect account detail, or missing transfer can leave money out of reach when someone needs it. Act promptly and keep the receipt, transaction number, promised delivery information, and communications with the provider. Knowing the difference between canceling a transfer and reporting an error helps you make the right request.

The questions below use selected Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance, adapted and organized by Fynoptic. Source links and the dates displayed by those sources are provided at the end.

How do I notify the remittance transfer provider about a mistake with my money transfer?

If you think there was a mistake with your remittance transfer, contact the provider right away. It may also be helpful to follow up with a written error notice. The sooner you notify your provider, the sooner your issue can be resolved.

Tip

Some banks and credit unions are exempt from the federal requirement to provide error protections. If you transferred money internationally and used an exempt bank or credit union, you should still contact them as they may be able to help. Other state laws and protections may still apply.

Federal law requires remittance transfer providers to correct certain errors when making a money transfer, These errors include such as a failure to deliver the correct amount of money or to deliver the funds by the date the money is supposed to be available.

You have 180 days from the available date to contact the provider and report the error. This date of availability is printed on your money transfer receipt, but don’t delay. Usually, the sooner you start the process, the sooner the error can get fixed.

The remittance provider must investigate and determine whether an error occurred within 90 days after it receives your notice of error, and then tell you about their findings within three business days after completing the investigation.

Mistakes a remittance transfer provider is responsible for correcting

Remittance transfer providers are generally responsible for correcting mistakes, including:

  • An incorrect amount paid by the sender
  • Computational or bookkeeping errors
  • Delivery of an incorrect amount of money
  • Failure to deliver funds by the date that the money is supposed to be available or to deliver the funds at all
  • Delivery of funds to the wrong recipient
  • Incorrect recipient or other information provided by the consumer

Information to include when submitting your error notice

When submitting your oral or written error notice, give the remittance transfer provider as much information about the money transfer as you can, in addition to explaining why you believe a mistake was made. Include the following information:

  • Your name and telephone number or address
  • The name and telephone number or address of the person to whom you sent the transfer
  • The dollar amount of the transfer
  • Describe the error the best you can.

There is additional information you should give to the provider if you know it, but is not mandatory, including:

  • Your email address and other identifying information used in sending the transfer
  • Any email address or other identifying information of the person you sent the transfer to
  • The confirmation code if you have one
  • The date the transfer was requested
  • The destination of the transfer
  • Any other information that could help the provider identify the transfer

Requirements for receiving a refund or resending the money

For many types of mistakes, like the money never arriving, you may be able to get a refund or have the remittance transfer sent again. If the mistake occurred because you gave the remittance transfer provider an incorrect account number or routing number and the provider took certain actions, then they’re not required to refund or resend the money. These actions include using reasonably available means to verify that the routing number corresponded to the recipient institution name you provided before sending the transfer and using reasonable efforts to retrieve the funds from the wrong recipient in a quick manner.

If you’re not satisfied with the company’s response, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB.

A remittance transfer receipt must list the remittance transfer provider’s phone number and website, a phone number and website for the CFPB, and, in some cases, a phone number and website for a state regulator for questions or complaints about the remittance transfer provider.

View a sample remittance transfer receipt.

Separate state law protections may be available to you, depending on how you send the money (for example, through wire transfer, electronic payment, etc.). Contact your state attorney general or state financial regulator for more information about your state’s laws.

I sent money to someone and they couldn't get the money because the information didn't match what I provided. What can I do?

If you believe you gave incorrect information and the recipient is not able to receive their funds, contact the provider immediately and ask if you can make corrections.

When you send money to someone else, the company you use may require the recipient to confirm their information, such as name and address, or account number, to verify certain information that you provided in order to get the money you’ve sent. Responsible providers do not send your funds off without being careful. If the information does not match, they will not release the money to the recipient.

In that case, you need to contact the provider asking if you can correct the information, re: account number, recipient’s name, or banking institution, etc.

In most cases, if the funds have not been released, you should be able to make corrections to the transfer. For remittance transfers, you have the right to submit an oral or written notice of error to your remittance transfer provider that must be investigated.

Double check the account numbers before you send a transfer. You could lose your money if you mistakenly provide wrong account or routing numbers. If the money does not go to the account you intended, you may not be able to get it back.

Also, verify the spelling of the recipient’s name. They may not be able to receive the money sent if the name you provide does not match the name on their identification or account.

Can I cancel an international money transfer?

You may be able to cancel an international money transfer, but it depends on the circumstances. If you would like to cancel a transfer, review your contract and receipt, and contact the company immediately.

If you sent money internationally, you have the right to cancel the transfer at no cost if it meets certain conditions:

  • You used a remittance transfer provider to send a remittance transfer, as defined under federal law.
  • The money hasn’t been picked up by the recipient or deposited in their account.
  • You paid for the transfer less than 30 minutes ago; and
  • You gave enough information for your provider to find the particular transfer to be canceled.

If you scheduled the transfer in advance, you may cancel the transfer up to three business days before it is made.

In some cases, state law or the transfer provider’s own rules may give you more time to cancel a transaction.

If you received a receipt for your transfer, it should generally state what your cancellation period is.

Sources and further reading

The CFPB source passages are U.S. government work in the public domain. Fynoptic has selected, organized, and adapted the material for this guide, including corrections identified through the additional sources listed above. Sources accessed October 27, 2026. This use does not imply agency endorsement or affiliation.

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