Related: Wire transfer fees in Canada
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How to track a wire transfer
Most transfer services provide a tracking number to make wire transfer tracking easy.
Most money transfer services and banks offer end-to-end tracking to help you check the status of your transfers. But exact procedures for wire transfer tracking vary between service providers. If you’re wondering how to track a wire transfer, here’s how it works.
Steps for wire transfer tracking
To track a wire transfer, you’ll need the tracking or transaction number provided when funds were sent. This can usually be found on your receipt or confirmation email. Contact the transfer service with this number to find out the status of your transfer. Your transfer service may send notifications when funds are sent, in transit and received.
- Complete your transfer. After sending a transfer, you can start tracking it.
- Check your receipt. Move funds into your account by bank transfer or wire transfer.
- Contact the sending company. Contact your transfer service by phone, online or by visiting a physical location and provide your tracking number.
- Sign up for notifications. If possible, opt in for notifications as your transfer processes.
Track a Western Union transfer
Track Western Union money transfers by visiting westernunion.com/ca and selecting Track a transfer in the menu at the top of the page. You’ll need a 10-digit MTCN (Money Tracking Control Number) issued after you pay for your transfer. You can track a Western Union transfer without a MTCN, but you’ll need:
- Sender’s phone number OR both the sender and receiver names
- Receiver’s country
- Send amount OR receive amount
- Date of transfer
Track a MoneyGram transfer
MoneyGram tracking is fairly straightforward. Visit moneygram’s website and select Track & Receive on the home page. You need your last name and the authorization or reference number.
- Authorization number. This number is found in your confirmation email.
- Reference number. You’ll receive this number by email only after the money is ready for cash pickup.
Track a Ria money transfer
Ria tracking can be done through the mobile app, online or by contacting customer service on the phone. You’ll need to provide one of the following to track your money transfer:
- Order number
- PIN
- Reference number
Sample tracking page for Ria.
Track a TD Global Transfer
After sending a TD Global Transfer, you can track the status of your money by logging into TD EasyWeb or the TD mobile app and following these steps.
- Select Transfers (left menu)
- Select History
- Select the Globally tab (right side)
- View your transfers under Money Sent
- Your transfer status will be In progress, Complete, Cancelled or Pending Cancellation (which means a cancellation request is under review).
Track a CIBC Global Money Transfer
Check the status of a CIBC Global Money Transfer by logging into online banking or the CIBC Mobile Banking App and going to the Transfer Status page. “Pending” means the transfer is still in progress, and “Completed” means the funds have been received.
Track a Walmart money transfer
Walmart offers money transfer services through Western Union. In order to track transfers sent from Walmart, you’ll just need your Western Union tracking number (MTCN).
How do I find my tracking number?
Depending on the service you choose to transfer your money overseas—whether a bank or independent money transfer specialist—your transaction should come with a confirmation number or a record of your transaction.
Money tracking numbers come in many different names:
- Authorization number
- Reference number
- MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number)
- Order number
- PIN
- RTRN (Remittance Transaction Reference Number)
- Confirmation number
What if I don’t have a tracking number?
Transfers come in all shapes and sizes, and depending on what type of provider you use to send your money, you may or may not have a tracking number. Don’t worry—chances are you can still track your transfer even if you don’t have a tracking number. Here’s how:
Track bank wire transfers
Sending money internationally through your bank typically won’t generate a tracking number, as wire transfers are a bit different from money transfer services.
- You’ll typically use transit or account numbers to track wire transfers.
- Call your bank’s customer service or contact your bank online.
Track using a tracking number
Check your receipt for a highlighted number that may be called a:
- reference number
- tracking number
- confirmation number
Input this website on the transfer company’s website, give it to a customer service representative on the phone or provide it at an agent location to track your transfer.
Track without a tracking number
Some services, typically those that operate entirely online, require you to track through your order history instead of through a tracking number. To do so:
- Log in to your account
- Navigate to your order history
- Look for order details, including specific details on arrival time and any occurring delays.
How can I keep my international money transfer safe?
Only transfer money through regulated money transfer services. Ensure you have the correct details on hand before sending a transfer, and never send money to people you don’t trust. This way, you’re less likely to fall prey to international money transfer scams.
Always remember to keep your transfer reference number on hand so that you can track the progress of your transfers. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your transfer service provider immediately.
Compare and choose the best money transfer service
Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
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Related: International money transfers
Can I change my recipient’s information if I entered it incorrectly?
Changing your recipient’s name or address is tricky after you’ve initiated a transfer. If you’ve found an error with your recipient’s information, call or visit your provider immediately. You can also use a live chat option if it’s available. Note that you may have to cancel the transfer and resend it.
Be ready to provide your confirmation number, receipt or email confirmation. If the transfer hasn’t been processed yet, your provider may be able to correct or modify your recipient’s details, but this might delay the transfer.
If you’ve discovered the error outside business hours, try logging in to your account. You may be able to make the changes yourself if your transfer hasn’t fully processed.
Can I cancel a money transfer?
Nearly all banks and money transfer providers offer some way of canceling your transaction after you’ve set it in motion — assuming the money hasn’t been delivered. If you can log in to your online account, you may have the option of canceling there.
Search your provider’s website for information on canceling or stopping a money transfer. Or call a representative to learn how you can start the process of halting your transaction.
If you can cancel your money transfer, you should see a refund for what you paid. In rare cases, a provider may deduct a cancellation fee. Consider this when choosing a transfer service.
Related: How to receive a wire transfer
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