Sending money internationally can be a critical need, whether you’re supporting family abroad or managing international finances. Wells Fargo, a trusted financial institution, offers ExpressSend, a remittance service designed to make international money transfers easier. This guide will walk you through how to send money with Wells Fargo, focusing on the ExpressSend service, its features, and important considerations to ensure your transactions are smooth and secure.
Sending Your First Wells Fargo Money Transfer
For first-time users of Wells Fargo ExpressSend, the initial transfer requires a personal touch. To ensure security and verify your identity, your first remittance must be completed in person at a Wells Fargo branch. This step is crucial for establishing your service agreement and protecting your account.
However, Wells Fargo account holders with existing checking or savings accounts may have an alternative. Depending on caller authentication and fraud prevention measures, you might be able to initiate your first transfer by contacting the Wells Fargo Phone Bank. This provides a degree of convenience while still maintaining necessary security protocols for your first transaction.
Options for Subsequent Money Transfers
Once your initial ExpressSend transfer is successfully completed, Wells Fargo offers multiple channels for future remittances, providing flexibility and convenience:
- Wells Fargo Branch: You can continue to visit a Wells Fargo branch for subsequent transfers, offering face-to-face assistance and a secure environment for your transactions.
- Wells Fargo Phone Bank: The Phone Bank remains a viable option for repeat transfers, allowing you to manage your remittances over the phone after your initial setup.
- Wells Fargo Online®: For ultimate convenience, Wells Fargo Online at wellsfargo.com allows you to send money from your computer. This online platform provides 24/7 access to initiate transfers, review transaction history, and manage your ExpressSend account. It’s important to note that ExpressSend is not accessible through the Wells Fargo Mobile® app; you must use a desktop or laptop for online transfers.
Delivery Methods: Account Credit and Cash Pick-Up
Wells Fargo ExpressSend offers two primary delivery methods for your international money transfers, catering to different recipient needs and locations:
- Credit to Account: You can send money directly to your beneficiary’s qualifying deposit account at a participating Remittance Network Member. To utilize this method, you will need to provide the beneficiary’s accurate deposit account number.
- Cash Pick-Up: Alternatively, you can send money for cash pick-up, allowing your beneficiary to collect the funds in person at a designated Remittance Network Member location. For cash pick-up, ensuring the beneficiary’s name provided by you exactly matches their government-issued identification is critical for successful collection.
It’s important to be aware that the availability of these delivery methods can vary. Not all Remittance Network Members or locations may support both credit to account and cash pick-up options. Therefore, it’s advisable to confirm the available methods for your specific recipient’s location when initiating your transfer.
Potential Service Disruptions and Important Reminders
While Wells Fargo strives to provide seamless service, certain unforeseen circumstances can impact the availability of cash pick-up remittances. Events such as natural disasters, civil unrest, system outages, currency shortages, local regulations, receiver actions, or location-specific security concerns can potentially disrupt cash pick-up services at certain Remittance Network Members or cities.
In the event your beneficiary encounters any issues with cash pick-up, Wells Fargo encourages you to contact their customer service at 1-800-556-0605 for assistance and resolution.
Understanding Fees and Exchange Rates
When you send money internationally with Wells Fargo ExpressSend, it’s essential to understand the associated costs. In addition to a transfer fee, Wells Fargo generates revenue through currency conversion. When converting currency for your transfer, Wells Fargo sets the exchange rate at its discretion, which includes a markup.
For comprehensive details regarding ExpressSend terms, conditions, and foreign currency exchange practices, please refer to the ExpressSend Terms and Conditions, accessible via the Sender’s Rights section on the Wells Fargo website.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
