A bank transfer (“virement bancaire”) is a secure payment method valued by businesses and individuals for being a quick and efficient way to transfer money. But how do you prove that a bank transfer has been made? Below we’ll discuss how a proof of transfer works, how to know if one is genuine, and more.

What’s in this article?

• What is a proof of transfer?
  
• What is a proof of transfer used for?
  
• How do I obtain proof of a bank transfer?
  
• What information has to appear on a proof of transfer?
  
• How can I verify the authenticity of a proof of transfer?
  

What is a proof of transfer?

A proof of transfer is a document, either printed or digital, that confirms the initiation of a bank transfer. This document is sometimes referred to as a bank transfer attestation, bank transfer receipt, bank transfer confirmation, or proof of source of funds.

What is a proof of transfer used for?

A proof of transfer is a reliable way of confirming that a money transfer has been made. It allows the sender of a bank transfer to assure the recipient that funds have been sent. A bank transfer attestation can also act as key evidence in business dealings with a supplier or employee, and it can be used in case of a financial dispute.

Typically, you aren’t required to provide proof of a bank transfer to a recipient. However, it can be helpful to do so to confirm the transaction, maintain a working relationship with the recipient, and prevent any disputes or legal issues.

How do I obtain proof of a bank transfer?

There are several options you can use to confirm that a bank transfer has been made.

• A confirmation email or text message (SMS): Some banks allow you to electronically provide them with the recipient’s email address or phone number, so they can send the recipient a notification via email or SMS to confirm the transaction.
  
• A downloadable proof of transfer: Download a PDF proof through your bank’s mobile app or customer portal, and send it to the recipient.
  
• A bank statement: Provide your bank statement, which is a record of all the transactions you made during the month, to the recipient. You can use it to verify the transfer, but make sure the statement does not reveal important personal information you don’t want the recipient to have.
  
• A screenshot: Send the recipient an image of your screen that confirms the transfer was made. Note, however, that this is a less official method of providing proof.
  

You can also visit your bank branch in person to get a detailed confirmation of the transfer. The issuing bank will provide the recipient with a verifiable proof of the bank transfer (either in print or electronic format).

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What information has to appear on a proof of transfer?

A proof of bank transfer must contain:

• The date of the transfer
  
• The amount transferred and the currency used
  
• The recipient’s contact details
  
• The sender’s contact details
  

How can I verify the authenticity of a proof of transfer?

As the recipient of a bank transfer, it’s important to verify the proof of transfer is genuine. You can do this by reviewing the bank details on the proof, including both your information and the issuer’s. Some banks include a QR code on their proof of transfer documents to verify their authenticity. If you’re unsure whether a proof is legitimate, contact your bank or the issuer to verify that the document is real.

Generally, if you don’t receive funds within 72 hours of getting a transfer confirmation, there might be an issue with the transfer, such as exceeding the transfer limit, encountering a bank processing delay, or identifying incorrect bank details. Contact your bank and the sender of the transfer as soon as possible to resolve the issue.