A bank transfer is a means of transferring money electronically, directly from one bank account to another. It can be used to transfer funds from one person to another, or between a customer to a business as payment for goods or services. It is also frequently referred to as a “wire” transfer, because when the service was originally introduced, well before the introduction of the modern day internet as we now know it, money was transferred via communication down telegraph wires.
The easiest way for anyone to organise a direct bank transfer these days is by using their internet banking service, but this can also be done over the telephone or even by calling into your own bank branch and asking a cashier to do it for you (how quaint and old fashioned). Whichever method you prefer, the only information you will need is the account details of the person or company you want the money to go to.
This transfer of funds is very unlikely to be instantaneous, and the actual length of time it will take for the sender’s funds to actually arrive in the recipient’s account can vary between a few hours to a few days. This will depend upon the banking system used and the type of bank accounts involved. A bank transfer is also unlikely to be free. Normally, the sending bank branch charges a flat rate fee (to the sender), while the receiving bank often charges a commission on the amount of money sent. This is usually deducted from the sum of money involved, meaning that the recipient receives less than was actually sent. Say, for example, you were to transfer £100 to your cousin in Droitwich, and the commission charge was 2%. In this case, you’re (un)lucky relative would receive only £98.
The bank transfer can be a good way to make payments online. This is particularly the case with large sums. The amount may exceed the credit limit on your credit card account for example. Or perhaps you have security concerns about sending large amounts of money, or divulging your personal banking information to the recipient. Also, the larger the amount, the lower the proportion of that amount the facilitating fee will be. Banks will also sometimes charge a smaller commission fee the larger the sum of money involved.
For smaller amounts, the service can be less cost effective, but is still useful for those who do not have a credit or debit card, and for those who mistrust the security measures or data protection procedures of the organisation or system concerned.
When it comes to online bingo payments, most sites will accept bank transfers, although you may have to wait up to three days for access to your funds. Certainly, many high spending “high rollers” are reputed to make their deposits in this way. Some sites will also allow withdrawals to be made by bank transfer, but this is not really recommended as all are likely to make a charge for the extra administration and expense involved in organising the transaction.
However you decide to fund your online bingo, always remember to consult Busy Bee’s great site review service. That way you will be able to find out which payment methods are accepted at your chosen site, as well as an impartial and expert guide as to what to expect for your money.
