Whether you’re filling out a direct deposit slip at your new job or running a business, you need a specific address where you receive payments. This address, known as a remittance address or remit address, is a destination for cheques and invoices, and functions in a similar same way as a regular address, but is specific to money transfers.
Some people choose to use their home address on a remittance or utilize the reliability of money transfer services like Western Union for remit to address payments.
To understand the primary applications of a remittance address and to see if it’s right for you, here’s what you need to know.
What is a remittance address?
A remittance address is a useful way for individuals or businesses to receive payments. While you can use any address, some people prefer to use a PO Box or other address to separate payments from specific places like an employer, a client, or a business-related transaction.
Individuals and companies alike use remit addresses, especially when processing and sending money overseas. You may also encounter a “remittance bank account address,” which simply means the remittance address is an actual bank. Businesses will route payments here instead of an office to be processed. Similar phrasing includes:
- Remit to: Informing a customer where to send a payment.
- Remit address: Associated with companies asking where to send payment.
- Billing address: The address affiliated with a payment’s destination.
Why do businesses use a remittance address?
A business often uses a remittance address to help stay organized. With a specific address, you can make sure that payments don’t get lumped in with regular mail which helps business owners obtain cheques through a more direct channel from the recipient. This way, important financial documents bypass standard mail. They are separated from the usual influx of mail and can help process payments faster.
What is an example of a remittance address?
For established institutions, it’s easier to set up a PO Box than purchase another physical plot of land. Renting a space within a postal facility nearby will save a company time and money. As far as appearance, a typical remittance address has three lines instead of two (to make space for the added PO Box specification) and looks more like a normal address. Take for example Disneyland’s mailing and remittance addresses:
Disneyland
Mailing address:
500 S. Buena Vista St.
Burbank, CA
91521
Remittance address:
Walt Disney World Travel Company
P.O. Box 733115
Dallas, Texas
75373
If sent abroad, the remittance address will mirror the address layout of the recipient.
How to verify a remittance address is legitimate
Make sure you know how to recognize fraudulent addresses and other money transfer scams. Double and triple-check sources before you send or accept a remit to address and research an address if it appears odd.
Billing departments usually include their phone numbers or direct contact on receipts, payments, and invoices. To avoid confusion and check for accuracy, call the number provided and try to speak to an individual to verify a claim. If you don’t see the right numbers, do a little digging on the company to find an email address or main line to speak with an employee. This is the easiest way to determine legitimacy.
How to make international transfers using your remittance address
If you’re sending or receiving money from overseas, it’s important to understand how remittance addresses work so that you get your money on time.
There are many ways to remit a payment, so let’s break them down.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
An Electronic Funds Transfer can be a trusted means of sending money. With services like Western Union, you will receive detailed instructions to walk you through the steps to successfully remit a payment. Assistance is also accessible via phone or tablet for local and international money transfers.
Most sites offer a calculator to estimate fees before committing, but here are a few helpful reminders before making a remittance payment across borders:
- Research, then register. Make sure you trust the provider before arranging a transfer.
- Have ID on hand to prove your identity and finalize transactions.
- Supply account details.
Bank transfer
Bank transfers are also a popular method to move money because they typically have no fees and can also be done quickly. Always be sure to contact billing departments or accounting professionals to verify an address is accurate. The steps to make a payment through bank transfer will vary depending on the bank, but the steps will likely be similar:
- Log in to the existing account.
- Find the “International Transfers” tab.
- Prepare routing numbers and/or SWIFT codes. You will need these for yourself and the recipient.
Cheques and money orders
Another way to make an international transfer to a remittance address is by writing a cheque or sending a money order. The upside? It provides a tangible trail to track your transfer. The downside? Cheques take a little longer to process and if they have incorrect information, they can bounce or be returned. This could delay funds from reaching their intended destination.
The advantages of creating a place for customers, clients, or family to “remit to address” are numerous. Having a distinct destination for all your payments helps to stay organized, keep home addresses private, and manage bills.
Learn more ways to move money with Western Union
Once you’ve decided upon a remittance address, start implementing it easily with international money transfers through a service like Western Union, one of the first players to get into the game over 150 years ago. You can send money now online or visit an agent location to get started. Still have questions? Visit our frequently asked questions to learn about all our money transfer services.
