Interac e-Transfer Timeframe: A Comprehensive Transfer Duration Guide

Interac e-Transfers provide a swift and confidential method for Canadians to send money without divulging any personal banking information. It is a straightforward and secure option that enables individuals to transfer funds to friends, family, or businesses across Canada.

Concerning speed, what is the duration of an Interac e-Transfer? Stay with us as we delve into the time frames for different scenarios involving Interac e-Transfers. Additionally, you will discover Wise, a platform that aids in reducing expenses for both international and domestic transfers.

Why is my e-Transfer taking an extended period?

If you find yourself eagerly awaiting the completion of an Interac e-Transfer, there are several reasons that could account for the delay.

Primarily, the processing time of a transfer can vary depending on your financial institution. If the bank is closed for the day or their servers are experiencing slower performance than usual, it may take longer for the e-Transfer to be processed.

Keep in mind that banks typically send notifications when an e-Transfer is received and handled. However, until the recipient at the other end responds to that notification, the transfer should still be considered pending.

Moreover, if you are sending money across borders, international transfers usually require more time compared to domestic ones. Therefore, if you are dealing with an overseas bank, it is best to anticipate a few days before the process is finalized.

Wise ensures you remain on top of your transactions. With our transparent timelines, you can easily monitor all your e-Transfers, whether they are domestic or international.

Monitor your funds with Wise.

How long does it take to send an e-Transfer?

Great news - Interac e-Transfers are typically speedy, usually taking just a couple of minutes.¹ As soon as you initiate the transfer, your recipient will receive an email or text message informing them that funds are on the way and providing instructions on how to access them.

However, depending on the recipient's bank, they may need to answer a security question before the funds are deposited into their account. An added layer of security never hurts!

How long do Interac e-Transfers take in Canada?

For those wondering how long it takes for e-Transfers to be processed in Canada, they are generally quite swift - think instant or within 30 minutes.¹ However, please note that some banks may require additional steps to be taken by the recipient, such as answering security questions, before considering the transfer fully completed.

Bank Duration Interac Instant to 30 minutes¹ CIBC Instant to 30 minutes² TD Within 1 to 30 minutes³ Scotiabank Instant with Autodeposit or as soon as recipient answers security question correctly⁴

How long does an international Interac e-Transfer take?

If you are curious about the timeline for international Interac e-Transfers, local transfers usually take less than an hour, while international transfers take longer. Expect global e-Transfers to be safely delivered within approximately 1 to 2 business days. The confirmation email will provide an estimate of the delivery timeframes.¹

If you are not particularly patient, consider using a service like Wise instead. This convenient alternative allows users to send international e-Transfers in just minutes. With their network of local banks, they can efficiently process overseas transactions while keeping fees at a minimum.

For the most up-to-date pricing and fee information, please refer to the Terms of Use and Wise Fees & Pricing pages for your region. The speed of transactions may vary depending on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.

How much time does it take to receive an e-Transfer?

Before hitting the "send" button, the sender must follow a few steps. As for the recipient, they simply have to wait for the notification to appear. In some cases, there may be a security question that needs to be answered before the transfer is finalized.

Continue reading to learn more about the timing of these transfers for recipients.

How long do you have to accept an e-Transfer?

If the sender is located in Canada, you will typically receive a notification within one to thirty minutes. Ensure that you answer any security questions correctly to complete the transfer.¹

With Autodeposit enabled, incoming Interac e-Transfers will be deposited directly into your bank account without any additional steps.¹ For international e-Transfers, expect the transfer to be completed within approximately two business days.¹

How long does it take for an e-Transfer autodeposit to be processed?

Autodeposit is a convenient feature that allows users to receive incoming Interac e-Transfers directly into their bank accounts. When this feature is set up, e-Transfers can be received almost instantly.¹

Did you know? You can now receive Interac e-Transfers directly to your Wise account. Save money with every transfer in just a few clicks! Save Money with Wise.

How long does it take to receive a refund for an e-Transfer?

You can only cancel an e-Transfer if the recipient has not yet accepted it.¹ If the transfer has already been accepted, you will need to communicate directly with the recipient.

Keep in mind that the process of canceling a transfer may vary for each financial institution and may involve cancellation fees. The duration of the cancellation process also depends on your provider.

How long does it take to receive a refund for a canceled or declined e-Transfer?

Most banks do not disclose the duration before your account is reimbursed for canceled or declined transfers. However, here is a brief overview of what some banks state:

- CIBC: Returning funds may take up to 30 days.⁵

- TD: Once declined, the funds will automatically be returned to your account.⁶

- Scotiabank: Funds will be automatically returned once the transfer is canceled.⁷

How long does it take to receive a refund for an expired e-Transfer?

If Autodeposit is not activated, the recipient typically has a 30-day timeframe to claim the funds. If the deadline is missed, the transfer is considered expired.

When it comes to recovering expired funds, it ultimately depends on your bank. Here is a guide on the recommendations provided by the top Canadian banks:

BankDurationCIBCTo retrieve the transfer amount, you must select it from your online banking dashboard.⁸ It may take up to 30 days to return the funds.⁵TDFunds will automatically be returned to your account after the expiration date.⁹ScotiabankAfter the expiration, you will receive an email regarding the retrieval of the funds. The duration will depend on how quickly you can complete the necessary steps.¹⁰

Conclusion

Interac e-Transfers are relatively swift, particularly for domestic transfers within Canada. Typically, the process is completed within 30 minutes.

However, it is important to note that the actual duration may vary depending on your bank or financial institution. Keep in mind that international transfers may take longer, depending on your bank's network.

⏱️For expedited overseas transactions, consider using Wise. We leverage our network of local banks to reduce fees and accelerate the process on your behalf. With Interac e-Transfers being a secure and convenient method for sending money, and now that you have knowledge of the expected timeframe, you can confidently initiate your own transfer.

Manage your Interac e-Transfers with Wise here.

Sources:

Sources verified on: April 12, 2023

This publication is provided for informational purposes only and does not aim to cover all aspects of the discussed topics. It should not be considered as advice to rely upon. It is essential to seek professional or specialized advice before taking any action or refraining from it based on the content of this publication. The information in this publication should not be considered as legal, tax, or professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its affiliates. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. We make no express or implied representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content in this publication.