Wire Transfer Resources

1. Log in to your account via Digital Banking or Mobile App.
2. Click “Wire Money” from the “Transfer & Pay” tab.
3. Select New Wire Transfer.

Provide the following information for the individual or business receiving the funds:

1. Recipient Information (Use the special instructions field to add information needed to process the request or route the funds.)

Recipient Financial Information 

• Receiving financial institution’s nine-digit routing number (ABA/RTN)
• Add the intermediary financial institution (optional) if requested

Click Next

2. Amount and Funding Source:

• Enter the amount to send via Wire Transfer.
• Select the funding source (account you want the funds debited from)

Click Next

3.    Review and Submit

• Carefully review the details for accuracy and disclosures on the summary screen.
• Click “Accept and submit.”

1. Type in the following information for the individual or business receiving the funds:

Recipient Information

• Individual or business name and address.
• Purpose of Payment: Notate the reason for the wire or relevant information needed to correctly process the request or route the funds.
• Individual or business account number.
• Receiving institution’s SWIFT Code or Bank Identifier Code (BIC) and country.
• Receiving institution’s name and address.
• Optional: Add the intermediary institution if requested.

Click Next

Please note, some countries that require an additional code include:

• United States: Routing Number or ABA Number
• Canada: Transit Number
• United Kingdom: Sort Code
• Australia/New Zealand: BSB Code (Bank State Branch)
• India: Indian Financial System Code (IFSC)
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong Branch Code
• Singapore: Singapore Branch Code
• South Africa: Routing Code

2.    Amount and Funding Source:

• Enter the amount to send via Wire Transfer.
• Select the funding source (account you want the funds debited from).

Click Next

3.    Review and Submit

• Carefully review the details for accuracy and disclosures on the summary screen.
• Click “Accept and Submit.” 

Use this section to add relevant information needed to process the request or route the funds, such as a purchase order or invoice number. This section is a must if you are wiring funds to an Escrow account.*

When the member clicks on Add special Instructions this will then change to Special Instructions (Optional) 

Here the member can type any relevant information needed to complete the wire.  The box will expand to fit the contents entered, up to 120 characters.

A SWIFT/BIC code consists of 8-11 characters and follows a format that identifies your bank, country, location, and branch.

1 – Bank code (4 letters)

• The first four letters represent the bank and usually look like an abbreviated version of the bank name.

2 – Country code (2 letters)

• These two letters indicate the country where the bank is located.

3 – Location code (2 letters or numbers)

• These two characters designate the location of the bank’s main office.

4 – Branch code (3 digits)

• These 3 digits identify a specific branch. ‘XXX’ is used for a bank’s head office.

How do I receive an incoming wire transfer to my First Entertainment Credit Union account?

To receive a wire transfer, provide the sender with the correct wire instructions for your account. The instructions required depend on whether the wire is domestic (within the United States) or international. The sending bank will determine whether to use ABA routing instructions or SWIFT instructions.

Does First Entertainment charge a fee for sending or receiving funds via wire transfer? 

A. The fee amount assessed depends on the type of transfer:

What wire transfer instructions are most commonly used?

Most domestic wire transfers in the United States use an ABA routing number. International wire transfers typically require SWIFT instructions. However, some international banks can send funds using a U.S. routing number instead of SWIFT. Always confirm with the sending bank which instructions they require before the wire is sent.

When should I use ABA routing instructions for a wire transfer?

Use ABA routing instructions when receiving a domestic wire transfer within the United States. Some international banks may also send wires using a U.S. routing number instead of SWIFT, but this must be confirmed by the sending bank.

When are SWIFT instructions required for an incoming wire?

SWIFT instructions are used for international wire transfers when the sending bank cannot send the wire using a U.S. routing number. SWIFT wires are international transfers sent in U.S. dollars and are typically processed through an intermediary bank before reaching your First Entertainment account.

Who is listed as the beneficiary on international SWIFT wires?

For SWIFT wires sent to First Entertainment Credit Union, the beneficiary listed is CONVERA, the intermediary processing partner. Your personal name should not be listed as the beneficiary on SWIFT wires.

Where do I include my name and account number for a SWIFT wire transfer?

Your name and account number must be placed in the Reference Field of the SWIFT wire instructions. This allows the funds to be properly credited to your First Entertainment account.

Format:
59451-US, FFC Member Name, Member Account Number

Example:
59451-US John Smith 123456789

What happens if the SWIFT reference field is missing or incorrect?

If the reference field is missing or incorrect, the wire transfer may be delayed, require manual review, or be returned to the sending bank. Incorrect reference details are the most common reason for international wire delays.

Are there fees for incoming wire transfers?

Incoming international SWIFT wires include a $30 pass-through fee. This fee is deducted from the total amount of the wire transfer before the funds are credited to your account.

Why does SWIFT use CONVERA instead of First Entertainment?

Some international banks require intermediaries to process SWIFT wires. Convera acts as that intermediary and routes the funds to your credit union using the reference field.

How long does it take to receive an incoming wire transfer?

Domestic wire transfers are typically received the same business day if sent before the sending bank’s cutoff time. International SWIFT wires may take 1–3 business days depending on intermediary processing and the sending bank.