Sending money from abroad is getting easier. But sometimes the obstacle isn't in sending it: it's in receiving it. If your mom has never received an international transfer, she might feel lost, confused, or even scared of doing something wrong.
This guide is for that very reason: so you and your mom can get organized before the transfer, not after. That way, the money arrives without errors and without stress for either of you.
Step 1: Get your mom's correct details
Before making any transfer, you need to have your mom's exact information. Depending on how you plan to send it, you'll need:
- Full name (as it appears on her ID)
- Bank account number or card number
- Bank name
- ID or document number
- Cell phone number (for receiving notifications)
Tip: Ask her to send you a photo of her bank statement or the front of her card to copy the details exactly as they appear. A misspelled number can cause the transfer to be returned.
Step 2: Explain what will happen
Many moms (and dads) aren't familiar with digital transfers and can get nervous when they see a deposit from an unknown source. Before sending, tell her:
- Which platform you'll be sending from (e.g., Retorna)
- Which account the money will be deposited into
- Exactly how much she will receive
- When to expect it to arrive (so she doesn't panic and call the bank if it doesn't show up immediately)
A 5-minute call before sending can save you hours of confusion later.
Step 3: Save her details in your contact list
If you use Retorna, you can save your mom's details in the app's contact list. That way, you don't have to ask her for her account number every time you want to send money: it's already saved, verified, and ready to use.
This also reduces the risk of errors: if the details are already saved and worked well the first time, you can reuse them with confidence.
Step 4: Make the first transfer together (via video call if necessary)
If it's your mom's first time receiving an international transfer, consider making the first transfer while on a video call. This way, you can guide her in real-time: where to check if the money arrived, what message to look for on her phone, how to confirm it's in her account.
After the first one, she'll know how it works, and the subsequent ones will be a piece of cake.
What if my mom doesn't have a bank account?
Not all moms have bank accounts, and that's perfectly fine. Some platforms, including certain options available depending on the country, allow the recipient to withdraw cash at designated pickup points. Check the available options based on the destination country before choosing a method.
The important thing is to know the options in advance, not the day before Mother's Day when everything is more urgent.
Conclusion
Organizing with mom for money transfers takes no more than 10 minutes, but it can prevent huge headaches. With the correct details, a prior explanation, and Retorna's contact list, every transfer is simple, fast, and error-free.
This Mother's Day, let the money arrive before she even expects it.
🔗 Internal Linkbuilding
Want to learn how to manage contacts in Retorna to avoid errors? Read this article: How to manage your contact list in Retorna to avoid errors in your transfers
Not sure how Retorna works yet? Start here: How to create a transfer with Retorna: a step-by-step guide to sending money easily
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ SEO)
What information does my mom need to receive an international transfer?
Your mom will need to have handy: her full name (as it appears on her ID), bank account number or CCI, bank name, ID number, and her cell phone number to receive the transfer notification.
How do I save my mom's information in Retorna so I don't have to ask for it every time?
In the Retorna app, you can save your mom as a contact in the beneficiary list. Once her information is saved and you've confirmed the first transfer arrived successfully, you can reuse it for all subsequent transfers without re-entering it.
What happens if I enter my mom's account number incorrectly?
If the account number is incorrect, the transfer may be rejected or take several days to process and be returned. That's why it's crucial to verify the information before the first transfer, ideally by asking her for a photo of her bank statement or bank card.
Does my mom need to have the Retorna app to receive the money?
No. Your mom doesn't need to download any app. The money goes directly to her bank account. Only you need to have the Retorna app and her account details.
Can I make the first transfer via video call with my mom?
Yes, and it's an excellent idea, especially if it's her first time receiving an international transfer. This way, you can guide her in real-time on where to check if the money has arrived and what notification to expect.
Your money arrives in a heartbeat
With Retorna, your transfers arrive in minutes. It's as easy as sending a WhatsApp message. Send money in just a few clicks—fast, secure, and hassle-free.