How to Make a Transfer in Your Banking App, Step by Step

How to make a bank transfer in your bank's app, step by step

Would you like to send someone money without going to a branch? Today you can do this easily with an app. An app is a small program on your phone that you open with a single tap. Your bank's app more or less replaces the counter at the branch. In this guide we will go through every single step together. It is easier than it sounds. And don't worry: you cannot break anything just by tapping.

What to have ready beforehand

For a transfer you need two details about the recipient. First, the name of the person or company the money should go to. Second, the IBAN. The IBAN is the long account number that starts with DE and is made up of letters and numbers. You will find it, for example, on an invoice or a letter. Have these details ready before you begin.

How to send a transfer — step by step

1. Tap the icon of your bank's app on the screen. An icon is a small colourful picture with your bank's logo.
2. Log in by entering your access code — that is your personal password for the app.
3. Wait a moment until your account overview appears. That is the home page showing your balance.
4. Look for the button labelled Transfer. It is sometimes called "Send money" or "New transfer".
5. Tap this button.
6. In the Recipient field, enter the name of the person or company that should receive the money.
7. In the IBAN field, enter the recipient's long account number. Check every digit calmly.
8. In the Amount field, enter how much money you want to send, for example 50.00.
9. In the Reference field, write briefly what the transfer is for, for example "Rent July". This field is a note for the recipient.
10. Tap Next or Review.

The last step: approving the transfer

Now the app shows you a summary. That is an overview with the name, IBAN and amount. Read through everything calmly. Is the amount correct? Is the name correct? Only when everything is right should you approve the transfer.

To approve it, the bank needs a confirmation, so it is sure that you really want the transfer. This confirmation is called a TAN or approval. It is a one-time number or a one-time tap that is valid for this single transfer only.

1. Follow the instruction on the screen. Often the approval appears directly in a second app from your bank.
2. Confirm the approval — usually by tapping a button such as Approve, or by entering the one-time number.
3. Wait until a green confirmation or a tick appears. Then the transfer has been sent.

Well done. You have just transferred money, without a branch at all.

What to do if something goes wrong

If a screen looks different from what is described here, please don't panic. Every bank designs its app a little differently. Go slowly and look for similar words such as "Transfer" or "Send".

Are you unsure whether a detail is correct? Then simply cancel and start again. As long as you have not approved it, no money is sent. So you cannot do anything wrong.

Very important for protection against fraud: never give out a TAN over the phone. Scammers sometimes call and pretend to be your bank. They might say: "Good day, this is your bank, we need to carry out a security transfer, please tell me your TAN." A real bank will never ask you for your TAN. In such a case, hang up. Then call your bank back yourself, using only the number printed on the back of your bank card.

If you made a typing mistake and the money has already been sent, call your bank immediately. For this too, use the number on the back of your card.

Summary — your checklist

• Open the app and log in with your access code.
• Tap the "Transfer" button.
• Enter the recipient, IBAN and amount.
• Check the summary calmly.
• Confirm with a TAN or approval.
• Wait for the green confirmation.
• Never give out your TAN over the phone.