How to Cancel a Transfer in Wise or Remitly: Complete Guide (2025)
A comprehensive guide to canceling money transfers, getting refunds, and understanding the limitations of international money transfer services.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Sending money internationally has become increasingly common, with services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Remitly making the process faster and more affordable than traditional banks. However, there are times when you might need to cancel a transfer – perhaps you entered incorrect recipient details, sent the wrong amount, or simply changed your mind.
Understanding how to cancel transfers in these popular services is crucial, especially since international money transfers often involve significant amounts. This guide will walk you through the cancellation processes for both Wise and Remitly, explaining the steps, limitations, and what to expect regarding refunds.
Important Note
Both Wise and Remitly have strict limitations on when transfers can be canceled. Once a transfer is completed or the recipient has received the funds, cancellation is generally not possible. Always double-check recipient details before confirming any money transfer.
Wise vs. Remitly: Cancellation Policies Compared
Before diving into the step-by-step cancellation processes, let's compare the cancellation policies of Wise and Remitly:
| Feature | Wise | Remitly |
|---|---|---|
| Self-service cancellation | Yes, for unpaid or in-process transfers | Yes, for transfers still being processed |
| Cancellation of completed transfers | Not possible | Not possible |
| Refund timeframe | Varies by payment method (typically 3-10 business days) | 3-10 business days depending on payment method |
| Cancellation fees | No direct fees, but frequent cancellations may affect rate guarantees | No direct fees |
| 24/7 support for assistance | Available | Available |
The key difference between these services lies in their transfer speeds. Remitly's Express transfers are delivered quickly, which means the window for cancellation might be smaller compared to Wise, where transfers typically take a bit longer to process.
How to Cancel a Transfer in Wise
Wise allows you to cancel transfers at different stages of the process, but the options available to you depend on the current status of your transfer.
Screenshot showing the Wise transfer cancellation interface
Canceling an Unpaid Transfer in Wise
If you've set up a transfer but haven't paid for it yet, cancellation is straightforward:
Step 1:
Log in to your Wise account via the website or mobile app.
Step 2:
Go to the Home screen where you can see your transfers.
Step 3:
Find and select the transfer you want to cancel.
Step 4:
Look for the "Cancel transfer" button and click it.
Step 5:
Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
After completing these steps, you'll receive an email from Wise confirming that your transfer has been successfully canceled.
Canceling a Processing Transfer in Wise
If your money is on its way to Wise or is being processed, you might still be able to cancel it:
Step 1:
Log in to your Wise account and go to the Home screen.
Step 2:
Select the transfer you want to cancel.
Step 3:
Look for the "Cancel transfer" button. If it's visible, you can still cancel the transfer yourself.
Step 4:
If you don't see the cancellation option, contact Wise support immediately for assistance.
At this stage, cancellations might still be possible, but it depends on how far along the process is. The sooner you act, the better your chances.
Important to Know:
If you paid by credit or debit card, Wise will automatically refund the amount to your card without asking for additional information. If you used a different payment method, you might need to provide your bank account details for the refund.
What to Do When a Wise Transfer is Completed
According to Wise's policy, once a transfer has been sent out or completed, it cannot be canceled. All transfers completed by Wise are final, and they cannot reverse or recall payments.
Wise transfer status screen showing a completed transfer that cannot be canceled
If your transfer is already completed and you sent it to the wrong person:
- Contact the recipient directly and ask them to return the money.
- If the recipient details were incorrect, the recipient's bank might reject the payment and return it to Wise, who will then contact you.
- If it was a fraudulent situation, contact Wise immediately to report it.
Warning:
Wise does not get involved in disputes between senders and recipients. They strongly recommend that you know and trust the person or business you're sending money to before initiating a transfer.
How to Cancel a Transfer in Remitly
Similar to Wise, Remitly allows you to cancel transfers that haven't been completed yet. Here's how to do it on both their website and mobile app:
The interface for canceling a Remitly transaction
Canceling on Remitly Website
Step 1:
Go to Remitly.com and log into your account.
Step 2:
Select "Transfer history" from the top menu.
Step 3:
Find the transfer you want to cancel and click "View receipt".
Step 4:
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Cancel your transfer".
Step 5:
If asked, choose a reason for the cancellation.
Step 6:
Click "Submit" to complete the cancellation.
Canceling on Remitly Mobile App
Step 1:
Open the Remitly app and sign in.
Step 2:
On your Home screen, select the transfer you wish to cancel.
Step 3:
At the bottom of the transfer details, select "Cancel Transfer".
Step 4:
If prompted, select a reason for cancellation.
Step 5:
Tap "Submit" to complete the cancellation process.
The Remitly money transfer cancellation process on mobile
When a Remitly Transfer Cannot Be Canceled
According to Remitly's user agreement, you cannot cancel a transfer after it has been completed. Completion of a transaction means:
- The recipient has picked up the funds for cash pickup transfers
- The funds have been deposited into the recipient's bank account
If you're unable to cancel your Remitly transfer, you have a few options:
- Contact Remitly customer support at 1-844-604-0924 (available 24/7)
- Use the chat option in the Remitly app or website
- If the transfer has already been delivered, contact the recipient directly and ask them to return the money
Remitly's Policy:
According to Remitly's Error Resolution and Cancellation Notice, they will aim to refund your money within three business days of your request to cancel a transfer, as long as the funds have not already been picked up or deposited into the recipient's account.
Refund Policies and Timeframes
Understanding the refund process and timelines is crucial when canceling money transfers. Here's what you need to know about both services:
Wise Refund Process
When you cancel a Wise transfer, the refund process works as follows:
- If you cancel before paying, there's nothing to refund.
- If your money is on its way to Wise or being processed, it may take a few business days to be refunded after cancellation.
- Refunds are always credited back to the same payment method used for the original transfer.
- If your original payment method is no longer valid, Wise will contact you to arrange an alternative refund method.
Refund Timeframes:
- Credit/debit card payments: 2-10 business days
- Bank transfers: 1-5 business days (varies by country)
Important Note on Currency Exchange:
Wise refunds are made in the original currency you paid with and will not be adjusted for changes in exchange rates that may have occurred since your original transaction.
Remitly Refund Process
Remitly's refund process after cancellation works as follows:
- Refunds are processed automatically once a cancellation is confirmed.
- The full amount, including any service fees, is typically refunded.
- Refunds are returned to the original payment method used.
Refund Timeframes:
- Debit or credit card payments: Usually 3-5 business days, but can take up to 10 days.
- Bank account payments: Up to 10 business days.
Remitly's Guarantee:
Remitly offers a "Perfect Delivery Promise." If your money is not delivered by the date and time they promised, you're eligible for a refund of the service fees. You'll need to contact customer support to request this refund.
User Experiences and Reviews
Understanding real user experiences can help you navigate the cancellation process more confidently. Here's what some users have shared about their experiences:
Michael T., California
"I needed to cancel a Wise transfer because I entered the wrong account number. The cancellation process was straightforward since I caught it early – just clicked the cancel button on the transfer page and the money was back in my account within 3 days."
Sarah K., New York
"With Remitly, I was sending money to my parents in the Philippines but needed to cancel urgently. Their customer service was helpful, but I learned you have to be quick – once the money is picked up, there's no going back."
David L., Texas
"I tried to cancel a Wise transfer that was already processing. There was no visible cancel button, so I contacted support. They responded quickly but unfortunately told me the money had already been converted and sent. My advice: double-check everything before confirming a transfer."
Priya M., Illinois
"I used Remitly's app to cancel a transfer to India. The process was very user-friendly – just a few taps and it was done. The refund took about 6 days to appear on my credit card."
Key Takeaways from User Experiences:
- The sooner you attempt to cancel, the higher your chances of success.
- Customer support in both services is responsive, but their ability to help decreases once the transfer progresses.
- Always double-check recipient details before confirming any transfer.
- Be prepared for refund processing times – don't expect immediate refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a Wise or Remitly transfer after it's been completed?
No, neither Wise nor Remitly allows cancellation of transfers that have already been completed or where the recipient has already received the funds. Once complete, transfers are final.
Are there any fees for canceling a transfer?
Neither Wise nor Remitly charges direct fees for canceling a transfer. However, with Wise, frequent cancellations might affect your guaranteed exchange rates in future transfers.
How long do refunds take after cancellation?
Refund timeframes vary depending on your payment method. For credit/debit cards, expect 3-10 business days. For bank transfers, it can take up to 10 business days. The exact timing also depends on your bank's processing times.
What should I do if I sent money to the wrong person?
If the transfer is still processing, try to cancel it immediately. If it's already completed, contact the recipient directly if possible. You can also contact customer support, but once the money is delivered, the transfer service has limited ability to help.
Can I modify recipient details instead of canceling?
Generally, no. Both Wise and Remitly don't allow editing recipient details once a transfer is submitted. The recommended approach is to cancel the transfer (if possible) and create a new one with the correct information.
What if my refund doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe?
If you don't receive your refund within the stated timeframe (10 business days for most methods), contact customer support. For Wise, call 1-888-908-3833, and for Remitly, call 1-844-604-0924.
Can I cancel a recurring transfer in Wise?
Yes, you can cancel a recurring transfer in Wise by going to your Wise account, selecting the recurring transfer, and choosing the option to cancel it. This will stop future scheduled transfers.
Conclusion
Canceling transfers in Wise and Remitly follows a similar pattern – it's possible if the transfer hasn't been completed, but impossible once the funds have reached the recipient. Here are the key takeaways:
- Always double-check recipient details before confirming any transfer.
- Act quickly if you need to cancel – the sooner, the better your chances.
- Understand that refunds take time, usually 3-10 business days depending on your payment method.
- Both services have helpful customer support that can assist with cancellation issues.
- Once a transfer is completed, the only recourse is often to contact the recipient directly.
By understanding the cancellation processes and limitations of both Wise and Remitly, you can make more informed decisions when sending money internationally and know exactly what to do if you need to cancel a transfer.
Need to Send Money Safely?
Whether you choose Wise or Remitly, always verify recipient details before transferring money. Remember that prevention is better than trying to cancel a transfer after it's been submitted.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of May 2025. Policies and procedures may change, so always check the official websites or contact customer support for the most up-to-date information.
