transferencia bancaria
/tɾansfeɾenθja bankaɾja/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase "wire transfer" is translated into Spanish as transferencia bancaria.
transferencia bancaria is a standard and widely understood term for an electronic transfer of funds. In many modern banking contexts, you may also see transferencia electrónica used interchangeably to specify an online or digital transfer. When performing such a transaction, you may encounter the word beneficiario, which means recipient.
Meaning: electronic transfer of funds (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of transferencia (transfer) and bancaria (banking or bank-related).
Which one should you use?
In many modern banking contexts, transferencia electrónica is used interchangeably with transferencia bancaria to specify an online or digital transfer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the formal expression transferencia bancaria is the most commonly used term. In some Latin American countries, Giro bancario is predominantly used to refer to a wire transfer made through a bank.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun transferencia is feminine, the definite article used must be la (la transferencia bancaria) rather than el.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾansfeɾenθja bankaɾja/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word bancaria shares a root with the Italian banco, which originally referred to the wooden bench or counter where money changers conducted business.
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear someone use the word giro instead of transferencia to mean a wire transfer. While giro can also refer to a 'turn' or a 'spin', in a financial context, it specifically implies the movement of money.
- In Mexico, a digital transfer between individuals via a phone number is often referred to by the specific brand name SPEI rather than the general term transferencia bancaria.
Examples in context
- Quiero hacer una transferencia bancaria para pagar el alquiler mensualmente.I want to make a wire transfer to pay the rent monthly
- ¿Me puedes ayudar con una transferencia bancaria?Can you help me with a wire transfer?
- Te confirmo que realicé la transferencia bancaria.I confirm that I made the wire transfer
- Realice una transferencia bancaria para pagar la factura.Make a wire transfer to pay the invoice.
- Necesito hacer una transferencia bancaria urgente.I need to make an urgent wire transfer.
- La transferencia bancaria tardará dos días.The wire transfer will take two days.
- ¿Cuál es la comisión por la transferencia bancaria?What is the fee for the wire transfer?
Example conversation
Elena is at the bank asking Daniel for help with a transaction.
- ElenaHola Daniel, ¿puedes ayudarme con una transferencia bancaria?Hello Daniel, can you help me with a wire transfer?
- DanielClaro, Elena. ¿A qué cuenta quieres enviar el dinero?Of course, Elena. To which account do you want to send the money?
- ElenaEs para una cuenta en el extranjero.It is for an account abroad.
- DanielEntendido, dame los datos para la transferencia bancaria.Understood, give me the details for the wire transfer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wire transfer” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
