1. What are SWIFT transfers?
SWIFT transfers are international bank transfers between banks in different countries. They use a SWIFT code to identify the receiving bank. For example, sending money from a Nigerian bank to a U.S. bank or from an Indian bank to a Kenyan bank.
Note: A SWIFT code is always required for these transfers.
2. Can Roam receive SWIFT transfers?
Not at the moment. Starting August 1, 2025, our banking partner will no longer support SWIFT transfers.
We are actively working on bringing this back, but we don’t have a timeline yet.
3. Does this mean I cannot receive payments from non-U.S. countries?
Not at all! You can still receive funds if the sender can use ACH or Wire transfers, which don’t require a SWIFT code.
For example, many European users can send funds via Revolut, Monzo, or Wise. Similarly, senders worldwide might have banking apps that support ACH or Wire transfers. Always confirm with your sender which option they can use.
4. What are ACH and Wire transfers, and how do they differ from SWIFT?
ACH Transfers:
Transfers between banks through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network.
All U.S. banks and many platforms support ACH (PayPal, Upwork, Payoneer, Airbnb, Amazon, Etsy, Stripe, Shopify, etc.).
No SWIFT code needed.
Wire Transfers (FedWire/Domestic Wire):
Transfers between U.S. banks, either online or in-person.
Platforms like PayPal, Amazon, and Upwork don’t send Wire transfers.
No SWIFT code needed.
5. Can I still receive ACH and Wire transfers?
Yes! As long as the sender doesn’t need a SWIFT code, you can receive funds into your Roam account.
6. Which banks or platforms can send ACH or Wire transfers?
ACH Transfers:
Freelance platforms: Upwork, Payoneer, Freelancer.com, Toptal, Telus, Appen, etc.
Payroll platforms: Rippling, Deel, Gusto, Remote.com, etc.
Marketplaces: PayPal, Airbnb, Etsy, Amazon, etc.
Social media platforms: Facebook, TikTok, Twitter (X), YouTube, etc.
Payment processors: Stripe, Square, Shopify, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.
Payment apps: U.S. apps like Wise, Chime, Venmo, CashApp; non-U.S. apps like Revolut, Monzo.
Wire Transfers:
Any U.S. bank. Sender can send online or in-person at the bank.
7. Can I receive payments from Amazon marketplaces globally?
Yes! Amazon sends ACH transfers, so you can receive payments from any Amazon marketplace, including Amazon Canada, Japan, or others.
8. What if a payment from outside the U.S. is sent via ACH or Wire?
That’s fine! If no SWIFT code is required, your Roam account can receive the payment.
9. How about Western Union or MoneyGram?
Yes, these services can send ACH transfers, so you can receive payments without issues, if a SWIFT code is not needed.
10. My international clients (e.g., Germany, Australia) say there’s no ACH or Wire option. What should I do?
Ask your clients to use platforms like Revolut, Monzo, or Wise to send ACH or Wire transfers. If they can only send SWIFT transfers, we recommend receiving the payment in your Nigerian domiciliary account instead.
11. What is the recommended way to receive SWIFT transfers?
Currently, Roam cannot receive SWIFT transfers. We suggest using your Nigerian domiciliary account if SWIFT is the only option.