Bank Transfer: Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：bank transfer (bank transfer)

bank transfer 🔊

/ˈbæŋk ˈtrænsfɜːr/

Moving money from one bank account to another without using cash.

bank transfer 🔊

➕

/ˈbæŋk ˈtrænsfɜːr/

A method of moving money electronically from one bank account to another, often used for payments, bills, or sending funds without cash or physical checks.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Bank (from Italian 'banco', bench) + transfer (Latin 'trans-' across + 'ferre' to carry).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a digital bridge connecting two banks, carrying your money across with a single click.

📖 Example

I'll send you the money for the concert tickets by bank transfer later today. 🔊 Later today, I will send you the money for the concert tickets via a bank transfer.

🔗 Collocations

make a bank transfer – to perform an electronic transfer of funds between accounts

initiate a bank transfer – to start the process of transferring money electronically

by bank transfer – using the method of electronic funds transfer

🔄 Synonyms

wire transfer (n.) – an electronic transfer of money, typically between banks, often used for international transactions

electronic transfer (n.) – the movement of money from one account to another via digital means

direct deposit (n.) – the electronic transfer of a payment directly into a bank account, often used for salaries

🚫 Antonyms

cash payment (n.) – payment made using physical currency instead of electronic transfer

check payment (n.) – payment using a paper check, which requires physical processing

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'bank transfer' emerged with electronic banking in the late 20th century, replacing physical checks. 'Bank' from Italian 'banco' (money changer's table) and 'transfer' from Latin, meaning to carry across financially.