Nowadays, bank transfers are usually immediate, whether they are from the same bank or between different institutions. However, sometimes technical issues or delays can occur, preventing the money from reaching its destination.  

That’s why it’s important to know how to track a bank transfer in these and other cases.  

Tracking allows us to verify its status and ensure that the operation is successfully completed. In this article, we provide you with the information that will guide you through tracking a bank transfer.

How to Track a Bank Transfer: What You Need to Know  

Electronic Payment Receipt (CEP): What Is It and How Does It Work?  

The CEP is a digital document that serves as proof that a bank transaction or electronic payment has been made. This receipt is issued by the Bank of Mexico (Banxico), making it just as valid as traditional paper receipts.  

The receipt is automatically generated when funds are transferred between bank accounts through a digital system, whether the transaction takes place within the same financial institution or between different banks.

How Do Bank Transfers Work?  

A bank transfer is a process that allows money to be sent electronically from one bank account to another.  

Generally, the process is initiated through online banking or a mobile app, where the recipient's account details, the amount, and any reference required by the bank are provided.  

The issuing bank then sends the transfer instruction to its system. It first checks if the funds are sufficient and verifies the recipient’s details.  

If it’s an interbank transaction in pesos, it is processed through the SPEI (Interbank Electronic Payment System) network. This service facilitates communication between both banks and completes the transaction, ensuring encrypted transfers.  

If it’s a transaction in USD, the SPID (Interbank Dollar Payment System) network is used.  

In both cases, the funds are credited to the recipient’s account after the process is validated and completed.

How to Track a Bank Transfer: Step-by-Step Guide  

To track a bank transfer, it’s essential to have the reference number, SPEI tracking key, or another identifier. These details are provided by the bank when the transaction is made.  

You’ll also need the recipient’s information and the date of the transfer.  

The step-by-step process is as follows:

1. Check Your Account Statement  

Look at the current status of the account from which you made the payment. Check if the amount has already been deducted, and if so, note the reference number provided by the bank.  

2. Log Into Your Account  

If you made the transfer through online banking, log into your account and check the transaction history. Most Mexican banks allow you to check the status of transfers through their digital platform.  

3. Use the Bank of Mexico’s Tool  

If you made the transfer through the SPEI system, access the payment tracking service. You’ll need to enter the SPEI tracking key and other details in the portal to see the transfer’s status.  

Steps to Track a Bank Transfer and Obtain the Electronic Payment Receipt (CEP):

1. Access [https://www.banxico.org.mx/cep/.  

You’ll need to enter:  

• The date the transfer was made.  

• The SPEI tracking key or reference number, which can be found in your bank’s app or platform.  

• The names of both banks (sender and recipient).  

• The recipient’s card number, CLABE, or phone number linked to their account.  

• The exact amount of the transfer.  

2. Select “consult payment” to check the transfer status and get your receipt.  

If you don’t enter the exact amount or lack the recipient’s CLABE, card number, or phone number, you’ll only be able to see the status, not generate the receipt.  

Transfers made through SPEI are usually immediate, but they may sometimes take up to 24 hours. However, if the transfer is international with a SWIFT code, it could take between 1 and 5 business days.

How to Track an Electronic Transfer That Hasn't Arrived  

If your transfer hasn’t arrived, contact the recipient’s bank, but make sure to have relevant information on hand. It’s likely they’ll ask for the reference number, amount, and transaction date. This will help them check if the delay is due to a problem in the process or simply a delay.  

The sender can also verify if the entered details are correct and if the operation was successfully processed on their end.

Possible Reasons for Bank Transfer Delays  

Technical or administrative issues can sometimes arise with these types of transactions. Some of the potential problems include:  

• A failure between your bank’s connection with SPEI or the Interbank Dollar Payment System (SPID).  

• Connection problems between the bank’s website or app when making the transfer, which may have interrupted the process.  

• Insufficient funds in the account to cover the transfer amount.  

Check if the money was returned to your account before proceeding with tracking. If it was, the issue may stem from the recipient’s account.

SPEI: How to Track It and Know if the Transfer Went Through  

To track a SPEI bank transfer and confirm if it was completed, follow these steps:

1. Access your online banking or mobile app. Go to the “Transactions” or “Recent Transactions” section.  

2. Identify the transaction. Look for the transfer you made, where you’ll see details like the date, amount, and recipient.  

3. Check the reference number. Note down the reference or folio number provided.  

4. Contact customer service. Provide the reference number to your bank to get additional details or confirm if the transfer was successful.  

5. Verify with the recipient’s bank. If you have the recipient’s CLABE or account number, you can contact their bank to confirm if the funds were received.  

This will allow you to track the bank transfer and verify its status immediately.

DolarApp: The Best Option for Your International Transfers  

There are other options when it comes to electronic transactions, for example, fintech companies such as Wise or DolarApp.

However, if we are talking about an ideal solution for the Latin American community, DolarApp may be the most suitable. More specifically for users in Mexico, Colombia and Argentina.

With this app you can make and track international bank transfers quickly and efficiently. A system designed to manage transactions in dollars that allows you to move your money to an account in pesos.  

How to Track a Transfer in DolarApp?

Once you download the app and set up your USD account, the process is simple:

1. Log In. Access the app from your mobile device.  

2. Check Transaction History. As soon as you log in, you’ll see the option to “View All Transactions.” Your international transfers will appear here.  

3. View the Details. Identify the transaction of interest and check the reference number, amount, and current status.  

If you have questions or if the transfer is delayed, contact the platform’s customer service for assistance.