Accounts & IBAN
How to receive money from abroad in your own name
Freelancers paid by clients in other countries, people whose salary comes from abroad and families who support each other across borders all ask the same question: what do I give the sender? This guide compares the three ways to receive money with ODIX Pay, what to share for each one and what to keep private.
Option 1: your virtual IBAN, for bank transfers
A virtual IBAN is an account number in the standard IBAN format, issued in your own name and linked to your ODIX Pay account. It is a euro IBAN for getting paid, provided with our licensed account partner. It receives SEPA transfers in euros only; SWIFT transfers can't be received on it. The sender makes a normal SEPA transfer from their own bank. The money lands in your ODIX Pay balance with the sender's name, the amount and the reference.
Best for: clients paying invoices, salary or regular income, buyers paying for things you sell in your own name, and family sending support, when they can send a SEPA transfer in euros. If the sender can't, use option 2 or 3.
What to share: your full name exactly as it appears in the app, your IBAN and, if useful, a reference such as an invoice number. New to IBANs? Read What is an IBAN?.
The virtual IBAN is a personal product. Companies use the separate Business EU IBAN.
Option 2: your ODIX ID, from other ODIX Pay users
If the person paying you also uses ODIX Pay, they can send money to your account using your ODIX ID. You can also be found by phone number or email address. ODIX ID transfers work between users in different countries and usually arrive within minutes.
Best for: friends and family who already use the app, even if they live in another country.
What to share: your ODIX ID, or the phone number or email linked to your account.
Option 3: your card number, by card transfer
If you have an ODIX card, people can send money to it from any bank's app, using that bank's card transfer ("transfer to card") option. More in What is Visa Direct?.
Best for: people who want to pay you from their own bank card or app.
What to share: only your 16-digit card number. Never your CVV, expiry date, PIN or one-time codes.
Step by step
How to receive money from abroad with ODIX Pay, step by step
Open your account
Download the ODIX Pay app, sign up for a personal account and verify your identity.
Choose how you want to be paid
For bank transfers, use your virtual IBAN. For ODIX Pay users, your ODIX ID. For a card transfer, your ODIX card number.
Share the right details
Copy them from the app and send them to the payer. Share only what is needed for that option.
Wait for the notification
The app tells you when the money arrives, with the amount and the sender's name.
Check your history
Every payment stays in your history, so you can see who has paid and who hasn't.
Use the money
Spend it with your ODIX card, send it on or convert it in the app.
How long does it take?
SEPA transfer to your IBAN: it depends on the sender's bank. Only SEPA transfers in euros can be received; for the difference between the two networks, see SEPA vs SWIFT.
From another ODIX Pay user: usually within minutes, also across countries.
Card transfer to your card: it depends on the sender's bank.
Incoming payments are checked for security and compliance, which can occasionally delay them. Payments that can't be matched to your account details may be returned to the sender.
Good to know
ODIX Pay is not a bank, and your balance is not a bank deposit. Balances are not covered by deposit protection schemes such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Supported currencies, payment schemes and availability depend on your country and are shown in the app. Any ODIX fees are shown before you confirm, and the sender's bank may charge its own fee; for an overview, see the help centre. Money you receive from abroad may have tax consequences where you live: check your local rules.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general information only. It is not legal, financial, investment or other professional advice. Features, steps and availability depend on your country and eligibility, and they may change when the app is updated. Where fees or limits apply, the ODIX Pay app shows them before you confirm.
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