# Funding a transfer

Once you've created a transfer, it must be funded. The method you use to fund transfers depends on two factors:

- **Funding model**: Determines *when* the settlement funds reach Wise relative to the payout. Wise supports **pre-funding** (funds arrive before payout) and **post-funding** (payout executes first, settlement happens later).
- **Funding method**: Determines *how* the funds are sent. Options include funding from a pre-loaded Wise balance, sending a bank payment per transfer, or settling multiple transfers in a single payment.


You can use a single approach for all transfers, or combine methods depending on the currency, corridor, or transfer volume. You’ll work with your Wise implementation team during onboarding to determine your model and method.

Once a transfer is funded, the exchange rate is locked and the transfer status changes from `incoming_payment_waiting` to `processing`. At this point, the transfer cannot be cancelled via API. Note that while some funding options are instant, not all are. The status change only occurs once funds are received.

Transfers should be funded as soon as possible. This ensures that any FX rates do not expire (which can result in the target amount changing).

The correct amount to fund is always the amount provided in the [final quote object](/api-reference/quote/quoteupdate) after any recipient updates. Under- or over-funding may cause a reconciliation failure or delay the transfer. Certain funding options take care of this for you automatically.

## Funding models

- **Pre-funding**: Settlement funds must reach Wise *before* the payout is initiated to the recipient. Pre-funding is the default for most integrations and supports the funding from balance and direct deposit methods.
- **Post-funding**: Wise funds transfers upon receiving the transfer instruction and you settle the total for all executed transfers on a pre-agreed schedule (for example, daily T+1). Post-funding is currently available only to certain partner types. See our [Post-funding guide](/guides/product/send-money/funding/post-funding) for more details.


## Funding methods

Wise supports multiple methods for funding transfers:

- Fund from balance
- Direct bank transfer (push)
- Direct debit bank transfer (pull)
- Bulk settlement


Funding methods are dependent on integration type, partner experience, source and target currencies, and the money movement rails used to transfer funds.

The goal is always to have transfers move as instantly as possible, so we will work with you on the best solution to make transfers as instant as possible.

### Fund from Wise balance

The fund from balance method debits your Wise multi-currency account (MCA) balance immediately upon the fund request and is the fastest option for transfer processing. To do so, a transfer must be created in the currency of the balance used to fund it. We currently do not support cross-balance funding.

See our [Fund transfers from your Wise balance guide](/guides/product/send-money/funding/fund-from-balance) for details on how this method works and example requests.

### Direct bank transfer (push)

A direct bank transfer sends funds directly from the sender's bank account to Wise's collection account.

Each transfer is funded individually and identified with a unique payment reference. This is often referred to as **transfer-by-transfer**, as it funds one payout with one payin (that is, in a 1-to-1 relationship).

See our [Direct bank transfer guide](/guides/product/send-money/funding/direct-bank-transfer) for more details on using this method.

### Direct debit bank transfer (pull)

In certain countries and currencies, Wise offers the ability to fund transfers via direct debit. This requires creating a direct debit account with Wise on a profile and then instructing us to pull funds from that account.

This option is only available to select partners. If you are interested in this model, get in touch with the Wise team to discuss how to implement for your integration.

See our [Direct debit guides](/guides/product/send-money/funding/direct-debit) for details on how this method works and supported currencies.

### Bulk settlement

Bulk settlement allows you to fund multiple transfers with a single payment. Rather than sending individual bank payments per transfer, you submit a *settlement journal* that lists the transfer IDs to be funded, and then send one aggregated bank payment to cover all listed transfers.

This can be a good option when you have customers in regions where the domestic payment networks are slow or otherwise do not allow for instant funding.

This option is not available to all partner types. If you are interested in this model, get in touch with the Wise team to discuss it.

See our [Bulk settlement guides](/guides/product/send-money/funding/bulk-settlement) for details on how this method works.

## Testing funding

We provide a [balance top-up simulation endpoint](/api-reference/simulation/simulationbalancetopup) to top up your balance if you want to test funding a transfer from balance.

It is possible to test funding via bulk settlement, but you'll need a configuration. Contact the Wise team for assistance if you'd like to test this.

As you test, keep in mind that there are differences between the sandbox and production environments.

Speak with the Wise team if you have further questions.