How to send money to a Bancolombia account from the US

Evidence tier: A1 Evidence type: Auto-discovered official publication Source: MoneyGram Corporate News Official publication date: 2026-06-19 Captured: 2026-07-18T16:33:08.214Z

June 19, 2026

Bancolombia is Colombia’s largest bank, with millions of personal account holders across the country. Because so many Colombians bank with Bancolombia, it’s one of the most common destinations for money transfers from the US.

Sending directly to a Bancolombia account can be a good option when your recipient wants the money in their bank account for bills, savings, card spending, or transfers through the Bancolombia app.

This guide walks through how to send money directly to a Bancolombia account from the US with MoneyGram, what information your recipient needs, and what to expect.

Why send directly to a Bancolombia account?

Bank transfer to Bancolombia may be the right choice in several situations.

Your recipient may prefer money to land directly in their account instead of collecting cash in person. You may also be sending regular support for rent, utilities, school fees, or monthly expenses, and a bank transfer can help keep that money in one place.

A Bancolombia account transfer can also make sense if your recipient wants to use the funds through the Bancolombia app for bill pay, transfers, or card spending. It may also be a better option for larger amounts, when carrying cash is not ideal.

If those situations do not apply, cash pickup at one of MoneyGram’s Colombia partner locations may be faster or more convenient.

What you will need before sending

Three pieces of information are essential. Taking a minute to confirm them can help avoid delays.

Recipient’s full legal name

Use the name exactly as it appears on the Bancolombia account. Colombian names often include two surnames, like “María Fernanda Gómez Restrepo.” If both surnames appear on the account, enter both.

The Bancolombia account number

You’ll need the full account number from your recipient’s Bancolombia account. They can usually find it in the Bancolombia app, on a statement, or by asking at a branch. Use the full number, including any leading zeros.

Account type

Bancolombia uses different account types, including savings accounts, or cuentas de ahorros, and current accounts, or cuentas corrientes. MoneyGram may ask for the account type during setup. Most personal accounts are savings accounts, but confirm with your recipient before sending.

Step-by-step: Sending to Bancolombia with MoneyGram

Step 1. Sign up or log in to MoneyGram

Open the MoneyGram® app or go to MoneyGram.com. New customers can create a profile and verify their identity with a valid US government ID. Returning customers can log in.

Step 2. Choose Colombia and Direct to Bank

Enter the amount you want to send. Choose Colombia as the destination and Direct to Bank as the delivery method. From the bank list, choose Bancolombia.

Before you confirm, you’ll see the exchange rate from USD to Colombian pesos, the transfer fee, estimated delivery time, and exact amount that will land in the Bancolombia account.

Step 3. Enter your recipient’s details

Enter your recipient’s full legal name, account number, and account type. If both surnames are on the account, include both. Double-check the account number before you continue.

Step 4. Pay and confirm

Pay with a US bank account, debit card, or credit card. Review the transfer summary and confirm. Save your 8-digit reference number so you can track the transfer.

Note: When using a credit card, your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee and interest charges.

How long does a Bancolombia transfer take?

Bank transfers to Colombia depend on the receiving bank’s processing schedule. A Bancolombia transfer sent during Colombian banking hours on a weekday may clear faster than one sent on a weekend or Colombian banking holiday.

MoneyGram shows the expected delivery timing during setup before you confirm. Once the transfer is on its way, you can track it in real time using your reference number.

What it costs to send to Bancolombia

The total cost includes the transfer fee and the exchange rate from USD to Colombian pesos. Both vary based on the amount you send, how you pay, and timing.

Before you confirm, MoneyGram shows the fee, rate, estimated timing, and exact peso amount that will arrive in the Bancolombia account. New MoneyGram customers can send their first transfer with no fee.

Common issues and how to avoid them

Account number typed incorrectly

This is one of the most common reasons a Bancolombia transfer may be delayed. Ask your recipient to send the account number from the Bancolombia app or a statement, rather than reading it over the phone.

Surname missing

If your recipient’s Bancolombia account includes two surnames and you only enter one, the transfer may be flagged for review. Use the full name as it appears on the account.

Wrong account type

If the account type is entered incorrectly, the transfer may fail or be delayed. Confirm whether your recipient has a cuenta de ahorros or cuenta corriente before sending.

Funds not appearing in the account

Check MoneyGram tracking first. If the transfer shows as complete but your recipient does not see it, ask them to check their recent transactions in the Bancolombia app. If it still does not appear, contact MoneyGram customer service with your reference number.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bancolombia’s SWIFT code?

Bancolombia’s SWIFT code is commonly listed as COLOCOBM. For most MoneyGram transfers, you typically will not need it because MoneyGram routes the transfer using the account details you enter. SWIFT codes are more common for direct wire transfers from a bank.

Can I send money to Bancolombia in dollars?

From the US, you pay in US dollars. MoneyGram converts your dollars to Colombian pesos at the exchange rate shown during setup, and pesos are transferred into the Bancolombia account.

Can I send to a Bancolombia Ahorro a la Mano account?

Ahorro a la Mano is Bancolombia’s mobile-first savings product. Whether it can receive international transfers may depend on the account’s verification level. If your recipient is not sure, ask them to check with Bancolombia before you send a large amount.

Can I send money to a Bancolombia credit card balance?

No. MoneyGram bank transfers to Colombia are sent to savings or current accounts, not directly to credit card balances. Once the money arrives in the account, your recipient may be able to use it to pay their credit card.

Will my recipient get a notification when the transfer arrives?

Bancolombia may send an SMS or app notification when funds arrive, depending on the recipient’s settings. The transfer should also appear in their transaction history.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial, legal, or tax advice.