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A bank memo (also called a payment reference or bank reference) is a unique identifier that helps Devdraft match incoming payments to your account automatically.

What is a Bank Memo?

A bank memo is a unique code generated by Devdraft for each deposit transaction. When someone sends you money and includes this code in their bank transfer, our system automatically credits the payment to your account.

Key Points:

  • Each bank memo is unique to a single transaction
  • The sender must send the exact amount specified in the memo
  • One memo cannot be shared with multiple senders
  • You must generate a new memo for each transaction

Bank Memo vs Virtual Bank Account

Devdraft offers two ways to receive payments. Here’s how they differ:
FeatureBank MemoVirtual Bank Account
What it isA unique reference code for each transactionA dedicated account number with routing details
Best forOne-time payments with specific amountsRegular payments, payroll, business transactions
Sender experienceSends to Devdraft’s main account + your memoSends directly to your unique account number
SetupGenerate for each transactionProvided automatically with your Devdraft account
Amount flexibilityMust match exact amount in memoCan receive any amount
Professional appearanceLess formal (shared account + code)More professional (dedicated account in your name)
ReusabilityOne memo per transactionReusable for multiple transactions
Use casesSpecific one-time paymentsClient invoices, employer payroll, recurring payments

When to use Bank Memo:

  • Receiving a specific payment amount
  • One-time transactions
  • Quick deposits with automatic matching
  • When you want to ensure the exact amount is received

When to use Virtual Bank Account:

  • Invoicing clients professionally
  • Receiving payroll from employers
  • Regular business payments with varying amounts
  • When you want dedicated account details in your name

How to Create a Bank Memo

Follow these steps to generate a bank memo in Devdraft:

Step 1: Go to Deposit → Bank Memo

  1. Open your Devdraft app or web dashboard
  2. Navigate to Deposit
  3. Select Bank Memo as your deposit method
Navigate to Deposit and select Bank Memo

Step 2: Enter Payment Details

  1. Enter the amount you expect to receive
  2. Select your payment method:
    • ACH (for US domestic transfers)
    • WIRE (for international USD transfers)
    • SEPA (for EUR transfers)
  3. Select your currency (USD or EUR)
  4. Click Generate Bank Memo
Enter amount, payment method, and currency

Step 3: Share Generated Memo Details with Sender

After generating the memo, you’ll receive complete payment details including: For USD payments (ACH/WIRE):
  • Bank Name
  • Account Number
  • Routing Number
  • Bank Memo/Reference Code
  • Amount (must match exactly)
For EUR payments (SEPA):
  • Bank Name
  • IBAN
  • BIC/SWIFT
  • Bank Memo/Reference Code
  • Amount (must match exactly)
⚠️ Critical: Share ALL these details with your sender. Don’t forget this step. Generated bank memo with payment details

Step 4: Wait to Receive Your Funds

The sender must:
  • Send the exact amount specified in the memo
  • Include the bank memo/reference code in the transfer description
  • Use the payment details exactly as provided
Once the payment is received and verified:
  • Funds are automatically credited to your Devdraft account
  • You’ll receive a notification
  • The payment will appear in your transaction history
Payment received notification and transaction history

Important Rules

⚠️ One Memo Per Transaction

  • Each bank memo is unique to ONE transaction
  • Do NOT share the same memo with multiple senders
  • Generate a new memo for each payment you expect to receive

⚠️ Exact Amount Required

  • The sender must send the EXACT amount specified in the memo
  • If the amount doesn’t match, the payment may be rejected or delayed
  • Generate a new memo if the amount changes

⚠️ Always Share the Memo

  • The sender MUST include the memo/reference code in their transfer
  • Without the memo, we cannot automatically match the payment
  • Always remind your sender to include the reference code

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Sender Forgot the Memo

If the sender forgets to include the memo:
  1. Contact Devdraft support immediately
  2. Provide the transaction details (amount, date, sender name, payment method)
  3. Our team will manually match the payment to your account
  4. This process may take 0-1 business days

Sender Sent Wrong Amount

If the sender sends a different amount than specified in the memo:
  1. The payment may be automatically rejected
  2. Contact support with the transaction details
  3. You may need to generate a new memo with the correct amount

Payment Not Received

If you haven’t received your funds after the expected processing time:
  1. Confirm the sender included the memo/reference code
  2. Verify they sent the exact amount specified
  3. Check with the sender for a transaction receipt
  4. Contact Devdraft support with all transaction details

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same bank memo for multiple payments?

No. Each bank memo is unique to a single transaction. You must generate a new memo for each payment.

What if I need to receive a different amount?

Generate a new bank memo with the updated amount. Do not reuse the old memo.

Can I cancel a bank memo?

Yes. If you no longer need to receive a payment, you can cancel the memo in your Devdraft dashboard.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount?

See the Transaction Limits guide and our Fraud Transaction Monitoring overview for the latest thresholds and review process. For SEPA-specific requirements, review the EUR P2P transfer restrictions.

How long is a bank memo valid?

Bank memos typically expire after 30 days if unused. Check your dashboard for expiration dates.

Can I receive payments from any country?

You can receive USD and EUR payments from most countries. However, some countries may have restrictions. Contact support if you’re unsure.

Best Practices

DO:
  • Generate a new memo for each transaction
  • Share all payment details with your sender
  • Remind the sender to include the exact memo code
  • Confirm the sender will send the exact amount
  • Keep a record of your memos and expected payments
DON’T:
  • Share one memo with multiple people
  • Reuse old memos
  • Accept payments without the memo code
  • Change the amount after generating the memo

Need Help?

If you have questions about bank memos or need assistance:
Last updated: November 7, 2025