What is a Remittance Advice?

A remittance advice is a document sent by a payer to a payee, detailing the payment made for goods, services, or any other transactions. It serves as a notification to the recipient that their invoice or bill has been paid, providing essential information to reconcile the payment with the corresponding invoices. Essentially, a remittance advice acts as proof of payment and ensures transparency and accuracy in financial transactions.

The Role of Remittance Advice

Maintaining accurate records of payments and receipts is helpful for both individuals and businesses. Remittance advice helps all parties involved in a transaction to keep track of payments, preventing discrepancies and fostering clear financial communication. It is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple invoices or bills are being paid with a single payment, as it specifies the details of each invoice or bill covered by that payment.

For suppliers and customers alike, having clarity around the invoicing process is beneficial. As a customer, issuing remittance advice slips can ensure that suppliers can match an invoice to a payment. As a supplier, requesting remittance advice can optimise accounts receivable processes.

What Does “Remittance” Mean?

Deriving from the term ‘remit’ (meaning “to send back”), remittance refers to a sum of money that is sent back or transferred to another party. It covers virtually any payment, from bills to invoices, and is typically used with overseas payments – when one party is based in another country. Remittance can also cover personal money transfers made to friends and family.

What Does Remittance Advice Mean?

In short, remittance advice is a proof of payment document sent by a customer to a business. It is particularly helpful when it comes to matching up invoices with payments. Because online payments are becoming increasingly popular, remittance advice slips are sometimes unnecessary. However, sending a confirmation email after an invoice has been paid is always appreciated.

Types of Remittance Advice

• Basic Remittance Advice: This simple document includes essential payment details such as the amount paid, the date of payment, and the invoice or bill numbers being settled.
• Detailed Remittance Advice: Provides a comprehensive breakdown of the payment, including any deductions, discounts, or adjustments made. This type is beneficial for more complex transactions.

What Should a Remittance Advice Slip Include?

Several key pieces of information need to be included on your remittance advice slip:

• Your name and address
• Supplier’s name and address
• Method of payment
• Payment amount
• Invoice number

The slip can be issued on company-headed paper and contain contact details for a member of your organisation who can deal with any queries the supplier may have.

Do I Need to Send Remittance Advice?

No, remittance advice slips are not obligatory. However, they are a courtesy that suppliers are likely to appreciate, as they can be very helpful for recordkeeping and identifying which payments are associated with which accounts. Furthermore, remittance slips don’t require much effort to produce, as many businesses will issue a remittance advice note alongside the invoice, making it easier for customers to send across the required information in the correct format.

MT103 as a Remittance Advice

When it comes to international payments and foreign exchange services, Rutland FX stands out by offering a remittance advice solution. At Rutland FX, when a payment is dispatched via the SWIFT network, clients receive an MT103. The MT103 is a standardised SWIFT payment message that is widely accepted as a remittance advice and proof of payment for international and domestic payments.

What is an MT103?

The MT103 is a type of SWIFT message used for making international wire transfers. It includes comprehensive details about the payment, such as:

• The amount sent
• Currency used
• Payment date
• Sending and receiving banks
• Information about the payer and the payee

This document is recognised globally as a reliable proof of payment, ensuring that the transaction has been executed and providing the necessary details to track and verify the payment.

Benefits of Using MT103 as Remittance Advice

• Global Acceptance: The MT103 is internationally recognised, making it a trusted form of remittance advice for cross-border transactions.
• Transparency: It provides all necessary details of the transaction, ensuring clarity and reducing the chances of disputes.
• Proof of Payment: Acts as concrete evidence that a payment has been made, facilitating smooth transactions.
• Efficiency: With the standardised format, it allows for quick and efficient processing by financial institutions and individuals alike.