An international wire came back for a different amount

Retrieve the original payment advice, bank debit, return notification and actual incoming credit. Match their references and confirm the legal entity and accounts involved. A receipt close to the original payment amount may still relate to another transaction, so establish the connection before clearing the payment record.

Wells Fargo explains that a returned wire may differ because another bank deducted a fee or because foreign currency was converted back at a different exchange rate. That identifies possible causes, not the answer for every return. Obtain the actual advices and ask the bank to explain any unsupported difference.

List the amount debited from the funding account, the foreign amount instructed, any stated conversion rate and separately charged fees. Then record the amount returned in its original currency, deductions evidenced in transit and the conversion used for the final bank credit. Preserve both dates and rate confirmations.

The return might go to a foreign-currency account without a second conversion, or it might be converted into the funding currency. Do not assume the route from the account names alone. Confirm it from the bank's transaction detail, especially when an intermediary or payment provider handled part of the transfer.

Reconcile the bank movements in each account's native currency first. Only then prepare the reporting-currency explanation under the accountant's policy. An exchange effect, explicit service fee and unexplained shortage should remain distinguishable rather than being combined into one convenient expense category.

Confirm with the supplier whether it received any portion of the payment and whether the invoice remains outstanding. A bank return establishes a cash movement, but the commercial balance still needs agreement. Retain the supplier correspondence and connect it to the invoice and payment references.

Ask the accountant to review how the original payment and return affect payables, cash and any clearing balance. If the original entry settled a foreign-currency payable in the books, the correction may require more than matching the incoming amount to an old bank debit. Preserve the original accounting history for that review.

Do not reduce the supplier's agreed invoice merely because bank fees reduced the return. Any change to what the supplier is owed should be supported by the contract or an authorized commercial agreement. Track an unresolved fee claim separately from the invoice balance.

Read the bank's return reason and identify the required correction. It might concern beneficiary details, routing, currency acceptance or another issue. Obtain clarified instructions through known contacts and the bank's approved process. Repeating the original instruction without understanding the cause can create another failed transfer and additional charges.

Prepare a replacement request that references the returned payment and shows the remaining obligation, intended currency, current funding requirement and any new fees. The authorized approver should see the full cost and the evidence that the original payment has been resolved. Avoid treating a return notice as proof that the cash is already spendable before it posts.

After the replacement settles, close the original return bridge and reconcile any residual difference with the accountant. Retain the bank's explanation or an open case if the amount remains disputed. Update the beneficiary record and payment instructions so the same correction does not depend on someone's memory at the next run.