How to Send a Wire Transfer: Step-by-Step Instructions

What you need to send a wire transfer

A wire transfer moves money from your bank account to someone else's account, usually within one business day. To send one, you need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. If the money is going to another country, you will also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on where they bank.

You can send a wire transfer through your bank's website, mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most banks charge a fee for domestic wire transfers — typically $15 to $30 — and higher fees for international transfers. Some banks waive fees for certain account types or if you maintain a minimum balance.

Before you start, confirm that you have the recipient's information exactly right. A wire transfer cannot be reversed once it leaves your bank, so a mistake in the account number or routing number means the money goes to the wrong place and recovery is difficult.

Key Takeaways

• You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers).
• Wire transfers typically arrive within one business day for domestic transfers and two to five business days for international ones.
• Most banks charge $15 to $30 for domestic wire transfers and higher amounts for international transfers.
• Once a wire transfer leaves your bank, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so verify all recipient information before confirming.

How to send a domestic wire transfer through your bank

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" option, usually under a Transfers or Payments section. If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person.

Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account. Then enter their account number and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; you can find it on a check, ask the recipient, or search the Federal Reserve's routing number database online.

Enter the amount you want to send and review all the information on the confirmation screen. Check the recipient's name, account number, and routing number one more time. Confirm the transfer and note the confirmation number your bank provides — you will need it if you have questions later.

How to send an international wire transfer

International wire transfers require more information than domestic ones. In addition to the recipient's name and account number, you need their bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide) or their IBAN (a longer account number used in Europe and some other regions).

Ask the recipient which one their bank uses, or have them provide both. You may also need to provide the recipient's address and the purpose of the transfer, depending on your bank's requirements and the destination country.

International wire transfers take longer than domestic ones — usually two to five business days — because the money passes through multiple banks. Your bank may also charge a higher fee, sometimes $25 to $50 or more, and the recipient's bank may charge a fee on their end as well. Ask your bank what the total cost will be before you confirm.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Domestic wire transfer fees range from $15 to $30 at most banks, though some charge less or waive the fee entirely. International wire transfer fees are typically higher, ranging from $25 to $50, depending on the destination country and whether the transfer goes through a correspondent bank.

Domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time, which is often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time. If you send a wire transfer after the cutoff, it will arrive the next business day. International wire transfers take longer because they move through multiple banks and may be subject to currency conversion; expect two to five business days.

Some banks offer expedited wire transfers for an additional fee, but the recipient's bank still controls how quickly the money is processed on their end, so paying extra does not always speed things up.

What information the recipient needs to give you

Ask the recipient for their account number and their bank's routing number (for domestic transfers) or SWIFT code or IBAN (for international transfers). Ask them to spell out their full name as it appears on their account, because the name must match exactly.

For international transfers, also ask for their address and their bank's full name and address. Some banks require this information to process the transfer. If the recipient is unsure, they can call their bank or check their account statements, which usually list the routing number or SWIFT code.

Do not rely on verbal confirmation alone. Ask the recipient to send you this information in writing — by email or text — so you have a record of what they told you and can double-check it before you send the money.

What happens if you send money to the wrong account

If you realize you made a mistake before the wire transfer is processed, contact your bank when ready. If the transfer has not yet left your bank, they may be able to cancel it. Once it has been sent, cancellation is much harder and depends on whether the receiving bank will cooperate.

If the money goes to the wrong account, you will need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds. This process is slow and uncertain — the receiving bank is not required to help, and the account holder may refuse to return the money. Your own bank may also be unable to recover the funds on your behalf.

Some banks offer wire transfer insurance or fraud protection, but these typically cover unauthorized transfers (ones you did not send), not mistakes you made yourself. Check your account agreement or ask your bank what protection you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If you contact your bank when ready after sending the transfer and before it has been processed, they may be able to cancel it. Once the money has left your bank and arrived at the receiving bank, cancellation is very difficult. Call your bank right away if you need to stop a transfer.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time). International wire transfers take two to five business days because they pass through multiple banks. Weekends and holidays add extra time.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer moves money directly between banks and arrives within one business day, but costs $15 to $30. An ACH transfer is slower (three to five business days) but usually free or costs only a few dollars. Use a wire transfer when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine payments.

Do I need to tell my bank before I send a large wire transfer?

You do not have to, but some banks flag large transfers as potentially fraudulent and may delay them while they verify. If you are sending a large amount, call your bank first to let them know it is coming. This can prevent unnecessary delays.

Can I send a wire transfer from someone else's account?

No. Only the account holder or someone with authorized access to the account can send a wire transfer from it. If you need to send money but do not have a bank account, you can use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, though fees are typically higher.