How to Send Money by Wire Transfer: Step-by-Step

What happens when you wire money

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to someone else's bank account through the banking system. The money leaves your account almost when ready — usually within hours on the same business day — and arrives at the receiving bank within one to two business days. Unlike a check or ACH transfer (which takes three to five days), a wire is fast and nearly impossible to reverse once it goes through.

Wire transfers work through two separate networks depending on where the money is going. Domestic wires (within the United States) use the Federal Reserve's system or the CHIPS network. International wires use the SWIFT system, which connects banks across countries. Your bank handles all the routing; you just provide the receiving account details.

Because wire transfers are fast and hard to undo, they carry real risk if you send money to the wrong person or account. Scammers often ask victims to wire money because once it leaves, the receiving bank rarely returns it. Understanding exactly what information you need and what to verify before you send is the most important part of the process.

Key Takeaways

• Wire transfers move money the same business day or next business day, but you cannot reverse them once the receiving bank accepts the funds.
• You need the receiving bank's routing number, the recipient's account number, and the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account.
• For international wires, you also need the SWIFT code (or BIC code) of the receiving bank and sometimes an IBAN instead of an account number.
• Most banks charge $15 to $50 per wire transfer, and some charge different amounts for domestic versus international wires.
• Verify all details with the recipient directly before you initiate the transfer, especially for large amounts or unfamiliar recipients.

Information you need before you wire money

Gather the correct details from the person or business receiving the money before you go to your bank or log into online banking. Ask them to provide this information in writing — email, text, or a document — so you can copy it exactly.

For a domestic wire within the United States, you need:

• The recipient's full name, exactly as it appears on their bank account
• The recipient's bank account number
• The receiving bank's routing number (a nine-digit code specific to that bank and branch)
• The receiving bank's name and address

For an international wire, you need all of the above plus:

• The receiving bank's SWIFT code (also called BIC code) — an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the bank internationally
• The recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the receiving country uses it — this replaces or supplements the account number
• The recipient's address in the receiving country

If any detail is wrong — a transposed digit in the account number, a misspelled name, or the wrong routing number — the money may go to the wrong account or be rejected and returned. Some banks will catch obvious errors and ask you to correct them before sending. Others will not. Verify everything with the recipient by phone or in person if possible, especially for amounts over $1,000.

How to send a domestic wire transfer

You can wire money through your bank's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. The process is the same regardless of method: you enter the recipient's information, confirm the amount, review the details, and authorize the transfer.

Online or mobile app: Log into your bank account, find the "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" section, and select "Domestic Wire" or "Wire Transfer." Enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Most banks show you a summary of the details before you confirm. Review it carefully — this is your final note to catch an error. Once you click "Send" or "Confirm," the transfer is initiated and cannot be stopped.

In person at a branch: Bring a photo ID and the recipient's information. Tell the teller you want to send a domestic wire transfer. They will fill out a wire transfer form (sometimes called an ABA form) with the recipient's details and the amount. You will sign the form. The teller will give you a confirmation number and receipt. Keep the receipt until the money arrives.

By phone: Call your bank's customer service number and ask to send a wire transfer. The representative will ask for the recipient's information and the amount. They may ask you security questions to verify your identity. You will receive a confirmation number by phone or email. Write it down when ready.

After you initiate the transfer, your bank will deduct the amount plus any wire fee from your account within hours. The receiving bank will receive the funds within one business day, though it may take up to two business days for the money to appear in the recipient's account.

How to send an international wire transfer

International wires follow the same basic steps as domestic wires but require additional information and usually take longer. Most banks process international wires during business hours only, so timing matters.

Log into your bank's website or app and look for "International Wire Transfer" or "Wire Transfer" with an option to select the country. Enter the recipient's name, address, and account number (or IBAN). Enter the receiving bank's name, address, SWIFT code, and country. Select the amount and the currency you are sending in. Review all details — international wires are especially hard to reverse if something goes wrong.

Some banks require you to visit a branch or call to send an international wire, especially for large amounts. Ask your bank whether you can initiate it online or whether you need to do it in person.

International wires typically arrive within two to four business days, though some corridors (common routes between countries) are faster. The receiving bank may explore an exchange rate if you are sending money in a different currency than the receiving account uses. Ask your bank what exchange rate they use and whether they charge a separate fee for currency conversion.

Wire transfer fees and costs

Banks charge a fee for each wire transfer, and the amount varies widely. Domestic wires typically cost $15 to $30. International wires usually cost $35 to $50, though some banks charge more. A few banks offer free wires to customers who maintain a minimum balance or have certain account types, so ask your bank whether you may have access to.

The fee is deducted from your account when you send the wire. Some banks show the fee before you confirm the transfer; others deduct it after. If you are sending money to someone else, clarify in advance whether they will pay the fee or you will. If you are paying the fee, the recipient gets the full amount you specified. If they are paying it, they receive less.

International wires may have additional costs beyond the wire fee. The receiving bank may charge a fee to receive the wire (called an incoming wire fee), which is deducted from the amount the recipient receives. Currency conversion fees explore if you are sending money in a different currency. Ask your bank for the total cost before you send.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you realize you made a mistake when ready after sending a wire, call your bank right away. If the transfer has not yet left your bank's system, they may be able to stop it. Once the money reaches the receiving bank, it is almost impossible to reverse. Your bank can submit a recall request, but the receiving bank is not required to honor it, and the process takes weeks.

If you sent money to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank and the receiving bank when ready with the wire confirmation number. Provide as much detail as possible about the error. The receiving bank may freeze the account or return the funds, but this is not may provide. If the money went to a scammer, law enforcement may become involved, but recovery is unlikely.

If you sent an international wire and the money has not arrived after four business days, contact your bank with the wire confirmation number and the SWIFT code of the receiving bank. Your bank can trace the wire through the SWIFT system to find out where it is. Delays sometimes happen because of banking holidays or errors in the receiving bank's processing, but your bank can investigate.

Alternatives to wire transfers

Wire transfers are fast but expensive and irreversible. Depending on your situation, another method might work better.

ACH transfer: This is a free or low-cost transfer between U.S. bank accounts that takes three to five business days. Use ACH when you have time and want to avoid wire fees. Most banks let you set up recurring ACH transfers for bills or regular payments.

Check: Mailing a check is free and gives the recipient time to deposit it, but it takes a week or more. Use checks for one-time payments when speed does not matter.

Money transfer services: Companies like Western Union, MoneyGram, and PayPal offer fast transfers, especially for international money. Fees vary and are sometimes lower than bank wires for small amounts, but higher for large amounts. These services are useful if the recipient does not have a bank account.

Peer-to-peer payment apps: Apps like Venmo, Square Cash, and Zelle transfer money between individuals quickly and often free. They work only between people with accounts on the same app and usually have daily limits on how much you can send.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Only if you contact your bank when ready and the money has not yet left your bank's system — usually within the same hour. Once the receiving bank accepts the funds, cancellation is nearly impossible. This is why wire transfers are considered final; you should verify all details before you send.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day. International wires typically take two to four business days. Timing depends on banking hours, time zones, and whether either bank is processing the transfer on a holiday. Ask your bank for an estimated delivery date when you send.

What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific U.S. bank and branch for domestic transfers. A SWIFT code (or BIC code) is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies a bank internationally for cross-border transfers. You need the routing number for domestic wires and the SWIFT code for international wires.

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

You do not have to, but some banks may flag very large transfers as suspicious and temporarily hold them while they verify the transaction. If you are sending a large amount, calling your bank in advance can prevent delays. This is also a good time to ask whether they offer any discounts on wire fees for large transfers.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number by mistake?

The money will go to whatever account the routing number and account number belong to, even if the name does not match. Contact your bank and the receiving bank when ready with your wire confirmation number. The receiving bank may return the funds, but they are not required to. This is why verifying all details with the recipient before sending is critical.