Skip to main content

HomeAll guides

How to Send a Wire Transfer Through Chase

What a wire transfer is and how Chase handles it

A wire transfer is a way to move money from your Chase account directly to someone else's bank account, usually the same day or within one business day. Chase processes the transfer electronically through the banking system, and the money goes straight to the recipient's bank — not through a check or card.

Wire transfers are faster than mailing a check but they cost money. Chase charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers (typically $15 to $20, though this varies by account type) and a smaller fee for incoming wires. Once you send a wire transfer, you cannot cancel it if the money has already left Chase's system, so you need to be certain about the recipient's information before you start.

You can send a wire transfer through Chase online banking, the Chase mobile app, or by calling Chase directly. The method you choose depends on whether you have the recipient's banking details ready and how quickly you need to send the money.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers through Chase move money the same day or next business day and cost between $15 and $20 for domestic transfers, depending on your account type.
  • You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number before you start — or their SWIFT code if the transfer is international.
  • Chase online banking and the mobile app let you send wire transfers on your own schedule, while calling Chase means waiting for a representative but getting real-time help if something is wrong.
  • Wire transfers cannot be reversed once the money leaves Chase, so double-check all recipient details before confirming the transfer.
  • International wire transfers take longer (usually three to five business days) and cost more than domestic ones.

How to send a domestic wire transfer online or through the Chase app

Log into Chase online banking or open the Chase mobile app and look for "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money" in the menu. The exact wording depends on which version you are using, but it is usually grouped with other payment options like bill pay or Zelle transfers.

Select "New Wire Transfer" and choose whether the transfer is domestic (within the United States) or international. For a domestic transfer, you will enter the recipient's name, their bank name, their routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank), and their account number. You can find this information by asking the recipient directly or looking at a check they have written — the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, and the account number follows it.

Enter the amount you want to send, add a reference or memo if you want (this is optional and helps you remember what the transfer was for), and review all the details. Chase will show you the fee before you confirm. Once you tap or click "Confirm," the transfer is submitted and usually cannot be stopped, so make sure everything is correct.

Chase will send you a confirmation number by email or through the app. Keep this number in case you need to track the transfer or contact Chase about it later. The money typically arrives in the recipient's account by the end of the next business day.

Sending a wire transfer by phone

Call the Chase customer service number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your Chase account statement. Tell the representative you want to send a wire transfer and have the recipient's information ready: their full name, bank name, routing number, and account number.

The representative will walk you through the process, confirm the amount and fee, and ask you to verify the recipient's details out loud before processing the transfer. This method takes longer than using the app or website, but it is useful if you are unsure about any of the information or if you run into an error while trying to send the transfer online.

After the transfer is processed, the representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down or ask them to email it to you. The transfer will follow the same timeline as an online transfer — usually arriving by the end of the next business day.

What information you need before you start

Gather all of this information before you log in or call Chase, because you will need it to complete the transfer:

  • Recipient's full name — exactly as it appears on their bank account.
  • Recipient's bank name — the actual bank or credit union where their account is held.
  • Routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies the recipient's bank. You can find it on a check, ask the recipient, or search the bank's website.
  • Account number — the recipient's account number at that bank.
  • Amount to transfer — the exact dollar amount you want to send.
  • SWIFT code (international transfers only) — an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the recipient's bank internationally.

If any of this information is wrong — especially the account number or routing number — the money may go to the wrong account or be rejected by the recipient's bank. Some banks will return the money to you, but this can take several days or weeks. Asking the recipient to confirm their information twice is worth the extra minute.

International wire transfers and longer timelines

Sending money outside the United States works similarly to a domestic transfer, but it takes longer and costs more. Chase charges a higher fee for international wire transfers (typically $40 to $50, though this varies), and the money usually takes three to five business days to arrive instead of one.

For an international transfer, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) in addition to their name, bank name, and account number. You may also need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) depending on the country. Ask the recipient for this information or look it up on their bank's website.

Some countries have restrictions on wire transfers, and some banks charge additional fees on their end to receive the money. Chase cannot control these fees, so the amount that arrives may be less than what you sent. If this matters for what you are paying for, discuss it with the recipient beforehand.

Fees, timing, and what happens after you send

Chase deducts the wire transfer fee from your account at the time you send the transfer. For domestic transfers, this is usually $15 to $20. For international transfers, it is typically $40 to $50. Some Chase account types (like certain premium checking accounts) may have lower fees or waived fees for a limited number of transfers per month — check your account details or call Chase to confirm what applies to you.

Domestic wire transfers typically arrive by the end of the next business day, though some arrive the same day if sent early in the morning. International transfers take three to five business days. Weekends and bank holidays can delay transfers, so plan accordingly if you are sending money on a Friday or before a holiday.

Once the money leaves Chase's system, you cannot cancel the transfer. If you realize you made a mistake after sending, contact Chase when ready with your confirmation number — they may be able to stop it if it has not been processed yet, but this is not may provide. This is why checking all the details before confirming is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. If you contact Chase right away with your confirmation number, they may be able to stop the transfer before it leaves their system, but once it reaches the recipient's bank, it cannot be reversed. This is why wire transfers are riskier than other payment methods — you must be certain about the recipient's information before you confirm.

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

Contact Chase when ready and provide your confirmation number. Chase will attempt to recover the funds, but the recipient's bank has to cooperate. If the money was sent to an active account at another bank, the other bank may freeze it while they investigate. This process can take weeks or months, and there is no may provide the money will be returned. This is why verifying the recipient's account number twice is essential.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire transfer?

Yes. Let them know the amount, the date you are sending it, and roughly when it should arrive. This way they can watch for it and let you know if it does not show up. You should also confirm their account number and routing number with them before you send, so you both know the transfer is going to the right place.

Why does my wire transfer say "pending" instead of completed?

A pending status usually means Chase has processed the transfer on their end but it has not yet arrived at the recipient's bank. For domestic transfers, this typically resolves within one business day. For international transfers, pending can last several days. If a transfer shows pending for more than two business days, contact Chase with your confirmation number to check on it.

Are wire transfers safer than other payment methods?

Wire transfers are fast and direct, but they are not safer in the sense that they cannot be reversed. Scammers sometimes trick people into sending wire transfers to fraudulent accounts because once the money is gone, it is very hard to get back. Only send wire transfers to people and organizations you trust, and always verify the account information independently before sending.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.