Chase charges for most wire transfers, but the fee depends on whether you send money domestically or internationally

Chase does charge for wire transfers in most cases. A domestic wire transfer (money sent within the United States) costs $15 if you initiate it online or through the Chase mobile app, and $20 if you do it in person at a branch. International wire transfers cost $45 when sent online or through the app, and $50 in person at a branch. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though Chase can change them without notice.

The fee is deducted from your account when you send the wire. If you have a Chase Premier Plus checking account or higher tier account, you may receive a waiver on one domestic wire transfer per month, but this benefit varies by account type and changes periodically. You should verify your specific account benefits before sending a wire.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic wire transfers through Chase cost $15 online or $20 at a branch; international wires cost $45 online or $50 at a branch.
  • The fee is taken from your account balance at the time you send the wire, so you need enough money to cover both the transfer amount and the fee.
  • Some premium Chase checking accounts include one free domestic wire transfer per month, but this benefit is not available on all account types.
  • You can send a wire through Chase online, the mobile app, or in person at a branch, and the fee varies depending on which method you use.

How to send a wire transfer through Chase

You can initiate a wire transfer through Chase in three ways: online through Chase.com, through the Chase mobile app, or in person at a Chase branch. Online and mobile transfers take a few minutes to set up and are processed the same business day if you send them before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays). In-person transfers at a branch also process the same day if completed before closing time.

To send a wire, you will need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number. For international wires, you may also need the recipient's address and the bank's SWIFT code. Chase will show you the total amount being sent plus the wire fee before you confirm, so you can see the exact cost before committing.

Domestic versus international wire transfer costs

The difference between domestic and international wire fees reflects the additional processing required. A domestic wire stays within the U.S. banking system and typically arrives the next business day. An international wire must pass through multiple banks and currency conversion systems, which is why Chase charges three times as much.

International wires also may incur additional fees from the receiving bank or intermediate banks in the transfer chain. These fees are separate from Chase's $45 or $50 charge and are not controlled by Chase. The receiving bank will deduct their fee from the amount that arrives, so the recipient may receive less than the amount you sent. Chase can tell you the receiving bank's fee before you send, but you have to ask.

When Chase waives wire transfer fees

Chase Premier Plus checking and some higher-tier accounts include one free domestic wire transfer per month. This means you pay $0 for the first domestic wire in each calendar month, and $15 for any additional domestic wires that month. International wires are not included in this waiver on most accounts.

The waiver applies only to wires you initiate yourself online or through the app. Wires sent in person at a branch do not may have access to for the waiver and cost the full $20 (domestic) or $50 (international). If you are unsure whether your account includes this benefit, log into Chase.com, go to your account details, or call the number on the back of your debit card to confirm.

What happens if you don't have enough money for the wire and fee

If your account balance is less than the wire amount plus the fee, Chase will reject the transfer before it processes. For example, if you have $500 in your account and try to send a $500 domestic wire, the system will decline it because you need $515 total ($500 transfer plus $15 fee). You will need to either deposit more money or reduce the transfer amount.

Chase does not charge you a fee for a rejected wire transfer. The rejection happens when ready, and your account balance remains unchanged. You can then adjust the amount and try again.

Alternatives to wire transfers

If you want to avoid wire transfer fees, Chase offers other ways to send money. Chase QuickPay (also called Chase QuickPay with Zelle) lets you send money to people with email addresses or U.S. mobile phone numbers for free, though transfers are limited to $2,000 per transaction and $16,000 per month. The money arrives within one to three business days.

ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are free and let you send money to another bank account, but they take three to five business days. You can set up an ACH transfer online or at a branch. Wire transfers are faster (usually next business day) but cost money, so choose based on how quickly you need the money to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a wire transfer on weekends or holidays?

No. Wire transfers process only on business days during banking hours. If you send a wire on a Friday after 2 p.m. Eastern Time, Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday, it will not process until the next business day. The receiving bank will get it the following business day after that.

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

It depends on timing. If you cancel within a few minutes of sending, before the wire leaves Chase's system, you can stop it and the fee may be refunded. Once the wire has been sent to the receiving bank, you cannot cancel it. Call Chase when ready if you need to cancel — waiting even an hour may be too late. You will still owe the wire fee if the transfer already processed.

Why does the recipient receive less money than I sent internationally?

Intermediate banks and the receiving bank deduct their own fees from the transfer. These fees are not charged by Chase and are not shown to you upfront. If this is a problem, ask the recipient's bank what their fee is before you send, and add that amount to your transfer so the recipient gets what they need.

Is there a limit on how much I can wire?

Chase has daily and monthly limits on wire transfers that vary by account type and how long you have been a customer. New accounts typically have lower limits. Log into your account or call Chase to find out your specific limit. Large transfers may require approval or a call to a banker.

Do I pay the wire fee even if the transfer fails?

No. If Chase rejects the wire before it sends (for example, because you do not have enough money), you are not charged. If the receiving bank rejects it after it arrives, you may be charged the wire fee by Chase, though some banks refund it in this situation. Contact Chase if a wire is rejected to ask about a refund.