Chase's wire transfer fees depend on the type of transfer and your account
Chase charges different amounts depending on whether you send money within the United States or internationally, and whether you initiate the transfer online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Domestic wire transfers (money sent to another U.S. bank account) typically cost less than international wires. The fee also varies slightly by account type — some business accounts have different pricing than consumer checking accounts.
As of the most recent information available, Chase's domestic outgoing wire transfer fee is $15 when you send it online through Chase.com or the Chase mobile app. If you call a Chase representative or go to a branch to send a domestic wire, the fee is $20. Incoming domestic wire transfers are free. These amounts can change, so you should confirm the current fee on Chase's website or by calling 1-800-935-9935 before you send.
International wire transfers cost more because they move through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Chase typically charges $45 for an outgoing international wire sent online, and $50 if you initiate it by phone or in branch. Incoming international wires may have a fee as well, though some are free depending on the sending bank and the country. Chase may also charge an additional fee if the receiving bank requests a SWIFT confirmation or if currency conversion is involved.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wires sent online through Chase cost $15; phone or branch wires cost $20.
- International wires cost $45 online or $50 by phone or in branch, plus possible additional charges for currency conversion or bank confirmations.
- Incoming domestic wires to your Chase account are free, but incoming international wires may carry a fee.
- Fees can change without notice, so confirm the current amount before you initiate a transfer.
- Using Chase's online or mobile app is always cheaper than calling or visiting a branch for the same transfer type.
When you might see additional charges on a wire transfer
Beyond the base wire fee, Chase may charge you extra in specific situations. If the receiving bank is in a country where Chase has to use a correspondent bank (an intermediary bank that handles the transfer), you may see a fee labeled "correspondent bank fee" or "intermediary bank fee." This is separate from the wire fee itself and can range from $10 to $25 depending on the destination country.
Currency conversion fees explore when you send money in a currency other than U.S. dollars. Chase will convert your dollars to the destination currency and charge a percentage of the amount converted — typically 1% to 2% of the total, though the exact rate depends on market conditions at the time of transfer. This is not a flat fee but a percentage, so larger transfers cost more in absolute dollars.
If the receiving bank requests a SWIFT confirmation (a formal verification that the money was sent), Chase may charge an additional $15 to $20. This is less common but can happen with certain international transfers, especially to countries with stricter banking regulations.
How to avoid or reduce wire transfer costs
The simplest way to reduce wire costs is to use Chase's online platform or mobile app instead of calling or visiting a branch. The online fee for a domestic wire is $5 cheaper than the phone or branch fee. If you send multiple wires, this difference adds up quickly.
For international transfers, consider whether a wire is truly necessary. If the recipient can wait a few business days, a standard international ACH transfer (also called an international bank transfer) may be cheaper or free, depending on the destination country and your account type. ACH transfers are slower but cost significantly less than wires.
If you send wires regularly, ask Chase whether your account type qualifies for a business or premium account tier that includes free or reduced-fee wires. Some Chase Premier Plus checking accounts and business accounts have different wire pricing. You can also ask whether bundling other services with Chase (like a savings account or credit card) qualifies you for fee waivers.
Before you send an international wire, confirm with the receiving bank exactly what information they need and whether they will accept a wire at all. Some banks in certain countries do not accept incoming wires, or they charge the recipient a fee to receive one. Getting this information upfront prevents you from paying a wire fee only to have the transfer rejected.
Comparing Chase wire fees to other banks
Chase's domestic wire fee of $15 online is in the middle range compared to other large banks. Bank of America charges $15 for online domestic wires and $20 for phone or branch. Wells Fargo charges $15 online and $20 by phone. Smaller regional banks and online-only banks sometimes charge less — some charge $10 or even $0 for domestic wires — but they may have fewer international options or slower processing.
For international wires, Chase's $45 online fee is also typical of large national banks. Bank of America and Wells Fargo charge similar amounts. Credit unions sometimes offer lower international wire fees to their members, though they may have fewer correspondent bank relationships, which can slow down the transfer or result in higher intermediary fees on the receiving end.
The real cost difference between banks often comes down to hidden fees rather than the advertised wire fee. Some banks charge correspondent bank fees that Chase does not disclose upfront, or they use unfavorable exchange rates for currency conversion. Before switching banks for wire transfers, ask each bank for a full breakdown of all fees you would pay for your specific transfer.
What information you need to send a wire
To initiate a wire through Chase, you will need the recipient's full name, the receiving bank's name and address, the receiving bank's routing number (for domestic wires) or SWIFT code (for international wires), and the recipient's account number at that bank. For international wires, you may also need the recipient's address and the country where the receiving bank is located.
Chase will ask you to confirm all of this information before processing the wire. Double-check every detail — a single digit wrong in the account number or routing number can send your money to the wrong account, and recovering it is difficult and time-consuming. If you are unsure about any piece of information, contact the recipient or their bank directly to verify it before you submit the wire.
How long Chase wire transfers take
Domestic wires sent through Chase typically arrive the same business day if you initiate them before the cutoff time, which is usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays. Wires sent after that time or on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. The receiving bank may take an additional day to credit the funds to the recipient's account, so the recipient should expect to see the money within one to two business days.
International wires take longer. Chase typically sends the wire the same day you initiate it (if before the cutoff), but the wire then travels through one or more correspondent banks, which can add one to three business days. The total time from when you send an international wire to when the recipient receives it is usually three to five business days, though it can be longer depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
It depends on how quickly you act. If you contact Chase before the wire has been sent to the receiving bank, Chase may be able to cancel it. Once the wire has left Chase's system, cancellation is much harder and may not be possible. Call Chase when ready at 1-800-935-9935 if you need to cancel a wire. Have your confirmation number ready.
Why did Chase charge me a fee for an incoming wire?
Incoming domestic wires to a Chase account are free, but incoming international wires may carry a fee. The fee depends on the country the wire came from and whether the sending bank or an intermediary bank charged Chase to process it. Chase passes some of these costs to you. Check your transaction details or call Chase to see why the fee was charged.
Does Chase charge a fee if the wire is rejected?
Chase typically does not refund the wire fee if the transfer is rejected due to incorrect information you provided (like a wrong account number). However, if Chase made an error, you may be able to dispute the fee. Contact Chase customer service with your confirmation number and details of what went wrong.
Are there any Chase accounts that include free wire transfers?
Most standard Chase checking accounts do not include free wires, but some premium or business accounts may have reduced fees or occasional wire fee waivers. Contact Chase directly or visit a branch to ask whether your account type qualifies for any wire fee benefits.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank to another and usually arrives within one to two business days (domestic) or three to five days (international). An ACH transfer is slower, typically taking three to five business days domestically, but costs less or is free. ACH transfers are not available to all countries. Choose based on how quickly you need the money and how much you want to spend.