Chase's International Wire Transfer Fee

Chase charges $15 for outgoing international wire transfers sent from a Chase checking or savings account. This is the standard fee for most customers and most destinations. The fee is deducted from your account when you send the wire, so the full amount you specify goes to the recipient — Chase does not add the fee on top.

Some Chase accounts waive this fee entirely. If you hold a Chase Private Client account or certain premium checking products, you may not pay the $15 fee. The best way to confirm whether your specific account qualifies for a waiver is to call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card or log into your Chase account online and look at the fee schedule for your account type.

International wires also involve fees from other banks along the way. Your recipient's bank may charge a fee to receive the wire, and any intermediary banks that handle the transfer may take a cut as well. These fees are separate from Chase's $15 charge and vary by country and receiving bank. You cannot control these fees, but you can ask the receiving bank what they will charge before you send the wire.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase charges $15 for outgoing international wires from most checking and savings accounts.
  • The $15 fee is taken from your account balance, not added on top of the amount you send.
  • Some Chase account types, such as Private Client accounts, may have the international wire fee waived.
  • The receiving bank and any intermediary banks may also charge fees, which are separate from Chase's charge.
  • You can ask the receiving bank what their incoming wire fee is before you send money.

How the Fee Appears on Your Statement

When you send an international wire through Chase, the $15 fee shows up as a separate line item on your account statement. It will be labeled something like "International Wire Transfer Fee" or "Wire Transfer — International." The fee posts to your account on the same day the wire is sent, so you will see it when ready if you check your balance online.

If you send multiple international wires in a month, each one incurs its own $15 fee. There is no monthly cap or discount for sending several wires. The fee applies every time, unless your account type waives it.

When Chase Does Not Charge the $15 Fee

Chase Private Client accounts, which are designed for customers with higher balances and more complex banking needs, typically do not charge the $15 international wire fee. Some of Chase's premium checking accounts also waive this fee as part of their benefits package. The specific accounts that may have access to change over time, so the fee schedule for your account type is the most reliable source.

To find out whether your account qualifies for a waiver, log into Chase.com, go to your account settings, and look for the fee schedule or pricing information. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask directly. Have your account number ready when you call.

Incoming International Wires and Receiving Fees

If someone sends you money via international wire to your Chase account, you do not pay Chase a fee to receive it. Chase does not charge incoming wire fees. However, the sender's bank may charge them a fee to send the wire, and any intermediary banks involved in moving the money may take a fee as well. Those fees come out of the sender's account, not yours.

The amount you receive may be less than what the sender intended if their bank or intermediary banks deducted fees along the way. This is why it is helpful to ask the sender's bank what the total cost will be before the wire is sent — that way, the sender can add the fee amount to what they want you to receive.

How to Send an International Wire Through Chase

You can send an international wire through Chase online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online is usually the fastest option. Log into Chase.com, go to the transfer or payments section, and select "Send Money Internationally" or a similar option. You will need the recipient's name, address, bank name, account number, and the bank's routing code (called a SWIFT code or BIC code for international transfers).

If you send the wire by phone, call the number on the back of your debit card and tell the representative you want to send an international wire. They will ask for the same information and may ask security questions to confirm your identity. If you go to a branch in person, bring a photo ID and the recipient's banking details. The teller will help you fill out the wire transfer form and process the transaction.

International wires typically take one to three business days to arrive, depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed. Some countries are faster than others. Once you send the wire, you cannot cancel it, so double-check all the recipient's information before you confirm the transfer.

Comparing Chase to Other Banks

Other major banks charge similar fees for international wires. Bank of America charges $15 for outgoing international wires, as does Wells Fargo. Some online banks and credit unions charge less — a few charge $10 or even waive the fee entirely. If you send international wires regularly, comparing fees across banks may be worth your time.

Keep in mind that the total cost of an international wire includes not just your bank's fee but also the receiving bank's fee and any intermediary bank fees. A bank with a lower outgoing fee may not save you money overall if the receiving bank charges more or if intermediary banks take larger cuts. The best way to compare is to ask each bank what the total cost will be for a wire to the specific country and bank where you are sending money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid the $15 international wire fee?

You can avoid it if your account type qualifies for a waiver — Chase Private Client and some premium checking accounts do not charge the fee. Otherwise, the $15 fee applies every time you send an international wire. Check your account's fee schedule online or call Chase to find out whether your account qualifies.

Does Chase charge a fee to receive an international wire?

No, Chase does not charge you a fee to receive an incoming international wire. However, the sender's bank may have charged them a fee to send it, and intermediary banks may have taken fees along the way. The amount you receive may be less than what the sender sent if fees were deducted.

How long does an international wire take?

Most international wires arrive within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the destination country, the receiving bank's processing speed, and whether the wire is sent on a business day or weekend. Once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it, so make sure all the details are correct before you confirm.

What information do I need to send an international wire?

You need the recipient's full name, address, bank name, account number, and the bank's SWIFT code or BIC code. Some banks also ask for the recipient's date of birth or a reference number. Ask the recipient to provide all of this information before you start the wire so you have it ready.

What if the wire goes to the wrong account?

If you send a wire to the wrong account number or bank, the money may go to someone else's account. Once sent, wires cannot be reversed. If this happens, contact Chase when ready and provide them with all the details of the wire. They can try to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but there is no may provide the money will come back.